Book 3: Chapter 52: A Crown of Thorns
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Nicholas raised his chin to allow the royal steward Peyton room to adjust the flamboyant royal-purple cravat tied around his neck that contrasted nicely against the silver and white costume piece the prince wore. The invitation for the Royal Hunt Masquerade Ball lay on the bed. Although Nicholas was disappointed in Viscount Gilwren’s decision to wrap the Royal Hunt up a day early, it was clear that all the nobles had lost their enthusiasm for the hunt. Which only made the theme for the Masquerade Ball all the more amusing.
The Crown prince’s costume, meant to symbolize the Forest Monarch he had been fortunate enough to claim as a prize, was just one part of the theatrical charade. The Silver Stag's antlers would be placed on full display at the ball while a smaller, lighter replica carved from wood would be worn as a crown with his flashy mask and outfit.
All the men were expected to wear costumes representing animals of the forest. However, the women tended to split between those who wished to dress as huntresses, complete with toy bows and arrows, and those who did not, who could pretty much wear whatever they liked.
The idea of women dressing as hunters while men dressed as wild animals was one of many satirical themes used to celebrate the Royal Hunt throughout the years, though not a particular favorite. Still, the idea of Serilda competing with Eleanora to hunt him down did tickle a slight fancy.
“Your evening cloak,” Peyton said, carrying over a luxurious white cape trimmed with the white fur of the rare winter stoat. The royal steward fastened the tassels of the cloak to the top buttons of his dress coat, then polished each silver button until it shined before standing back to examine his work.
“What do you think?” Nicholas asked as he held out the elaborately embroidered sleeves of silver oak leaves complete with diamond cuffs. The royal steward beamed with pride and appeared about to comment when the Crown Prince turned abruptly to the silent knight captain standing by the bedroom door. “Captain Beaumont?”
“I thought silver and white was the Duchess's color?”