Chapter 166: Chapter 40: A Banquet of Lies!

The grand banquet hall of Castle Lorrence glistened under the dim glow of chandeliers, their crystals casting faint, flickering lights over the polished stone floors. Long tables were lined with noble guests, all dressed in their finest garments, their hushed conversations buzzing under the weight of the recent events. Though the hall was filled with lavish food and drink, the tension in the air was palpable.

James stood near the head of the room, his eyes scanning the sea of faces. Rhys, now officially reinstated as the ruler of Lorrence, sat in the middle of the high table, flanked by the most prominent nobles and advisors. Despite the outward appearance of celebration, the air hummed with unease. Several noble houses, all previously aligned with the treacherous Lord Vernal, had been allowed to attend under close watch, their allegiances now in question.