A week later, the palace ballroom was buzzing with activity as the royal ball proceeded just as she planned. Hundreds of candles glowed from massive chandeliers suspended high above polished floors while musicians filled the vast chamber with soft orchestral music. Noble families from across Lamora occupied the ballroom dressed in lavish garments, their voices blending into a constant hum of conversation beneath the music.
The royal ball had been Circe's idea. She thought of it right before she decided to funnel all the expensive gifts she received days earlier into this endeavor. There were far more people that needed those things more than she did.
After the rebel attacks that had ravaged portions of the capital and eastern territories, entire communities still remained damaged. Homes had been destroyed. Businesses burned. Some families had lost everything.
So tonight's event served two main purposes.
