The throne room of Bulcan Palace was filled with voices. Servants moved around quickly, adjusting banners and dusting off gold ornaments. Nobles stood in a line, waiting to see how the new ruler would carry herself.
Aiah stood on the red carpet, wearing a simple but clean tunic. Her short blade was still strapped to her side. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable.
"Stand still," Mira said quietly, adjusting the position of Aiah's shoulders. "This is how queens stand during the coronation."
"This feels stupid," Aiah muttered.
"It's tradition," Elder Peter added. He was standing nearby, holding a scroll. "People expect you to look the part, even if you already proved yourself in battle."
Aiah rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
A noble with a long gray beard stepped forward. "She should not wear a sword to the coronation," he said. "It sends the wrong message. Queens do not need weapons when they have guards."
