Threats in the Shadows

Ercilia is already close to falling asleep, so near to dozing off on Giselle's shoulder.

She hasn't made an appearance at the banquet yet. If she ends up not coming, everyone will make a fuss. But she'll still rather have her rest than show up in this state.

"Hey, is it okay to let her be…?" Hermes chimed, glancing at Ercilia worriedly before looking at Giselle.

"I mean, they will come looking for her, though I understand if she wants to rest, of course." 

Before she can say something in reply to that, she picks up the sound of approaching footsteps. 

Then come the cheers and yells of children as they enter the drawing room. The pitter patter of their feet echoes across the hall as they race down the stairs.

Ercilia flinches in surprise at the noise. Giselle is quick to offer words of assurance.

Hermes, on the other hand, rushes towards the door so as to not get caught slacking.