The ball is so... Fake. As fake as his marriage, as fake as his ostentatious mask. He stands on the balcony, sipping his wine, hoping that Stella is too distracted by the partygoers to come looking for him. She'd likely yell at him for being antisocial. He exhales, drawing a deep sip of his wine. His tailfeathers flick, and his eyes all drift shut. He hates these damned social events his wife arranges. It's all for appearances, all to make it seem like their life is so much better than it is. Stolas would have left a long time ago if not for their daughter. His eyes peer open as he hears someone approaching from beside him.

Them. He'd seen them as they'd entered the palace, and they're even more beautiful up close. Stolas finds himself freezing up a little bit, though he hides it behind the expected stoic pretense of a Prince. A man of his stature. Yes. That's who this party is for. He lowers his glass and he turns his head away from them, looking out over the land he's expected to rule. "Needed some air, I take it?" Stolas pipes up, finally breaking the silence between the two. The party inside is still audible, though not as much of a disturbance from the balcony. Stay cool, Stolas. Stay cool. Be only what is expected.