When the dance finished, the orchestra resumed, playing something by Bach. I would’ve been happy to spend the night dancing with Tove, but as soon as the song ended, everyone gathered on the floor. I would have to dance with anyone who asked.

Garrett stole the first dance with me, and Aurora danced with Tove. My own mother probably wouldn’t dance with him, but she was stil here for the reception. I imagined she would stay al night, no matter how weak or tired she got. After that comment Oren had made, she had to prove that she stil had it, even if she didn’t realy.

Wila cut in to dance with me once, which was nice. She made me laugh, and that felt realy good. I carried al my tension in my shoulders, and by the end of the night, I knew they would ache like mad.

I caught sight of Matt, Rhys, Rhiannon, and Duncan sitting at a table in the back when a Markis was spinning me about. I wanted to escape from the dance to spend a few moments with them, but if I stopped dancing, it only meant I’d have to go table to table and talk to people. That was the only thing I could think of that would be worse than dancing.

I was annoyed and surprised to find out how many people used this opportunity to talk to me about some bil they wanted to pass, what family they wanted their child placed with, or to complain about taxes. Even though everything in my life had become politicaly motivated, it would’ve been nice to have a few dances where I could pretend that it wasn’t.

The Chancelor cut in to dance with me, naturaly, and I did my best to stay at arm’s length, but he kept trying to press me to him. It was hard to stay away from his sweaty torso anyway, because his bely was so rotund. His massive hand would probably leave a sweat stain on my back from trying to hold me to him.

“You look very, very lovely tonight, Princess,” the Chancelor said, and I hated the hungry way he looked at me. It made my skin crawl.

“Thank you.” I smiled only because I had to, and it was hard to do.

“I do wish you would’ve taken me up on my offer, though.” He licked his lips, which were already damp with perspiration.

“Remember? The last time we danced together, I suggested that you and I –”

“Excuse me,” Tove said, appearing at my side. “I’d like to dance with my wife, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, of course.” The Chancelor bowed and stepped away, but he didn’t bother to mask the irritation on his blubbery face.

“Thank you,” I said as Tove took my hand in his.