Morning all. I hope you had a nice restful weekend and are ready for whatever the work week is going to throw your way. Shall we start by seeing how we all handle the morning prompt? Pens or keyboards at the ready….And let the timers go.
An interesting start to the week. I find myself curious as to who this mysterious host is. I also think that this is not the beginning of the story. I don’t think it is too far in but i think I would show the garish displays of the other houses and then compare it to the ball instead of simply mentioning it. Something to think about later. For now, I’m pleased with the prompt.
Monday, July 11th: There was an understated elegance.
There was an understated elegance. After the previous venues it was a refreshing change. The week was full of them. The month of celebration for the new heir was only halfway through and there were still a score more of balls, fetes, socials and other celebratory events to get through. The King declared a full month of celebration and that is what his court would do.
As Ashland spotted the king walking in, he suspected the king was wearying of the constant celebrations he ordered. Their monarch was a capricious man and subject to reacting poorly to perceived slights. No one wanted to be seen to do less than their best. Each event seemed to be brighter and more garish than the one before as though the host was determined that their event would not be the one to fall short and receive royal censure.
This was different. I held none of the forced gaiety of the previous events. The colors were celebratory but seemed muted because they came primarily from nature. Instead of the dyed fake flowers and bright streamers, spectacularly designed glass vases imported at great expense were filled with the most exquisite flowers. The colors of both the blooms and their containers suited the room and looked like a celebration of spring.
Ashland was invited to dine before the ball, one of a few dozen. The dishes were local specialties instead of fanciful creations, but they were executed with exquisite care and delicacy. Each bite had been a delight instead of a chore to get through. There were no pastry castles or Overly elaborate animalistic creations designed by the cook cleverly stitching five or even more separate animals together. Yet no one who sat at the table would have called the meal simple. It was tasteful, elegant, delicious and divine.
That is was a celebration for the new prince was evident in the specially made dishware and specifically ordered silver. There were small trinkets scattered around the table as well, Small silver rattles and figurines. Anywhere one’s eye turned were small reminders that this celebration was for the prince.
As the meal progressed, Ashland saw the king start to relax, enjoying the celebration he ordered. He tensed up when dinner was through and they all went into the ball room to join the newly arrived guests who hadn’t been invited. He relaxed again as here too the gaudy displays were absent. Their host likewise kept the guest list down. There were plenty of guests but the hall did not feel packed with every dignitary their host could lay an invitation on as had been the case at many previous places. There was room to breathe.
Ten til Midnight 