The ballroom of Skargardian Keep had never been this silent.
Not even during the most solemn ceremonies, not even when a new sovereign had been crowned beneath the old banners of the kingdom, had so many nobles gathered in one room and forgotten how to speak.
The traditional dance continued.
Music flowed from the raised platform in a careful, restrained melody.
Normally, such a dance would have brought whispers.
Courtiers would have leaned close behind jeweled fans. Lords would have made quiet remarks to their wives. Young nobles would have watched the royal family while pretending to pay attention to their partners.
There was none of that now.
The guests stood around the floor without disturbing one another.
They simply watched.
They watched because no one wanted to miss what was happening before their eyes.
Across the wide ballroom, Prince Albert danced with Princess Camellia.
On the other side of the floor, Queen Kaliantha danced with Count Ulrich van Rubenhart.
