The King was about to lead Elise into a spin when he heard commotion behind him-the hiss of a blade, sharp gasps, and the sarcastic ranting of Edgard. He recovered quickly enough, but it had caught him off guard-had hadn't even seen what happened, clearly, but Edgard was looking cleanly shorn-and Ursa was looking at the dancing pair with a look of revenge in her eyes...
Yeh Gods! Why tonight, he wondered. He was aware-painfully aware-that most people's gaze was immediately drawn from Edgard...to him. They all wanted to know how the King would handle this. More than any, King William and Charles-they were older, more experienced. And they would judge him, and all of Windheath, on his reaction.
He motioned for Elise to stand back. "Forgive the interruption, my dear, I'll be back in a moment." he said audibly.
...
He spoke to them both.
"Duchesse Ursula. Duc Arborvent.
There are certain rules which must be observed in another mans home and castle. Tonight, they have been broken, and by my right as King, I am placing you both under custody until the truth can be determined.
You will both allow yourselves to be escorted to the Aerie-you will stay there until I see fit to speak to you both, and we will get to the bottom of this. Be thankful I will not add further dishonor, by asking you to relieve yourselves of your weapons-someone has done that quite enough for tonight.
This is an order from your King-not the request of a friend." Albert said. There was no humor in his voice.
Bravo's melted from the shadows to take the pair into custody, blades and smiles winking in the chandelier light. It's not every night they get to have this much fun.