The Lanterns hung from flowering trees, casting a soft golden glow over low cushions, silk drapes, and tables laden with spiced meats, honeyed fruits, and chilled wines.
Music drifted lazily from a small ensemble of strings and drums. Nobles and delegates mingled freely, laughing loudly, touching affectionately, their loose, revealing garments perfect for the warm night air.
Not too far away, the King stood on the dais, looking around the royal garden, satisfied with the ambience yet wondering where his stupid son was.
The evening garden party outside the Vermillion royal palace was a relaxed affair under a sky full of stars. In the southeastern corner of the garden where decorative capers hung, an outline of a man was caressing a woman who struggled not to let her passions get the best of her.
