Chapter 153: THE ROYAL RITE

The toll of the bell echoed through the city, marking the conclusion of the grand ceremony that bound Queen Xina and King Gary together in a union sealed by ancient rites. From her vantage point, Xina’s gaze was drawn to the burn that marred Gary’s left shoulder. It was no ordinary injury but a searing symbol branded into his flesh—a symbol that bore an hourglass, intricately designed yet reminiscent of a sword. Xina's brow furrowed as she pondered the significance of the mark. The symbol, so elaborate and painful, seemed to carry a weighty meaning. She resolved to seek answers about this later, once the overwhelming bustle of the ceremony subsided. For now, her head spun from the whirlwind of faces and voices that had greeted them, and Gary’s steady grip on her hand provided the only anchor amidst the chaos. The hour had been a blur of ceremonial pomp. Distinguished guests had lined up to extend their well-wishes, their smiles and laughter a ceaseless tide that Xina struggled to na