C220 PROTECTION IS JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR CLAIM

The decree spread before daylight.

It moved faster than fear.

By the time the first bell rang, the Blood-Fed Kingdom already knew: the mortal girl would remain. Watched. Guarded. Claimed by no particular house—but by the crown itself.

Aria stood at the narrow window of her chamber as the city reacted beneath her.

She noticed it in the way guards doubled their patrols