The venue for the banquet had been decided before either party arrived.
Bader and his group arrived a bit earlier, mingling with people from their Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federation's.
They were old hands at these high-society events, each one wearing their usual practiced, superficial smiles.
"When on earth are the people from the Federation getting here?" Anna was already getting impatient. After dealing with someone, she moved to the side and asked Beau in a low voice.
Beau knew Anna's little quirks.
She was proud and competitive, and now that she had been outshone by Zoe Pierce, she was more than a little unhappy.
Even her outfit today was the result of a great deal of fuss and consulting many people.
A deep, starry-sky blue gown made her look noble and reserved. Her aristocratic etiquette was ingrained in her very bones; she stood with her back ramrod straight, like a proud swan.
"What if Zoe Pierce is prettier than you?" Beau teased her.
