The grand hall shimmered under the glow of the numerous chandeliers, their crystals refracting the light around like tiny stars scattered across the ceiling. Jess stepped through the huge doors at the entrance, her heart pounding with every echo of her footsteps against the polished marble floor underneath her feet. The ceremonial event was already in full swing, filled with nobles from all around the kingdom dressed in regal attire, their gazes flickering toward her as silent whispers followed as she stepped in.
King Luca walked beside her, his presence commanding all the attention in the room without effort. But tonight, it was Jess who drew the stares of the crowd, not just because she was the King’s mate, but because she was becoming something more than that. A symbol for entire the k
