The polished marble beneath Lucien's feet reflected the golden light of wall sconces as he and Marie approached the grand double doors leading into the celebration hall. Two knights, clad in black and crimson ceremonial armor bearing the crest of House Velebrandt—a winged lion stood firmly at either side of the doors. As they noticed the young master and his maid approaching, they straightened with trained discipline.
"Young Master Lucien Velebrandt has arrived!" one of the knights bellowed, his voice sharp and commanding, echoing through the corridor like a trumpet call.
The announcement seemed to trigger the mechanism, and with a low, grand creak, the large double doors began to open inward. Lucien instinctively adjusted the cuffs of his sleeve and the collar of his luxurious coat. The nerves fluttering in his chest urged him to ensure no crease or wrinkle marred his image. Marie, standing beside him, gave a reassuring nod, hands folded neatly before her.
