The prince straightened to his full height to scan the crowd, then strode decisively toward the back of the hall, prompting a gasp of surprise from Monique, who was still clinging to his arm and was so thrown off balance by his sudden movement that she nearly fell. She recovered almost immediately and quickened her pace to stay attached to him. “Quarin! What's wrong with you? The ballroom is over here!"
"I have to see something first."
"But ... our dance?"
He didn't even look at her, still scanning the room. “We'll do it later. I will ask the orchestra to play the same song." He quickened his pace, but the girl held him back.
“Monique! Let go!" he turned to her, annoyed.
"Quarin, you gave me your word!"
“To keep you company, not to be your old age cane. Let go of my arm, or I'll slap
