The private dining of the inner palace was a far cry from the cavernous, intimidating grandeur of the Throne Room. Here, the walls were lined with polished dark walnut wood, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. A long table draped in pristine white linen stretched across the room, set with crystal stemware and heavy silver platters.
King Alderon sat at the head of the table, his formidable frame relaxed but his posture commanding. To his right sat Yerel, swirling a glass of deep amber wine with a practiced, rhythmic tilt of his wrist. Beside Yerel was Philia, sitting with an elegant, quiet composure, his hands resting lightly on his lap. Across from them sat the Solaric siblings, Gillian, his expression perfectly pleasant, and Iryna, whose sharp eyes missed nothing as she delicately adjusted the silk napkin on her lap.
