The capital woke before dawn.
Not because of bells. Not because of proclamations. But because of movement - measured, ceremonial, and impossible to ignore.
By the time the gates opened, the streets were already lined.
People pressed against balconies and leaned from open windows, their voices hushed with a reverence usually reserved for coronations and funerals. The road leading out of the capital had been swept clean, banners raised along its length in alternating colors that caught the early light.
Silver and blue for House Svedana. Red and black for House Valmird.
Two rulers. One bannered road.
Aya rode at the front.
