As the summer solstice approached, the imperial palace buzzed with anticipation. Messenger horses and carriages raced across the lands, delivering invitations from Empress Ilyana. The elegant scrolls bore an invitation to celebrate the coming solstice, but the letters remained silent about the true reason for the gathering—a secret known only to Ilyana herself, and her trusted subjects.
The news spread quickly among the nobility and the rulers of the lands under Ilyana's dominion. Whispers and speculations filled the grand halls and courtyards, yet none could guess the true significance behind the empress's invitation as it was the very first time she had opened her city to celebrations such as this. The palace staff worked tirelessly to prepare for the grand event, ensuring that every de
