Perna gazed at the Crown Prince's retreating figure, worried he might be upset over the dance, and wanted to follow but hesitated.
Suddenly, she remembered her duty to monitor His Highness's health and, pursing her lips, she pushed through the glaring noble maidens and chased after Joseph.
Joseph tightened his mask, yanked off the bothersome shawl, and wriggled his way out of the crowd.
He took a deep breath and wiped off his sweat. Taking the opportunity while the birds had not yet caught him, he hunched over and slipped out next to the great door of the Hall of Mirrors.
The night air of Versailles Palace Square was cool and fresh. He stretched his arms and walked at a leisurely pace, feeling much relieved and secretly swearing in his heart never to attend such balls again.
In the dim light of the courtyard lamps, Eman, dressed as a maid, could barely make out the Crown Prince's figure and hurried over, "Your Highness, why did you come out so early?"