The Dining Hall was bursting with energy, befitting the jubilant celebration. Musicians were placed in the corner, their fingers dancing over strings and keys to entertain the bustling crowd. A sea of nobles adorned in their finest attire painted the room emerald, sapphire, ruby and gold.


    This was Gabriel’s first supper amidst the nobles since his world was turned upside down. As he walked through the crowd, he felt the lingering glances and the ripples of hushed whispers in his wake. His friends and sister flanked him. The nobles flocked to Sarah, their wishes for her Name Day ringing with mirth and warmth. Jessinta and Lovren also seemed to be enjoying their fair share of cordiality. But when it came to Gabriel, there was a deafening hesitancy, a distance, as if a mere conversation with him could blemish their reputation.


    The ladies marveled at Sarah’s blossoming beauty. They cooed over her dress, each stitch exuding royalty. One lady even complimented her brooch, which made Gabriel grit his teeth. Lords bowed with formal grace, their praises drawing forth a radiant joy within Sarah.


    As the evening progressed, she bloomed under the spotlight, her back straighter and her smile sharper. Her audience extended to the little ones too. An assembly of boys and girls advanced, and her friend’s curtseys and bows ranged from awkward to surprisingly refined. Sarah reveled in their adoration, becoming a chatterbox, and barely allowed anyone else to speak.


    When Lord Carnahy approached, Gabriel felt an unspoken sting. The lord wished Sarah well and greeted his children, but his gaze skated past Gabriel as if he were a ghost. A knot of confusion wound itself in Gabriel’s stomach. Was his transgression so grave that he warranted such cold disregard? It hurt him to see a man he respected so dearly ignore him.


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    “Doesn’t look that hard, nothing I couldn’t do at least,” Lovren said with a chuckle.