3
Trinity, Two Days Later, The Royal Reception
This was a zoo, and I was the most popular attraction. When my cousin, Radella, had said she’d hastily arranged a reception for my arrival, I hadn’t expected this. Perhaps a small dinner, maybe even a drinks and hor d’oeuvres event with dignitaries and political people. But this…
Leo had tried to tell me what to expect—that everyone wanted to celebrate with me, be with me, see me… but I still hadn’t understood. I did now. Hundreds of people milled about a grand ballroom. One wall was completely open to the outside, which was good because it would have been stifling otherwise. I just had no idea how they’d gotten rid of one whole wall of the room. Alerans of all ages were dancing, drinking and eating. Coalition uniforms mixed with Aleran gua
