The morning sun poured gently through the high, arched windows of the throne room, painting the polished marble floors with pools of liquid gold. Despite the warmth, a chill lingered beneath my skin, a shadowy unease coiling around my heart. I stood quietly beside my parents, my grandparents arrayed elegantly on either side of them like a lethal collection of royal chess pieces, waiting patiently for the meeting to begin.
Mara and Elira stood at attention just behind me, newly appointed official guardians wearing sleek uniforms of black embroidered with silver runes. Mara adjusted her collar subtly, clearly uncomfortable in the formal attire, while Elira's gaze swept the room carefully, eyes keen and watchful.
[At least they look official now,] the system whispered dryly inside my head. [If nothing else, they can intimidate assassins with fashion choices.]
