The King reached the staircase's foot and faced the silent ballroom while his family arranged themselves behind him.
Cold mana pressed gently through the crowded room, reminding every noble that the bored man before them could crush most of their houses alone.
"Welcome, everyone," the King said, his unraised voice carrying to the farthest wall.
"I am glad so many of you could attend on short notice," he continued, surveying the jeweled crowd.
"I feared the capital's wine cellars had run dry," the King added, glancing toward the refreshment tables.
"Fortunately, there is enough left to keep you happy for one more night," he said with a faint curve at one corner of his mouth.
Polite laughter moved through the nobles and loosened some of the ceremony's tension.
"Tonight celebrates our kingdom's continued strength," the King announced, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves," he continued, allowing his gaze to pass across the gathered families.
