Emrys followed her through the garden, half his attention on her and half on his surroundings. He was continually aware of their proximity to the rest of the party, and their diminishing chances of being overheard, seen, or interrupted. They were moving towards solitude, or as much solitude as could be had at a party like this. Emrys let his mind wander towards what she might be planning, leading him off and getting him alone — and then she went through the hedge. His heart rate increased slightly as he followed her. They were properly alone, then; none of the guests would know where to find them. Her family might, but she would know better than him what the risk of that was tonight. He surveyed the enclave, taking in the fountain and the wondrous sculpture at the center, but his eyes went back to her before he responded.

"Magnificent," he pronounced. "Does your father hide all his most prized possessions away like this?"

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