Chapter 59: The Queen's Decree
Lyria's POV
The courtyard held its collective breath as the Queen rose from her seat at the dais, the long, pale folds of her gown whispering softly against the polished stone. Even from my shadowed corner in the gatehouse, I could see the subtle curve of her lips, the gentle inclination of her head as she regarded the assembly with the practiced warmth of a ruler fully aware of the eyes that watched her every gesture.
"Thank you... all of you," she began, her voice carrying across the courtyard with ease and authority. "Your presence here this afternoon honours both my family and my daughter. It is with the greatest delight that I declare this—the commencement of the competition for the hand of my beloved daughter, Princess Jacinta."
Jacinta smiled at that with pride too. I couldn't blame her; if my mother said those words to me, then I too would be delighted and proud.
