When Sterling and Faye arrived in the hall just outside the dining room, the chatter among the men and women came to a halt. All of them positioned themselves against the wall and bowed in reverence to the couple.
Faye appeared anxious and unsure of herself, but Sterling looked at her with confidence in his expression and gave her a wink.
He then leaned in to whisper sweetly in her ear, "You're doing great. Don't be so stiff, loosen up and enjoy yourself tonight. We're not attending a state function at the palace, after all."
She exhaled the nervous breath she was holding as Sterling gestured for her to take her place at the head of the table, next to his own chair.
