Beatrice excused herself from the dining hall, feigning the need for fresh air. In truth, she just wanted a moment to let the tension drain from her shoulders. Winning the verbal battle had been satisfying, but it had also been exhausting.
She stepped onto one of the palace balconies, the cool night air brushing against her skin. The sky was dark, speckled with stars, and for a moment, she allowed herself the rare luxury of silence.
Until footsteps echoed behind her.
Beatrice sighed. "You know, if you've come to tell me I should have kept my mouth shut, I'll have to ignore you on principle."
Francois leaned against the stone railing beside her, gaze fixed on the courtyard below.
"I don't recall saying anything."
"Yet." She smirked.
"You surprised them."
Beatrice exhaled. "Yes, well... I do love a good performance."
Francois turned his head slightly, his blue eyes searching hers.
"You weren't performing."
