"Keep the music playing. Keep dancing."
At Louis's words, the music started up again.
The entire banquet hall became a bizarre theater. Everyone strained to keep smiling, and every mouthful of wine felt as though it were seven parts poison.
No one mentioned Joseph again.
It was as if he had never appeared at the banquet, as if his shrill cry of "How dare you!" had been nothing but an illusion.
Edward, too, pretended to laugh, but his gaze had lost focus, and a fine sheen of cold sweat covered his forehead.
He mechanically joined in the pleasantries around him while inwardly thanking his luck. Thank goodness... thank goodness I didn't agree to Joseph's proposal that day.
He remembered that meeting vividly. Joseph had drawn him into a discussion of land rights and fiefs, confidently declaring that they should "join forces to seize control of the council and turn that idiot Louis into a figurehead."
He had been tempted, but his cautious nature had ultimately kept him from agreeing.
Now, he suddenly felt as though he had escaped a blade poised to sever his head.
Yet no sooner had that relief surfaced than another wave of panic swallowed it.
But what if Louis thinks I was involved, too? If I'd said a few more words just now, would I have been the one dragged away?
Relief and terror tangled together, tearing at his heart.
Even he could not tell which he wanted to escape more: this bizarre banquet, or the young Commandery Governor seated at its head, his expression gentle throughout.
Joern, seated not far from him, looked entirely different.
He had long been sick of Joseph's pretentious airs and endless talk of personal gain.
Watching the Knights drag the man away had delighted him, and his grin nearly stretched