Chapter 102: Favor and Spite*

The rest of the night passed in a whirlwind of celebratory toasts, lively music, and battling tongues for Melisa. 

She went from group to group, her laughter ringing out above the chaos of the music. The wine flowed freely, the musicians played with renewed vigor, and the once-tense atmosphere of the gala melted into a giddy, almost manic relief.

The knights worked to make sure nothing else would happen tonight, but as far as the nobles were concerned, it was like nothing had happened to begin with.

[Fuck, what a night!]

She found herself on the dance floor, her body moving in perfect sync with the music. Nobles who had sneered at her mere hours ago now clamored for a chance to dance with her, their hands lingering a bit too long, their eyes roaming hungrily over her curves.

Melisa reveled in it all, basking in the attention and adoration.