June 1827
It was the first day of the month, and from the moment the first rays of dawn touched the castle, it had come alive with activities. The halls echoed with the sounds of hurried footsteps as servants darted to and fro, polishing the gleaming marble floors until they reflected the light like a mirror, dusting down the statues by the walls, and refreshing the upholstery on the grand chairs and settees.
The ballroom was perfectly ready. The tapestries had been unfurled and hung along the stone walls. Chandeliers, lowered and polished until their crystals sparkled like diamonds. A luxurious red rug had been rolled out from the grand entrance doors all the way to the door of the ballroom. The musical instruments and their players were prepared, and serving tables had been placed strategically along the walls.
