Ulrich's face remained blank.
He had heard enough of Louise's absurd remarks to understand the subject of the conversation. He had no wish to know more. For his own sanity, he decided to treat the last several minutes as though they had not occurred.
"Ulrich." Louise rose gracefully from her chair, smiling as though he had arrived exactly when expected. "Do you want another dance? I would like to try the rhythm you used with Airam."
"No."
The answer was immediate.
Louise's smile did not falter.
"Then why have you come?"
Ulrich looked past her toward the royal dais.
The musicians were beginning to gather their sheets of music. The false violinist remained beside the harpist, his black case still pressed near his foot.
The speeches would begin soon.
"I need to speak with you," Ulrich said.
Louise's gaze sharpened.
The words themselves were ordinary, but his tone was not. Ulrich did not seek her out during a royal celebration merely to exchange pleasantries.
