As the waltz ended and was followed by a small dance, the ladies lifted their skirts, revealing exquisite dancing shoes.
“Vili,” Kerns said while gnawing on chicken wings, “do you like dancing?”
“Maybe,” William Mina said, “my mother loved it very much.”
“I thought you didn’t have many memories of her. You were very young back then.”
“But I have holographic recordings,” William Mina explained. “She liked holding my hand and dancing with me. That song was so beautiful, called ‘The Last Summer.'”
Kerns whispered, “Do you miss your hometown, Vili?”
William Mina lay on the ground, her chin resting on her hands. “I miss my grandparents. I used to spend every New Year with them. Grandma made raspberry pie, and we had cream-roasted squab and red cabbage soup. We would sit by the fireplace, have dinner together, watch TV, and open gifts… and now I can never spend holidays with them again.”
Kerns patted her shoulder, “Hey, don’t be sad. At least I’m here with you, right?”
William Mina gave him a weak, somewhat angry smile, “Thank you, Kerns.”
Kerns looked at the young couples embracing and dancing in the ballroom. “Can you imagine, Vili? When we grow up, we’ll be like them too.”
“That’s not bad,” William Mina said. “I quite like balls. Owen said that when I turn 18, the royal family will hold a coming-of-age ceremony for me, and I can wear a crown and dance with boys in a beautiful dress.”
“Then I want to dance the first dance with you!” Kerns exclaimed.
“No way,” William Mina replied, glancing at him. “My first dance will be with Owen!”
“Impossible,” Kerns scoffed, “He’s just a palace steward, Vili. He’s not qualified to dance the first dance with you.”
William Mina glared at him angrily, “You’re talking nonsense!”
“Really, Vili,” Kerns said seriously, “If you dance with him, people will mock you.”
“I don’t care what others think! I’ll dance with whoever I want.” She raised her head proudly.
“Maybe,” Kerns shrugged, “But they’ll also mock Hans Borg.”
William Mina fell silent, and after a while, she asked, “Is that true?”
