Chapter 53: The First Stroke
Lyria's POV
The King's commanding voice rose, drawing the attention of all present. His dark eyes swept the assembly once more, lingering over each noble as though weighing them, before returning to the footman, who unrolled the scroll once again with a crisp crackle.
"Now, for the first event of this competition," the King began, his voice firm and precise, "each suitor shall present an art piece. This shall be created in the presence of Her Highness the Princess, of the assembled judges, and the esteemed members of this court. Furthermore, let it be known that this process shall be witnessed by the entirety of the Kingdom through the scrying mirrors, from the furthest territories to the capital, that all may observe each stroke, each choice, each demonstration of skill and character."
