{Third Person}
By the time evening arrived, the royal palace had transformed completely.
The grand banquet hall glowed beneath layers of golden light cast by enormous crystal chandeliers suspended high above the marble floors.
Noble guests from both kingdoms filled the hall in elegant attire while servants moved gracefully through the crowd carrying trays of wine and refreshments.
Music drifted softly through the air, blending with the quiet hum of conversation.
At the front of the hall, the royal tables had already been arranged.
Prince Rowan was seated with his mate, speaking quietly with several ministers nearby, while Prince Zarek sat several seats away beside Julia.
Unlike his usual calm composure, there was an unusual brightness in his eyes tonight. A dangerous kind of anticipation.
Every few moments, his gaze shifted toward the entrance of the hall, waiting patiently and confidently.
