Avril's look was of pure relief and joy.
She didn't forget herself, but bobbed a little formal greeting. "Lady Ella."
It was for show. Avril never called her friend Lady when they were together, but there were some formalities that had to be seen.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," she said, giving them a soft smile before taking Ella's arm and steering her away. "I am in your debt. Why can they not find another girl to talk to?"
The difference between Avril and most girls was that they wouldn't mean it. It would be only lip service to receive compliments from their friends. Avril didn't like being cornered by boys, which was why she was so often in the company of her brother Stephen, as he seemed to put them off coming over. Stephen wasn't scary, but when he was near her the rest stayed away. She'd already lost him in the party.
Avril's idea of the perfect man, or at least her dream, consisted of masks in ballrooms, a white horse. She wanted to be swept off her feet. She didn't want these boys.
"You look wonderful," she said to her friend, giving her a happy smile. "I am so pleased you are here. I was worried I would not see a single friendly face."

Around the room, the long doors were open to the warm night, allowing a little cool breeze in. There was only a one balcony, up a set of stairs and around the gallery slightly. People were in the gallery, but the balcony was pleasantly quiet with only 2 figures on it, one leaning on the frame and staring out over the lights of the city, the other against the wall, looking partly at attention.
It was a good view to watch the arrival of people, but it was nice just to look out across everything. Both figures wore black, one being the uniform of the guards, and the other a fine set of clothes.
"It's a nice night," said the guard, looking at his Prince's back.
"It is," said Stephen, with a little warmth to the voice. "Are you and the rest of the men to stand on duty all night?"
"Until given leave," said the guard, the looked somewhat more relaxed. "But I'm one of the lucky ones. I might be posted on my own, but it's a good view." 
He'd known the Prince before today, having met him whilst he was visiting the barracks. They'd formed conversation and he was surprised to find he rather liked him. The Prince didn't except ceremony and seemed more himself when in the barracks.
"Well, for now at least, you aren't alone," said Stephen, turning his head to give him a rare smile.
The guard, whose name was Hiro, moved to the Prince's side, and there they stood, looking at the lights in the distance.