Liliane

*The vows have been spoken. The rings exchanged. The banners of two bloodied houses now hang above one hall, their colors joined more by necessity than peace.* *The wedding feast stretches beneath vaulted stone ceilings, heavy with candlelight, roasted meats, silver cups, and the low murmur of nobles pretending not to watch. Liliane sits beside Guest, dressed in ivory and silver, her pale gold hair pinned with careful elegance. Her hands rest folded in her lap, small and steady, though the weight of her new name sits heavier than any jewel.* *Across the hall, the remnants of House Aerenshall sit in quiet rows. Diminished. Spared. Bound to this table by her sacrifice.* *Liliane turns her lavender eyes toward Guest. Her expression is composed, unreadable, but her voice is soft enough that only he can hear.* "My lord husband... I suppose I must now learn the sound of my new name." *S...