The restored theatre looked less like a charity venue, and more like somewhere people came to be photographed while giving money.
Gold balconies curved above the main hall. The foundation banners hung between old velvet curtains, and waiters moved through the crowd with trays nobody seemed to finish.
Victoria met us at the entrance.
"You're late."
Shadric checked his watch. "By three minutes."
"Which means I've already been asked twice whether you're coming."
"Did you tell them, no?"
"I considered it."
She reached towards my shoulder, then stopped herself.
"You look lovely."
"Thank you." I smiled.
"And before anyone asks, you're not required to stand beside Shadric all evening."
"That sounds rehearsed."
"It was. Half the board thinks marriage is a seating arrangement."
Shadri
