high enough

Fraternizing with an Antivan royal had been something she'd always kept close to her chest. No one, not even her brother knew about her relationship with Fran and she had intended to be sure it stayed that way. She remembered the first time she'd met them all those years ago when they'd demanded she kiss them. Of course, it was years later that she met them again and that time it was more than a kiss. Years of praise, sweet nothings as they kissed her skin should of had her used to compliments, of positive reinforcement from the other royal. Yet, hearing Fran praise her as they approached set her skin on fire. Entertaining. It was better than not being entertaining, right?

Manon could feel Fran approaching from behind as Byron moved towards them, specifically herself. Her heart hammered in her chest but her face was a mask of confidence as he grasped her smaller hand in his. Expertly, she dipped into a curtsy, lowering her head, only to meet his gaze when he pressed his lips into her palm. As charming as ever, she grinned as she stood to her full height and still he towered over her; just like he had back in her teens when she'd bartered with him to let her leave the party early. How curious that they met in similar circumstances. "The last time we saw each other you asked for a dance in turn for keeping quiet, if I remember correctly." Daringly she grasped his hand as he once again pressed his lips to her knuckles this time.

Manon may not be betrothed or married even at her age but it was not because she wasn't good at winning one over. No, that was something out of her control and she was going to grasp about the throat before she was buried by the Witch of the Wilds. "Have you always been so charming, Byron?" It felt more natural to use his name in this instance as he turned to stand between them, her hand still grasped in his much larger one, smiling as he winked. Was this a game he was playing? Royals always played games but she thought better of him for it, still she was intrigued.

Manon's gaze slid to Fran at his words, words that put it all into perspective of what Fran had endured. And what Byron had dealt with. Most would of tossed Fran out for such slights. Did she realized how good she had it? "It is quite a show, that fire." She smirked, her eyes never leaving Fran, even as Byron moved to wrap his arm around her. For a moment, Manon just stood and watched them, her arm extended out so her hand could grasp Byron's still. Like a tether that could be solidified or snapped at a singular decision. A decision that would have consequences no matter which way she went. Manon would never know what pushed her to the decision but she stepped forward, pressing herself into Fran, almost possessively. It was a position she knew well, her leg found its home between hers, despite her own skirts. Manon's free hand caressed Fran's cheek once again, grinning at the Antivan, a daring smile that not many could see as daring. Something passed from her eyes to Fran, hoping she got the message.

Whilst wrapped against Fran, she turned, using the hand that Byron still had grasped and slipped it from his hand to grab his vest to bring him down to her level. It wasn't much but it was enough for her to press her lips to his even if briefly. "I think being part of the play is far more interesting than being a spectator." She was inches from Byron's face still, even if she had to stand on her toes to do so, her eyes dancing between his, gauging his reaction before she settled back on her heels, turning back to Fran. She wasn't going to leave them out. With similar heights, it was easier to engulf the other in a deep kiss. With both hands, she grabbed their cheeks and pressed her lips into Fran's hungrily.