"Your Highness? Your Highness!"
Alderon followed Nerissa Delvaris as she made her way toward the balcony. When Harlond called out to him, Alderon simply raised a finger to his lips, giving him a quick shushing gesture.
Alderon adjusted the silk cuffs, letting his fingers brush against the golden thread as he stepped out onto the moonlit stone terrace. His usual easy charm rested naturally on his face, a relaxed half-smile he wore whenever he wanted people to know he meant no harm.
At the sound of his boots, the woman standing near the balustrade turned her head. Her dark gown rustled softly, but she didn't jump or gasp at his sudden presence. She didn't drop her fan or fumble with her skirts the way most young noblewomen did whenever the Crown Prince caught them off guard all alone.
