The reception banquet at the grand estate adjoining St. Valeria was alive with the clinking of crystal flutes, the rich aroma of roasted venison, and the lively strains of violins. Down in the primary ballroom, Laurence and Victoria held court as the new Earl and Countess of Starfell, receiving cautious congratulations from northern lords who had spent the morning preparing their condolences.
Away from the glittering chandeliers of the ballroom, through a discreet corridor lined with heavy tapestry, sat a private salon reserved exclusively for House Kaiser.
The heavy oak door had barely clicked shut before Octavia turned around, her violet-magenta eyes blazing with intense scrutiny.
"Explain yourself, Jack," Octavia demanded, her arms crossing over the dark lace of her corseted purple gown. Her posture was razor-sharp, the aristocratic general returning in full force now that the public was shut out.
