There was a gentle knock on the door, a servant entered at Bastian's "enter" and informed the Count that Duke Renning had arrived and the rooms were made up for Lady Delbray, Duke Renning and His Excellency's guests.
"Thank you." Bastian said, he walked out of the library to meet with his age old friend and rival in love.

Duke Renning stood in the hallway, speaking politely to a blushing Lucia. Bastian sighed, he didn't want to interrupt. Still, there were things to be done.
"Ah! My Lord!" He called out, striding towards the Duke. Renning smiled and shook Bastian's hand.
"Bastian! Hello!" He said, "I trust you are well?"
"Very, your Grace. It is a splendid day and fortune has seen fit to smile upon Castle Fayre." Renning simply smiled at his odd friend.
"Glad to see that somethings never change."
"Such as, Your Grace?"
"You still talk as much as ever." And all three laughed, it was nice to have some things back to normal.

Preparations were simple enough, more help was hired, food was bought for the feast.

"What doth Her Majesty propose we do for music?" Bastian asked Lucia as they poured over the list of preparations.
"She has asked the Herons to perform. Princess Leanne seemed rather enthusiastic, and after seeing his sister so pleased, Reyson gave in almost immediately. In addition to the Herons, Her Majesty has enlisted a number of court musicians."
"Ah! So blessed are we with so thoughtful and caring a monarch." the sage sighed wistfully to himself. Lucia looked at him and smiled, shaking her head softly.
"You certainly are a character." she laughed. Bastian looked at her and gave a flourish with his hand.
"'Tis simply that I am utterly enraptured by you, My lady. My love for you has spread like fire to the brain, and makes me seems quite crazed." He over-exaggerated in hopes that she wouldn't catch exactly how serious he was.

"Are you attempting to woo Countess Delbray again, Bastian?" Renning asked, stepping into the room. Lucia blushed furiously and lowered her eyes, Bastian merely laughed as he always did.
"Would that my words could thaw the ice around her ladyship's heart, Your Grace. But alas, she'll have none of me." Lucia laughed lightly and shook her head. Bastian smiled, somewhat sadly, at how true his statement was. Rening took no notice and sat beside Lucia, taking the list from her hand. Count Fayre felt jealousy rising in his chest like a beast as he noticed that the Duke's hand rested momentarily on the woman's, and that Lucia's eyes were glowing.

"Forgive me, friends. I must away momentarily." He said, standing suddenly and walking, somewhat quicker than usual, out of the room. From behind him, he could hear Lucia ask, in a soft voice.
"Do you think he's alright, your grace?"
"I haven't the slightest." Renning said. Bastian sighed to himself and walked outside into the courtyard.

With the exception of the library, the courtyard was Bastian's favorite place in his castle. Currently, it was decorated for the ball. There were banners and the cobblestone patio was freshly swept. The count sighed wistfully to himself and reached out, plucking a single white rose from one of his many bushes. He kissed the petals lightly and then held it up, so the white contrasted against the warm blue sky. However, as he did this, his heart felt heavy and he dropped his arms, sighing deeply.
"Get a hold of thyself, Bastian." he muttered, "It is unfitting of your character to be so consumed with jealousy." He inhaled the scent of his rose and then, feeling somewhat calmer, walked back inside.

Lucia and Renning were eating lunch as they poured over the lists and lists of preparations. Bastian smiled and made up some excuse for his departure. Lucia merely smiled at him and offered him a sandwich. Bastian took it from her and ate in silence, listening as Renning talked about things such as who should be seated beside who at the feast, and what manner of food the beast and bird tribes most enjoyed. Bastian sat, largely disinterested, taking in his meal and offering suggestions.

The three of them worked until night fell, although calling it "work" is a bit of a stretch. When at last, Renning and Bastian had finished arguing over whether Rafiel would rather sit with his siblings or Queen Nailah they looked over and saw that Lucia was asleep on a copy of the menu. The men both looked at her and smiled softly.
"Perhaps we had best adjourn for the evening." Renning said, lightly brushing a hair out of Lucia's face. Bastian nodded, to struck by her beauty to think of anything to say. She looked so peaceful in that moment, all worry and care wiped clean and a contented smile on her lips.
"I shall carry her ladyship to her bed." The sage said with a soft smile. Renning, however, had a different plan in mind, and in a single deft motion pulled his cape from his shoulders and set it over her like a blanket.
"It would be a shame to wake her." The duke stated, then, he lead Bastian out into the hallway, closing the door ever so softly behind them.