Chapter 8: What happened last night?

"Over my dead body." Nikolai muttered to himself and made his way across the room to tap on the general’s shoulder, like he’d seen him do to Akari's father. It was possible he used a bit too much force, as the man made a surprised, sputtering sound and whirled around to face him, his face flushing dark red.

“Excuse me,” Nikolai said calmly, looking past him to Akari. “I’d like to dance with my consort now.”

The man had the nerve to glare at him, then glance back at Akari, who was looking a little panicked. “Is that all right with you, Akari?” he asked.

Nikolai growled again, despite his best efforts to keep it in, and Akari slipped between them, holding out his arms to Nikolai. “Of course. He’s my husband now, John. Let’s dance then, Prince Nikolai. Please…”

Nikolai gathered her close in his arms, then he looked back at the general. “All right,” he said, and swept his wife away, trying to mimic what he’d seen the general do on the dance floor. He stumbled a little, narrowly avoided