Chapter 150: Suitors Dinner
A bell chimed, and without a word, everyone began heading for their dining rooms.
Dominic naturally fell into step beside Princess Alexis, his spot as advisor. Then tried not to trip over his feet after seeing the gentle smile on her face when she placed her hand on his arm for him to escort her in.
As they approached their table, a servant pulled out the Princess’ chair for her, and Dominic smoothed her skirts as she sat, then realized his seat was assigned immediately to her left.
The Advisor’s position, but also the seat of honour, he realized. Crown Prince Claudius was seated to her right, which would normally be the most coveted seat in the room, as it made it easiest for her to speak with him.
Marquis Bridgegover was seated beside the Crown Prince, while Thorvald was seated at the foot of the table.
There was one notably empty seat at the table, with the cutlery crossed on the plate and the glassware turned upside down. That would normally be the sign of an honoured and recently deceased family member in Wavemates, with their place held as a memorial.
But today it marked the first contestant for her hand to have been eliminated.
Wine was brought, and the Crown Prince addressed the room.
"Today, I will explain to you the trials that Our Royal Father and the Princess have set for the contestants. They are not many, nor are they particularly difficult. But the judging will be done entirely by the Princess, who has reserved the right to refuse all suitors, or challenge the winner of the contest to a show of arms in the arena to prove themselves worthy."