He walked back to her and extended his hand. Livia forced a smile and placed her hand in his. Her fingers were cold. "Do you want me to take you away from here, or do you want to dance?" His voice lowered for her alone. "I am here for you to use me however you want."
"It would be quite rude to leave in the middle of my own party."
"Indeed," Henry said. "But I am king. That comes with privileges. I can decide to kidnap a woman from her own ball. No one would question me."
"No," she said quickly. "No. Let us just make the final rounds, and then I can call it a night."
"Of course," he said.
Her fingers tightened faintly around his. They moved together through the ballroom. And because Henry stood beside her, the final rounds became easier.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Stephen had already heard the gossip from the servants of the noble guests.
