A table materialized as servants recognized the promise of entertainment. After all, watching nobles humiliate themselves was the best form of entertainment.
And it was rare for nobles to be humiliated. But one noble in particular was very well versed in making men look like clowns in front of everyone.
Glasses appeared in formation, followed by bottles whose contents could strip paint from wood.
The crowd formed an eager crescent around the spectacle.
"House rules," Celeste announced, sloshing both glasses dangerously full. "We drink until one of us forgets their name. Pass out, you lose. Cry, you lose. Apologize to your mother, and we'll call it a draw and continue."
Bartram's lips compressed. "I hardly think..."
"First round," Celeste chirped, upending her glass like a marathon runner about to chug their water.
He followed, because pride destroyed better men than logic ever could.
