The night was pleasant, not to cold, neither too warm. The guests arrived, the party started. Ashera and her people were not the only one performing tonight. So they waited behind the curtains and waited for someone to call them.
Finally a man came and called. Ashera didn't remember what happened after that. Her anxiety and nervousness were so severe, even Marina had a hard time focusing on anything. Ashera didn't sing from her heart that night. She sang from her reflex. She knew it was not the best. But when the guests clapped, she felt her heart calm down a bit.
She went back-stage. Marina saw that she was still shaking. It would have been great if she could went out to get some fresh air. As it Ashera could hear her thought, she excused herself and went to find a open space. They were not allowed to leave the banquet unless the King announces the party over.
Behind, there was an open corridor. She leaned onto the rail, the ground was lower than she expected. She pulled off her tight black shoes and sat on the rail, her legs dangling off, something Marina knew she liked to do to cool off. The wind blew on her face and instantly Marina felt her relax.
"I though you were going to jump off"
Her heart skipped a bit and she almost fell over if her reflex did not kick in. Marina saw a handsome man standing in the shadow of a tall stone beam, hand stretched out and eyes wide in shock. He quickly recovered his posture.
"Well, sorry for that", he muttered.
The man was neatly dressed in a dark suit and gold accessories. Marina could tell he was no ordinary person, perhaps the son of a businessman or count? She felt her cheeks warm up. Ashera quickly tried to come down from the rail, it was not an appropriate state she was in, "I am extremely sorry-"
"Don't worry! You may stay how you are. It's quite alright"
But she did not listen to him and got down anyway. While she bent down to wear her shoes, he quietly stood beside her.
"You have a very beautiful voice."
"Huh?"
"Back there, you sang a song right?"
"Ah! Yes, yes.", then she remembered what they taught her.
"It is an honour to be able to perform for you tonight." She said with an 'elegant' bow but to her surprise, she heard him chuckle.
"You don't have to be formal with me. I am Edward, by the way. You may call be Ed."
He raised his hand to her. She took it and shook. The man named Ed was a bit surprised and there was a soft smile hanging in the corner.
The rest of the night went quickly. They talked a lot, and they laughed at each others jokes. They quickly became close friends. Ashera didn't ask who he was. She assumed that he was also someone like her, someone who also didn't want to be there.
But Marina had different thoughts. The man looked casual but still prim and proper. He was no ordinary man. But she also couldn't remember him in back in the party because of Ashera's panic.
Marina woke up before the end of their conversation. She sat on her bed and wondered what happened after that.