TWENTY TWO

The massive double door opened to a grand hall where brightly lit chandeliers hung from a sky-high ceiling with cloud murals, bringing life to the elegantly decorated ballroom. All around, people in evening gowns and suits swayed to the melodious tunes played by violinists and cellists.

Jane’s eyes widened as she marvelled at the tastefully decorated interiors of the ballroom with a sea of red carpet and golden sculptures of angels complete with engravings at the sides of the circular walls.

“You like it?” Daniel’s deep baritone broke through Jane’s awe and she blushed, embarrassed by her obvious ogling of the ballroom.

“Yes, it’s beautiful…” she gushed before her inner nerd surfaced and took over. “Artio Palladio was only twenty two when he was commissioned to design the interiors of this great hall. His work is famous! No one’s ever come close to matching the magic he weaves whenever he &hellip