Before anyone noticed.
She took one step sideways.
Then another.
Then—
She ducked behind a buffet table stacked with lemon tarts.
She peered out.
There he was.
Alone. Again.
His back was half-turned. He watched the musicians play, expression unreadable.
She adjusted her gloves.
Straightened her shoulders.
Then marched right up to him and—
Tugged his sleeve.
The fabric felt like midnight clouds.
"Your Grace?"
He turned his head.
One brow raised. "...Yes?"
She blinked.
Oh no. Up close, he was even more intimidating.
But she channeled all her inner fluff.
Tilted her head.
Gave the biggest, softest puppy-dog eyes she could manage.
And said, "Would you… perhaps… honor me with a moment?"
Altair stared at her for a long, long second.
Silence stretched.
Fluffy whispered, "Deploy charm. Deploy charm!"
She didn't blink.
Didn't flinch.
She just looked up at him with all the hope and polite mischief she could conjure.
And then—
A single corner of his mouth lifted.
