But there was a flutter of uneasiness in her heart, because this story always reminded her of her own memory problems. There was, of course, no inhuman monster in her story, trying to brainwash her into being its lover, but she knew all too well the feeling of helplessness and confusion that the dance-drama was trying to invoke.
On the stage, Avazata began to stir, and Hatana went limp and would have collapsed if the King hadn’t caught her. Itana thought back to last night’s dizzy spell, with Marish’s arm around her waist, and felt her cheeks get hot.
When Hatana recovered herself, she began to push the King away, warning him with gestures that danger was near. He retreated to the side of the stage as Avazata arose and took center stage.
He tried to get Hatana to dance with him again, b
