A tense royal lunch
As the small orchestra took their final bow, a palace attendant appeared, announcing that lunch was ready to be served. The assembled guests began to make their way towards the grand dining hall, a buzz of anticipation in the air.
Denise fell into step beside Jasmine, her mind racing. The fake explosion, the hastily arranged lunch, the missed opportunity for a private meeting with Lady Imogen – it all pointed to a situation far more complex than she had initially imagined.
"We need to figure out what's really going on here," Denise whispered to her sister as they entered the opulent dining room.
Jasmine nodded subtly. "Agreed. But tread carefully. All eyes will be on us."
As they took their assigned seats at the long, polished table, Denise found herself strategically placed across from Eleanor, with Vincent to her right. She couldn't help but notice the smug satisfaction on her brother's face as he surveyed the elaborate place settings and crystal glasses.