Chapter 34: A Debt Denied
The music ended with a flourish, and Grim completed the dance with a formal bow to Princess Liona. She curtseyed in return, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. Applause erupted throughout the ballroom, some genuine, some merely polite.
"I look forward to our next dance, Lord Ambrose," Liona said formally, though her smile held a private meaning only Grim understood.
"As do I, Your Highness," Grim replied with a small smile of his own.
As Liona returned to her mother's side on the imperial dais, Grim's eyes immediately found Lord Terras. The portly nobleman stood with his sons, his face still flushed with anger. Without hesitation, Grim began making his way through the crowd toward him.
"Grim," Rowan's voice came from behind as his father caught up to him. "Whatever you're planning—"
"I'm collecting on a debt," Grim said without slowing. "Nothing more."
Rowan matched his pace, clearly unwilling to let his son face Terras alone. "A public confrontation is unwise."
"A public wager deserves a public collection," Grim countered as they approached Lord Terras and his sons.
Terras saw them coming and visibly stiffened. Several nearby nobles, sensing drama, subtly moved closer to listen.