The expansive marble road was wide enough for several carriages to travel side by side. Under the blazing noon sun, nobles gathered on either side of the central road leading to von Palestri Castle. Most were young, energetic, and of lower rank.
“Did you hear? Duchess de Winter arrived in the capital last night!”
Excitement rippled through the crowd as they jostled for the best view of the road, anticipating an entertaining event. A young nobleman who had managed to secure a prime spot turned to the woman beside him with a smug smile.
“You know my friend serves as a knight at the southern gate, don’t you? He saw the Duchess with his own eyes last night!”
“Really? What did she look like? There are so many rumors, it’s hard to know what to believe!” the woman exclaimed.
“Well…” The young nobleman paused, savoring the attention from those around him. He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “She looked like a madwoman!”
“Oh my, how shocking!”
