The evening progressed in a blur of introductions and calculated conversations. As the crowd gradually thinned, Theo leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Would you like some air? There's a private balcony off the east wing with a beautiful view of the gardens."
The prospect of escaping the weight of so many watchful eyes was too tempting to refuse. I nodded, grateful when he guided us toward a discreet side door rather than cutting directly across the ballroom floor. The route he chose avoided Benjamin entirely—a consideration that didn't escape my notice.
The night air embraced us as we stepped onto the balcony, cool and fresh against my flushed skin. After the perfumed stuffiness of the ballroom, the clean scent of night-blooming flowers and distant pine forest felt like fre
