The McCoy estate looked different at night.
Hundreds of lanterns had been hung along the stone walls and garden pathways, casting pools of warm golden light that flickered in the evening breeze.
Silk banners in deep blue and gold....the McCoy colors were draped elegantly from every balcony.
The courtyard, which had been filled with nervous suitors that morning, was now set with long tables covered in white linen.
They were loaded with enough food to feed a small village for a week, while musicians played softly from a raised platform near the garden fountain.
Alex walked through the courtyard entrance with his three companions: Riya to his left, Lucy to his right, and Nathan trailing just behind.
The banquet was already in full swing.
Suitors mingled with their families and sponsors across the lantern-lit courtyard, while servants weaved between groups, carrying trays of wine and small dishes.
The crowd was much larger than it had been at the morning briefing.
