Louise walked toward the royal dais with her usual confidence, though each step made her regret agreeing to Ulrich's request.
Getting the King drunk was one thing.
Getting him drunk enough that he could not participate in the traditional dance, and then convincing him to leave the ballroom without alerting Kaliantha or the court, was another matter entirely.
The closer she came, the more ridiculous it seemed.
Antonias was already drinking. A servant had approached him with a tray, and the King had taken a glass in one hand while keeping the young woman beside him with the other. His fingers circled her wrist as he spoke to her in a small, indulgent voice.
He did not even seem embarrassed.
Kaliantha sat only a few feet away.
