They followed a servant to the banquet hall. Ledus joined prince Jarin while Kade sat in the place of honor with his comrades. There was good food, music, and dancing. Jarin walked around greeting guests and talking with friends. Ledus was always a few steps behind, though no one ever talked with him, he was simply there as a feast for the eyes. Tyel was just behind Ledus, preventing anyone from getting near. Kade could not stand it in the least. He watched as the poor boy followed silently, his small figure, his emotionless face, and every once in a while, he could see him shivering. It was made even worse with the fact that this was supposed to be a birthday party for Ledus. Kade leaned over and whispered something to one of his subordinates who nodded and smiled cunningly.

As the party went on, Jarin found himself drinking joyously with a small group of guests, mainly the visiting envoys. Tyel walked up and whispered to Jarin. “My lord, it is already four. I must take Ledus to his room.” Jarin nodded and waved them away. Tyel escorted Ledus from the banquet hall up to his room, Kade stealthily followed them.

The minute they reached the top of the stairs, Ledus began taking off the jewels, while Tyel closed the curtains. As he sat at the mirror, Ledus noticed Kade slip behind one of the curtains. Without thinking, he shoved the tray with his night snack and drink off of the vanity. The loud sound of the dishes shattering startled everyone. Tyel rushed over to check on Ledus. “What happened?”

“I’m sorry, I placed the necklace down but it started to slip, when I went to grab it, I accidentally hit the tray.” Tyel sighed as he examined Ledus for wounds.

“Good, the shards didn’t hit you. Don’t move, I have one last curtain. I’ll close it, clean this up, then get you a new drink.”

Ledus finished taking out the jewels and undid his hair. The whole time, his attention was focused on the curtain Kade was behind. After Tyel had cleaned up the broken dishes, Ledus stood up and began to struggle with taking off his clothes. Tyel sighed and gave him a hand, all the while Ledus carefully watched the curtain in the mirror. “You know, if you paid attention to how they put it on you, it would be easier for you to figure out how to take it off.” Ledus blushed.

“No, I just try to ignore how many times they pinch me.” He quickly slipped out of the clothes and into his nightgown. It was lined with fur to help keep him warm.

“Ledus, this is for you.” Tyel handed him a small box. Inside was a small stone enveloped by glass connected to a gold chain. “I know I can’t show you the stars, but I can give you a piece of one that fell from the sky.” Ledus slipped the chain around his neck then gave Tyel a tight hug.

“Thank you.”

“I know it’s hard for you, but just remember. I love you, I always will. Happy birthday Ledus.” He kissed the boy on the forehead then took the tray and left to get a new one.