In the dining hall, Peter and Sarah wait in line, alone, behind two younger Elephima children around ten or twelve. The line moves quickly, and soon, Sarah carries their trays to their table in the back.
Minutes later, the girls sit along on either side of Peter. For the first time, the blonde he bumped into joins them, sitting at the very end to his left.
Peter glances behind him at the Princes standing at their table, and he locks eyes with Alvah.
Eira presses her fingers into his jaw, turning his attention back to their table. “As a final attempt at hospitality, we’re proposing the idea that we find you an escort to the ball and accompany the two of you because a group is better in an unfamiliar situation.” She cuts her eyes at each girl sitting on their side of the table.
Peter gla
