As the maids assisted her in getting dressed, she could hear the muffled sounds of conversation and laughter from the dining room below. The family was clearly excited.
She finished dressing and went downstairs to join them. The table was full, and the air was filled with a happy buzz.
"There she is!" Aidan exclaimed, a goofy grin on his face. "The future princess!"
Lady Elizabeth rushed to pull Daphne into a hug. "Oh, my dear," she said, her eyes welling with tears. "It wasn't a dream! You're really getting married!"
Just then, a guard from the Imperial Palace arrived. He stood in the doorway, his face grim, and bowed to Lord Thomas.
"A formal summons, My Lord," the guard said, his voice flat. "The Imperial Treasurer has charged you with the embezzlement of funds from your governorship. You are to be taken into custody for questioning."
The happy buzz in the room died instantly, replaced by a stunned, deafening silence.
