[Ilya resents being here, at this charade of a marriage. Svetlana deserves better than being promised to someone she doesn't know, and Ilya had been vocal about that, despite his father's anger. But she was going along with it to keep the peace, which meant that Ilya was here with her, supporting, no matter how much he wanted better for her.
He'd been by her side most of the night, a judgmental shadow for anyone trying to suck up to her. But he'd ducked out for a smoke. He hadn't expected Svetlana's future husband and the Prince to come out too.
Ilya didn't say anything at first, just studied the prince. He was handsome, but stiff. Ilya would guess that he hated events like this, just from looking at him. When he finally spoke up, it was low and accented.]
How did you manage to slip away? Everyone is watching you.
[Ilya held out the pack of cigarettes in offering.]
no subject
He'd been by her side most of the night, a judgmental shadow for anyone trying to suck up to her. But he'd ducked out for a smoke. He hadn't expected Svetlana's future husband and the Prince to come out too.
Ilya didn't say anything at first, just studied the prince. He was handsome, but stiff. Ilya would guess that he hated events like this, just from looking at him. When he finally spoke up, it was low and accented.]
How did you manage to slip away? Everyone is watching you.
[Ilya held out the pack of cigarettes in offering.]