The banquet had begun to wind down.
The lively music that once filled the Grand Hall had softened into gentle melodies, allowing conversations to drift lazily beneath the glow of crystal chandeliers. Noble families exchanged their final farewells, while servants gracefully cleared empty plates and polished goblets from the long banquet tables.
Outside, the moon hung high above the palace, casting silver light over the gardens.
It had been a perfect evening.
Perhaps...
Too perfect.
Aliena stood beside one of the grand windows, watching guests descend the palace steps toward their waiting carriages.
"They're leaving already," she murmured.
Sebastian joined her a moment later, holding two crystal glasses of chilled elderflower juice.
"They've been here for hours."
She accepted one with a grateful smile.
"It didn't feel that long."
"It rarely does."
She looked at him curiously.
"What?"
"You were enjoying yourself."
"I was."
She laughed softly.
