Impromptu Mating Ball

*Fiona*

Once upon a time, this sort of gathering would have been more of a mating ball, but with all the turmoil that had plagued the entire continent over the years, no one trusted anyone enough to invite them behind their defenses or to go somewhere they would be outnumbered, but they had all come here. I don’t remember all the rules about mating balls, but I know that at least it’s essentially a guarantee for peace.

Whatever Lucian is doing, it doesn't seem to be in that vein, but I can hope that the connections I’m making and the conversations being started across the hall are enough to make it difficult to carry out. So long as food is provided, someone’s marriage ends up being planned, and enough people get drunk, this night should pull on everyone’s mutual cultural understanding of a mating ball and, hopefully, inspire peace.

Across the room, Cara hasn’t moved. She watches me like a hawk, but I can see understanding starting to dawn in her eyes. Surprisingly, her husband is mi