The music, laughter, and chatter drifted through the open balcony doors. Lucia paid no mind to it all and looked down at the courtyard. She loved it here in the shadows. It gave her a few minutes to relax her tense shoulders and not focus on being perfect every breathing second. In this setting, in this little place, she had the illusion of being free. A cold breeze hit her skin, but she did not mind. She liked it like this. What was a little chill if it meant being alone?
"I hope you are having a good evening," a voice said, and she smiled before she turned.
Crown Prince Michael of Vershia had joined her in the shadows.
"It's too early to judge," Lucia said as she looked past him and onto the ballroom.
Michael smiled.
"Anything significant happened yet?" he asked.
"I just got here," Lucia retorted.
"Yet you're hiding already," the prince pointed out.
"So are you," she had a smile on her face.
