Edward gave a dazzling smile.
"I love to hunt," he said, giving her a short spin and then leading her on, his feet nimble and elegant, his tone full of enjoyment. "It will be my party who rides out."
Edward always liked to attend any hunt, and enjoyed the sport more than almost anything else. Stephen had never attended one, for he was a bleeding heart and uninterested.
"Will you be riding in the party?" he asked her, for whilst women were not always part of the actual sport, they sometimes did ride among the men for the thrill.
Avril pulled a face at her.
"Of course we're going to try," she said with great determination. "I'm not sure about asking mother to go to your house, but we're going to try it."
There was a child-like spark in Avril's eyes, like a great surprise was to be had. For her, this adventure was just that. She might not even get as far as the gates, but the idea of being normal, out there for a minute, like everyone else.
"You'll have to help me with my outfit," she beamed. "And how to wear my hair. Will I be recognized? I hope not. I only pray she doesn't insist Kelin come with me."
Kelin was the General of the Imperial Guard, and her father's personal body guard. When a family member, other than Edward, left the palace, Kelin normally made one of the party. He was a Twilight elf, which meant he would be able to spot mischief a mile off. She thought he was a little scary, but Stephen had always liked him and Avril had grown to realize he wasn't that scary, though she would have hated to be on his bad side.
"We'll go and see mother," Avril said. "The ball is close to it's end now."
It was true. There was still some dancing, but there was also announcements for carriages and bowing to the King and Queen before departures.
"You'd better do the asking," said Avril to her friend as they walked closer, lowering her voice. "It would seem off coming from me."