The sound of hooves echoed through the castle courtyard as a blue, prestigious carriage rolled to a stop.

    Its sleek design bore the emblem of a crescent moon, marking it as the carriage of House Darkmoon.

    The door opened, and a tall six foot man stepped out.

    Lord Valen Darkmoon.

    The head of House Darkmoon, had short black hair streaked with hints of gray at the temples.

    With sharp silver eyes, a strong jawline and high cheekbones. He wore a dark blue coat with silver linings, black gloves, and polished boots that clicked against the stone as he walked toward the castle entrance.

    Not long after, another carriage arrived, painted in lime green with white trims, marked by the emblem of House Windwhisper—a silver feather.

    The door opened, and Lady Serina Windwhisper stepped out gracefully.

    She had long blond hair flowing down her back and striking green eyes.

    Her figure was curvy, with a notably large bust, her beauty enhanced by her emerald green dress with silver patterns.

    Beside her, Lord Edrin Windwhisper, her husband, followed. He had short blond hair, sharp blue eyes, and wore a simple white suit with silver accents. Together, they headed into the castle’s main hall.

    ...

    Inside the grand hall, nobles mingled beneath towering chandeliers.

    Lady Sephira stood in a small circle of noblewomen, confidently discussing how she had completed her recent project.

    She wore a red gown with gold embroidery, hand fan in hand, Sephira’s posture was impeccable.

    Shoulders straight, chin slightly lifted, her expression calm, eyes sharp as she engaged with her peers.

    Across from her stood Lady Vivianne Aldercrest, a woman with sharp hazel eyes and dark auburn hair.

    Her expression always seemed mildly amused, as though the world itself were an entertaining play staged just for her.

    "You must tell me, Lady Sephira."

    Vivianne said, her voice silk-smooth but carrying a touch of sharp wit.

    "How do you manage to maintain such... meticulous control over your projects? I find that men, in particular, tend to unravel under the pressure of a woman’s competence, surly the emperor was impressed?"

    She asked as sipped her wine delicately.

    Sephira smiled faintly. "Of course my Emperor was impressed, how couldn’t he. And to answer your question, control is an illusion, Lady Vivianne. What I maintain is structure—an environment where even the illusion feels real to those beneath me."

    A soft laugh emerged from Lady Elizabeth Fairwyn, standing beside Vivianne. Elizabeth was petite, with golden curls and bright blue eyes that gleamed with both charm and cunning.

    Unlike Vivianne’s sharp wit, Elizabeth’s demeanor was warmer, though her words often had layers beneath their sweetness.

    "Oh, I adore that sentiment, Lady Sephira," Elizabeth said, "But surely, structure alone cannot account for such swift progress. Word has it that your new trade routes for this ’Train’ will cut travel time by half. That’s more than just leadership—that’s brilliance." She leaned in slightly, smiling.

    Sephira’s eyes lit up with a touch of amusement. "Brilliance indeed. But in the end other skills are needed beside just it. For anyone can have an idea, but only few can execute it without crumbling under tedium."

    "Announcing the arrival of House Windwhisper—Lady Serina Windwhisper and Lord Thalric Windwhisper!"

    Heads turned, nobles subtly adjusting their postures, as the massive doors opened to reveal a striking pair.

    Both walking with grace.

    As they stepped into the hall, Lady Sephira gracefully excused herself from the group of noblewomen she’d been conversing with.

    Approaching her parents gracefully.

    "Mother," Sephira greeted, offering a polite bow of her head before stepping closer to exchange the customary cheek kisses.

    Lady Serina ’s eyes sparkled with delight as she cupped Sephira’s face briefly, inspecting her daughter with pride.

    "My beautiful daughter. You shine brighter every time I see you,"

    She said warmly, though the mischievous curl at the corner of her lips hinted at her usual teasing nature.

    Sephira smiled faintly. "Flattery so early, Mother? I thought you’d at least wait until after the first glass of wine."

    Lady Serina chuckled softly, her fingers dropping gracefully as she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice just enough to keep the conversation intimate but not secretive.

    "I must ask, dearest—how is the matter of... bearing an heir coming along? I trust the Emperor hasn’t found new ways to avoid you?"

    Sephira met her mother’s teasing with a composed smile. "There has been progress," she replied. "Though, as with all delicate matters, several more steps will need to be taken to ensure it happens soon."

    Lady Serina ’s smile widened, equal parts approval and amusement.

    "Excellent," she said with a light laugh, folding her arms elegantly. "As expected of my daughter. Strategic in politics and dominant romantic affairs." Her gaze drifted briefly toward the crowd. "After all, an heir is more than a child; it’s the next move on the board."

    Lord Thalric gave a curt nod, though he remained largely silent.

    "I trust tonight will present further opportunities," Sephira said, her gaze shifting to the growing crowd of nobles gathering around tables laden with exquisite dishes and fine wines.

    Lady Serina followed her daughter’s line of sight. "Undoubtedly. And remember my dear, a well-timed smile is sometimes sharper than any blade."

    Sephira’s lips curved slightly. "Fortunately, I inherited both from you mother."

    ...

    Across the hall, Kaela’s heart continued to race as her father, Lord Valen Darkmoon, approached with the same stride he reserved for both battlefields and council chambers.

    "Kaela," he greeted again, this time closer.

    She straightened instinctively, swallowing hard before managing a polite bow. "Father," she replied softly, yet with a touch of hesitation.

    Valen studied her with those sharp silver eyes, his expression unreadable. For a heartbeat, Kaela feared criticism—an expectation unmet, perhaps. But instead, he simply nodded. Read the latest on novelhall.Co?m

    "You’ve grown more refined," he remarked, though whether it was a compliment or observation remained unclear.

    Kaela forced a smile. "Thank you father."

    Before she could scramble for more words, the announcer’s voice rang out again, announcing another arrival.

    "Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Arkanos Bloodbane, and Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Illena Bloodbane!"