Compared to tonight's dinner, the banquet held on the day of their arrival could pass for a simple family meal. Numerous tables and myriad cushions had been set up in the immense dining hall. Jasper and Beryl barely had time to touch the delicious dishes covering their table. A continuous stream of nobles and dignitaries converged towards them to introduce themselves. Jasper struggled to memorize all the names and titles. He hoped Beryl wasn't too overwhelmed; after all, she would one day be their queen. However, his sister seemed perfectly at ease. She greeted everyone with a smile and kind words. Hopefully, all this activity wouldn't tire her too much. If she were forced to stay in bed the next few days, their hosts might question the wisdom of an alliance with such a delicate princess. Engrossed with the Duskians, Jasper couldn't devote as much time to Acacia as he wished. Yet whenever possible, he bombarded her with a thousand questions. What were the ingredients of a particular delicious dish? What occupation at court did a certain noble, whose introduction he had already forgotten, have? Acacia answered everything with extreme courtesy. The soulless courtesy of their first meeting, lacking the spark he had thought he glimpsed on several occasions since then.

After dinner, the guests were guided to the grand salon. Jasper wandered among the gaming tables that had been set up everywhere. Cards, dice, and strange tokens he had never seen before were already being eagerly used. Groups formed. Musicians played softly from a mezzanine.

The Prime Minister, Lord Cypress, approached Jasper as he tried to understand the rules of a particularly noisy card game. Always upright, hands behind his back, he surveyed the scene with the satisfied gaze of someone witnessing the fruits of his efforts.

"Well, Your Highness, I hope you're enjoying the evening," he inquired amiably.

"I'm having a delightful time, thank you."

"I hope your sister is enjoying herself among us and that she might fall in love with our beautiful kingdom."

Jasper instinctively looked for her in the crowd. She was surrounded by a mass of courtiers already vying for attention from the future queen. Beryl's face was serene and smiling. She seemed at ease.

"I have no doubt about it," the young man replied. "We have been wonderfully received, and everyone is taking great care of us. I'm sure Beryl is already starting to appreciate what will be her future home."

"Excellent, I am delighted to hear that."

He smoothed his fine mustache and smiled, gesturing towards the nearest gaming table.

"This game seems to intrigue you. Would you like me to explain the rules to you?"

Jasper gladly accepted. The man's company was pleasant and momentarily helped him forget that he should have done his best to help Acacia forget his refusal to break the rules with her. When the Prime Minister finally excused himself to attend to other guests, Jasper found himself alone. He headed towards the sideboards that occupied a whole section of the room. They offered drinks and pastries to those who were not yet satiated.

"Excuse me, Aunt Carnelian, could you move so I can access the platters?

With a glass in hand, his aunt bestowed upon him a solemn nod before elegantly stepping aside. From here, she had a perfect overview of the room and the comings and goings of its occupants. Giving up such an observation post was probably unthinkable.

As Jasper bit into the honey-dripping cake he randomly picked up, he immediately understood his mistake. He would have to spend the rest of the evening without using his fingers, lest he leave honey everywhere he went.

Finally, he spotted Acacia among the guests and decided to approach her. To maintain his composure, he grabbed a full glass from a table. As he approached, the man conversing with the princess turned around.

"Your Highness!" he exclaimed. "I need your help. I was trying to persuade your future wife to consider our breeding farm to take some of our thoroughbreds to your kingdom when she leaves."

"But certainly!" Jasper enthused, delighted by the opportunity. "I have already seen some of your animals; they are truly magnificent, and I would very much..."

" Yes, but not his, Acacia cut in sharply.

Jasper stared at Acacia with the same bewilderment as the poor breeder.

"Your Highness, how could you say that?" he protested.

"Because I can tell the difference between a good animal and a nag. Your animals are not known for their robustness or their performance. I would die of shame to present one of them in the Realm of Dawn. Come, Jasper, I mean, Prince Jasper, let's not waste time."

She pulled him along, completely ignoring the indignant look of the breeder.

"What nerve," she muttered under her breath. "It seems that tonight, everyone has come here just to propose future commercial agreements with your kingdom to me."

"I imagine that was still the purpose of such an evening," Jasper ventured. "To make contacts, forge ties..."

"Then they should refrain from proposing just anything to me," she grumbled. "Do I look so easily influenced?"

And she turned to him to seek confirmation, hands on her hips.

"Not at all," Jasper hastened to reply. "You're right not to let yourself be taken advantage of."

The young man had no desire to dwell on the subject. It would have been difficult for him to wholeheartedly endorse his fiancée's behavior.

"Would you rather..." he started, without any idea how to finish his sentence.

"Yes?"

The sparks of anger in her dark eyes had softened, and she looked at him inquisitively.

Jasper desperately looked around for the best option. Just in time to rescue himself from embarrassment, the loud voice of the Prince Consort rang out.

"My dear friends, I hope you're all having an enjoyable evening," he began.

He paused, letting the conversations gradually die down. The musicians stopped playing. When a relative silence settled, he continued:

"I wanted to propose to anyone willing the opportunity to dazzle us with their talents!"

With a theatrical gesture, he indicated a corner of the room that Jasper had not noticed before. Various musical instruments had been placed on a small stage, some of which he would have struggled to understand how to play. A hubbub filled the room. Young people jostled each other, chuckling.

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to go," Acacia told him. "My father is counting on us to set an example. Do you have any talent that you think could entertain us tonight?"

"I'm afraid I'm not much of an artist," he apologized, fidgeting with his glass. "I play a bit of harpsichord, but I don't see one here."

"That's alright, you know, nobody will hold it against you," she said consolingly, before hurrying off to join her father.

Willow was already in place, radiant in a white caftan embroidered with silver. His sister settled behind him and placed on his lap a vaguely triangular instrument resembling a lyre. She plucked a few notes, and Willow began reciting verses.

Dusk, the sun bows down 

Sea ignites with golden lace

Dusk, the sky sighs 

Day's sorrow awaits next dawn

His warm, melodious voice rose, vibrant. Stunned, Jasper forgot about his drink. He had never imagined such energy in the young man. Goosebumps crept up his arms. A light bump against his shoulder, a familiar floral scent, and he knew Beryl had just joined him. Undoubtedly, she was as fascinated as he was by her fiancé's performance.

When Willow fell silent, Jasper, a beat behind, joined the guests' applause. The young prince ceremoniously bowed, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. Then he gestured toward his sister. Until then, Acacia's lyre had only served as a backdrop for her brother's words. It was now her turn to shine; a complex and enchanting melody emanated from her strings. Acacia's fingers danced with confidence. Some guests began to hum softly. Jasper led his sister through the onlookers to get closer. Acacia had to know he was there, admiring her! She remained focused on her instrument, rarely lifting her head. Jasper furrowed his brow. Were those tears he saw glistening in her eyes? The impression was fleeting but caught at his throat. Was the poignant melancholy of her music a reflection of her state of mind? Was he responsible for it?

Finally, Acacia's hands stilled, and the strings fell silent. Once again, applause filled the air. Jasper even heard a few sniffles behind him.

"That was incredible," murmured Beryl, wiping her eyes.

"Does one of our guests from Dawn wish to honor us with their talents?" Willow asked, eyeing the brother and sister in the front row.

Jasper tightened his hand around his golden scabbard.

"Don't worry, brother, I'll go," whispered Beryl. "I know it's not your strong suit."

The young woman advanced toward her fiancé, who extended his hand to help her onto the stage.

"My dear, the stage is yours," he said.

Encouragements echoed through the audience. The Duskians seemed to have already embraced Beryl. She responded with a shy smile and a wave. Then she took a deep breath and began to sing. Jasper had always enjoyed listening to her. At moments like this, her voice carried a newfound assurance that made her glow. At the end of the first verse, Acacia once again took up her instrument. A note rose tentatively, seeking permission to accompany. Beryl's voice faltered in surprise. She turned to Acacia and nodded with a smile. The result was astounding. Beryl's voice and Acacia's music blended beautifully, giving this song, known to Jasper since childhood, a new duskian resonance. He smiled. The symbolism was perfect. How wonderful it would be if his sister and future wife could get along well! Peace would have a greater chance of lasting.

After this duet, other young people tried their hand, with varying degrees of success. If the royal heirs were no longer to be married off, others needed to present themselves in the best light. Jasper thought this arranged marriage at least spared him from these bridal parades and the ridiculous cockfights they provoked.

As soon as he could, Jasper congratulated Acacia on her performance. She accepted the compliments gracefully. While they exchanged pleasantries about the evening, they were approached several times. A slender woman with an impossibly high bun greeted them. Lady Laurel, the Minister of Foreign Trade, jogged Jasper's memory. She addressed Acacia directly.

"Your Highness, have you considered taking companions with you when you go to live in the Realm of Dawn?"

A mixture of surprise and dread appeared on the young woman's face.

"Companions?" she repeated. "But why?"

"To keep you company, of course! To ease the homesickness you might suffer from."

Acacia nervously bit her lip. Lady Laurel turned toward the girl who was tormenting a poor innocent song on the stage.

"Look," she said proudly, "this is my youngest daughter. She could entertain you. Tell you stories or even sing with you!"

Acacia took a step back, raising her hands as if to protect herself from such an idea.

"I also sing terribly," she defended herself, "I'm not sure a duet between us would be desirable."

Lady Laurel gasped, scandalized, and Jasper hurried to intervene.

"We have, in the Realm of Dawn, plenty of young ladies from good families who would be delighted to accompany Princess Acacia, if she desires, of course. We would not want to deprive the Realm of Dusk of one of its shining youths."

"Oh, Your Highness, you are too kind," exclaimed Lady Laurel.

She did, however, cast a sideways glance at Acacia, who added a significant 'you' to her words.

Dame Laurier's daughter was the last to showcase her talents to the audience. As soon as she finished, the musicians on the mezzanine began to play again. This time, not in the background. The melody that arose was lively and invited dancing. The queen, who had hitherto remained aloof as a mere spectator, took her husband's hand and led him to the second part of the grand salon, left empty. Others soon joined them in pairs, twirling around, clapping hands, and executing intricate steps.

"Would you like to dance?" asked Jasper, bowing to his fiancée.

"I must," she replied, placing her hand in his.

He felt the roughness and wondered what could have caused calluses to form. He didn't have long to ponder. Keeping up with the dance's rhythm demanded all his concentration. Luckily, he had always been a good dancer, allowing him to maintain some dignity despite not knowing the steps.

"You're doing well!" encouraged Acacia as he did his best to mimic the other dancers around him.

"Change partners!" suddenly announced one of the musicians loudly.

Before he could realize what was happening, Jasper found himself dancing with the queen. After exchanging a few courtesies, he had to change partners again. He danced with different court dignitaries, with his sister, with Willow, and with Acacia again. Just as he was seriously considering slipping away for a drink, Miss Agate found herself on his arm. The young woman was fiercely determined to avoid his gaze.

"Do you know how my sister is faring?" he finally asked, breaking an awkward silence. "Is she too tired? She never tells me anything, afraid that I'll worry."

"That's natural, you're always so kind and caring," she said, eyes lowered. "Princess Beryl has never complained of fatigue since our arrival; she seems to be enjoying herself. As for me, I'm exhausted. This will be my last dance."

Jasper glanced around for his sister. She was dancing with the Prime Minister. Agate followed his gaze.

"Lord Cypress is a charming man," she said. "He's always very attentive to Her Highness."

The young woman tried to take advantage of the next partner change to slip away, but she had underestimated the vigor and enthusiasm of the dancers. She collided with two couples, was bumped by a third, and stepped on several feet before managing to exit the dance floor, apologizing profusely.

Next to Jasper, Lady Carnelian muttered a few unkind remarks about the young woman's clumsiness. His aunt's eyes were shiny, and her cheeks very red. When the dance resumed, she dashed off with the Palace Security Officer, a solid Duskian with an elegant mustache.

"I was telling you that there are several methods for catching otters, whether for their meat or their fur," he heard her say to her escort.

Perplexed, he watched her whirl away. Since when did his aunt know about hunting techniques? He shook his head to forget what he had just heard and left the dance himself to ensure an even number of participants.

It was late, and the first guests were starting to leave. The prince nibbled on a few more pastries, chatted with dignitaries, and saw his sister extract herself from the whirl of the dance, unsteady. He rushed toward her to support her.

"It's been a long time since I've had so much fun," she laughed, out of breath.

She leaned heavily on him.

"I don't know if I'll have the strength to go to bed," she murmured against his sleeve.

Jasper frowned, surprised by her behavior.

"Beryl, tell me... have you been drinking, by any chance?"

"Just a glass, and I'm sure there wasn't any alcohol in it. Well, almost sure, it's hard to tell with all these new mixes."

"I'll take you back to your room," he said firmly.

And that provided him with the perfect excuse to withdraw himself. Acacia was no longer sending him icy glances from the beginning of the evening, but she didn't seem particularly interested in his company. It was best to let the night pass before imposing further. The two Dawnians bid farewell to the queen and her husband, then to their fiancées and everyone who crossed their path. Guards stationed outside escorted them to their respective rooms.

When Jasper pushed open the door, his room was bathed in the soft light of oil lamps. The cool night air billowed the ethereal curtains that veiled the open windows. Something crumpled under his feet.

Intrigued, he bent down. He had stepped on an envelope. Given its position, it must have been slid under his door. He picked it up and turned it between his fingers, hesitant to open it. It was unmarked. Who could want to communicate with him in this manner? His brow furrowed. None of the possibilities he considered had a positive conclusion. With anxious breaths, he finally opened it.

"Your Highness,

I am equally concerned about the peace in our kingdoms, but I will not stand by and watch you be made a fool of. Perhaps you found your fiancé quite cold and ill-disposed towards you. Unfortunately, there is a rather simple reason for this. If you wish to know the truth, meet tomorrow evening, two hours after sunset, by the century-old yew behind the Fountain of Spring. Conceal yourself in the thickets, and you will understand the morality of the one to who you are about to bind your life. Needless to say, utmost discretion is paramount.

A concerned advocate of morality."

The letter slipped from Jasper's fingers and hit the floor.