The Royal Palace was nothing to inspire awe, paling in comparison to that of the Duke of Reinwick, although admittedly, it looked as if it had been here for centuries. The court itself consisted of little more than a large hall in which a few well-dressed and, no doubt, influential people wandered around.
"Well?" said Charlaine. "What do you make of it?"
"Not quite what I expected," replied Marlena.
"In what way?"
"It looks dreary as if all the colour has been banished."
"The people wandering around are fashionably attired."
"Yes, but only in dour, sombre colours. There"s also surprisingly little jewellery on display. They say the king sets the tone for his court; do you think this was all Stefan"s idea?"
"Quite possibly, though I know little about the king." Her gaze wandered over
