Hannibal left the party early in the end. He could have stayed much longer, and he would have had it not been for Alcuin. He enjoyed parties very much, and those he was the centre of attention of even more. But he couldn't help thinking Alcuin deserved a little extra attention tonight. He was quite and quietly patient with Hannibal after all. And Hannibal never missed an opportunity to exert influence and to enjoy Alcuin's sadness, which he did, as much as his happiness.

He let himself in, as agreed and thought to go to the bedroom when he heard a noise from the living room.

When he walked in, he saw him with his back turned to him, straddling someone, in a passionate embrace. For a moment he said nothing, and his face revealed nothing.