Avril was surprised by her friend's tone, but didn't look around to see what had caused it. Possible excitement at seeing her brother? She could but hope, but it was something they hadn't discussed, though they had discussed much else.
Moving with some speed and giving a giggle, they reached the doors to see the two figures on the balcony, their backs to them. They were similar in build and in the light it was hard to tell the difference.
"Oh," said her alarm when she realized Stephen wasn't alarm, which caused both young men to turn around, revealing her brother and a young man she'd never met.
Hiro blushed somewhat and mumbled something that was most likely "your highness," as he gave a quick bow and hastily returned to his post. Avril couldn't help but watch him, then realized she was doing so when he looked at her and quickly looked away, approaching Stephen.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to interrupt."
Stephen's smile was soft but on sight of Alessandra he seemed to become a rigid, surprise on his face.
"Lady Kent," he said, giving a stiff bow, causing Avril to give him a shake of the head.
"You know she's Alessandra," she said teasingly.
His cheeks flushed a little and he looked away.
"We came to find you," she said, looking at Alessandra to get some encouragement. "Why are you hiding up here?"
She found herself glancing over to Hiro, who immediately averted his eyes.
"I'm not hiding," he said, his voice kind but still a little stiff. "Allow me to introduce you. Lady Kent, Avril, this is Hiro. Hiro, this is Princess Avril, my sister, and her good friend Lady Alessandra Kent."
The young man gave a deep bow but didn't say something. Clearly he was embarrassed, and what was more, Avril seemed to be too.
"I think you should ask Alessandra to dance," she said quickly, like it had fallen out of her mouth. "It's a ball, not hide and seek."