The naming ceremony was drawing to a close, with guests slowly filtering out of the grand hall. Cassandra and Lucien were making their way towards the exit, a polite distance between them, when a familiar voice called out.
"Cassandra! Lucien!" Uncle Harold approached them, a warm smile on his face.
"It was quite a nice and interesting party, wasn't it?" he asked, his tone light and conversational.
Lucien nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, indeed it was, sir."
Cassandra managed a small nod. "Mm-hmm," she murmured noncommittally.
Uncle Harold's smile widened. "I trust you both enjoyed each other's company? It seemed like you two were getting along splendidly."
Lucien's face lit up. "Oh, absolutely! It's been a while since I've had such good company. Cassandra is quite... unique." He cast a sidelong glance at her, clearly expecting her to reciprocate the sentiment.
