The halls were busy, bustling with aides trotting through the corridors. The black banners were slowly being replaced with more festive sashes, the royal colors on full display.
"Your coronation is five days away," Josef explained as a trio of servants paused, bowed to me, then scampered off. "There are things to be done, changes to be made."
I tugged at the sleeves, forcing myself to walk quickly to keep up with Josef. "It's all happening so fast."
"True," he murmured. "But the country can't be without a Monarch for any longer than necessary. And right now, they need you."
"Why?" I kept my voice down. "We're not at war nor likely to be. Why the rush?"
"Tradition." Josef said as we entered an intersection. He gestured to the nearby window. "Look."
I peered out into the courtyard. Peo
