The theatre proved to be much more opulent than the one Gerald had visited in Wincaster. There were ushers here, men dressed alike, as if wearing the livery of a noble. In Wincaster, they had simply dropped coins in a box as they entered, but here the custom was different. Every patron had to have a ticket, a wooden token with the name of the theatre carved into it. Each had a number which corresponded to a seat. Lady Nicole had run ahead to finalize their seating arrangements, and as they entered they were approached by a rather richly dressed man sporting a blue velvet cap with a green plume.
"Your Highness," the man exuded, "may I say how honoured we are by your presence."
"Thank you," replied Alric. "I have the pleasure of escorting Princess Anna of Merceria."
"If you would follow m
