Lanterns

As the evening deepened and the festivities began to wind down, the palace grounds took on a soft, golden glow. Lanterns had been strung between trees, casting flickering pools of light across the gathering.

The gentle hum of laughter and conversation filled the air as the guests began to make their way toward the open courtyard, where a large, ceremonial lantern release was about to take place.

It had been a tradition in the kingdom for centuries a moment where wishes for the future were sent up to the heavens, carried by the warmth of the lanterns' flame. Tonight, however, it felt more symbolic than ever.

This was my coronation, a new beginning not only for the realm but for me as well. And standing at the heart of it all was Aurelia, her presence grounding me amid the whirl of change.