I feel my jaw go slack, the blood draining from my face. Seeing my expression, my mother says encouragingly, “I hear that Duchess Esperanza is quite beautiful. She is the very pride and joy of Spain.”

With my heart in my throat, I say, “But I already found my wife.”

I see my father’s graying eyebrows go up and I steel myself for his anger, which I am sure is bound to come. I square my shoulders and prepare for the worst.

I am completely nonplussed when he stands up and clamps a strong hand on my shoulder.

“I knew it. I knew the ball would be a success. I told your mother you were going to find your princess at the ball, somewhere among the maidens that came. Well, go on and tell us who she is. Is it Lady Elisabeth? Hmm? Or Lady Alicia?”

I gently remove his hand from my shoulder. “No,” I say.

“No?” My father takes a step back and stares at me quizzically.

“Well, then who is it, son? What is her name?” My mother asks, the smile on her face beginning to waver.

“Her name is Sioni.”