Chapter 32: A Hundred Eyes
We entered the doors, and a completely different world awaited us. In contrast to the dimming and silent outdoors, the main hall of the Casa Real was bright with lights and alive with the lively chatter of a hundred or so guests.
In the corner, a rondalla—complete with all the known string instruments—played a familiar Spanish piece.
Several long tables had been arranged across the hall. As with most gatherings, the more prestigious the guest, the nearer their seat was to the head table, where the President and members of the cabinet were seated.
Don Antonio and his daughters were given seats at a less distinguished table. Although they bore a famous last name, they were only one of several Tiongson families in town—and not the most well-known.
Somewhere along the way, as we wove through the tables, I lost both Triviño and Dimalanta. I scanned the room and spotted them at the far end, seated with other junior officers. Of course, I knew that their decision to escort me hadn't been entirely out of duty.
Without my company, they wouldn't have made it through those doors. Triviño would not have been invited, and Dimalanta—given his unresolved issues with his mother—wouldn't have been allowed in either.
I didn't mind. Certainly not then.
I could feel Paz's grip on my arm tighten as we felt the weight of a hundred eyes. Whispers followed us as we passed. I, and my general's uniform, drew my share of attention—but most of the eyes were on the striking woman beside me.
It was clear she was growing uncomfortable, which was why I picked up the pace, heading for the table where Don Tiongson was already seated.