Chapter 37

The ballroom was a kaleidoscope of color and light to Rory. The dresses of the women vied with the colors of the coral reefs he knew and loved so well: soft pinks and dazzling blues, creamy oranges, and dusky purples, all swirling and mingling about in the large hall. Servants loitered, proffering drinks and trays of delicate pieces of food to the many guests. It seemed as though the men wore the same standard outfit: a black and white set of clothes, the same as Rory was wearing, except some had a top hat here or a medal there. Every single candle was lit, and the light reflected the vibrancy of the jewels at the ladies' throats and wrists.

"Stop gaping, Rory," whispered Rani. "You'll catch a fly in your mouth."

Rory snapped his mouth shut. "I apologize, Princess. I've never seen so much human elegance in one place."

Rani led them around to a banquet table piled high with food. They hovered near an array of carefully balanced drinks in elegant glasses.

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