The manor's great hall gleamed with golden light and the warmth of blazing hearths. Tall candelabras lined the long dining table, their flames dancing against polished silver and crystal.
Servants moved gracefully offering drinks and ushering the guests to their seats. Four northern vassal families that rule the territory under Rhistel and bound to him by loyalty and blood had arrived in regal attire, with their heirs to meet the lord and the ladies to seduce the lord.
Lord and Lady Halvine, Baron Redmarche, the stoic Viscount Cloundre with his daughter Evelyn trailing behind in a pristine wine-colored gown, and the Gretham twins, fraternal siblings from an ancient line of warlords entered with silent grandeur.
They all bowed as one before Rhistel and Oriana, acknowledging his authority and her new role. But beneath the formal courtesies, their eyes betrayed something colder. Though none dared insult her openly, Oriana could feel the weight of their scrutiny.
