With my head held high, I return to the hall. There is armor on my face, and a cold in my eyes. Inside, everything seems to have died in just a few minutes and almost does not even hurt. Sitting at the table, I take a glass in my hands and drink, not leaving a drop.

I hope you didn't get bored while I was gone? I babble briskly and Kostya instantly perks up.

“Honestly, very much. He gestures for more wine, and I nod. I want to get drunk!

“Following you, Ksyukhin’s groom came out, and she sat down next to me, bombarding me with her boring questions.

Without...