InterludeThe King's Council of Grosmer sat around a table in the council chamber of the Palace in Asperilla. The council comprised the king, the Crown Prince and the Dukes of Grosmer, which numbered six.
It was not a large room, and was workmanlike rather than rich. The table was situated in the centre of the room, and had eight chairs placed around it. At the head of the table sat the King. He was seated in a high-backed chair with red padded back and arms. Before him was a scroll, which he was perusing.
To his left, on one of the longer sides, sat Crown Prince Perdillon. The prince was twenty-three years old, with black hair and blue eyes. He was not particularly good-looking, but carried himself with an air of authority that made people take notice of his presence.
Next to him sat Du
