The three girls lingered near the refreshments table, still giggling as they exchanged lighthearted banter about the evening's events.
"Did you see that Duke from the Frostlands?" Helena snorted. "The one who thought he was so graceful on the dance floor and ended up stepping on his own robe?"
Irene burst into laughter. "Oh, please, don't remind me. He looked like a baby deer trying to walk for the first time."
Khione smirked. "And don't forget his recovery. He pretended as if nothing had happened, but his face was as red as wine."
Helena leaned against the table, brushing her blonde curls aside. "The worst was that Countess who kept fanning herself dramatically every five seconds. I thought she was going to faint from the effort."
"Maybe she was trying to start a trend," Irene teased. "Though it just looked like she was about to fly away."
They all dissolved into laughter, each finding comfort in the carefree moment. For Khione, it was a rare opportunity to feel like a regular girl, free from the pressures that constantly loomed over her.
As the ball began to wind down and guests slowly filtered out of the grand hall, Irene glanced at the clock and sighed. "I suppose it's time for me to leave. My mother will send the hounds after me if I'm not back soon."
Helena pouted playfully. "You're leaving already? You're ruining the fun, Irene."
Irene smiled warmly. "As much as I'd love to stay, duty calls. But this has been one of the best nights I've had in a while. Khione," she turned to her, "thank you for inviting me. And happy birthday again."
"Thank you, Irene. I'm glad you came," Khione said, offering a genuine smile.
After bidding her farewell, Irene left the hall, leaving Helena and Khione alone amidst the dwindling crowd of guests.
Helena sighed, stretching her arms lazily. "I suppose I should leave soon too, but it's so stuffy back at the castle. I think I'll enjoy a bit more freedom while I can."
Khione chuckled. "You'd think the castle would be the opposite of stuffy, considering how massive it is."
"Massive and filled with rules," Helena said dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Come on, let's go out to the balcony. It's quieter there."
The two made their way to the balcony overlooking the Briston Estate's sprawling gardens. The crisp night air was cool against their skin, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. The stars glimmered brightly above, casting a serene light over the peaceful scene.
Helena rested her arms on the stone railing, gazing out into the garden. "So, how do you think your trip to the Isles will go?"
Khione leaned beside her, her silver hair shimmering faintly in the moonlight. "I don't know," she admitted. "I can only hope everything goes smoothly. The Isles could be a powerful ally for the empire, especially with how tensions in the world are rising."
Helena nodded thoughtfully. "I heard about the Dorian Kingdom and the Lyrion Empire from my elder brother. Things seem… precarious, to say the least. I just hope it doesn't come to war."
Khione chuckled softly. "Don't worry so much, Helena. The Asterios Empire has been the most powerful nation for millennia. Even if things get difficult, we'll persevere." She glanced up at the stars. "And I'll make sure of it. I'll master my magic, no matter what it takes, and I'll see to it that the empire doesn't falter."
Helena turned to her, studying her face. For a moment, she was silent, her usual playful demeanor replaced by something softer. "You're serious, aren't you?"
Khione met her gaze. "I have to be."
Helena smiled faintly. "Well, if that's the case, then I'll do the same. I'll hone my Arcane magic until I'm a force to be reckoned with. The empire's future won't just rest on your shoulders, you know."
A warm breeze drifted through the balcony, carrying their words away into the night.
The two girls continued to talk, their conversation diving into their hopes and dreams for the future. Helena shared stories of her mischievous adventures in the castle, while Khione spoke of her ambitions for the academy and beyond.
Eventually, Helena sighed, straightening herself. "I suppose it's time for me to head back now."
Khione smiled. "Thank you for coming tonight. It means a lot."
Helena stepped forward and wrapped Khione in a warm hug. "Of course. Happy birthday, Khione. I'll see you soon."
With that, Helena left, disappearing into the night.
Khione lingered on the balcony for a moment longer, gazing up at the stars. The weight of her responsibilities felt distant for now, and the peace of the evening settled over her like a blanket.
She took a deep breath, then turned and headed back inside, the cool night air fading behind her.