She and Clarisse descended the staircase, hand in hand, savoring the moment.
The glances they received from the other royals and guests, from a furious host/queen, and by two viscountesses knowing deep down they'd been upstaged.
Once they arrived at the very lowest point of the staircase, multiple men flocked to the two ladies, singing them praises, offering them their company, being on their best behavior with intentions to be their date for the night.
Sophia and Clarisse shot each other a glance before they heard someone dispersing the crowd, waving off the men trying to score a date.
"Scatter!" He exclaimed, looking supremely incandescent.
Sophia laughed softly.
"Older brother to the rescue," she said.
"Not that we need saving," she added.
Clarisse grinned.
"Duh," she said as if it were obvious - which it was, for the matter.
By then, Louis had made his way to the two ladies, extending his arms.
"Ladies," he offered politely.
