The morning sun streamed into the grand hall, catching dust motes dancing in the air.
The room that had been filled with music and laughter just hours before was now a quiet mess.
Staff moved silently, clearing glasses and gathering decorations. The party was over. The real work was just beginning.
I stood at the bottom of the staircase, watching them. The silence felt heavier than all the noise from the night before.
"Quite the performance."
Cordelia's voice made me turn. She was dressed for travel, impeccable as always. She stopped beside me, her gaze also on the cleanup.
"Thank you," I said, unsure if she meant the speech or the entire night.
"Don't thank me. You did what was necessary." She turned to face me, her eyes sharp.
