Trafalgar kept Aubrelle's hand in his as they rose from the bench. Beyond the terrace, the lamps along the garden paths burned brighter as the last of the daylight drained away, and music drifted up from the pavilion below.
"I'll send word as soon as Valttair tells me whether I'm needed at the castle," he said. "I don't intend to stay away any longer than necessary."
Aubrelle drew closer, her fingers curling around his arm. Pipin kept watch from her shoulder, turning his head now and then toward the people passing behind them, and he caught sight of the woman heading their way well before Trafalgar did.
"It looks like someone has been searching for you," Aubrelle said.
Zafira was crossing from the western pavilion, where several members of House Zar'khael had gathered near the way out to the transport platforms. She still wore her Council attire, though she had traded the heavier outer layer from earlier for a lighter cloak. She greeted Aubrelle first, then turned to Trafalgar.
