The palace bells chimed across the courtyards, long and clear, echoing through the crisp air. Servants hurried about like waves of blue and gold, preparing the final details for the grand reception. Silk banners fluttered above the gates; the fragrance of burning incense floated gently through the morning light.
Inside her chamber, Empress Lian An stood before the mirror, fully dressed.
The faint shimmer of her blue gown caught every thread of sunlight that slipped through the window. The robe was embroidered with silver peonies, soft as mist, and it wrapped her in quiet elegance — light, graceful, yet dignified enough to match the moment. Her long black hair flowed down her back, pinned with a single jade comb.
She looked beautiful — breathtaking, even — though she herself didn't think so.
Her maid Yun'er stepped back, adjusting the sleeve one last time. "Your Majesty looks radiant today. No one would guess you've been unwell."
