My greeting to the seated guests was taken in various ways. I could see small smirks on most of the wives' faces, probably entertained by a woman finally doing what they had all longed to do at one point or another, taking over for their husbands. The men, however, be they nobles or courtiers, even some servants, all had either shock or frustration coloring their faces. I continued anyway.
“I requested the opportunity to host this feast in tandem with the King, and he graciously agreed, but I will admit I may have had ulterior motives.” At this everyone seemed interested. Varek had hastened back to me and was subtly trying to shift me from the head of the table into my assigned seat next to his. With my words, his eyes widened, and he became just slightly more forceful in my relocation. “
