THE AIR IS THICK WITH THE SCENT OF FRESHLY CUT FLOWERS , dozens of arrangements set on tables scattered about and placed in stands around the glistening room . it’s complicated to get through , navigating marble columns , servers dashing about with shiny trays of hors d’ouevres , and the small flock of fellow guests invited to attend this luxurious ball . . . but somehow lord athan beaumont and his dutiful bodyguard make it through to an empty bit of floor on the sidelines . while people dance and make merry to the tune of a small orchestra , sebastian scans the elite crowd for another champagne-laden passerby . ❝ you’re giving me permission to drink while on the job , correct ? ❞ a server walks past . sebastian coaxes two flutes of champagne from his white gloves and hands one to athan . ❝ CORRECT ? ❞ he says again , desperate to verify , a wide grin full across his face . of course athan will say yes — the two have become great friends in the years since sebastian took over this role beside him , and while there’s some level of WORK still implied here at this party . . . he knows his friend will encourage some fun . once given the go-ahead , sebastian takes a sip from his own glass . ❝ thank god . and — THANK YOU . i love working for you , athan , my friend , but in order to survive a night like this . . . ❞ one more sip , a bit more polite than the last , ❝ i’m going to need some liquid courage . and maybe some of those mini food things they’ve got wandering around . ❞ sebastian lightly bumps into the lord’s shoulder , grin brightening , just as the musicians finish their song and the dancers littering the ballroom stop their spins . there’s some movement from castle guards just then , a bit of showmanship at the top of the stairs with trumpets , some classic viridis fanfare , and sebastian shoots athan a look . he opens his mouth to ask another question ( this is his first time in one of the two twin countries , but athan , he supposes , has better knowledge of all the royal behaviors and traditions ) . . . but is quickly interrupted by the announcement of the ball’s hosts — PRINCE MASON AND PRINCESS ALICE . the entire crowd of guests abandons their seats at their tables in favor of standing in respect , and sebastian gives athan a nudge right before the royals appear . he’s not expecting the change in the air , the shift in the world around them . he’s not expecting the hazel eyes of a handsome prince , and , he imagines , athan’s not expecting HER , EITHER .