I moved to the refreshment table and retrieved three glasses: one tangy, citric drink for myself, a similar refreshing option for Lady Agnes, and another for my grandfather. I handed the cup to Lady Agnes, and when she accepted my invitation, we walked across the lawn together toward the gazebo.

The blood rushed to my cheeks. My grandfather, Aldric, was staring straight at me, yet seeing someone else entirely. It was one of those moments. His face was full of warmth, but his mind was far away, back in time.

[b]"Ah! Cassandra! Dmitri!"[/b] he exclaimed, confusing me and Lady Agnes for my parents.

I felt a hot wave of embarrassment, especially standing next to Lady Agnes. I risked a quick glance at her, hoping she would not be too put off by the mistake. Then I focused entirely on my grandfather. There was no good way to correct him, especially since he was asking for Melia.

[b]"Lord Everheart, it is good to see you,"[/b] I said, keeping my voice gentle and easy. I tried to interrupt his calls for my late grandmother Melia without causing alarm. [b]"She's just busy, Lord Everheart. Lady Melia is helping to manage the guests and the gifts. She told us not to worry her right now."[/b]

I stepped closer to him. [b]"And of course we would take the time to be here with you,"[/b] I continued, my voice steady. [b]"You are a very special man to our family, and we would never miss a chance to spend time with you on such a happy day."[/b]

I held out the cup of refreshment I had brought for him. My intention is to give him the drink and try to gently steer the conversation to something current, hoping to keep his good mood from fading.