Any remnant of internal strength left in Freya vanishes as Rory inches closer, the scared part of her rising up and taking over. She turns to Lilli, “Can we please go somewhere? Anywhere?"
“You can't avoid him forever," Lilli responds, looking between her and Rory. Freya can't bear to look at Merlyn next to her who has gone still, no doubt his face in an apathetic mask with Rory nearby.
“I know," Freya answers, her eyes pleading, “But, I can for right now."
Lilli's tension breaks, laughing lightly, “Scaredy-cat." She grabs Freya's hand, and leads her to the wine table. Away from Rory.
Now a safe distance away, Freya glances back to where they were just standing which is now occupied by both Rory and Merlyn. Freya's cheeks heat, this time not from the dress.
Lilli notices too, rai
