Gowns, wine and flowers everywhere: the Pontal Palace was the stage for a sumptuous winter ball. After a mass at the Royal Temple of Niarae, the court met at a large party in the Royal Hall. It was a beautiful night, decorated by a slow snow that fell from a windless sky and the sweet sound of the flutes and lutes that cradled the pomp of the court in what would become the last royal ball in a long time.
The king went up to the penultimate step of the stairs that raised his throne and in a few seconds all the music and chatter in the Royal Hall ceased. Two steps below him, one on each side, were his siblings.
- I promise to be brief, I want to go back to the party as much as any of you. - Said the king. The crowd laughed. - As you know, this ball is a farewell. Not only our guests, my de
