The banquet hall was bustling with life, the clinking of glasses and echoing laughter reverberating off the high ceilings adorned with ornate chandeliers. Mikhailis moved through the crowd with practiced ease, his face wearing the faintest hint of a smile, as if he found all of it mildly amusing. The nobles were circling around, eager to catch a moment of his attention. But even as he smiled and exchanged pleasantries, his thoughts were far away.
Elowen's in the private room, discussing serious matters with the others... I bet it's way more interesting than listening to all this political drivel.
Mikhailis suppressed a sigh, turning his attention to a short, rotund noble with a neatly trimmed mustache who had just approached him.
"Your Highness," the noble began, his voice dripping with politeness, "I must say, it is most reassuring to have you here. The presence of the Prince Consort is surely a great morale booster. Wouldn't you agree, gentlemen?"
