The party had gone on for ages. The sun had set and was beginning to rise again by the time I was allowed to leave. I remember drinking the goblet Eric had offered me before we returned to the throne room. I was introduced to many lords and ladies, none of whose names I can remember… I danced, a lot, with several courtiers but mostly with Eric. We never spoke as we danced. My eyes wandered all over the room, looking at the finery all around us. His eyes remained on me. When I chanced to glance at him, I found him watching me, taking in my reaction to everything, studying my face as if learning every line.
I drank more wine. Met more people. Danced more. Drank. Talked. Danced. By the time I was allowed to leave, I was dizzy and drunk, trying to keep my eyes open and not fall over. Not an e
