"For the last time, Ernol, we will not go to the people. Excuse me if I don't find much comfort in the prospect of going to the Gha'alian masses for help."

Cerelia rolled her eyes, but she kept a smile on her lips. She could almost see his scowl, even if she didn't even turn to look at him. They were both talking quietly and watching Haron and Gabrielle dance. She needed to practice for the upcoming party at Lonre's house, after all.

"It might or might not work, but it certainly puts you in a lot less danger than sneaking into my grandfather's home."

"Duliae said we could handle it, and I was under the impression that you trusted your best friend."

"I know my friend. And that implies knowing that, sometimes, his words of confidence must be taken with a grain of salt. He's resourceful, yes, and you have proven yourself to be... resilient." Cerelia arched an eyebrow at that. "But the masses are predictable; Gawloyes is not."

Cerelia laughed delighted when Gabrielle stepped on Haron's foot.

"Are you even listening to me?"

She sighed and turned to face him. Ernol was staring at her with a deep frown. She felt herself soften: he was truly concerned.

"Neither Duliae nor I are reckless. We will be careful and take as little risks as possible. I will look out for him."

Ernol let all his weight fall to the wall with a grunt.

"You should both be careful. In fact, neither of you should go."

Cerelia chuckled at that. She tried to mask the fluttering feeling in her stomach with amusement.

"I see you and Gabrielle are of the same mind."

"Then maybe you should listen to us."

Cerelia averted her gaze. His black eyes were fixated on her and if she didn't know any better, she would have thought him capable of doing anything to get her to stay. Nevertheless, she wouldn't be deterred.

"I've listened to both of you. And unlike you, Gabrielle did understand that this is a necessary evil."

She tried not to sound too harsh. Ernol wouldn't mind a little harshness, but she was quite touched with his concern. Cerelia watched her friend master one of the most difficult steps with the biggest smile she had seen in months, and her resolve increased. This was the correct path.

"You won't yield, will you?" Ernol grumbled.

"And here I thought you found my stubbornness quite charming."

Her joke was met with silence.

Cerelia felt the blush ignite her cheeks and she made a point of not looking at him.

Time to change the subject.

"I will keep an eye on your friend if you keep an eye on mine. You haven't talked wonders of your father, exactly, and neither has Duliae, so you understand that you're not the only one concerned about your loved ones."

Ernol made a strange noise, like he was choking.

"My lov...?"

"You're probably the one who has the most to lose, and yet you were willing to help us for him. It is a peculiar friendship, no offense, but I now you care." They exchanged a look. Ernol seemed confused for a moment, and even... annoyed, but he recovered quickly. "Well, I only have one thing to lose. And I am not willing to lose her."

She had allowed more emotion to show in her words than she wanted. When Ernol answered, he sounded almost reassuring.

"If it's going to make you feel more at ease, I will knock down the door myself if my father tries to get her alone."

Cerelia laughed.

"Now that would be a sight."

"Gabrielle will be fine. I bet my brother won't leave her side for the whole night, anyway. Just look at the fool." He pointed at the dancing couple, as if trying to prove his point.

Haron was embracing Gabrielle and lowering her body until her hair almost touched the floor. They looked at each other, breathless and with matching grins. Then, without apparent effort, he straightened her. His hands abandoned her waist and hand to cup her face adoringly and for one moment Cerelia thought he would kiss her. Haron didn't seem to have such intentions, though; they were simply enjoying each other's closeness. They were still smiling.

"Bravo, madralee! You're a natural!"

Gabrielle giggled, her cheeks turning pink.

Cerelia was happy for them, but she was also beginning to feel a little awkwardness at her own proximity to Ernol. Being witness to such a display of affection was somewhat... embarrassing. She took a deep breath.

"I still feel better knowing you will look after her."

"You could come as well, and you wouldn't have to worry about leaving Gabrielle alone with my father and his... guests."

"Look at you, Silvertongue." Cerelia smiled at him. "No, I think I can trust you with her."

Ernol straightened at that.

"Then I'll trust that you'll come back in one piece."

"We..."

"You."

They stared at each other in silence. She was trying very hard to keep her emotions in check. He was trying, too. Things always seemed to get a little too intense when they were around each other.

When Cerelia spoke again, there was something new in her voice. She refused to put a name to it.

"I'll come back, Ernol."

It was a promise.