"Perhaps. There is, of course, also the possibility that it's me in particular that they don't know how to approach," Eira replied with a smile that bordered on self-deprecating. "After all, most people find me rather intimidating. I hardly see why. I'm a perfectly pleasant individual. When I have to be, anyways," she added the latter with a smile that once again made it difficult to tell whether she was joking or being serious.<br/><br/>She didn't miss the way his attention was temporarily diverted, or the way his countenance shifted somewhat. The ever-so-slight tension in his muscles, the shift in his eyes, the way he paused, all of it told her that he was a bit tense, that he was acutely aware of his surroundings, as though he were watching and waiting for something.<br/><br/>She noticed the guards moving after speaking with someone. They appeared to be searching for someone--him, she supected. Nevertheless, she kept her attention focused on him, not letting any of her thoughts slip through. There was no reason to let him know her suspicions now. Somehow, it was more fun this way.<br/><br/>"I've met at least a few whose dancing skills were far more lacking than your own, and I've certainly met worse conversationalists," she replied honestly, as she had never had the desire to lie for the sake of flattery. "Not that I'm the best judge of the latter. Conversing has never been a strength of mine," she added with a small smile. She took note of the way he turned his body slightly when the music shifted. Clever. It was a subtle move, unnoticeable to anyone not paying close attention.<br/><br/>She was a bit surprised by his next question and a hint of curiosity showed in her expression for a brief moment before she quickly wiped it away and replaced it with a small smile. "Good question. I have a feeling that this night will be rather memorable as is," she replied, her voice and expression making it impossible to figure out what the meaning was behind those words.<br/><br/>She was silent for a few moments, until the song came to an end. As the others around gave their bows and curtsies to their partners, she did the same. Once she stood up straight once more, however, she took his hand and gestured for him to follow her. "Come with me," she spoke the words as she turned to lead him off of the dance floor, towards the adjacent balcony. She got the distinct feeling that he was the one the guards were looking for, and they were getting closer to them now that the song was over.<br/><br/>Despite her position, there wasn't much she could really do if the guards caught him. After all, her country needed all the allies it could get right now. She couldn't afford to upset a potential ally to save someone she barely knew, no matter how intriguing he may be. It was frustrating, being constrained by politics. She hated playing the political game, but for the sake of her country, for the sake of her people, she had to. It was one of the unfortunate downsides to being a queen.<br/><br/>Nevertheless, she could help him to evade the guards, at least for a little while longer. After all, she had a feeling that he was likely the most interesting company she would find here, especially outside of those she was already well acquainted with. She wasn't quite ready to surrender herself to the inevitable boredom of the evening just yet, so she would do her best to keep him out of sight, without seeming like it was her intention.<br/><br/>Once they reached the balcony she released his hand and closed the doors behind them. It was a little chilly out, but the cold didn't bother her in the slightest. She expected that they wouldn't be bothered out here, as most people would prefer to stay inside where it was warm. She hoped that the slight chill wouldn't bother him too much. "It's a little quieter out here," she gave this as an explanation for why she had brought him out here. "I hope it's not too cold for you," she added, wondering if it would bother him or not, although she had a feeling that he would rather face the cold than the guards, even if it did.