“Not every ball,” Alina answered. “But a few. Especially when there are visiting ambassadors. A reminder that Ravka will not be forever physically divided so they had better play nicely.” A teasing grin. Also a reminder of how well guarded she was. Though there had been more than one death threat growing up.
“The Summer Fete. It’s in two weeks. I’ll go to that one on your arm. You can tell your Mother that your old friend cajoled you into going.” And it would keep Vasily at arm’s length.