Page 169 of Savage Crown

The celebration is in full force, nobles raising their glasses, offering their false words of admiration.

I don’t care for them.

I never have.

But I play the game because I know how to win.

Seraphina is quiet beside me.

She is never one for crowds, never one for the empty grandeur of nobility, but she endures.

For me.

And I see it.

The way she stands taller, shoulders squared, chin lifted.

She is no longer the human slave they would have ignored.

She is something else.

Something greater.

And soon, they will all know it.

I raise my goblet, cutting through the murmurs with a single gesture.

The room stills.

Anticipation crackles in the air.

Every eye turns to me, waiting.

I could say anything.

I could speak of victory, of power, of vengeance fulfilled.

“My people,” I begin, my voice carrying through the hall, rich with command. “There are those who would have seen me dead. Those who believed House Vranas was finished.”

A ripple of tension moves through the crowd.

I smirk. They never imagined that I’ll be standing here to raise my family’s flag, to once again, rebuild and bring glory to House Vranas.

Marchellion might not be my real father, and he had a hand in destroying my blood family, but… his house is the closest to belongingness I’ve ever had.

I made a promise to myself, and I must honor it.

“And yet, here we stand.”

Murmurs of approval. Goblets lifted.

But I am not finished.

I shift my gaze, locking onto her.

Seraphina’s sapphire eyes widen slightly as I reach for her hand.

I lace my fingers through hers, turning to the gathered nobility.

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