Emilia descended the stairs, feeling a nervous flutter in her stomach. She spotted the Council Elders and their wives gathered in the foyer. Their polished appearances and muted conversation made Emilia feel so out of place. It was clear they were waiting—for her, for Raymond, perhaps for both of them. She wasn't sure.

As she stepped into the foyer, a butler moved forward, his voice echoing through the entryway. “If you would all kindly follow me to the banquet hall, dinner is ready to begin.”

Emilia glanced around, hoping to spot Raymond among the guests, but he was nowhere to be found. A pang of unease settled in her chest....