WARNING: Mentions of excessive alcohol drinking [picture from the internet] -------------------------Stargazing------------------------ She stood on the balcony, the warm light and chatter spilling out of the doors and windows. The rooms rung with laughter as the lords and ladies drank glass after glass of wine, their rich clothes stained with the red wines that dribbled down their fat chins. That is why she had left. She had never liked the royal balls. They always drank too much, and their manners were disgusting. The fat lords stuffing their faces and wiping their large, pudgy hands on their splendid clothes, while others in the kingdom shivered in rags, and their stomachs growled from hunger. The ladies dripped with jewels and finery, but were short-tempered and petty, raising their shrill voices to complain to their husbands about every little thing not brought to their satisfaction. She looked up at the stars. A cool wind blew, and she shivered. It was a cool night, and her thin dress did little to warm her. She had forgotten her coat. But it was quiet outside. The stars winked in the dark velvet of the night sky, their silvery light mixing with the moon’s bright, pure light. “Lady Cara?” A quiet voice broke the silence. Cara drew in a breath and gripped the railing of the balcony. “Yes. It is I.” She turned slowly and saw a man standing in the doorway. He was young. Tall. And sober. He was a visitor from another kingdom. She tried to remember his name. “Lord Keagen.” “I . . . observed you were alone.” “Yes, that is why I came out here. I wished for solitude.” “Oh.” They stood for a moment quietly. “Do you wish something of me lord?” “No, no I – are you not cold my lady?” “Not so much that I wish to go in.” “Have you not a cloak?” “Not here my lord.” “Ah.” He stood quietly for a few moments fidgeting with the end of his cloak. He raised his eyes and asked quietly: “Do you wish to borrow my coat lady?” “No sir. I would not dream of it. It is not so cold.” “Surely, it is no great deal.” She held his gaze for a moment. The night wind whipped through the balcony. She shivered. He held out his cloak, kindness in his eyes. She was taken aback. Not many people took the time to be kind. Or even give it thought. She finally complied: “As you wish.” He stepped forward and wrapped the cloak around her shoulders. Their eyes met. “Thank you,” she breathed. He stepped back, but lingered. “Do you wish something?” He smiled awkwardly. “Might I stay a while?” “If you wish. I do not hinder you.” They both stood on the balcony, their eyes gazing upward at the bright stars above, their backs turned to the gluttony inside. By milk-n-c00kies
