Free Strangers and Shadows by John Kowalsky Page A

kind of food that Ava and Asher could imagine and many more that they could not.  Asher lost count of the courses after fourteen.
    After what seemed like hours, the dinner ended and the cocktails began.  Guests stood and began to mingle as servers came around and took drink orders.  They had had several different wines with dinner, and both Ava and Asher felt a slight buzz despite all of the food they had consumed.  When the server came around to take their cocktail order they first stared at each other blankly and then at Dorian.  “Would you mind ordering something that you think we both might like?” Ava asked to Asher’s surprise.  It wasn’t like her to ask a man for help or advice.
    Dorian was delighted to help and ordered separate drinks for the two.  Asher tried to catch the names, but they just sounded like random words strung together to him.
    While they waited, Dorian introduced them to several of the guests near them.  The first was a senator and his wife, who as it happened, was also a senator.  Drinks arrived and small talk was made, usually beginning with exclamations of amazement over the quality of the cocktails.  After the senators came more senators and then a cabinet member and still another senator.
    Asher listened quietly, minding Ava’s instructions earlier at the door.  Every now and again he would nod in agreement at one of Ava’s remarks.  Mostly he just sipped his drink, which was a little strong and bitter for his taste.  He didn’t mind being ignored in these circumstances, as most of the politicians they met were interested in the beautiful princess standing next to him.  He never was comfortable in affairs of the state.  Too much pageantry and play-acting, in his opinion.
    Ava, on the other hand, excelled at it.  She was born into this sort of life and groomed for this kind of interaction.  She was a statesman in every sense, and it showed in all of her movements.  A slight bow of the head, a raised eyebrow, the polite laugh in response to a joke that plainly was not funny.  This was her world, Asher realized, and one that he would never fully be able to comprehend or be a part of.
    Asher finished his drink and a server came around with a tray to take the empty glass.  
    “Care for another, sir?”
    Asher glanced at Ava, trying to judge whether or not he should, but she was deep in conversation and not paying him any attention.  “Another drink would be lovely, yes.  Thank you.”
    While he waited and pretended to follow the conversation around him, he was overcome with the need to empty his bladder.  “Would you excuse me for just a moment?” he asked those gathered around.
    Ava glared at him questioningly.
    “I’m afraid I must make some more room if I’m to keep enjoying your Verse’s hospitality.” 
    A statesman laughed politely and several of the others joined him.  “Please do.  I fear I will be joining you shortly.”  
    Asher saw Ava relax with the group’s acceptance of his interruption, and he breathed a sigh of relief.  He didn’t want any more stress between them right now.  And certainly not for having to take a piss.
    He took his leave from the conversation and his band guided him out of the dining hall and down the hallway to the restroom.  Upon his return, he was greeted by a smiling middle-aged man with wild, wispy white hair and a long beard to match.  The man had a pot belly and rosy cheeks.  No doubt a result of the drink, Asher thought.  Something else about the man gave Asher pause until he put his finger on it—the pot belly—Asher hadn’t seen anyone in this Verse who didn’t appear to be in prime physical condition until now.  How strange .
    “Hello!” the white-haired man said boisterously.  He was holding a drink in each hand and extended one to Asher.  “Here, I noticed you were out.”
    “Thank you, sir, but I have another drink already ordered.”  Asher didn’t know what to make of the man.  He