“I like to believe I see more than most.” He said it so plainly that it was hard to say for certain if he was teasing or not, but that was often his way. “Perhaps I came here to hide, myself.”
Hard to imagine, the way he seemed to thrive under the spotlight. It had always come naturally to him, or at the very least he had made it seem that way. He leaned against the railing now, forearms supporting his weight, and surveyed those milling below. She was likely to draw more eyes with him there, if nothing else because his wings were discernible at a distance, but there were still few who ever looked up to begin with. And up here, he had no advantage over her, except perhaps some familiarity with those who frequented court aiding in identifying who was who.
“Have you seen anything worthwhile? Usually they all seem aimless enough. It always makes me a bit sad.” He said it as if he weren’t sure precisely why, which seemed unusual for someone so analytical. “Over there,” he pointed to indicate where he meant, “is the only place on palace grounds that I have never been. Sidonie’s mother always kept the section off limits to anyone who was not of royal blood, and Sidonie maintained the restriction…”
He was thoughtful for a moment, but it was plain enough what he was thinking. No one was around to tell him no anymore, and there was a boyish urge to explore and to push past the old boundaries which had somehow survived through all his years being shaped into something more refined.