A new day had arrived and Layla's plan was to commence. The first order of business had been to see Esme early that morning and suggest that a winter ball be held in the palace in preparation for the weddings. The townsfolk had grown anxious since the illness spread and there was a great need to alleviate the worries and tension in the atmosphere. Esme did not need more than one suggestion for the ball to agree.
The people in the town were still afraid and some had distanced themselves from others despite being cured. If they were invited to the castle to have a party and a great time, they would see no need to be so afraid anymore. The people's well-being was none of Layla's concern. She wanted to use the ball as a cover for her schemes, and after telling Miria what she wanted to do, the
