Prelude to War

Clara

“Do we have to stay very long?” I ask Thorne, snuggling up against his side. We’ve just finished the wedding feast and the party is shifting towards the ballroom. The orchestra is warming up in the distance, and the guests are gradually dwindling out of the great hall, lured by the promise of dancing.

“I think we have to stay through the opening dance – at the very least.” He rumbles back, k