The King and Queen walked onto their inner balcony for a look at the decoration for the ball, and were quite impressed. The normal decor was the green of the forest, highlighted by the colors of local flowers. Here in the royal palace, they used floral colors from throughout the realm. Now, however, every possible place for hanging something sported weaves of gold, platin, cupro, cobilum, and thale, which scattered the candlelight in hues of yellow, white, red, blue and purple. At the opposite end of the hall, the orchestra warmed up its instruments, tuning and practicing.
Queen Fylen hugged her husband in anticipation. “Laj, do you think Taréz will find a wife tonight?”
“Tonight?! I know you’re anxious for a grandchild, but give him some time!” replied the King with a smile.
“A prospect at least. You know what I mean.”
“Yes. I’d like to see him make an alliance.”
Fylen chuckled. “With Baldia?”
“Well, that would be nice, but unrealistic in my lifetime, I think. Perhaps his son or daughter will have the chance.”
“But then our son and Princess Tincome will be in-laws.”
“Oh, dear, you’re right. Perhaps the next generation, then.”
Then a breathless servant slid onto the balcony, announcing the arrival of the first guests.

The six-course dinner lasted three hours, at which time everyone moved into the Great Hall— except for the King and Queen, who moved upstairs to the balcony. The guests stood below, looking up expectantly.
Taréz watched his father’s expression move to the blank smile of rote ceremony. He knew what to say very well, having said the same for the last fifty-six celebrations. “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are gathered here in celebration of Deschule, the date when we celebrate the birth of Our Great Master. For those of you not well versed in our religion, you need only know that he has brought us a means to world peace, for we are all cleansed by his grace. He came to turn our weapons into decoration, hence we decorate with metals. Let us enjoy this evening, comforted by his sacrifice.”
The response, as always, was a raucous noise from the celebrants, and the chamber orchestra began. Some couples began to dance as the King and Queen watched. Below, the prince moved through the crowd, meeting the dignitaries who presented themselves to him. But they were not the people he was hoping to meet, and he could only hope that his movements weren’t too obvious to his parents, watching from the balcony.
Taréz, you’re thirty-two, he thought to himself. Why care that your parents are watching? He looked up there to see wistfulness on the Royal faces. His father was probably thinking about how he’d met the future Queen at one of these balls.
She apparently remembered it too, hugging him and whispering in his ear.
The Prince turned his attention back to those around him. He met quite a few eligible women, and danced each dance with a different one, regardless of rank, religion or color. One particular light-skinned woman, however, didn’t really seem to want to let him go.
“Please, RaKeynna, I must move on.” He just didn’t say why. The A’peinian princess had a reputation as being a bit pouty, possessive and demanding, and the reputation seemed to be true.
Then, he met Pimber, the daughter of a northern noble who didn’t have any sons. There was already some talk about who would be inheriting that holding. But more importantly at the moment, she was beautiful, and alone. He didn’t have to pull rank for the privilege of a dance. He was soon surprised to discover that he was still dancing with her after four songs.
And that fourth was the last. The orchestra stood, filed toward the wall, and knelt. It was almost midnight.
Then, a bong nut from the Royal Bong Tree was dropped behind the orchestra chamber, and sounded a long, deep bell- like tone when it landed. Everyone dropped to the prayer position, right leg stretched out in front, left leg behind, head bent low. The Master’s Representative, in the only public appearance he made each year, came out upon the balcony and proclaimed the Great Master’s birth. It was a truly solemn moment.
Slowly, the guests stood, and conversation returned. Taréz looked over at Pimber, still kneeling. “I didn’t know any of the northern nobles were believers.”
“I’m the only one in my family. To the chagrin of my mother, of course.”
“What accomodations did your father find for tonight?”
“The Niriad Comfort.”
Not bad, Taréz thought. Its clientele would have to be able to read to understand its sign, and then be well-read enough to know the reference to the legendary perfect host Niri. “Well, I have the utmost respect for that fine establishment, but may I offer you personal accommodations here at the palace?”
“Why, I’d be honored to be your guest.”
"And I am honored to have you as a guest. Allow me to show you the way." Taréz winked at the servants nearby, who immediately set off to prepare the room for his guest.