Ella's arm was still looped through Avril as they moved across the hall, weaving through couples and groups of conversing nobles. They giggled and whispered to one another, just like they always did, and admired the lord's fine coats and the ladies's sweeping gowns.

Avril seemed to know her brother's favorite hiding spots because it didn't take them long to find themselves at a doorway leading out to a balcony. There was a magnificent view of the kingdom and beyond from up there, the golden lights from the village windows illuminating the ground while the stars and moon twinkles and glowed in the night sky above.

Admiring the view was two figures, young men in black, and it was only when Avril spoke that they turned and they were able to distinguish them. One was garbed in the uniform of the guard, the other in finer cloth.

Edward was the prince who made heads turn, the handsome one who the girls downstairs were waiting to dance with. That was a bit unfair for Stephen, and seemed to insinuate that he was not handsome. That wasn't the case at all. His hair was very dark and he had intelligent eyes, and it was a different kind of handsome. A softer kind.

Ella smiled at him, inclining her head and giving him a short curtsy of respect. "Prince Stephen. It's been too long. I hope you're well?"