Chapter 5

• One of the men, a Bear I had not met yet, broke to the center amid some cheers and did a few complex steps before returning to the circle. The lady next to him was called out and she twirled her way inside the circle and returned once more to the edge, smiling. One by one we were all called to the center, the princess the most willing of all. Her fluid movements were a pleasure to behold and the way she ended on the tips of her toes was stunning.
• I had not expected the dance to be enjoyable. I was not sure if it was my joy or Angelica's that made the time pass so quickly. We finally broke out of the circle on the sixth song, sweating and laughing like children.
• "I must admit, I found that enjoyable," I said, trying to catch my breath. Angelica gave a slight nod to our parents. They were still sitting calmly at the head table pretending to enjoy the spectacle.