Kathrine attempted to evacuate us from the room, but others were not having it. Partially it was the other nobles coming up to say a piece about the song itself. Mostly it was Valerica holding my arm in a vice grip, refusing to let me go as she stayed by my side with a caring smile and soft, loving eyes.
Getting through the nobles was tedious. Praise from strangers felt weird, but everyone was getting the opportunity to say a piece. Even Sigismund said that while it was a bit sappy for his personal taste, he could appreciate a warrior poet's work.
As I began through the rigamarole of talking with yet another noblewoman with that look in her eyes, I suddenly felt Valerica's grip change on my arm. The possessive 'Mine' grasp suddenly loosened as she subtly began to massage my bicep.
