He smiled.
It caught Skylar off guard, but she continued towards Caspian and her utterly bewildered and embarrassed parents. When she was close enough, she curtsied, remembering her manners. Another loose leaf fell from her hair, and it was comical the way everyone watched it float and spin through the air and onto the ground. Her parents' did not say anything. Skylar assumed they were still finding the right words; they wouldn't be able to say what they truly wanted with Caspian around.
It was Caspian who broke the tense and awkward silence. He bowed, a hand on his heart, the smile still on his face.
"As am I, my Lady. My day has been made brighter by your arrival."
Skylar smiled, her lips stiff. Now that he was closer, she couldn't help but observe, and picked up more of the finer details.
The rumours were true. Caspian Everus was a handsome man. With dark, majestic eyes, waves of black hair and thick brows, a strong jaw and an even stronger presence.
His clothes represented his status. A wonderfully tailored black coat with a high collar, embellished with gold and shimmering buttons. Every detail fit the story of a great Lord, down to the sheath of his sword and its hilt, which bore the image of a Wolf to represent his House and crest.
Skylar grew curious; she wished to see his sword. It was a weapon of Xoras, of which she had heard a great amount about. House Everus was powerful. They were mighty warriors, their armour crafted from black iron, their swords forged from steel, and blackened with a technique known only to the blacksmiths of Xoras. It made their weaponry stronger and swifter, carving through flesh effortlessly.
It was their might, their increasing victories, and their protection of the realm against the Nomad territories that earned House Everys the favour of the King.
On the other hand, House Astros was losing it.
The thought flickered through her mind, envy and resentment clouding her mind like a shadow, but she pushed it away. Now was not the time.
"Skylar. Darling." Her mother's voice was strained, controlled in that way that meant she was barely containing herself. "You are… not yet ready."
Beside her, Alfred stood silent, his expression unreadable.
Caspian inclined his head toward her parents. "Lord Astros. Lady Velcourt." His voice commanded attention, shattering the tension that surrounded them. "I wonder if I might have a moment to speak with Lady Skylar before the ball, as was originally planned."
Saira stepped forward. "Perhaps it might be better after the ball, my Lord. The guests are waiting, and Skylar clearly needs more time to—"
"Oh, but Mother." Skylar's voice was light, innocent, and she took a step towards her betrothed. "Lord Caspian has been waiting all this time for me. I do not wish to make him wait any longer. And besides, we may not have time after the ball. There will be so many congratulations, after all. So many well-wishers."
Saira's eyes flashed Skylar a warning.
Caspian turned to Alfred, his expression respectful. "With your permission, of course, Lord Astros. I would be honoured to escort Lady Skylar to the ball myself." He paused. "I believe you should not be away from your own celebration any longer. A ball honouring your alliance with your bannermen, an allyship and loyalty I have always admired. I, too wish to sit where you sit, and inspire my men the way you do, Lord Astros. Even though my father has trusted me to lead our House, I fear I still have many things to learn."
Skylar did not expect to hear such praise for her father from Caspian. She studied his profile, searching for a lie, but found none.
Alfred regarded Caspian for a long moment. Then he nodded.
"Very well."
"My Lord—" Saira began.
Alfred raised a hand and continued to speak. "I agree." His gaze shifted to Skylar. "There may not be time after the ball. I will accept your request."
Saira's mouth pressed into a thin line, but she said nothing.
"After you speak with her, please escort her not to the ball, but to her chambers. It seems my daughter needs more time to get ready."
His expression was stern, his words hardened with an edge. But for some reason, Skylar did not falter under her father's gaze. She never had before. But, then again, she had never gone this far before to go against him. Alfred held her gaze for a moment longer, then turned and offered his arm to Saira. "Let us depart. The guests are waiting."
Saira hesitated, clearly fighting the urge to object further. But Saira knew the battle was lost. She took her husband's arm and they walked away, their footsteps fading down the corridor.
At the corner, Saira glanced back. It was a look that promised many words and consequences would be exchanged later.
Then they were gone.
Skylar stood alone in the hallway with Caspian Everus.
The silence stretched. Skylar looked behind her, her eyes searching for any signs that Lucian had remained behind. But there was no sign of him. Thankfully, he had listened. Only the leaves that had fallen from her hair when he pulled her out of sight remained in view. She hoped her parents wouldn't blame him, and that Lucian wouldn't take the fall. She didn't regret it, and she was ready to shoulder whatever consequence came her way.
Skylar returned her attention to Caspian, who had turned to face her fully. That smile was still there, but it was different. It had changed somehow, less polite and more… challenging.
"Well, Lady Skylar." His dark eyes swept over her again, taking in every leaf, every tear, every smudge of dirt. "You have certainly gone to great lengths to see me."
Skylar lifted her chin. "Yes, I have. I wanted to make an impression."
"Oh, you have." He stepped closer. Skylar stepped back. His smile faded and his eyes grew colder. "I assure you, I will never forget this moment."