"I see you're still here, Prince Gerald," she said, her voice coy. "And saying farewell to my step-sister, no less."
Gerald's expression turned frosty at her arrival, but he tried to remain polite. "Yes, I was just saying goodnight to Diana," he said, his voice clipped.
Nora raised an eyebrow at his cool tone, clearly sensing his irritation. "Oh, just saying goodnight?" she asked, a hint of mockery in her voice. "It seemed like a rather...intimate farewell, don't you think?"
Gerald's irritation flared at her comment, but he forced himself to keep his cool. "I'm not sure what you're implying, Nora," he said, his voice terse. "I was just expressing my appreciation for Diana's company this evening."
Nora smirked at his response, clearly enjoying getting under his skin. "And here I thought you'd be complimenting me on my dress or my dancing," she said, fluttering her eyelashes at him.
Gerald's grip on his composure was starting to fray, but he managed to keep his tone even. "Your dress is lovely, Nora," he said, his voice tight. "And I'm sure you're a fine dancer as well."
Nora's smirk widened at his forced compliment. "Why, thank you, Prince Gerald," she said, feigning bashfulness. "I'm so glad you notice my...many talents."
Gerald clenched his jaw, his irritation ratcheting up a notch. He was about to respond with a sharp retort when Diana spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension.
"Enough, Nora," she said, her tone firm. "Can't you see that the Prince is trying to say good night?"
Nora pretended to pout in feigned hurt. "I was just trying to be friendly," she protested, her voice overly sweet.
Gerald rolled his eyes at her act, clearly not fooled by her innocent facade. "Your idea of 'friendly' is very different from mine," he said dryly.
Nora huffed in annoyance, clearly not accustomed to being told off. "Fine, I'll leave you two to your...goodbyes," she said with a huff, flouncing off in a dramatic exit.
Gerald let out a heavy sigh of relief once Nora was gone. He shook his head, looking at Diana with an apologetic smile. "Your sister is something else," he said, his voice still tinged with irritation.
Diana nodded, a weary expression on her face. "Believe me, I know," she said, rolling her eyes. "She always has to be the center of attention, no matter what."
Gerald chuckled, shaking his head again. "I don't know how you put up with her," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Diana shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's not easy, I'll tell you that much," she said. "But I've learned how to deal with her over the years. Mostly by tuning her out."
Gerald chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "You have more resilience than I give you credit for," he said, his voice admiring.
Diana blushed slightly at his compliment, feeling a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment. "It's all a matter of survival, really," she said, trying to downplay her own bravery.
Gerald smile at her modesty, finding her self-deprecating humor endearing. "Well, whatever the reason, you have my respect," he said, his tone sincere.
Gerald nodded, his expression turning solemn. He realized that their time together was coming to an end.
"You're right, it's getting late," he said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
Diana felt a pang of disappointment as she realized their conversation was about to end. She had been enjoying her time talking with Gerald, and now she had to say goodnight.
Gerald noticed her disappointment and felt a pang of regret himself. He didn't want this moment to end, but he knew he couldn't keep her here all night.
"I suppose you should be heading home," he said, his voice gentle.
Diana nodded reluctantly, knowing that he was right. "Yes, I should," she said softly. "I suppose this is goodnight, then."
Gerald's heart clenched at her words, but he knew there was nothing he could do to prolong their time together.
"Goodnight, Diana," he said, his voice quiet but heartfelt.
Diana gave him a small smile, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and longing. "Goodnight, Gerald," she said, her voice soft. "It was lovely talking with you tonight."
Gerald smiled faintly at her comment, his eyes locked on hers. "The pleasure was all mine," he said, his words carrying a hint of melancholy.
They stood there for a moment, neither one wanting to be the first to turn away. The air between them felt heavy with unspoken emotions.
As the silence grew, Gerald felt a sudden urge to say something more, to express the many things he was feeling in that moment. But he knew he couldn't, not here, not now.
He took a deep breath, swallowing back the emotions that threatened to surface. "You should go," he said, his voice a bit gruff. "Before it gets too late."
Diana nodded, feeling the same reluctance he did. "Yes, you're right," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I'll see you around, Gerald."
Gerald forced himself to smile, masking the ache he felt inside. "Goodnight, Diana," he said softly. "Take care."
Diana offered him a small wave before turning to make her way home. Gerald watched her leave, his heart heavy with unexpressed emotions.
Once she was gone from sight, Gerald let out a deep sigh, feeling as though he had lost something important. He stood there for several moments, lost in his thoughts, before finally turning to leave the ball himself.
As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder when he would see Diana again. The connection he felt with her was undeniable, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their relationship than mere friendship.