~LENORA'S POV
The marble floors were so polished that I could see the chandeliers reflected beneath my feet as clearly as the ones hanging above me.
Gold light poured from every crystal tier, warming the red veins running through the white stone, until the entire hall seemed to glow like something dipped in molten metal.
Music drifted from the far end of the room, where musicians sat with their stringed instruments resting against their shoulders, drawing their bows slowly as nobles in black and crimson moved about in elegance.
I kept my head lowered as I carried a silver tray between clusters of guests, careful not to brush against the long sleeves or jeweled cuffs that swayed into my path.
The scent of roasted meats and spiced wine clung to the air, heavy enough to settle on my tongue.
"Watch your step," a maid muttered under her breath, her shoulder nearly brushing mine before she stopped.
