Trafalgar ended up seated between Aubrelle and Mayla.
Aubrelle was on one side with Pipin resting nearby and her cane leaned close enough to reach whenever she wanted it. Mayla was on the other, already more at ease now that everyone had settled properly. The table itself was large enough for conversation to spread without feeling crowded, but small enough that it still felt personal. That alone made the difference clear.
This was nothing like the wedding.
There were no stiff lines of nobles pretending warmth. The people here were talking because they wanted to. Laughing because something had actually been funny. Eating because they were there to enjoy the night, not endure it.
Trafalgar stayed quiet at first, letting his eyes move over the people around them.
