Diane The grand celebration was finally bleeding out. The heavy, rhythmic thumping of the music had faded into a low, melodic hum, and the once-crowded ballroom now felt like a cavern of discarded silk and empty champagne flutes. Most of the high-ranking dignitaries had already retreated to their private quarters or been driven to the guest wing. I walked down the wide, white marble steps of the palace entrance, the cool night air of the Delta biting at my bare shoulders. My gold dress felt heavy now—a beautiful, shimmering cage. Beside me, walking with the slow, rhythmic thud of a silver-topped cane, was Uncle Anthor. "A triumph, Diane," Anthor murmured, his voice thick with the gravel of age. "Your father would have wept to hear you tonight. You had his fire. For a moment, I thought I was looking at a ghost." I smiled, though it felt fragile. "Thank you, Uncle. It’s been… a long road back to the podium." We reached his sleek black car. His driver stood at attention, but Anthor
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