.:After the Battle:. (1x1) (Locked, DON'T DELETE)

[Cloudsong]

Marcel nodded. They would have to give good arguments to why she should be allowed to go. After all, it was something she would enjoy a lot, and would probably learn more out there than being stuck in the castle all day. She would be gaining experience that would shape her as a person one day. And most importantly, the two of them could be together without anyone saying anything against it. It would truly be an experience, and he was already looking forward to it.

As she suggested again that he go with her, he hesitated. The idea of sitting at a table while noble people bragged about their accomplishments to others wasn't very inspiring. It didn't help that he wouldn't fit in at all with the crowd. But it was her birthday party after all, and she was asking him to go. It was the least he could do, after how horrible he had acted previously that day. Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, he knew that he wouldn't be able to say no. "Fine," he sighed. "I'll come. But only because you're the one that's asking me." He felt relieved that they were back on speaking terms, though was unsure what it left them at. Friends? Or... more than friends? Not wanting to ask her, he kept silent as they descended the staircase.

--

"All right, fine," Enigma replied, eyes twinkling with excitement as she already began to imagine what it would be like. Though she wasn't much of a dreamer, at that moment, she could imagine a million things going right that night, and for once she didn't care if her being around someone would be harmful. All she wanted to do tonight was forget. "But you got yourself into this," she called out to him when she reached the door, not sure if he was still listening. She looked back once more before opening the door to her room, and for a split second, a hopeful smile was on her face. But it vanished as soon as she closed the door behind her, seeing her father passed out on the bed, a bottle of wine in his hands, dripping red liquid all over the floor.

(Time skip to the hour? =D Imma go to sleep now... But tomorrow come on early, okay? I'll be on, and i'll make a long descriptive post and stuff but I'll be bored stiff x.x Make a post while I'm gone!!)

[Captain Kaycee]

(Okay, I'm time-skipping xD Don't fret if I end up dragging Marcel with Allegra to the castle in that time period... x3)


Allegra sat in her quarters, looking at a mirror in front of her vanity as a servant continued to do her hair. She was already dressed for the nights evening: a long elegant white dress that allowed her shoulders to breathe. With her outfit, she looked more like a princess going to her wedding than a simple birthday dinner. To some, her dress would have looked too plain, as it didn't have much decoration. But it was actually one of her favourites, as it fit her style much more than any other dress had.

She thought back to the moment where she and Marcel had left the bookstore, going in the carriage and up to the castle. She had directed him to Daelen's room and told him to look through his closet. Daelen wouldn't even be in his room until late at night, as he had already been dressed for the formal dinner long ago. She hoped that he wouldn't be too uncomfortable there; she thought that he wouldn't be used to all of the commotion of the castle. Servants running around, guards patrolling, every once in a while a noble couple wandering through... it was so much even for her sometimes.

As the servant finished putting up Allegra's hair in several ties with pearl beads that held them together, she stepped back for the princess to get out of her chair. "There you are, my lady. But I don't remember you having that necklace before. Is it a birthday present?" the servant asked, glancing at her as Allegra stood up from her chair and pushing it in. She pushed her hair behind her, letting it rest in the middle of her back.

"It was from a friend," she muttered, closing her palm around the pendant. It was truly beautiful to her, and she hadn't even taken it off since she had gotten it.

"Well it's a very fancy necklace, my lady. If you do not need my services any longer, then I will be leaving." The servant bowed once, then as Allegra nodded to her she left the room. She was left alone for the moment, and during that time she bit her lip and began to pace around her bedroom. She was actually nervous for the dinner. It started with the king and queen entering the room with their daughter while the rest of the people that were not of the royal family stand up for them. Then behind them came the line of the royal family. Kateliana would be next, then Daelen with whoever he would escort, and finally herself with her escort. They would all take their seats in the main table overlooking the rest of the crowd.

The thing was bothered her the most was the escorts. The only person that was allowed not to have one was the Princess Kateliana, and that was because her husband had died. Allegra would have to be escorted by Marcel, and she was beginning to fear that he would decide not to accompany her down the walkway to her seat. She finally stopped pacing around her room, walking out into the hallway and waiting for Marcel. Hopefully he wouldn't take too long when it came to choosing an outfit.

(Her dress and hairstyle, only it goes down to her mid back and not her shoulders.)

--

Daelen stood in one of the closer hallways to the banquet hall, where he could hear people talking and already sitting down. He was already wearing his formal knight attire, in which he had simply taken off the chainmail and left a nice tunic underneath. The guests were arriving, and even if it did make him feel special he didn't neccessarily want to enter. He had gone through this several times, but this year was special. He was a full-fledged prince now, and not some boy a part of the royal family.

His hand lifted up to his crown as he felt the gold hit his fingertips. It was more than a big-deal to him, to wear the crown. He wondered if his sister would get a crown as well, but something told him that she wouldn't. Besides, he could never imagine her wearing it either. She was too rebellious to wear such kinds of fashion.

Daelen's mind drifted off to the woman that he ended up getting a date to the dinner with. When was she going to arrive? Would it be soon? I don't even know her name, he thought with a sigh. It was embarressing enough that he needed to escort a woman this year, but it was even more horrible that he didn't catch her name.

--

Alexander stood in his balcony in his chambers, overlooking the castle. It calmed him to see the dazzling lights in the city. They made the place seem so lively at night, and this was no exception. He was proud of his niece and nephew, and they both seemed excited to have a birthday like the one they had now. Daelen was probably the most excited, as his crowning coronation made him look like he was going to pull a muscle from smiling so much.

He adjusted the rather large crown on his head, not noticing the rather heaviness of it. He had gotten used to it over the years, and what was nice was that he only had to wear it on certain occasions and around the castle. If he was in his chambers, then he wouldn't have to wear it at all and simply set it aside. It was at least a break on his head.

Alexander scratched the beard that was beginning to form on his face, letting out a long sigh. How long had it been since the kingdom had seen war? Eight years now? It was the time where Elton had sacrificed himself to save the kingdom against the army. He had built a statue in honour of the man who gave his life in the courtyard, as a reminder to who the true hero of Fortuna really was.

After a few minutes of simply looking out into the night, he walked back over to his bed and picked up the rather large cloak that he was to wear. It had the crest of de'Borgia on the side, as well as the colour being all red. Alexander began to attempt to lace it together with the leather ties, but for some reason it wasn't working for him. "Oh come on you blasted thing," he mumbled as he continued to struggle with it. Even after all the years of being king, he was still having trouble of simply getting in the formal attire.

(Added Alexander for Stella's (and Noel, if you want) part, since they are all going to the dinner ^^; )

[Cloudsong]

(omg I love Allegra's hair x3)

Marcel hesitated as he approached Allegra's bedroom. He felt uncomfortable, wearing such formal clothing. It was the first time he ever worn such formal clothing, and he found it confining and hot. Though it did look handsome on him, he was beginning to wonder if he had made the right decision to accept her invitation. Even if he looked like he fit in, he had no practice or experience dining with rich princes and princesses. In his mind, he was already thinking of all the possible things that could go wrong. What would he say if he was asked who he was, and how much money he had? Was he supposed to make up a lie, or just tell them the truth - that he had lived on his own since he was six, and had grown up with pirates. It didn't help that even now he was living as someone poor; his job was at a book-shop, for heaven's sake! What would they think of him?

When he reached her door, his hand reached for the doorknob, then hesitated, reaching up and knocking. After all, it would be rude to just enter without her permission.

--

Enigma was beginning to feel frightened by how often she had begun to laugh or smile while getting ready for the dinner. She was feeling so ligh-headed the whole while, imagining different possibilities of fun she could have. It had been so long since she had laughed genuinely, and it was beginning to worry her. Snap out of it! she thought sternly. What had gotten into her? Daelen's image was still in her mind, and she wondered if he was regretting having asked her to go. He had probably thousands of girls to choose from to take, and he had invited her. Self-consciously a smile lighted her lips, then when she realized what she was doing, she quickly frowned, looking down at the ground again.

She stood in front of the mirror, admiring her outfit. No one had helped her get ready, and her father had spent the whole time on the bed, sleeping it off. He wouldn't miss her tonight, and if he did wake up, he would be going straight outside to find more women. The thought disgusted her, and she folded her arms across her chest.

Her dress was a rather beautiful one. It was black, with red coverings under her waist. She knew that it was quite daring on her part to be going to such a happy party wearing the dark color, but she wasn't about to put on a bright pink dress. It just wasn't her, and if they didn't want to accept her that way, then even better. On her arms she wore red and black laced-up gloves, which stretched up to her fingers, which left them bare to show the several rings she wore. Her hair had been styled so that it was out of her eyes, showing for once the two of them at once. She was so used to hiding behind the shadow of her hair, that it made her feel slightly uncomfortable. Her necklace was a simple black lace, which a diamond hung upon, and her shoes were not visible by the dress that reached the ground.

Any man to see her would say she looked very beautiful, but she knew that there was only one that she wanted to make an impression upon. For some reason, she found herself wondering if Daelen would like her outfit. Would he think it too dark? The fct that she was worrying about his opinion bothered her, and she bit her lip, wondering if she should skip the party. What if they developed feelings for each other? That would ruin everything for both of them. But as she sat down in her chair, looking into her eyes in the mirror, she remembered how she had told herself that she was going to have fun that night. And that wouldn't change.

She silently rose from her chair, and left the room, closing the door behind the heavily-snoring man passed out on the bed. He had done this to himself, and she wasn't about to feel pity for him. Her eyes met those of a young man that passed by her, probably on the way to the party as well, and he looked at her up and down obviously. Rolling her eyes, she wished that she could punch the guy. Such rudeness wasn't tolerable to her, and she waited for him to pass before leaving towards the dining room herself.

It didn't take Enigma long to find Daelen. He seemed the only one to be waiting outside the door, obviously looking nervous. She approached him cautiously, her eyebrow raised as she noted the crown upon his head. As soon as she was standing in front of him, she reached up and tapped at the gold upon his head. "Prince," she said, rolling her eyes as she took a step away from him, waiting for him to notice her.

Her dress, and her gloves. Oh, and this is her necklace =D LOL I had too much fun with that~)

--

There was a small click as the door to the king's chambers open, and a woman entered. She had flowing curly blonde hair, and her eyes were light blue. Noel. She didn't seem to have aged very much in the last eight years; her body was still very thin, and her face still had the goodness to it that it always had. Her dress, a flowing light blue one, made her look much like a queen, and upon her head she wore a small crown She had never gotten used to wearing the large extravagant ones that were presented to her, as they made her head feel heavy. The way she held herself as she crossed the floor as she approached the balcony, was more like a queen than before. It would be impossible to guess that she had ever been a servant.

She stepped out into the open air in the balcony, seeing her husband struggling with his tie. A smile lighted her face, and she approached him, taking the leather material from his grasp. "Let me help you," she told him gently, tying it expertly, her face close as she concentrated. As soon as it was perfectly arranged, she stepped back, eyes bright with triumph. "There. You look very handsome."

Noel put her hands on the banister on the balcony, looking down at the city. Her eyes reflected the many lights that were shining from the city windows.

(Long post... Man I can't wait till you come on >.< It's so BORING here!

But tomorrow I'll be out of my misery 8D We're going to the beach for a few days, so I'll be with my family and not just my dad <3

I may even hang out with my cousin and his friends o: That's saying a lot since I'm soo nervous around people my age usually XD *anti-social* :3)

[Captain Kaycee]

(I'm on! But it's going to be a bit hectic on replying... we're leaving today... .____.; )

Allegra turned her head to the door to her chambers, hearing a couple soft knocks on it. She began to walk over to the large wooden door, then opened it up wide to reveal Marcel. He was handsome in his formal attire, and she couldn't help but blush. "Good evening," she greeted, attempting to sound proper. However, her eyes shown otherwise as she began to smile with a small giggle escaping her lips. "You look like a fool just standing there. Come in," she joked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

She wondered if he felt out of place standing there, but in her mind she didn't mind at all. He looked like he would blend in more than even some of the nobles. She would have to help him when it came to saying what to say, but it wouldn't be too hard. The noble class of the castle were very snobbish people, and letting them talk to Marcel would require him having his own story, to which Allegra would help him create for the night.

--

Daelen's head lifted from the ground as he heard footsteps walking towards him. It was that girl, the one that he had invited to the dinner. As she tapped him on the cown and backed away, he turned to face her with his arms folded across his chest. "Gothica," he called back to her, a smirk appearing on his face.

She was beautiful in his mind, as he didn't care for clothing style. If his sister saw, however, she would freak. She didn't like anything too dark, or else it made her feel like she would end up being like the witch Hetake. He knew that name well. His mother had told them the stories of the witches that lived in the dark tower, but she told him that they were gone now. But... Persephone was alive. She had simply ran off into the night the day his father died. The man Sergio had died as well as his father, but not her.

Daelen's mind went back to the present, and he shook his head in disbelief. "You sure you're not a witch? Or at least hang out with one? You sure do seem to enjoy your dark clothing," he asked, but his voice was light and joking. He still wanted to ask the girl her name as well as what she was when it came to magic, but that would have to wait for the dinner. For now, it was simply waiting for the king and queen to arrive so they could eat.

--

Alexander watched as Noel finished tying the leather straps together, then smiled slightly. "Thank youl. You look beautiful yourself," he murmered as he following her onto the balcony. It was these moments that he cherished; having Noel by his side to look at the bustling city below. He wanted nothing more than to stay there with her for a few minutes before heading downstairs into the dining hall.

He turned around to his room for another minute to look around, hoping that he'd see his daughter somewhere. Where was she? he guessed that she was somewhere running around the castle, but he hoped that one of the servants had gotten her into at least a ncie dress. She would at least have to behave for the dinner. One night wouldn't be too hard for her... would it?

His gaze turned back to Noel as he stood next to her. "Have you seen Stella around? I haven't seen her since this morning," he asked, pushing the hair out of his eyes. He knew that eventually he would have to cut his hair a little, as he knew that the grey would soon be showing, and it would start falling out as well.

(Oh I fail with being social too, don't worry xD I'm so shy... x___x; )

[Cloudsong]

(So will you be replying anymore today?)

Marcel smiled as she opened the door, seeing how good she looked. Her hair was tied up, with pearls strung through it, and her gown was gorgeous. "You look really beautiful," he told her, voice genuine as he entered the room, not wanting to look like a fool, as she had said. He felt lucky to be the one that would be accompanying her; not because she was a princess, but because she was beautiful, and he couldn't imagine any person he would rather spend time with in the world. It was still amazing to him that she had forgiven him, after how horrible he had been; any other girl would have never spoken to him again. But Allegra wasn't like any normal girls, and that was what he loved about her.

"Allegra, I'm not sure if this is a good idea.." His voice trailed off, and he hesitated, glancing over at the door. "What am I to say if they ask me about my past, or who my parents are?" If he told them the truth, they would all laugh. 'A pirate? And a bastard?' He could imagine their faces, and he bit his lip. Not even Allegra knew of this; how his mother had only known her father for a few hours.

--

Enigma smirked at the label he called her; many thought that of her, and she didn't really care very much. "Oh yes..." she replied. "Because I'm really here to take over the minds of all of your people." Her voice was sarcastic, and she rolled her eyes, obviously enjoying this. "No, I am not a witch. And you would understand why I wear dark clothing too if you ever saw me in pink." She made a face, as if the memory was was revolting. With her dark eyes and hair, bright colors clashed horribly. Dark made her look elegant, and her father never said anything about her style.

She looked around at the people who were approaching the room, all of them that spotted Daelen nodding slightly with respect. As their eyes trailed over to her, seeing that the two were going together, they immediately turned to each other and begun to whisper, glancing back a few times on their way inside. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to Daelen, seeming annoyed. "Your people seem to disapprove of me," she commented casually. "Perhaps I should go in alone; your image may be ruined if you arrive with a 'witch'." Winking, she folded her arms across her chest, waiting for him to reply.

--

Noel shook her head as he asked about their daughter. "She said she was coming," she murmured, glancing over at the door. "I left her when her maid was trying to get her into a dress." She smiled slightly as she remembered the little girl protesting, trying to break free from the woman's grasp as she put the dress over her head.

As if on cue, the door opened, and without knocking, the little girl stepped in, closing the door behind her. She wore an elegant brown dress that reached her ankles, and matching shoes. Her hair obviously had been styled, for it was in neat curls that reached past her shoulders. But she obviously looked unhappy about something, and as she approached the balcony where her parents were, she scowled. "Do I have to go?' she wailed. "I hate dressing up."

(Lol *high-five* I'm shy too, but once I get to know someone I becoming obnoxious and annoying 8D)

[Captain Kaycee]

"That's why I'm here," Allegra muttered as she put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm the one that has gone to these parties and lived with these people. I understand their ways." She walked over to the fireplace that still had a small fire going, and she put it out with one of the utensils next to it that the servants usually used for the fire.

"You are... one of the Spanish explorers from Madrid. You went to the New World with your crew, having sailed the seas since you were little. If they ask about your parents, then they died when you were very young..." Allegra began to explain a fake life for him, pacing back and forth in the room with her hand cupped under her chin.

"You travelled to the Caribbean, and went to a beach and into the dense rainforest. The natives there had their own gold riches, and as your crew decided to try and trade with them. Well, they fought bought and you had no other choice than to kill them. You found a lost temple that nobody had ever found before, which is how you acquired your riches. And now you're wanting to take me back to the New World and show me what you found there," Allegra explained, finally ending her long made-up store.

She began to giggle at the last part, walking back over to him and punching him lightly in the shoulder. "Well, how was that story? You are a Spaniard and your accent is heavy, after all."

--

Daelen nodded to a few of the nobles walking by. It was custom for him to greet guests at his own dinner. He wished that his sister was downstairs too greeting guests, but she was probably too busy getting all dressed. As he heard her speak again, he lifted an eyebrow.

"What? Nah, I don't really care. As long as you don't conjure any dark magic or start chanting, they aren't going to care. They're used to bright dresses, so dark ones are a change for them. But I'll just say that you come from a different city and how that's their culture. The nobles usually buy that sort of stuff," he explained, rolling his eyes at the end. It was true, the noble class could be so stupid sometimes...

--

Alexander turned around as he heard his daughter complaining as she entered the room. He walked over from the balcony and crouched down next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You should be proud in wearing something like that," he whispered to her, looking into the young girl's eyes.

"It is your cousin's birthdays and you should give them the respect they need for their special day. Besides, Daelen is going to be there and he'll be dressed up just like you." Alexander knew how much his daughter looked up to his nephew. She could spend days just talking somebody's ear off while she spoke about Daelen. He was growing up more more than Alexander could even cope. He still remembered the day his mother gave birth to the twins.

Alexander stood back up, brushing a piece of hair from in front of his daughter's face. "You can change after dinner to regular clothing if you want. But Daelen has to stay in his clothing. He would be sad if you changed." He glanced up over to Noel, a small smile on his face. He truthfuy didn't care if the girl changed, but he knew that she would probably do whatever Daelen did anyway.

(Pffft. That's just like me. XDD)

[Cloudsong]

Marcel listened thoughtfully, considering it. The lie could be pulled off, but if they tried to tell it to Alexander, Daelen or Kateliana may over-hear and object. After all, they knew that he was just a peasant that used to live with pirates. "Right," he said, smiling faintly. "That could work," he said finally, when she had finished telling him of his life story. His eyebrows furrowed as she mentioned his parents being dead. "And about my parents, then that isn't a lie. They're as good as dead to me, anyway." Silently he shook his head. His father didn't know that he existed, and his mother could be dead for all he knew. And though he felt strong resentment towards her, he couldn't find it within himself to hate her.

--

"I'll try not to," Enigma said sarcastically, rolling her eyes at his comment, though appearing to be faintly amused. She silently approached the wall he was next to, and keeping her distance, leaned against it as well, resting her head against the wood. "You speak of them as if they were mentally challenged," she commented, smirking. "Aren't you a noble too? I heard once that all princes and princesses are somehow inner-related and inbred." Her tone was conversational. She didn't really think he was; after all, his father had definitely not been related to the royal family.

--

Stella looked up at her father, obviously listening intently to every word he uttered. At the mention of Daelen, her eyes lit up, and she instantly held her head a little higher, not wanting him to see her like this. After all, she didn't want him to be sad, as her father had just said. "I'll keep my dress on," she declared, nodding seriously as she went over to the balcony to look out, standing on tiptoes to look over the banister, her hair quivering behind her back as she tried to see over.

Noel smiled as she agreed to easily. Alexander knew exactly how to coax her into doing whatever he said; using his nephew was just a good reason for her to listen.

[Captain Kaycee]

(Ack, I've had no service for like 3 hours .___. I'll reply now~)

Allegra tilted her head to one side, hearing him talk about his parents. She wondered why he acted so harshly to them, especially when the tone that he used. "Do you not like your parents or something?" she asked, walking up in front of him.

Then just as she was going to ask him something, there was a knock on the door. "Princess Allegra? The dinner is starting. It is best that you head downstairs. Your brother is waiting as well." By the voice Allegra knew that it was probably one of the servants. She glanced up at Marcel, a small smile imprinted on her face. "Well, are you ready?" she asked, lifting her hand for him to take it.

--

Daelen shook his head, his face grimacing at the thought. "Oh no. They're just lots of rich people with money that they can wave around. I would probably stab myself before getting related to any of those people," he chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Anyway... uh... I never caught your name before. Considering that I'm going to be accompanying you inside, I should at least know your name," he mumbled, his eyebrow twitching for a moment. He seemed slightly embarrassed, but that went away quickly when he held out his hand for her to shake. "You probably already know who I am, but you don't have to address me as prince. Just call me Daelen."

--

Alexander looked over the city for a little while longer, then turned to both his wife and Stella. "Well, we should probably head down to the dining hall. Everyone is waiting," he muttered, turning to Noel and taking her hand in his. He leaned down and kissed it gently, looking up at her with his strange bi-coloured eyes. "My lady," he whispered, his old smirk appearing.

He looked down at his daughter as well, smiling for a second. "You ready as well, my little princess?"

[Cloudsong]

As she asked of his parents, Marcel hesitated, unsure of what to reply to her. He felt almost ashamed by his past, for he had been an accident, and his mother had often told him that she wished he hadn't been born. Allegra had grown up in a family that loved her, and were well off. What would she think if he told her? But why should she not know? he thought suddenly. If it would change her thoughts towards him, then it was better for her to figure it out now than later on in the relationship. He opened his mouth to answer her question, then closed it again as someone called inside.

Seeing that she had forgotten of it, he inwardly shrugged. He would tell her later. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, smiling slightly as she held her hand out for him. He took it, and laced her fingers between hers, feeling better that he had made it up to her.

-

Enigma laughed slightly as he rolled his eyes, finding his comment more funny than anything she had heard in the last year or so. Seeing how uncomfortable he got when he asked for her name, she felt slightly guilty that she hadn't told him before. Then again, she had been trying to protect him by not telling him, but he had insisted that they spend time together, and that was what they were doing now. Perhaps she was being unfair to him by giving him a chance to be get to know her, but then she realized that the man would probably never want to see her again anyway after tonight. She told herself that she was using him as an excuse to get out and have fun for the first time in many years. Insisted that it had nothing to do with the fact that he had been the one to invite her.

She silently obliged, shaking hands with him. "I'm Enigma," she informed him. "Enigma Velius, daughter of Evan Velius, duke of Venice."

--

Noel's eyes brightened, and she smiled as he kissed her hand. She loved the moments like these, when she and Alexander could spend time together, with Stella. And she loved those little things that he would do that would make her feel so happy inside. Though they had been married for many years, she couldn't remember one time in those years that she had regretted it. He and Stella were everything to her, and she was unsure how she had gone so long without them.

Stella nodded, going a few steps ahead as they approached the door, her opening it to reveal the corridor that was empty. A loud buzzing was coming from the direction of the dining hall, and her eyes gleamed with excitement. "Andiamo!" she exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement any longer.

[Captain Kaycee]

Allegra felt herself begin to blush as she simply listened to him, then inwardly shook her head. Even if she was angry at him earlier, that had passed back at the bookstore. Now she was her cheerful, free-spirited self. She no longer had to worry about any magic interfering with her emotions.

Allegra began to descend down the stairs, looking at the rest of the people in the main hallway. Some of them watched her walk down the stairs with Marcel, and some of them even began to point and whisper amongst one another. Allegra, however, didnt even seem to notice.

Suddenly her mother, Kateliana appeared behind them and caught up next to her daughter. There was a small smirk on her face, something that Allegra hadn't seen in years. Kateliana's eyes flashed over to Marcel for a moment, and it was then Allegra realised something.

"You knew that he was in the bookstore," she hissed to her mother, seeing light amusement in the older woman's eyes. "I had to help you in some way, and I directed you there," she whispered back before winking and finally walking off to the dining hall in front of them. Allegra rolled her eyes and shook her head, but couldnt keep from suppressing a small laugh.

--

Daelen shook her hand for a second or two before letting go, bowing as a gentleman would. "Well then, Lady Enigma, I am delighted to accompany you to this dinner. And I welcome you to my home," he greeted, leaning down and kissing her hand. He could be a lady's man when he wanted to, but that was only on rare occasions. This woman was making him enjoy the company he rarely had, and for one night he would enjoy it as well.

--

Alexander looked down at Stella and waved a hand. "You go run down there, we'll catch up." He took Noel's hand in his and began to head down the upstairs hallway, feeling his butterflies in his tomach. As much as he had gone to dinner parties and attended ceremonies, it was still nerve-racking. He still wasn't used to some of the people that stared and applauded at him. The one thing that kept him from stuttering or being completely afraid of large crowds was Noel, in who he owed his life to. Without her by his side he didn't know what he could do.