Bekky bounced along the route toward the quieter table, and her enthusiasm proved far less restful than its chairs.
"A royal sponsor, announced in front of everybody," she squealed, clapping her hands before the nearest guests could forget her, "and you look like somebody stole your dessert."
Hajin flexed the hand that escaped the royal greeting, and his shoulder still remembered every ounce of that friendly slap.
"I'm saving the happy face," he drawled, steering his bad side clear of a passing tray, "there might be another announcement before supper."
Didi caught her friend's sleeve and hauled her out of the lane, giving the servants room to finish setting plates. The move also spared his shoulder from Bekky's elbows, though it did nothing to stop the nearby guests from watching.
"He saved you, and your father said it in front of every important crest in the room," she protested, wriggling against the grip.
