Chapter 21

• Another deep voice joined Ruddi and Balen. King Toric had turned traitor on his only daughter and joined my corner. I was now circling like a proud cock, king of the roost. Angelica was laughing at her defeat as we circled closer. I added some cocky spins to my step, now that I had nothing left to fear. The final verse started, sung in unison by all six singers. It spoke of the lovers finding each other. As the verse ended, I swept my wife into my arms and kissed her. For the briefest of moments, it was not my aunt I was kissing.
• "You have thwarted me, my husband," Angelica said through the cheers that greeted the end of the dance.
• "Never challenge a prince and his sheepherder, " I returned, smiling. "Even your own father saw the merit in your defeat."