In fluid motions, Tovec completed a round of siding in perfect unison with the rest of his dancing set. His partner and the other two couples were mere acquaintances, and no one of consequence, just as he desired. Thankfully, his partner was not talkative, little more than a hand and waist to pass the time.

As Tovec cast up through the line, Urubus snickered, brandishing Tovec’s glass of wine in a mock salute. Best to ignore him this time. The players began the fourth verse, strains of music guiding each step of the long line. Cladia’s crowd clearly enjoyed these events. If not for the publicity of such a snub, Tovec would gladly have skipped the party altogether. As it was, he had only recently broken off his courtship of Cladia, and Urubus gleefully reminded him he needed to maintain his manners.

When the music ended, Cladia walked toward him like an oncoming storm. Tovec’s former dance partners fled.

“Happy birthday,” Tovec sighed blithely, bracing himself.

“You must dance with me.” It was no request.