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We couldn’t see anyone, but we kneas up there, and I kneho to

I nodded “Mo ahead”

I’d put so anyway

She started to run away, but she buht into someone, and I rabbed her shoulders and set her right again before standing up straight

I looked up, seeing a man in a full white mask and a cloak step back, look at her, and then take a dramatic bow

“M’lady,” he said

“Sorry,” she chirped

And then she ran away, heading for the stairs to fetch her cousin I chuckled, nodding at the h but also polite

I looked back at hi the cloak A little overdressed, but okay

I glanced upstairs, seeing a shadow pass the ceiling as Tavi ran for Madden

He always hid during functions like this Kai tried to explain he was uncomfortable in social situations, but I think it was a courtesy on Mads’s part Guests were uncomfortable when he was around

Slippingat my wife as she danced with Kai’s father, his wife deep in conversation with a few ladies froht Rika’s eyes as she stood near the fireplace, reen tea macaron

She froze, seeing me watch her I cocked an eyebrow Another one? You want a cake, too? Maybe two cakes, Rika? She hesitated only a moment and stuffed it into heraith her chipmunk cheeks full of unhealthy food for the baby

I laughed, just teasing her Winter had had her cravings, as well Live it up

I gazed back ather this time of year most of all She adored the s She couldn’t see the lights, but in a way, she did She said they made the house feel different Warmer, somehow

I loved that nothing escaped her Even the scent of wrapping paper It had never occurred topaper had a scent, but she made me lie down under the tree every winter and inhale the presents

She was right I noticed it now

Kai and Banks walked back into the ballroo down around her as Kai straightened his tie Will twirled Euests had left, his laughter filling the room

But then I saw Matthew head across the roo room