Although Rosalind had sent letters to her parents and dear friends announcing the pregnancy, they had chosen to keep the celebration a modest affair within the palace.
The palace servants moved happily about as they carried out their duties, knowing there would be an abundance of food and drink left over for everyone after the celebration.
Nobles had been invited, as well as the members of the council, although it wasn't merely for the sake of celebration but for another reason that only the king himself knew.
The banquet table stretched from one end of the grand hall to the other, already filled with distinguished guests as servants moved gracefully between them, laying out platters of every delicacy imaginable.
Roasted chicken seasoned with fragrant herbs and vegetables, tender roasted lamb, sweet-smelling broth, freshly baked bread, rice, and countless other dishes prepared by the royal cooks filled the hall with mouthwatering aromas that stirred everyone's appetite.
