The day went by much faster than he'd anticipated. The only thing that went horribly as the sun set was him having to wear something else for dinner. He'd had to comply, unfortunately, therefore he'd ended up in a crimson dress jacket and dark pants.

The dinning hall was packed as the foreign dignitaries were all dining together. A large high table was set at the head of the room. On this table, Arthur sat with the Matador, The Calderan Queen, The Venetian Queen together with the Grand Master. He had been informed that the Magister and the King of the Umbers had been unable to come to the festivities.

The cooks had served up quite the banquet for the many people that were joined together. There was roast duck, stuffed turkey, wild boar, beef and quail on the meat menu. Many baked goods were also served up and amongst them were sweet cakes, honeyed croissants, spiced pitta bread, ginger bread, grass bread and spinach rolls. Many a wine was also served from the Calderan sweet red to the Venetian spicy gold.

There were dancers and musicians from every region and bards who told wonderful tales to the guests. All were merry. Well, almost all. Arthur couldn't bring himself to be merry. If anything, all the merry activity suffocated him but he knew he had to maintain appearances until all these festivities were over. And they would probably go on all night.

He was still lost in thought when a bard approached the table and bowed to him.

"Your magnificence." He said. "Erid, at your service."

Arthur smiled, although it was merely on the outside, and welcomed him. He needed some air so he excused himself from the guests. Everyone was having so much fun that they didn't even notice him leave. Only Nymeria noticed. She had been watching him in concern all evening.
The hallway was crowded so Arthur escaped to his balcony. The moon was full and the sky was clear. However, there was a chill to the wind. Leaning on the balcony, he looked up into the sky to admire the stars. For the first time that day, he felt at peace even if it was cold. Of course he also felt frustrated. He felt like a prisoner in the midst of all this glamour.

"Your Grace." Came a voice from behind him.

He looked up startled. When he saw the commander approach him he felt whatever peace he'd felt dissipate. He turned away from him as he felt the bile rise in his mouth.

"We missed you inside." The commander continued.

Arthur didn't respond. He simply kept on staring straight ahead.

"Your Grace, you shouldn't walk out on your own. It's dangerous, especially right now." The commander continued.

"I'm afraid that's my fault." Came a sweet melodic voice from behind them.

They both turned at the same time to see the silver haired Queen approach them. She was dressed in an intricately embroidered white high collar gown. Her hair was pinned by a golden leaf hair clip.

"I asked him to meet me out here." She continued as she smiled up at the commander.

"My Lady." The commander said as he bowed lightly.

"Don't worry, I'll bring him back." She said with a smile.

He nodded in acknowledgement  before he turned and left.
When he was gone, she turned to Arthur.

"You lied to him." He said, his voice filled with wonder.

"Do you wish I hadn't?" She asked with a mischievous grin.

"No, not at all." He replied.

Smiling, she took his hand.

"Come with me." She said as she dragged him alone.

He obediently followed, despite being curious. She led him to an old rose garden by the castle grounds.

"I used to come here when I was a little girl." She said as she picked a large white rose and gave it to him. "There's something quite therapeutic about gardens."

He took the flower from her but his eyes never left hers the entire time. Before he knew what he was doing, he drew closer to her. She didn't even pull away as he reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Instead, she placed the palm of her hand on his, almost invitingly.

There was no one there but these two and as the moon shined down on them, they drew towards each other in a passionate kiss.