Varen helped me regain my composure, waiting patiently until the cool night breeze had swept away the heat from my tear-streaked cheeks. Only then did he gently guide me back to the ballroom.

"Come on, there's someone you need to meet," he said with a grin, tugging me toward a cluster of men engaged in conversation over champagne.

"Prince Varen! A pleasure, as always," one of them greeted warmly, extending a hand.

Varen accepted the handshake with a polite smile. "Mr. Renfield, it's good to ...