Elias had been seated rather quietly since his wife had nudged him angrily for the angry look he had given their son, Rodric. He itched to say more, to do more to get him out of his seat and into the same space with the princess but the silent threat of his wife's angry face kept him still. The boy had been drinking like a fool tonight, and at this rate, even the maidens who were palace servants here at Malfrost would have a hard time seeing anything admirable in his conduct tonight.
He looked at his wife once again to determine if her resolve had at least softened so he could get another chance to take a swipe at Rodric but her countenance hadn't changed and her resolve hadn't yielded. She looked very upset. He was still looking for an avenue to whip up a distraction that would have him
