Being asked to dance with the Princess caused Irene's blood to run cold and her eyes widened as she stared at Leif who seemed suddenly unbelievably amused at the unfolding of events. She couldn't even imagine what Felix's expression was like at that moment. It would probably make her head hot if she saw the likely accusatory look on his face.
Since she knew it was rude not to acknowledge the Princess for so long, Irene turned around and bowed at her waist for the girl. She felt awkward, not knowing what else to do.
At that moment, an entirely choiceless situation was presented to her.
Growing up, her father's favorite alehouse was their cousins' in the township they lived in. Irene had spent quite a few nights with her cousins dancing in the alehouse while the parents drank probably more than they ought to. The music was awful as drunk men tried to keep a tune, but the children never paid it any mind.
