The dining hall had been decorated with fine overhanging fabrics. The large chandelier glowed a brilliant white, accompanied by ornate lamps hanging along the walls. Evening sky filtered through the windows and added warmth to the bright lights.
The carpeted blue walls stood rich against the dark marble flooring that matched the rest of the castle. The hall seemed almost welcoming. Completely different from the bleak space she'd seen before.
Three servants were arranging the covered dishes and bowls on the table, making sure the cutlery was in place. Tyre, a male attendant, oversaw the arrangement, and Ro watched, absorbing it all in.
She felt oddly calm.
Her eyes shifted to the two seats at the head of the table. Hers and Ivers. The seats were identical. One didn't dwarf the other in a sole declaration of superiority.
It felt strange.
Even though she'd despised Erzi's customs. The hierarchy, the constant reminders of where a woman stood. This sense of equality unsettled her. The others would be uneasy too. The thought almost made her smile.
Hopefully, a number of the delegation would be old officials.
One of the double doors opened, catching everyone's attention. No one was supposed to be here yet.
A small nymph walked in, garbed in fine pink linen. Her wavy brown hair was packed into tight bundles held in place by white ornaments. A testament to how straight hair was more favoured in Erzi.
The young woman's blue eyes held a regal gleam that made Ro stare.
She hardly ever came across women like that.
The woman acknowledged the servants and Tyre with slight bows, making a straight path towards Ro, a tiny grey box in hand.
Ro spoke up before the woman came close, "Good day, I hope you had a lovely journey here."
The woman smiled and curtsied. "Thank you, it was splendid. I congratulate you on the upcoming union. I am happy to see this step towards a new relationship between both nations."
"Thank you." Ro offered a small smile. "I apologise, I do not know your name. I am—"
"I know who you are, Lady. I am Willow, from Urma. Regrettably, I am the only delegate from our house, so I hope you do not take any offence."
'She just purposefully refused to mention my name, didn't she?'
Ro immediately shook her head, raising her hands in front of her. "No, not at all."
Still, she was surprised. Willow likely came with servants. Or under the wing of another envoy. The men in that family must have either been too busy to make the time, or this was simply another form of their disrespect.
This journey must have been too unimportant for them to arrive.
"I appreciate you coming." Ro glanced between the table and Willow. "I had hoped you would rest a bit till you were called."
"That is fine." Willow slightly raised the box. "I brought you a gift. A small token. From one woman to another, I believe it would help."
Willow opened the lid of the box to reveal a small brown bead. Ro's eyes widened.
"This..." she whispered, unable to let out any more words as Willow closed the lid and placed the box in Ro's hands.
'A sand stone!'
"I can't accept this," Ro's words came out in a flurry.
"Please, I insist. It was not easy to come across. You are lucky to be here."
Ro raised her head, taking her attention off the box. Her muscles were stiff, stunned. Willow had said that last sentence in a hushed tone.
This was all strange. The fact that she was presented with a sand stone meant Willow knew about her ability. And what did she mean by those last words?
Ro lightly frowned, and the doors opened once more just as she was about to speak.
She immediately pocketed the box within the folds of her dress. Willow stepped aside, a knowing shimmer in her eyes.
'Who is she?!'
Her fixation on Willow was quickly dampened as Fern walked into the chamber, Tury at his side.
He did it. He actually did it.
'These fools!'
His green eyes held a mischievous look as he smiled. Tury held onto his arm, her neatly groomed green hair matching her brother's. Her pink eyes dismissed her, surveying the hall instead in wonder.
Ro clenched her jaw, and a quiver troubled her stomach.
This man was going to get her killed.
The others followed, a colourful bunch that contrasted the muted hues of the hall.
Ester and another attendant walked in and closed the doors behind them.
One by one, the guests walked towards Ro, offering greetings. Ro nearly rolled her eyes. Their greetings were hollow. Some of them could barely even conceal the disgust in their gazes.
There were three nobles and thirteen officials in all. With the exception of Willow.
These were numbers smaller than she had expected.
Ro returned the greetings, keeping quiet when Fern and Tury half-heartedly offered theirs.
Ignoring the two, she turned to the others, forced a smile, and stretched her hand towards the table. "Please, have your seats."
Willow moved to take a seat. The others paused momentarily before walking away. One of the officials frowned. Ro's smile widened. Genuine.
Such a simple statement. Was it so hard to take an instruction from her?
'It must sound like I am commanding them to sit. Even better.'
The servants left the hall, leaving behind Tyre, Ester, and the other attendant.
They walked towards Ro, and Ester slightly leaned forward to whisper in her ear that Iver would be joining them shortly.
"I understand." Ro nodded.
To her surprise, an odd flicker of emotion flashed through Ester's face. Without another word, the attendants left the hall.
Leaving her alone with the nymphs.
Ro stifled the shock, refusing to let it show on her face.