The banquet hall was grand, with tall white columns and golden chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The long dining table, covered in fine blue silk, stretched across the room, set with golden plates, crystal goblets, and tall silver candelabras. A row of white roses and blue lilies ran down the centre, their sweet scent mixing with the rich aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine.
Seated at the table were only the royal family and two foreign royals, a prince and a princess from a neighbouring kingdom. The conversation was light, but the air was thick with unspoken words, especially from the queen, who sat at the head of the table, dressed in the finest silks, her sharp eyes scanning the room for anything to criticize.