She walked straight past them without a word, stopping only when she reached the grand entrance to the hall.
The guards stationed there immediately bowed deeply.
One of them straightened and turned toward the hall, drawing a deep breath.
"Presenting!" he shouted, voice echoing through the space. "The mighty ruler of this kingdom! The sun that shines above us! The master of the entire realm!"
The banquet hall fell into instant, absolute silence.
Every conversation stopped mid-sentence. Every glass was set down. Every head turned toward the entrance.
"Her Majesty," the guard continued, voice ringing with authority, "the Fourteenth Empress—'Celeste'!"
The massive doors swung open.
Heena stepped inside.
