Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Army Strength: 10,647

Jack found Celeste in the garden, cornered by Lord Bartram, who had apparently decided that losing a drinking contest was actually an elaborate form of courtship.

"My lady," Bartram was saying, swaying slightly, "I've brought you roses. Red ones. Because you're. red. No, that's not right. Beautiful! You're beautiful like. like a very attractive rose."

Celeste accepted the flowers with the grave dignity of a queen receiving a state gift.