Contrary to Mirabella's fear, Eros stood there with a teasing smile, his fingers gently poking the dimples on her cheeks. She glared at him and swatted his hands away in warning, yet the corner of her lips betrayed her, curving into a reluctant smile.
Behind the king, Silas stood like a carved statue, his expression unreadable, as if absolutely nothing inappropriate was unfolding right in front of him. His eyes roamed the grand hall instead, taking in the transformation.
The walls had been freshly painted, and the old curtains replaced, not with plain cloth, but with new ones, embroidered in rich golden thread.
Sunrise, hawks, coconuts, and other intricate patterns woven in golden threat which stood out against a deep maroon background, casting an air of regality across the room.
The windows, too, had changed. Each glass pane now shimmered with a colorful tint, and as sunlight streamed through, it scattered hues of blue, red and orange across the room.
