Alessandra, having already given the Prince a way out of his sister's suggestion, felt awkward and ridiculous. She was, in her own way, pretty. With long black hair and bright emerald green eyes, she could turn several heads. But compared to the women that flocked around both royal princes, she was plain. What did she expect in tonight's ball anyway? Edward had always ignored her while Stephen had always been uncomfortable whenever she was in close range of him. Among the siblings, it was only Avril who seemed to delight in her compnay.

Suddenly, she regretted stepping out into the balcony. Maybe it had been better to stay in the ballroom and tolerated Lambert's excessive arrogance after all. The prince might think she was trying too hard to get his attention. She opened her mouth to excuse herself but she immediately clamped it shut when Stephen asked to escort her to the ballroom. She blinked at the offered arm. In the corner of her eyes, she saw Avril nodding furiously.

A warm flush colored her cheek as she took his arm and let him lead her back to the ballroom. "You don't have to push yourself just because your sister told you to do so." She said in a voice soft enough that it can be easily missed amidst the music playing in the ballroom.