"Union confirmed."
The hall exhaled as one, a controlled release of tension that rippled through the gathered nobles, restrained applause and murmured approval rising in careful waves that never disrupted the solemnity of the moment.
Outside, long after the formalities had ended and the distant sounds of celebration had settled into the busy highmoon, Emma stood just beyond the grand doors. She adjusted the sleeve of her gown, fingers lingering there a moment longer than necessary, like she was trying to anchor herself back into the pack.
"That was… less dramatic than I expected," she said at last, her voice carrying a quiet honesty.
Brandon stepped beside her, loosening the collar of his ceremonial attire as though finally releasing a breath he had been holding for far too long. "You wanted drama?" he asked, glancing at her briefly.
"I wanted preparation," she corrected without hesitation.
A quiet pause settled between them, comfortable, and settling.
