He didn't know how to find the words to respond to her. He couldn't explain that his sister telling him to was only a way to give him an excuse, without having to look pathetic. He had been pleased that she'd yes, but his treacherous thoughts told him that she was too polite a young lady to refuse him, especially since he was the prince.
These thoughts had started when he'd reached his teens and seemed to be a constant companion.
He looked over her head at his sister, who was smiling and following behind, though at a little distance. Did he imagine her looking at something, pausing just before she left the balcony? 
The descended the stairs that led to the main floor, where a dance was ending. 
He swallowed hard. [i]This could be....[/i] 
The crowd parted as they reached the foot of the stairs and for a second, Stephen was puzzled. He may have been a Prince, but no one ever seemed to notice him. But it became clear as a figure, beaming and wearing finery in red and gold walked over to them. Stephen seemed to freeze.
"Stephen," he said with great enthusiasm. "You found my partner. Thank you so much."
Edward turned a dazzling smile on Alessandra, behind him several girls looked extremely unhappy. 
"Alessandra," he said with charm, holding out a hand, "my mother has expressed a great wish to see you dance with me. Will you do me the honor?"
Without waiting for a response, he bowed and took her hand, pulling her away from Stephen and sweeping her onto the floor before a protest could be made. Then the dance had begun and he was swirling her around the floor.
Stephen stood very still, not moving until the crowd closed once more and Alessandra and Edward were lost to the couples. 
"Stephen?" said Avril's voice behind him. It was quiet and concerned.
He blinked hard, the spell broken, and turned to her.
"Excuse me," he said, as formally to his sister had she been a stranger. Then he was gone and she knew she wouldn't be able to find him this time. 

On the dance floor, Edward was looking very pleased with himself.  
"You look so very beautiful tonight," he said charmingly, gazing down at her like she was the most important creature in the world. "It's hard to believe when I remember you playing in the gardens with mud up to your ankles."
He gave a hearty laugh, swirling her around and around. He was strong, but his grip was gentle.