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2.6

Author: M. F.
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-07-04 04:36:23

Book 2: Crown of Shadows

Chapter 6: Preparation

The morning of her introduction ceremony began before dawn with servants she'd never met bustling through her chambers with practiced efficiency. Royal presentations, apparently, required an army of specialists whose existence she'd never suspected.

"Your Highness, I'm Mirin, head of royal preparation," announced a woman whose silver hair was arranged in elaborate braids that seemed to defy gravity. "We'll begin with the ceremonial bath, then progress through formal attire, magical enhancement, and presentation protocols."

Ceremonial bath. Xalara exchanged glances with Lyralei, who'd arrived early to provide moral support and translation of court customs that remained bewildering.

"Traditional purification before public presentation," Lyralei explained quietly. "It's... thorough... but considered essential for royal ceremonies."

The bath chamber revealed itself to be more shrine than washroom. Crystalline pools that bubbled with water in
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