Eyes to the Gate
There was perfume and ambition in the air.
Lanterns glowed over the courtyard like captured stars, illuminating the marbled floor with a warm golden light. The fragrance of freshly cut roses, garlands of sandalwood, and spiced wine wafted through the throng. Nobles in silks and velvets glittered like jewels, their laughter light, rehearsed. Midnights-uniformed servants with the crescent moon insignia glided like shadows, distributing trays of gold goblets and delicate hors d'oeuvres.
And then—
"Ladies and gentlemen of Moonspire—lift your gazes and hold your breath, hold your hearts…
For the Lord of the Starlight Duchy.
The illustrious tactician and celebrated diplomat—Duke Edric Starlight—enters the banquet!"
The courtyard became frozen, as if time itself had breathed in and refused to breathe out.
He arrived.
