Toka was aware of Roya instantly stiffening. Comparing her sunny blonde and creamy-tan loveliness with the titian and milk-white beauty of the Kosanna princesses, Toka failed to see why Roya should be irritated.
Alota raised her wand. At once the curtain on the distant stage rustled aside to reveal a choir of sheerly gowned princesses who began a low choraling. With a swaying of diaphanous gown, the choir parted and a line of graceful girls danced out, bearing large trays.
"Brother!" Rok gaped.
Toka felt the warmth creeping into his face. If those dancing girls wore more than silver gilt it was not discernible. And straight down to Toka the creatures danced. After passing each tray before him, as if for benediction, the girls danced away right and left, serving first the rest of Toka's party and then the princesses down each side of the table.
As the exotic banquet progressed, a thought occurred to Toka. "O Princess Alota."
"As Great Prince Toka wishes."
"Are here gathered all my ones of my palace?"
"As Great Prince Toka knows all, so he knows that tomorrow he shall meet the Council Of Kosanna's Old Ones."
"So," Roya mocked quietly, "the big brains aren't dining with us after all!"
"They'd probably pop an old blood vessel at sight of these dancing girls!" Elees mused sardonically.