Viana's face, still pale from her ordeal with the blight-spawn but radiant in her silver-green gown, sat with quiet dignity, her hands folded gracefully in her lap. Beside her, Eryndor with his imposing figure, seemed to draw the room's attention. His dark robes, edged with intricate silver embroidery, contrasted sharply with his silver long hair.
Lady Agnes sat across of Viana, wearing a crimson gown that glowing like a flame, her golden hair neatly and elegantly knotted. Her smile was polished, but her blue eyes darted between Viana and Eryndor, betraying her posed exterior with a flicker of unease.
The news of Eryndor's rescue of Viana had reached Agnes earlier that day. The Elven leader's act, carrying the Princess to safety atop a unicorn, had elevated Viana's standing in the court, a blow to Agnes's laid plans to undermine her rival.
