“Hard enough,” I argued.
“See, because he’s dangerous! You know it too,” Tandor insisted.
Frustration fizzled in my stomach. I wasn’t fleeing from him out of fear, more out of… stubbornness. For whatever reason, I felt the need to defy him. “I don’t know,” I said lamely. “Maybe. But I don’t think that’s it.”
“Well, he’s gone now,” Kizzi said, looking around the ballroom. “So, we might as well enjoy the rest of the evening.”
“Are there any ciders here?” Fiella asked hopefully.
“Of course,” Tandor said. “I carried a few barrels over this morning.”
“Let us drink, then! And dance!” Fiella said. “And give these beautiful dresses the evening they deserve!”
Kizzi slipped her arm into Fiella’s elbow, and then into mine, forming a chain. “I agree.”
She dragged us in the direction of the cider. She didn’t bother with politeness, simply shoving Fiella and me into any folk that were in our path. I apologized quietly to any casualties.
We grabbed goblets, quickly downing them. Strawberry and sage danced over my tastebuds. “Let’s dance.”
My blood fizzled and popped in my veins. I felt lighter than I had in ages.
The ciders really were delightful. I wanted a million more.
I pranced across the dance floor, and my arms floated on a will of their own. I swayed my hips, dipped my shoulders, let my body move to the music as it wished.
My hair was beginning to fall from its elegant twist, a few strands drifting over my forehead, down the back of my neck.
I didn’t care.
I was alive, and free, and dancing. And I would never stop dancing. Never ever. I wanted to die dancing. Death Herself could show up and take me away, and I wouldn’t care, as long as I was moving to a tune.
I bumped into a sturdy form.
“Open your eyes, boss. You’re going to take me out!” Tandor laughed, placing a steading hand on my back to keep me upright.
“Stay out of my way, then,” I replied sweetly.
“I like drunk Ginger,” Kizzi said, her words slurring slightly. She grabbed my hands, lifting our arms above ourheads and twirling me in a circle while trying to avoid getting our arms tangled in my antlers.
So many circles. I was getting dizzy.
“I’m not drunk, you’re drunk.”
“We’re all drunk,” she laughed. “Even Redd. It’s amazing. Come look.”
She pulled us over to the edge of the ballroom, where Fiella and Redd were leaning against a table in an alcove. Well, Fiella was leaning. Redd had his hands planted on the wood like he was floating in the river and it was the only thing keeping him from drowning.
They didn’t even notice our approach.
“Only two cookies,” Fiella was saying. “Maybe three. That’s what I need.”
“I don’t have any cookies,” Redd said. “I can make you some.”
“When?” she asked.
“Now.”
“Now? We’re supposed to be dancing.”
