Idalia eventually breaks into applause, her face still pink. I join her and whistle loudly in appreciation.

Stig’s voice is atrocious, but his confidence is a sight to behold. He proudly bows multiple times before one of the musicians pushes him from the stage. When he joins me in the crowd, I throw my arm around his shoulder.

“Well, Stig. That performance was… Well, it was…”

He throws a stiff hand into the air. “At a loss for words, are you? That’s to be expected. As I told you, Prince Man, some just have the gift.”

“Whatever gift you have, I can honestly say that I don’t possess it.”

Stig gives my chest a sympathetic pat and darts towards the dancers, ready to be greeted by his adoring admirers. A plump brunette with light blue eyes meets him there. She’s very drunk, and I’m not sure she even knows what’s going on. I gaze at the dancers, watching couples and merry citizens move in joyful tandem to the music.

Idalia pulls Lachlan to the floor; his smile is wide and full of wonder. She places his timid hands around her waist and begins to sway to the melody. I can see him gulp when she folds her hands around his neck and pulls him closer.

My stomach sinks. A pit in my chest burrows deeper. This might be one of the four hells.

I dance with a few women, Theodore included, who ever so kindly informs me that getting naked to stay warm is a myth. I won’t be filling Idalia in on that anytime soon. Though, I wish I could tell her anything right now. The music is slow and romantic, and she and Lachlan are laced into each other’s bodies in a repulsive display. The moon rises above us, making her silver dress glow like the Lady herself.

I can’t stand watching any longer. I finish my third glass of wine in a single gulp and stalk toward them. Lach sends me his dashing smile. The prick. Where does he get off being this handsome? Idalia’s expression reads somewhere between scattered excitement and confusion.

“Come to join us, Braizen?” The King chirps. He must’ve had a few drinks by now, and his usual nervousness is covered by liquid courage.

“Don’t be silly, Lachlan,” Idalia says and sinks her fingers into his arm. “Braizen and I can’t dance together. The Gods-Cursed Children, remember?”

“Nonsense!” Lachlan throws back a laugh and twirls Idalia under his arm. “You don’t have to touch to dance!”