Cecilia’s eyes widened like saucers, scanning nervously about the room for some sort of alias. You dolt, she thought. It was just like her to plan almost every aspect of the kidnapping except an alias. To be honest, however, she didn’t really think the princess would ask. “Ehm, Lady Jacquelyn Valierre, Duchess of Tirine, in the south of Sovia,” she finally replied. Where this had come from, she had no idea and right now she desperately hoped the princess was not too informed on the nobility of Sovia. The guests seemed to be enjoying the fete, wine and champagne was flowing freely on gilded trays carried by servants in Meran royal livery. The band had returned from a small intermission and were about to begin playing again. 

Cecilia stood by the princess quietly, not really knowing what to say for fear that she might give herself away. The band had started a song, and Cecilia figured she might as well enjoy herself while she was here. “Would you care to dance, Highness?” she asked.