I normally didn’t drink, so how was it that my glass was now empty? Ah yes, at Ivan’s insistence, a servant had arrived with the beverage on a silvery tray. Ivan was in the groom’s room, and he wanted me to drink along with him, toasting to a long and happy marriage. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so I drank a sip. Didn’t I? Or did I indeed drink the whole glass? My face flushed. Maybe I had a fever. I rested the back of my hand over my forehead. No fever, but I felt drowsy and my head spun. Must be because I wasn’t used to drinking anything stronger than coffee. I made a mental note to ask someone about the champagne, but then that impression vanished with the rest of my swirling thoughts. The door creaked open then and Ivan peeked his head around the corner. “Ivan, you’re not to see me before the ceremony!” I stepped back, bumping into a table.
