Because Natalie did not vanish without purpose.
She did not drift through preparations in a haze of silk and indulgence like some ornamental noble girl waiting to be polished into presentation. She had been raised by Rafael and Gregoris, had grown up in and around imperial halls where beauty was only ever one weapon among many, and had spent enough of her life near Gabriel, Damian, and their children to understand that being seen was not the same thing as being safe. If Natalie was not in the middle of the logistical chaos bearing down on her own party, then she was somewhere useful.
Or somewhere dangerous.
With her, Rafael was no longer entirely certain those were separate categories.
"Where is she?" he asked.
Aylin turned another place card over with grave concentration. "Not here."
Rafael looked at her. "Thank you. What a staggering contribution."
