A few moments later, the shopkeeper came back with a tray of two goblets of bloodfruit wine. But Aertis did not re-appear.
“Your Majesty,” Lyria said, taking another big sip of her wine. “Sorry,” she glanced around, as though worried someone was listening, “Wallace. I apologize. It was Aertis’s idea, you see. To get a little dressed up, have some wine and some food, and some fun. She thinks I have been a bit tightly wound since the contest began, and I’m afraid she might be right.”
The King reached a hand over toward Lyria and gently brushed her hair back. “Don’t apologize,” he said. “I don’t expect anyone to sacrifice their own selves to participate in the contest. If you feel you need a day of fun, I would just ask that you go through the proper channels next time.” He hesitated, then
