Chapter 21. Dance with Me Again (1)

[2018, December 5th]

As the duke and CC took to the floor, making perfect dance partners and even somehow looking like they were conspiring, it was as though the room had received permission to come alive again.

“What are you doing?” CC asked.

“Obliging a princess by dancing with her,” her partner replied.

“You shouldn’t be here. Who knows how the king-”

“I am here on official business on behalf of Copia.”

She shot a quick look down and back up his attire and said, “I see that.”

“Happy birthday,” he said. “I got you something.”

“You did?! What?!” she asked excitedly.

The duke smiled.

“It’s sort of too big to bring to you. I will give it to you tomorrow.”

“What’s with the sash?”

“Did you forget how to read rank, CC? I am the new duke of Copia. Really, you should be more hospitable to your guests.”

Meanwhile, off to the right of the room, where the king and queen’s thrones rested, His and Her Majesty were ju