Book 3: Chapter 53: A Glimmer of Regret
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The lightly playing string orchestra with its enchanting flutes, clarinets, and single oboe player set the mood for the evening as the manor guests filtered into the cleared-out banquet hall with a single table set up beneath the windows that offered light refreshments in the form of miniature cakes, plated salmon, oysters, asparagus, roasted chicken, and other delectable, miniaturized snacks. The freshly polished wooden floor gleamed, reflecting the light of the three hanging chandeliers above. Tall floor candelabrums flickered welcomingly all around the walls, sectioned off between decorative tables of potted lilacs to deter any accidental fires.
On the room's south side, a single platform with two regal chairs was roped off for the guests of honor. Above it hung the Forest Monarch’s silver antlers, decorated with purple ribbons and silver bells, sat mounted on a slab of red cedar wood.
On the north end of the banquet hall, drawn curtains framed two oak doors that led into the manor’s back garden, its paths and water fountains lit up with lanterns.
Lord Rykard led the way into the festive ballroom, followed by his heir, Lord Bromwell, who escorted his partner for the evening, Lady Sophya. They were followed by their guests in order of rank and status, minus the royal couple, who were late in their arrival.
Carina glanced towards Maura’s half-sister curiously as she followed the Viscount’s party, escorted by Colonel Isaac, who wore the Bastiallano dress uniform, complete with medals of honor earned while defending the northern strip of Fogtooth Mountain that bordered the Tharynian territory.
The Duchess wore a glittering silver gown with an open back. Dark green embroidered forest ferns covered the bodice and tapered down the skirt, swishing with the movement of the fabric as she walked, as if blown by the wind. The tiny emeralds, sewn into the tip of nearly every fern, sparkled with each movement and matched her diamond and emerald choker necklace, as well as chandelier fern earrings that dangled beneath the curls of her nearly all-white hair, which had been twisted and braided into an intricate updo, accessorized with a few emerald fern hairpins.
“You look lovely, your Grace,” Walter murmured as they settled into their position between the orchestra and refreshment table, with their guests following suit, partaking of the champagne glasses being brought out on trays by the staff.