Chapter 22

• "Sir, I fear I can no longer be parted from my wife," I said loudly with a smile, "if it comes to blows, then so be it." The knight smiled, bowed and released Angelica to my care. I stepped into the dance with ease. Angelica's smile was no longer forced. I overheard some bawdy talk about my desires. I pulled Angelica closer than should be proper for the dance.
• "We must retire, my Princess," I said. Her eyes held concern, her lips a real smile. She stopped us there, on the dance floor, couples spinning about us. We kissed unmoving, some aunt, some not. Giggles reached our ears as those gathered began to notice. We broke with honest smiles. I pulled her quickly by her hand to the main table where we took our leave from the kings and queens. A bell chimed as we left the hall, signifying to all that the wedding couple had retired.