Dinner in the royal hall was unfolding with a strange sense of calm.
Too calm.
The enormous tables were covered with elegant dishes, roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and crystal goblets reflecting the warm light of the chandeliers above.
Moonlight, of course, seemed completely oblivious to all the elegance surrounding her.
She was far too busy systematically destroying her plate of food.
Max was seated beside Elanor.
And he could tell perfectly well that the princess was nervous.
She kept adjusting her cutlery.
Lightly moving her fingers.
Looking at her glass of water even though she clearly wasn't paying attention to it.
Max subtly glanced toward her.
Elanor maintained the flawless composure expected of a princess.
But by now, he knew her well enough to notice when she was unsettled.
Without saying anything, he slowly slipped one hand beneath the table.
And took hers.
Elanor startled slightly.
She turned her head toward him.
Max smiled at her.
A calm smile.
