Two Days Before the Ball.
The calm before the storm was deceptively domestic.
Outside, the capital was buzzing with preparations for the Debutante Ball. Inside the daycare, the air smelled of roasted chicken and rosemary. It was dinner time, the one hour of the day when the chaos settled into a rhythmic clinking of silverware against ceramic.
Primrose moved around the table, topping up water glasses. She felt a temporary sense of peace. Ellia's dress was fixed. The Warlords were ready. The invitations were sent.
"More potatoes, please!" Arjun (Tiger) roared, holding out his plate.
"Say the magic word," Luna (Bunny) chided gently from the head of the table.
"NOW!" Arjun tried.
"Close," Luna giggled, scooping mash onto his plate. "But no."
King Caspian sat at his usual spot next to his son, Orion. He looked regal even when eating mashed potatoes. He was using a fork and knife with precise, elegant movements, but Primrose noticed he was quieter than usual.
