A/N: Thank you for the reviews!

There were more eyes upon us than I liked when Roland ushered Amber and I into the great hall. The king and queen sat at the far end of the room, which was quite a way from us, but we stoically walked toward them. We were to present ourselves to them and my stomach was aflutter. I realized I held onto Roland's arm too tightly, and tried to relax my grip.

As we approached, the king and queen smiled at Amber. Both she and I curtsied, and Roland bowed deeply, but the king and queen stood. King Stephan held his arms out to Amber. "Niece." With a large smile on her face, she embraced him, and then her aunt. If I had not been so nervous standing directly in front of royalty, I would have felt envy. Even if something happened to Roland, Amber still had family, and they at least acted like they cared about her.

The queen was dressed more formally than she had been at dinner the night before, and her graying hair was piled high on her head, with little jewels placed here and there to compliment her tiara. Her dress was a deep blue, bringing color to her complexion. Compared to myself, I felt a little underdressed though my dress was far finer than any other I had worn, and it showed off too much of my assets for my comfort, but I knew it was beautiful.

"You will visit with us in the coming days," King Stephan said to her.

"Yes, your majesty." I had never seen Amber so happy. The queen hugged her again.

"Roland." The king glanced at the duke, his whole demeanor changing. Then the king's eyes landed on me. "Who is this?"

"My second wife's daughter, Sofia. She is here as a companion to Amber."

The king regarded me and I dropped my gaze. "Welcome, Lady Sofia."

"I am pleased to meet you, your majesty." I could barely breathe.

The king nodded and looked past us to others who were waiting to present themselves. Roland held out his arms for each of us, but only I took his arm. Amber rebuffed him, and went on her own to the one side of the hall that contained tables full of food and couches for sitting. I saw Roland grimace slightly but he led me that way also. "You should eat, Sofia. Eventually, the food will be reduced and dancing will begin."

"Yes, your grace."

The food consisted of cuts of meats, sausages, sauces, fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of deserts. Cider and wine were in ample supply. Servants filled a plate for you and then carried it to where you wanted to sit. Everything looked delicious and I wanted to try it all, but I also did not want to look greedy, or spill anything on my dress.

After my plate was full, I scanned the area to find Amber so I could sit with her. I found her, sitting with Lord Ian and Lady Jane and a few others. "This way-" I started to direct the servant but Roland caught my arm. "Let's go over here, Sofia." He led me away from everyone, to a quiet table surrounded by two settees and a couple armchairs.

I turned to look back at Amber laughing with her friends one more time, but then Roland was guiding me to the settee. The servants placed our plates in front of us and drinks were poured. "So, you've met the king," Roland smiled before popping a sausage into his mouth.

"Yes." I followed suit.

He finished chewing. "Not all that intimidating I hope."

"Quite the contrary. I was terrified."

Roland laughed. "At the end of the day, he's just a man."

I swallowed. Why is Roland being so callous? "Perhaps if I knew him better."

Roland frowned. "There is no reason for you to know him better."

I nodded; Roland was correct.

"Your first dance will be with me."

The duke was beginning to irritate me. Granted, I had not been asked to dance yet, but the way he stated what I was going to do rankled me. And the way he brought me over here, away from everyone else. Still the chairs and tables near us were not yet taken, nor could we see everyone or everything from where we sat.

"How late do royal balls end?"

"Generally there are people still making a ruckus at dawn, but you don't need to know any of that. The drink tires most people out after midnight." He sipped his wine. "I'll make sure both you and Amber are tucked into bed well before dawn."

I laughed, picturing him tucking us into bed in my head.

"Do I amuse you?"

Telling him what I had thought brought a small smile to his face. "Perhaps I will need to tuck you in."

I flushed. "What would Johnna think?"

He laughed finally. "Speaking of Johnna, where is your friend?"

Probably wondering where I am. "I've no idea, but I'm sure we will find each other."

"She's a good girl. Too bad she has not found anyone to settle down with."

"Is it so necessary for a woman to marry?"

He regarded me before he answered. "How would a woman be able to support herself? You cannot expect a woman's father or brothers to support them forever. That's not the way the world works."

I nodded because I could not think of a clever retort, or at least not one that would not anger Roland. "There you are," I heard Johnna and she came toward us, giving the duke a small curtsy. "It's a wonder you can even see back here in this dark corner, your Grace."

She sounded like she was teasing, but her face looked serious. "Lady Johnna," Roland rose. "Have you eaten?"

"Of course," she sat in the chair on the other side of him, "but it was so good I feel as if I should return to the banquet tables." She smiled at me as if she read my thoughts. "I just might wait a while so the drink makes everyone forget I ate, then go back for more. Did you try the chocolate-covered berries?" A servant came with fresh drinks for each of us.

"They were delicious," I agreed.

"Lady Johnna," Roland changed the subject. "I'd like for you to come visit us soon at home. Sofia will send the invitation when we arrive home. I'm sure Jane and Amber would like to see each other again as well before they are married."

"I appreciate the offer, Duke Roland. I would love to come visit."

"I told his Grace that perhaps you can teach me to ride." Johnna raised an eyebrow.

"I think it best that we get started on that immediately upon returning. Then, when Johnna visits you can ride together."

"That sounds wonderful."

We heard the music change suddenly from dining accompaniment to dancing.

"And so it begins," Johnna rolled her eyes. I giggled.

"We will wait this one out," said Roland, "but the next one we shall dance." I nodded. "And will you do me the honor of dancing with me for the third song, Lady Johnna?"

"Gladly," she smiled smugly. "Too often I'm stuck dancing with everyone's grandfather at these functions." She drank cider while Roland and I laughed. "It's true!"

"I find it refreshing that you feel I'm younger than all the grandfathers here."

"You are. You don't even look your age, Duke Roland. Everyone says so."

"Lady Johnna, I never thought you a gossip."

"It isn't gossip when I'm saying it to your face."

Roland laughed. "I guess you have me there."

The music began to decrescendo. Roland rose and offered me his hand. "If you'll excuse us."

"Of course. I'll be over by my sister."

"She is a tart one," Roland smiled as he led me to the open dance floor. The vibrant colors of dresses and suits and hair was stunning. The chandeliers full of candles and crystals cast radiant light over everyone, including us as we took our places.

"You like her?" I hoped he was pleased.

"I think she is a fine friend for you. A little nonconforming, but a good person."

We danced and I was glad Amber had forced me to learn some new steps. Roland must have seen the frustration in me as I tried to stay in formation because he told me to relax and that I was doing fine. It was fast-paced and fun. It seemed too soon that the dance was ending and Roland was leaving me near Amber's cohorts and leading Johnna to the floor.

I watched them, smiling. Johnna was indeed more relaxed than I and looked so graceful with Roland.

"Sofia, was it?"

I turned and looked at Lady Evelyn addressing me. "Yes."

She turned to watch Roland and Johnna. "They are not courting, are they?"

"Oh, no."

We both watched for a few moments before she spoke again. "You are not his daughter by blood, I take it?"

"No. Duke Roland married my mother when I was ten years old."

"You do not call him father?"

My back stiffened. "He has not…asked me to call him father." My answer sounded so pathetic.

"Interesting." My stomach churned. "Is he finding you a husband?"

"No, my lady."

"But you are old enough?"

"Yes. But he said this was Amber's year. She's slightly older than me."

"Well, that makes sense." Her tone was sarcastic but then became questioning again. "Unless he already has a husband in mind for you?"

I looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing dear. Oh, look, here they come."

Roland and Johnna approached and once Roland saw me with Lady Evelyn his smile was washed from his face.

"Lady Evelyn." He gave a curt bow.

"Duke Roland. Are you going to dance with me?" she simpered.

"Of course." He held out his arm and sent me a look that I could not read.

"What was that about?" Johnna slipped her arm through mine.

"I'm not sure."

"Come, I need more cider, and from the looks of it, you do too."