Connal moved nearly as smoothly as Princess Cerridwyn, leading her easily through the steps of their dance as she jabbed back at him in turn.  It was rather endearing to know that she had such fire within her, to give as well as she had gotten.  Connal was amused.<br/><br/>That is, until she continued speaking.  Dawn's words were serious, and he could feel the truth in them.  She meant what she said.  Connal had no reply for the first few moments after she fell silent, only moving through their dance by cold muscle memory.  She didn't want to be his Caer, not really.  She didn't seem to grasp that "Dawn" was no more than an amalgam of Cerridwyn and Caer, not some third person unfairly caught up in a strange world.  This<em>was her world.</em>Connal's eyes were downcast as he took a deep breath, trying to find the words to answer her.   "Of course, Princess.  I apologize.  I suppose we should get to know each other a bit better before I make such sweeping declarations of eternal love."<br/><br/>Connal did his best to sound sincere, but he had taken a hard blow to his pride.  As the music drew to a momentary close, he leaned in to kiss her chastely on her cheek before breaking away.  "The dance was lovely as always, and an honor.  Still, I am already firmly loyal to you, Princess... You should focus your attentions on those that are more... questionable."<br/><br/>Connal bowed politely before backing a bit away, glancing around again to assess his surroundings.  He noted that Kenzy had arrived... he had been wondering if she had been otherwise occupied.  The handmaiden looked lovely, even by the considerable standards of the assembled parties, and she looked as though she were already in position and ready to serve the princess.  Connal was mildly impressed.<br/><br/>He made his way through the dancing throng easily, but his brow furrowed as his eyes scanned the room.  Roarke was still nowhere to be seen... And then Connal saw him, standing with the Unseelie, possibly flirting even.  It was a bit uncalled for, he thought with some irritation.  Someone of such questionable loyalty should have been going out of his way to establish himself, not cavorting with the opposition.  Connal's expression was not a pleased one.<br/><br/>He approached Kenzy as she stopped to give a slight curtsy to the King, and he waited until she had finished her greetings before speaking to her.  "It's good to see you, Kenzy.  I was hoping you wouldn't miss the festivities."  He chuckled and rolled his eyes a little at his own sarcasm, holding his hand out in a request for hers.