The Great Dining Hall
Servants moved swiftly, refilling goblets and replacing dishes.
At the head sat Arin, relaxed for once. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Beside him, Katherine conversed softly with Daphne, who sat beside her husband.
The evening felt almost peaceful until laughter erupted from the far end of the table.
It came from Daphne's teacher.
He looked every bit as if he belonged at any royal table.
"I still can't believe you're here," Daphne said, smiling across at him. "After all this time."
"And I still can't believe you're married," he countered cheerfully. "And to a prince, no less. I expected you to run off into the woods and build a house made of books."
Arin chuckled, swirling the wine in his cup. "You speak like you know her well."
"Better than most," the man said without hesitation. "Though I see she's still far too serious for her own good."
