For a few more days, Asher was able to hold off attending social gatherings. He occupied himself in his room with games and lots of food. Esther sometimes came to visit, along with William and Meshai, so he couldn't escape them. However, things took a drastic turn on a Saturday, when his father took ill after intense preparations had been made for the Queen's birthday ball.
"I can't leave him while I party," Ruth complained when he persisted that the preparations shouldn't be canceled. "He needs me more than ever. And I'm not going to be at peace in a gathering, knowing fully well that he's sick."
"But the doctor said it's nothing to be worried about, and Father just needs some time alone to himself. We both know how difficult it is to satisfy Dimitri. He's the one weighing Father's ener
