The victory feast began as the last light of afternoon faded beyond the palace windows.
By the time Metheea entered the great hall, the tables were already filled. Nobles, officers, priests, and honored guests rose as one. Chairs scraped against stone. Servants stopped with trays in hand. The musicians lowered their instruments, and the laughter that had filled the room only a moment before fell into a careful silence.
Metheea paused beneath the archway.
The hall smelled of wine, roasted meat, wax, and flowers. Banners from the arena had been brought inside and hung along the walls. Some still carried traces of dust at the edges, but from afar they looked grand enough.
She inclined her head.
The hall bowed.
Behind her, Yise stopped at the proper distance.
That was when the room changed.
