Three days later, a private party was held at the imperial palace by Prince Richard de Stone. And, to my surprise, I also found myself among the invited guests.
I left Ruby at home—knowing she would have preferred a cozy evening by the fireplace with her favorite book and a bowl of ice cream—and made my way to the palace right on time. On the way, I felt a light flutter of excitement: each moment drawing closer to the building felt both thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time.
When I arrived, the guards at the gates were already waiting for me. Their gazes were stern, yet not cold, and without a single word they promptly offered to escort me inside.
