Chapter 61: The First Canvas Revealed
Lyria's POV
Excitement rippled through the assembled crowd.
At least, that was what it seemed like to me.
From my position, I could not hear every murmur distinctly, but the general atmosphere had shifted the moment the bell rang. The quiet tension that had filled the air during the competition had now given way to eager anticipation.
Nobles leaned toward one another in quiet conversation.
Fans fluttered.
Gentlemen adjusted cuffs and cravats.
Everyone waited to see what the suitors had produced.
I folded my arms loosely across my middle as I observed them, my gaze moving slowly across the rows of easels where the candidates now stood beside their finished works.
Some appeared confident.
Others looked rather less so.
And a few—such as the Duke of Blackmere—appeared almost entirely indifferent to the proceedings.
