Gasps filled the great hall like wind through shattered glass. One moment the banquet had been alive with music, noble laughter, and the gentle clatter of silverware against plates, and the next, it was a scene of chaos.
Prince Darius slumped over the table, pale and shaking, his fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table as if trying to keep himself tethered to consciousness. His guards had rushed forward the moment the first goblet spilled. Now, more soldiers arrived in haste, surrounding the prince in a protective circle as if their presence alone could stop the venom spreading through his blood.
"The prince has been poisoned!" someone screamed from the far end of the table.
There was an eruption of noise after that, chairs scraping, servants crying out, nobles backing away in terror or confusion. The music died mid-note. Panic rose amongst the people.
"Call the Royal Physician! Get him now!" one of the guards repeated Princess Nyx's orders.
