Milan's Villa
In the hours following Jolthar's return to the villa, the gathering gradually transformed into a true feast. The central courtyard, once intended for a carefully planned social event, now buzzed with the energy of a genuine celebration.
Wine had appeared from cellars that apparently contained considerably more wine than anyone had realized. Food had been prepared by kitchen staff who had taken Milan's vague instructions and transformed them into actual dishes. Musicians had been found somewhere and positioned to play the kind of music that created atmosphere without demanding attention.
What Milan had not expected was for the women to arrive.
He had invited exactly one — Elmesona, the matriarch of House Saeona, the woman Jolthar had intervened for in the marketplace, whose separation from her unfaithful husband was progressing with the kind of efficiency that money and leverage could produce.
Milan had thought it seemed right, somehow, to give her an invitation.
