The massive dining room was filled with the aroma of freshly prepared food. A round table occupied the centre of the room, its polished surface covered with dishes purchased from the Dark Pavilion before the fight had forced Damian and Elsa to abandon their meal.
Roasted meats, glazed fish, steaming bowls of noodles, delicate pastries, and several unfamiliar delicacies unique to the Imperial Capital occupied nearly every inch of the table. Golden lanterns illuminated the room, while servants stood discreetly against the walls, ready to refill cups or replace empty dishes.
Damian sat beside Elsa, with Duke Paimon and Laura opposite them. The meal had been intended as a casual gathering, but the conversation had quickly turned toward the Council of Princes and the events that had unfolded earlier that day.
Damian swallowed his food and washed it down with a cup of water before returning his attention to Duke Paimon. "What happens to the Prince of Envy?"
