UNN

King leaves Royal gala, rumors of Gath crisis denied

Shiloh (RKG) – Unity Hall denied today rumors of a brewing conflict with Gath after King Silas Benjamin unexpectedly walked out of a gala celebrating the Royal Ballet's debut performance. Aides initially told surprised spectators that the King had been forced to leave due to a "military emergency," raising concerns that hostilities had reignited between Gilboa and Gath despite the recent signing of a peace treaty.

Press Minister Forsythe said that those aides were "mistaken" and that the monarch's early departure had been related to reports of structural problems at the Pella Dam. "The King left to supervise emergency repair efforts. There is no military crisis," Forsythe said. "The King has secured peace at a heavy price and he remains committed to building a new partnership with our neighbors in Gath."

Asked about the nature of the structural problems at Pella, the country's largest dam, Forsythe referred all questions to the Ministry of Water. As of press time, calls to the Ministry had not been returned.

The King's sudden departure cast a pall over an otherwise glamorous evening organized to honor the Royal Ballet's debut. The performance, dubbed "First Night" by Queen Rose Benjamin, had been eagerly awaited by the nation.

For decades, it has been the dream of Queen Rose Benjamin to make Shiloh a world-renowned beacon of arts and culture. "But during the war, such efforts would have been frivolous," the Queen said, remarking that it is only now, in an era of peace, that the nation has the "luxury" of pursuing such artistic endeavors. She went on to dedicate "First Night" to the Kingdom's soldiers, "who have sacrificed so much to make our nation great."

"First Night" attracted the highest echelons of Gilboan society, from movie stars to the nation's wealthiest financiers. But the audience also included many average citizens, who participated in a national lottery for highly coveted tickets to the ballet.

"I had a blast," said Frank Walker, a construction worker from New Carmel, who was one of the lucky few to win a ticket. Frank and his wife Anne, a kindergarten teacher, attended "First Night" as guests of the Queen and were seated in the first row.

"The ballet was more beautiful than I could have imagined," Anne Walker said. "Only in Gilboa could simple people like us hobnob with royalty. We are blessed to live in this country."

Asked whether the King's hasty departure ruined the evening, Mr. Walker shrugged. "He's a busy man. I got to shake his hand before he left, and that's good enough for me."

The Queen's office released a statement today saying, "Queen Rose is delighted by the success of "First Night" and expresses her gratitude to all those who helped bring beauty and art back to the people of Shiloh."

Queried about the King's early departure from the festivities, a source inside the Queen's office said: "Sure, she was disappointed. But she knows that King Silas has tremendous responsibilities and that the good of the nation has to come first, always."