The moment Vivi was helped to her feet, she slipped her right hand around Boer's left arm.
The movement was gentle, but her fingers held tight. Then she guided Boer to her left.
The place of honor. This was the etiquette of Alabasta's royal family: the most distinguished guest walked on the left, because that side was closer to the heart.
She offered no explanation, simply leading him naturally along the red carpet toward where King Cobra stood.
Her pace was neither fast nor slow. Her skirt swayed softly around her ankles, and the veil hanging from her gauzy hat brim fluttered in the sea breeze, occasionally brushing Boer's shoulder.
Boer did not pull his arm away. Nor did he look at her. He simply followed her lead, walking on the left and matching his stride to her rhythm.
At the end of the red carpet, Vivi let go.
Her fingers slid from Boer's forearm, her fingertips brushing it lightly, and she stepped half a pace back to stand behind him.
That distance had been carefully calculated: close enough to keep her within Boer's peripheral vision, yet far enough not to block anyone's view of him.
Dressed in white, she carried herself with poise. Her hands were folded before her, her left covering the back of her right, her fingertips hidden in the lace edging of her cuffs. Her gaze rested on Boer's back.
Cobra saw it.
Something sank inside him.
Bitterness and helplessness churned within him, but his face broke into the brightest smile of his life.
He stepped forward, reached out with both hands, and clasped the right hand Boer offered. Bowing slightly, he filled his voice with emotion.
"Lord Boer."
He raised his head, his eyes a little moist.
"All the subjects of Alabasta welcome your arrival.