Frade lifted his head like a boxing champ and led me away from the table. He didn't care what the others whispered about him. Some called him a fool, others mocked Ron's cowardice.

I repressed my anger and followed Frade back to his room. As soon as he entered the room, he tried to kiss me, but I slapped him hard.

"You b.astard! You got what you wanted. You humiliated your enemies and you humiliated me!" I shouted at him. "You had a plan, didn't you?"

Instead of fighting back, Frade said calmly, "If it makes you feel better to hit me, then go ahead and hit me. I promise...