Hajin stared at the King's grinning face while the royal hand remained planted on his shoulder.
For several seconds, every lesson in court etiquette abandoned him.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Hajin said, forcing respect back into his uncertain voice.
"What exactly do you mean by sponsor?" he asked, unable to find a safer version of the question.
He was far from the only confused person in the ballroom.
Hajin looked past the King and found Didi on the staircase with her head tilted, brows drawn together beneath an expression that asked when her father had invented this plan.
'She did not know either.'
The King released a short, amused laugh and turned toward the nobles.
"I am sure all of you understand what a Royal Badge means," he announced, allowing his voice to reach every corner.
Several gazes dropped toward the badge hidden beneath Hajin's formal coat.
"I personally handed this young man that badge," the King continued, counting the favor on one raised finger.
