In the middle of the decorated celebration hall, Lady Adelaide de Lanark stood with Arkin von Conradie who didn't leave her side all night except when she danced with the noble men.
Her feet throbbed from the countless dances she had shared.
"Are you ready for tonight?" Arkin asked, noticing her low spirits.
A glimmer of excitement appeared in her expression. "You know?"
He scoffed. "I more than know; I'm escorting you... Don't give me that look! We'll keep our distance, of course, patrolling where you and Mother are... Bastian is coming with me."
She glanced at Bastian, engaged in a lively conversation with Aldric as if they had been friends for years.
Mixed feelings washed over her.
"He doesn't know," Arkin defended his cousin.
"That is quite fine, don't worry about it," she replied, doing her best to feign unawareness of the young king's presence. At least he had the sense not to approach her or ask her to dance tonight.
