The palace grew noticeably busier as the days passed. With only a little under a week remaining until the High Elven princess's engagement ceremony, the quiet rhythm of everyday life gradually gave way to careful preparation.
Servants hurried through the corridors carrying neatly folded garments, royal attendants reviewed travel schedules several times over, and scribes worked tirelessly to ensure every diplomatic document was complete before the royal party departed.
Unlike a military campaign, there was no urgency. Everything was measured and deliberate. A royal visit, especially one involving two allied kingdoms, reflected not only upon the individuals attending but upon the dignity of the nation itself.
Nothing could be left to chance.
Atheline stood inside his study with several sealed documents spread neatly across his desk; a royal itinerary, diplomatic protocols, lists of nobles expected to attend, and names of foreign delegations that had accepted invitations.
