The symphony of elegant strings filled the ballroom.
The scent of roasted roa boar from the northern forests mingled with the lighter aroma of honeyed pheasant, while servants circulated with bottles of Asterian red wine, a vintage saved for occasions exactly like this.
Couples had paired off and moved to the dance floor, swaying gracefully to the rhythm.
Alaric had somehow found his way back to the refreshment table, a fresh goblet of wine in hand, his cheeks carrying that telltale flush again.
"Shall we?" Selene appeared at his elbow, extending one gloved hand with deliberate grace.
Alaric looked down at her hand, then up at her face, eyebrow rising. He took another sip of wine before accepting her fingers.
"Do I have a choice?"
A low laugh escaped her lips.
"Not particularly." She adjusted her grip on his hand, firm but not forceful.
