The remainder of the evening unfolded with a surprising gentleness. Once Ilaria returned to the hall at Levan's side, the tension that had earlier threaded through the gathering gradually loosened. The feast was announced not long after, drawing the nobles from their clusters of conversation toward the long tables prepared beneath the glittering chandeliers.
Lady Stormlow had personally seen to the arrangements, and the pride she took in the evening showed in every detail. And Ilaria found herself drawn once more into the company of the noblewomen who had gathered around her earlier.
The Marchioness spoke animatedly about the winter markets in the lower quarter, the Countess shared a story about her son's disastrous first hunting trip, and the Duchess, now far more relaxed, teased Ilaria about the enthusiasm she had shown for the honeyed chestnut tarts.
The laughter that followed felt easier than it had before.
