When we reached the ballroom's massive double doors, the two guards ahead of us stepped forward in perfect synchronization. They grasped the handles and pulled the doors wide, then bowed deeply, bending at the waist with practiced precision.
As we walked past, I smiled at each of them, unable to suppress my natural tendency toward warmth despite the formality of the moment. To my surprise, both returned my smile with a subtle tilt of their lips and a respectful nod – a small breach of protocol that felt like victory.
From inside, a voice announced: "Presenting Their Majesties, King Theodore and Queen Emeline Lykoudis."
My fingers tightened around Theo's arm, digging into the fabric. He covered my hand with his, a silent reassurance as we stepped into the ballroom. The massive space fell
