Leon felt like a fish forced to struggle on land, every second pure torment. The air in the ballroom seemed to have solidified into walls, squeezing in on him. The watchful glances, the whispers, all pierced his already fragile nerves like countless tiny needles. Eleanor's humiliation, Victor's warning, Elisa's inscrutable silence... It all made him desperate to escape, if only for a moment's reprieve.
Taking advantage of a moment when no one was watching, he slipped out of the main hall and wandered aimlessly down a side corridor lined with thick carpet. The Windsor Residence was astonishingly vast, its passageways winding past priceless oil paintings and tapestries, with exquisite porcelain displayed in quiet alcoves. It was far quieter here than in the bustling ballroom. Only the faint music in the distance reminded him that he was still at a banquet.
He found a window alcove furnished with a velvet-cushioned bench. Leon sank onto it and drew a deep breath, feeling his taut nerves relax a little. He loosened his collar, and breathing became easier. Outside lay the residence's inner garden, still lush and green despite the winter thanks to magic. A few ground lights cast a gentle glow.
However, the peace he craved did not last long. A set of light, measured footsteps approached, accompanied by a girl's clear, lilting voice, touched with youthful sweetness.
"Brother, do we really have to go back? It's so stuffy in there. I want to get some more fresh air."
"Annie, listen. Mother was looking for you just now, and plenty of guests want to meet you. It's impolite to stay away too long," a young man replied. His voice was gentle but left no room for argument.
Leon's heart lurched! That voice... It was Reinhardt Windsor! And the little girl called Annie! He