After they had caught up for the day, the Handhoff family had to go and get ready for the night's ball—one big party that celebrated the crowning of the king and introduced him to his rivals and allies, both domestically and internationally. Before the King and his wife made their grand entrance, Lucia and her siblings were already down the stairs. Her sisters were inside playing hostesses, while she and her brother were just outside the ballroom, greeting everyone who was entering.
"Your Highness," she heard Leroy's temporary assistant say, "This is Duke Jean De la Marque and his wife, Lady Philippa De la Marque."
"Your Highness," the Duke said as he bowed respectfully to Leroy.
