The music continued for hours after the spectacle with Lady Ramira. Most the guests had settled down to enjoy the night whereas others sought the prince and other wealthy bachelors who had come to the nights party, accompanying a sister, niece or cousin.
Princess Raina watched the people move past. How they spoke, what they did, and even how they moved. She felt calmer now with Kyera back at her side. Occasionally she would hear a word or a phrase she didn't understand and Kyera would explain it to her. A chair had been brought out so Kyera could sit and accompany the empress and Raina. The three engaging in occasional conversation though, Kyera seemed to be acting as more a wallflower than a guest.
Prince Clovis however was being flirted with, danced with, and carefully navigating the social waters feeling like a mermaid surrounded by sailors with nets. He was breathing heavy from his fifty or sixtieth dance of the night and desperate for a bit of relief. His eyes flicked over to the night sky, nope still too early to end. Besides, the one dance he wanted he hadn't had the pleasure of yet.
Raina saw her Daddy heading their way first out if the three ladies. She giggled and pointed, being amused by Clovis's suit wich was in complete disarray. Kyera chuckled as well as he walked over. Aware of the state of his clothing, he tried to smooth it and straighten what he could despite the excessive movement leaving wrinkles and such.
"Mother, Princess, My Lady." He greeted all three with nod. "I was hoping I could take a moment with you three."
The Empress smiled knowingly as she looked her son over. He was sweat drenched and tired now. His stamina left a lot to be desired and that amount of dancing would have tired even her husband back in their prime. "Actually I am afraid that is not possible. You see Lady Kyera was just saying how she needs to step out for air." the Empress said with a meaningful glance at Kyera.
She however, was completely caught off guard. Kyera was certain she had said no such thing but then it clicked in her head. "Yes, I am use to the village you know and so many people indoors is making me uneasy." she tried to play along, knowing it was the out of breath prince that needed the air. Honestly, she didn't mind being the excuse it really was starting to get to her.
Clovis raised an eyebrow and then smiled devilishly. He offered her his arm "Since I invited you personally I should see to your care. I can escort you if you like."
Kyera smiled taking his help to stand. She felt a shock between their fingertips and Kyera blushed, though she had no idea why. The shock was a natural occurance… wasn't it? Science and nature nothing more. Right?
"Thank you, Fourth Prince. I would be delighted. If it isn't too much trouble." Kyera assured him with a gentle smile. His eyes were warm and kind as he grinned.
"Oh yes, it is such a horrible trouble. After all I have to walk outside onto the beautiful terrace with a lovely woman. It is so difficult being prince and having to endure such peaceful moments." he teased a wicked grin on his lips. He then jolted with pain as his mother smacked his thigh.
The look on Eve's face was a look every child knew from their mother. It was the look that translated to 'that was adorable but keep that up and it won't be so adorable anymore and could end in a spanking.' He frowned annoyed , but then Kyera and his daughter drew his attention.
"Daddy got in trouble." Raina giggled to Kyera, confident she was whispering in the way a child yelling thinks she's using her inside voice. Kyera nodded chuckling as amusement filled her eyes.
"Yes, it seems he did." Kyera didn't break eye contact with him as she teases.
"My apologies for my rudeness, shall we?" he asked offering his band for hers, unaware of how many eyes turned onto them. She placed her delicate hand on his forearm. Soft white skin against black sleeves made her seem even smaller than her dainty hands were. He smiled at the connection and met Kyera's eyes.