Avril gave a grin, and off they went, Avril giggling occasionally and talking of times gone by, as well as admiring clothes. She was more relaxed when she was with Ella, that was for sure.
But in Avril's head there was a plan that she hadn't shared with her friend. Over time she'd noticed Stephen seemingly drift away from Ella. He was sometimes in the room, but he would be quiet and say little, or make an excuse to go. There was no single moment where this had occurred, but it was as gradual as a stone being worn away by the sea into sand.
The worst thing was that she knew that Stephen didn't dislike Ella. She didn't know any more than that, but when they were young it was always Stephen who would play with them, even when Edward was [i]too mature[/i] to keep playing kids games. She didn't like the idea that she might have to choose between them.
When they reached the doors of the balcony, there was not 1 but two figures with their backs to them. They were similar in build and in the light it was hard to tell the difference.
"Stephen?" she called with some confusion, which caused both young men to turn around, revealing her brother and a young man she'd never met. He was wearing the uniform of the guard she could now see.
H 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.