Edward inclined his head slightly. "Your Majesty."
"Please, just call me Arthur,"
The prince waved off the formality as he led Edward toward the balcony. The air outside was sharp and crisp, carrying the faint scent of roasted meats and wine drifting from the banquet hall.
"How are you finding the banquet so far?" he asked.
"Good," Edward replied, his eyes still scanning the guests inside through the glass.
"I saw you brought two girls with you." The prince's tone carried a mischievous edge. "I must say, I didn't take you for the type…"
"What? No, I—"
"I'm only jesting. Relax." The prince chuckled, though his eyes didn't lose their keen glimmer. He leaned on the balcony's stone railing, gazing out over the torch-lit town below. "I've made all the arrangements for tomorrow, but…" His voice lowered, almost confessional. "I can't shake this uneasy feeling. Are you certain we can trust the words of your friend?"
Edward paused.
