For a country that knew war more than it knew peace, Etherea didn't hold back in celebrating the return of its soldiers. In the past, celebrations could last anywhere between a week to a full month. Commoners would line the city streets, eagerly welcoming the knights who bravely fought to defend our kingdom. The entirety of the nobility would gather in Ether for a grand banquet held in their honor. The king would bestow new titles to anyone he felt deserved them. It was a grand ordeal that could easily dwarf many national celebrations throughout the year. This one would be no different.
That morning, Camille had woken me the moment the sun crested the far mountains. For hours, I had undergone the same skin treatments from the night of my debut. It was exhausting, but necessary. If I we
