Part 2, Chapter 9 Summary

Both Claire and Jamie are invited to a grand ball at the king's palace. Claire has an absolutely stunning red dress made by the seamstress in town. Jamie sees her in it and his jaw drops. After some coercing by Claire, he understands it is what all the ladies will be wearing. He thinks it's a little too risqué. As she mingles throughout the crowd at the castle, she notices that the king's mistress has pierced nipples. She jokingly asks Jamie if she should get her own nipples pierced. Claire definitely stands out at the ball and one young man tries to seduce her by rubbing her feet. Luckily, Jamie finds her before she is hurt, and he dumps the man into a fountain of water.

Now, since they are soaking wet, the king invites them to stay the night. He...