章 60: The Gambling Room, Part I

As the rest of the guests were busy mingling and enjoying their strong drinks, Lorelai and Rhaegar were discretely escorted to the secret gambling room below the main banquet hall of the royal mansion.

It was hidden behind an unmarked door at the end of a narrow hallway, concealed within the mansion's winding architecture.

Once they entered the room, the princess widened her eyes in astonishment. 

Dimly lit by sconces with green-tinted glass, the room was draped in rich burgundy and velvet black, casting an atmosphere of dark mystery and allure. Tall curtains framed the walls, and the ceilings were decorated with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, adding to the room's enchantment.

A massive, polished ebony table occupied the center, surrounded by plush leather chairs with golden clawed feet. Soft, smoky tendrils from burning incense filled the air, mingling with the heady scent of aged wine.