A glint like glass caught his eyes. At the back of the ballroom glided a young woman. She was alone, eyes so wide that he could tell how sky blue they were from across the room. She spun to take in the palace, pale blue dress swirling around her legs like waves, and he caught a glimpse of her wide, pleased smile. Her joy lit the room like a star. He couldn’t recall the last time he had been that happy. August broke protocol, stepped down from his place, and quickly made his way to her. Maybe he could find what he was missing.

