Night had fallen.
The banquet hall of the White Dew Fortress was illuminated by hundreds of candles, making it as bright as daytime.
The hulking armored guards stood motionless around the hall holding long spears, while young, graceful maids delicately strode about, serving platters of delicious gourmet dishes on elongated tables.
The elegantly dressed Duchess was near the entrance of the banquet hall, greeting each banquet guest with a flawless smile.
Given the recent death of Duke St. Prowse, hosting such a lavish banquet at the White Dew Fortress may seem inappropriate, but who could argue with the Duchess's insistence?
Moreover, she had a suitable excuse—for welcoming Prince Harrison and Princess Judy to the White Dew Fortress.
As for the incident of these two royal visitors' tutor assassinating Duke St. Prowse, well, let's just pretend it didn't happen.
Of course, many of the astute guests were aware that the death of Duke St. Prowse was perhaps good news for the Duchess—
