The whispers started before the vampire delegation had even reached the center of the hall.
"Why are they here?"
"The Emperor knew."
"This is treason waiting to happen."
"No, look at his face. He planned this."
"Royal blood and elves in the same night? Has he lost his mind?"
A woman from House Relane leaned toward her husband, whispering in a shaky voice.
A younger noble near the wine tables kept staring at the lead vampire's mouth, as if expecting fangs to show the moment the politeness ended.
Everyone had a change in expression; even the elves in Prince Aerion's escort looked unsettled, though they hid it better than the humans.
The Emperor let the noise rise just long enough for the whole court to feel it.
"Ahem..."
Then he coughed once.
In that instant, the conversations died, and the musicians, who had been waiting for a signal, never started the next piece.
Every face turned toward the dais.
The Emperor remained standing.
