Their next shift was spent with Kleis dispensing an entire lesson on social etiquette in hushed whispers. Whenever they had a moment to stand idle instead of patrolling, Kleis had Theora quietly rehearse the steps again and again. It was daunting to think she had only learned a single dance—and she was quickly running out of time. The Selection Ball was scheduled for the following evening, and, unsurprisingly, Theora had found out that very morning that her schedule had been mysteriously cleared for the next day, making this her final shift. She was far from having free time or even time to rejoice, though. She had just managed to resist the appeal of another lunch at the De Boreal estate to see her cousins for a late picnic instead, as she already felt guilty that she would spend her afte
