**Piper**
I lifted the lid from my plate and was greeted with a perfectly roasted Cornish hen, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and tiny red potatoes coated in butter and seasonings. I smiled knowing Jax would approve of this meal. Despite my nerves, my stomach grumbled. Okay, so maybe I was a little hungry.
As expected, the food was exquisite, and I ate so much I worried I'd end up popping a few of the buttons on the back of my dress. Dinner conversation was filled mostly with pleasantries and empty compliments about the food and the castle and everyone's attire. I was bored out of my mind.
After the wait-staff cleared our empty plates, King Harold leaned back in his chair and rubbed his round belly. "I suppose the time has come for us to discuss business."
Peyton shifted in her seat. "Yes, I suppose it has."