Banquet (2)

The kingdom's banquet hall was disgustingly bright.

Thousands of candles reflected off the golden walls and marble floor, glittering like the final desperate thrashing of a hollow kingdom whose facade alone had swollen grotesquely.

The air was thick with the smells of sweat, perfume, and spilled wine.

Boring.

Kaelan leaned against a shadowed corner of the banquet hall, taking in the entire scene.

What reached his ears was not beautiful music, but nothing more than noise.

The aristocrats' affected laughter, their sycophantic voices, and the utterly predictable melody of the orchestra.

The king seated on the throne was already drunk, his face flushed from alcohol and vainglorious glory as he nodded along.

His hands bore the marks of training, but alcohol had swallowed him whole, rendering it all meaningless.

It was maddening that this was the man conducting the country...