The crowd turned as Aaran stepped forward. He wore a royal black tuxedo with a gold mantle thrown over his right shoulder. Any doubts the people had left about the Emperor's mistake were wiped away.
Aaran was dressed in the empire's colors, not Aurelia's. The mantle had been embroidered with intricate golden patterns that shimmered under the light. By his side were his two fiances.
Like him, Princess Eleanor wore a flowing black and gold gown as she clung to Aaran's left arm. Her pale complexion and silver hair only added to her beauty. No one could have guessed she had been in eternal sleep for over four years.
On Aaran's right side was Princess Seraphina, dressed in a red and gold gown. Red, the color of her kingdom, symbolized Hero Leon's bloodline, while the gold signified her bond with Aaran. However, unlike Eleanor, she did not cling to him, but clasped his hand, secure in her position.
The hall erupted into whispers as they descended the stairs.
