NEXT EVENING, INSIDE THE ROYAL PALACE - GRAND BALLROOM
ZAVIER
The ballroom looked like wealth had exploded. Gold chandeliers reflected across polished marble floors, long silk banners hung from the ceiling in royal colors, flowers covered nearly every visible surface, and somewhere in the distance I could hear at least four musicians arguing violently about tempo.
"I THINK THE BUILDING IS GLOWING." Riko whispered.
"It is covered in gold leaf." Ben replied.
"I ACCEPT LUXURY."Riko smirked.
"You would accept a chandelier emotionally." Leo muttered.
"I WOULD APPRECIATE IT."Riko said.
"You would marry it." Ben said.
"I ACCEPT POSSIBILITIES."Riko smirked.
At the center of this disaster stood Queen Rosana. Naturally, because suffering always had a source.
"You will now rehearse the royal entrance procession and ceremonial first dance." She announced.
"No." I said immediately.
"Yes." She replied immediately.
"I already danced once."I said.
"You survived once." She corrected.
