CLXIV. The Courtyard Dinner Scene

So they were in the courtyard, east of the manor. Unlike the promising rote outcome of a formal dinner, there was a synergy of the former’s designs and the tones of a friendly setting. There were flowers to set good colors. Baby’s-breath to join the spring dance with dahlia bulbs and roses. Crocuses and heathers to reveal the designer’s wit, and lily of the valleys to allude the ever meaningful ensemble of forget-me-nots along the center of the lengthwise oakwood table. The warmth from the dinner setting invited most of the Mercator to sit with their visiting scion. The string of light bulbs oscillate their entrance and kiss greetings to Latifa and Oneil.

Niana was hesitant to come out. But if she would hide a little longer, all the eyes of the Mercators will be upon her. She marched out of the arcade as if finally breaking away from the edge of her fortress. She dreaded their attention. But when all their eyes were just on Oneil, talking delightedly with him and on how he seats peac