Change the empire.
Or at least survive it.
Either would be impressive.
Both would be extraordinary.
Time would tell which she achieved.
# Scene 13: The Wedding Ceremony
The imperial wedding hall was filled to capacity.
Every noble family of significance had sent representatives. All seven remaining princesses sat in designated positions—First Princess Eleana near the front with her mother the First Consort, Third Princess Sera in shadows near the back, the younger princesses scattered between. Ministers, military commanders, wealthy merchants, foreign ambassadors—all gathered to witness the Fourth Princess marry Duke Romian Ashford.
The whispers were constant.
"—forty-four year age gap—"
"—she's using him for protection—"
"—he's using her for commercial wealth—"
"—scandal—"
"—brilliant strategy—"
"—will it even be consummated—"
Elara stood in a preparation chamber adjacent to the main hall, looking at herself in a full-length mirror.
