Aegis stepped into the gala with her hand around Lune's waist.
The ballroom erupted in whispers.
[Good. Let them talk.]
She'd specifically left her Commoner's Locket back in the dorm. Tonight wasn't about blending in. Tonight was about making waves so big they'd drown in gossip for weeks.
"You're enjoying this," Lune murmured.
"Immensely." Aegis leaned in, speaking over the jazzy music. "Gowns that cost more than villages, expensive alcohol that tastes like disappointment, murder plots being arranged between dance partners. Isn't this what life is all about?"
"I suppose." Lune scanned the room. At least for once, she wasn't burning a hole through Aegis's skull with her stare.
They wove through the crowd. Nobles parted like the sea, some sneering, others openly gawking at Aegis's dress. Or what there was of it. It was somewhat scarce in strategic places.
"Aegis! Over here!"
