[center][h1]The Day of the Ball[/h1][/center]

The night went smoothly for the eight nobles gathered in the court of flowers. They drank and talked and made marry into the early hours of the evening when, eventually it was advised that they all return to their quarters. The day ahead of them was to be an important one. Many of the members of the court would be joining them in the evening for the ball the king had planned. The eight nobles would be watched with varying opinions. The ball was not set until after sundown, so they had until then to prepare themselves or do anything else they wished to do, however none were permitted to leave the castle grounds without at least one Astalian guard escorting them, mostly to ensure that they do not get lost and also that they return to the castle in a timely manner to attend the ball.  



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King Harold spent the night of the gathering polishing up the last of the details for the ball. All seemed fine, however when he awoke a messenger was waiting to deliver a message that he had been worried was coming. A rolled parchment with the seal of the Gilthan Empire was placed in his hand almost as soon as he opened the door to his chambers. Harold blinked at the scroll for several seconds before looking at the individual who handed it to him. Before he could speak the man spoke. “The Court Wizards checked it for any sign of magic before I was permitted to bring it to you.” The King nodded and waved the man off. It seemed the messenger was waiting for the queue as he turned on his heel and rushed back down the hallway. 

The old King broke the seal of the scroll carefully, as if a snake would jump out at him as soon as he was done breaking it, or if he broke it the wrong way, despite being sure his Mages were more than capable of detecting any magical traps. 

[i][b] I greet you King Harold of Astalia

It has come to my attention that Astalia, and the remaining “free” countries have decided it was time to join together in holy matrimony in an attempt to band together and defeat the growing Empire. The King with no Heir. The fallen Sun and the broken Moon. You think this move will save you from the might of The Sovereign, but you have only gathered all the heirs into one location. How will your countries hold if they lose the next rulers? How fast will the other countries turn on Astalia if their heirs perish under Astalian protection? Call off this foolish attempt to make a stand. 

You have been warned.[/b][/i]

The King handed the letter to the nearest guard. “Burn this. The Empire is trying to scare us. The attempt of a faceless ruler who knows what the remaining counties united will result in their downfall.” The guard nodded and the letter was placed into the closest source of fire as Harold walked into the dinning hall where breakfast was prepared for the royal family as well as the visiting suitors at their convenience. He took his place at the end of the table before anyone entered and began eating in silence.