Chapter 21: Banquet [1]
July 9th, 1513; 18:00 hrs;
The Roseveil Palace had rarely ever looked so luminous.
Golden chandeliers hung from the ceilings like stars, reflecting light on the marble floors.
The vast ballroom buzzed with music, laughter, and chattering.
Foreign dignitaries, high-exalted families, nobles, politicians, and emissaries from allied nations moved in this sea of riches, gems, and regalia.
Every guest was busy socializing with each other, but their eyes often wandered to the grand stage at the far end of the hall, elevated by stairs, with a massive sigil of the Cythos; the phoenix flying over the sun.
And even a level above the stage was a grand throne, reserved for none other than the King of Cythos.
The occasion was grand, and the king was expected since it was the second prince’s first official banquet.
The coming-of-age of the second Prince, Lucien Callastre.
And for the first time, his face would officially be made public.
Suddenly, as the people were chattering, socializing, and clinking their goblets, the air in the ballroom became heavier, denser, as if the gravity itself increased its pull.