Lumina stepped out of her chamber, the heavy door closing softly behind her.
Ero waited by the doorway, his head bowed in silence until she spoke.
"If Ashen returns before I do, tell him I have gone to the Moonlight Ball," she said. Her tone was calm, but her fingers brushed lightly against the folds of her gown, betraying her unease. "Tell him not to trouble himself, I will be back before he knows it."
Ero's gaze lifted. "Do you sense danger, my lady?"
Her lips curved faintly. "I cannot say. But if I am mistaken, no harm will come of it. And if I am not…" her voice softened, "then let the shame fall where it belongs."
Without another word, she began strolling down the long corridor and Stella followed close behind.
They reached the tall doors of the grand hall. A servant stepped forward, bowing low before raising his voice to announce her name.
"Princess Lumina of the Celestial Realm, future wife of Prince Ashen of Drakonia."
