Livia had originally planned on clinging to the Crown Prince's side until the end of her debutante, but now she just watches him go with simmering anger and a strange sort of emptiness.
'Soon...'
She isn't given much time to herself before she is surrounded by her friends and other members of high society. She is congratulated, repeatedly. Though Livia wants nothing more than to walk away and have a moment to gather her thoughts in regroup, she can't, not when she is once again in favor.
So, she puts on another smile and keeps up with the small talk with ease.
Though she tries not to notice, Livia can't help but see the moment Amelia and the Crown Prince reunite. Even from a distance, the look on his face is one she hadn't seen in a long time. His face softens, and a tentative smile pulls at his lips.
For a second, the little boy she knew long ago peeks out. Unconsciously, her hand rests on her chest, clenching at the delicate fabric.
'A small sacrifice. It will be worth it. Soon...'
Livia's face refuses to show it, but a headache has been steadily growing ever since she stepped into the grand ballroom her debutante is being hosted in. An hour into the party and she quietly sneak out to get some fresh air away from the noise and the crowd.
The two moons are full and bright in the night sky. Livia admires them for a few minutes before a sharp pain in her head has her stumbling and seeing double. For a brief second, she only sees a single moon and an assortment of stares that both look foreign and achingly familiar. The pain is gone as quickly as it starts.
Her face scowls as she cradles her head, "The hell was that?" she grumbles, messaging her temples.
"Sister? Sister? Sister, where are you?" Calls a small tentative voice.
Livia turns to see a small head of snow-white hair peek outside.
"Liliana!?"
The head glances up, and the adorable face of her little sister brightens, "Sister!"
Livia finds herself gaping again for the second time that day, "Lily? What on earth are you doing here?" She asks in shock as her little sister comes running towards her and flings her small arms around her.
"Papa said I could come with him! He even let me wear this pretty dress!" Liliana says, clearly overjoyed.
"B-But I thought you weren't feeling well! Did you not have a fever earlier this day?" Livia's hand come up to check her sister's forehead.
Liliana had skin as pale as her own, and with her white hair and round red eyes, she was a rather ethereal looking girl. Livia always likened her to a bunny in her mind, harmless and a bit weak.
"I felt better as soon as you left to get ready! Sister has the magic touch. I always feel better after you visit me when I am sick," Liliana says with wide eyes of absolute adoration.
Livia blushes, "W-what nonsense are you spouting? Humph, that is utter rubbish! Now, we must get inside, it is much too cold. Come along. Are you hungry? Here, let's go get some food." Livia offers her hand to her sister and Liliana takes it with a bright smile.
They rejoin the party together.