_{^{L O C A T I O N : Sadie's Party
I N T E R A C T I O N S : Princess Sadie @Potter , Lady Lyra @Blizz
M E N T I O N S : Drake Edwards @Lava Alckon, Sir Matthias @Rodiak}}



His sister's response was less than satisfactory, and he could feel a line of contemplation drawing over his own mouth as he cautioned himself from saying anything that would crush her spirits. She was being too naive, and while he always enjoyed her air of innocence -- and was quite in fact keen on guarding it, he only saw this clown toying with his sister and ruining her.

His mind drifted to Lady Thea. He did not want his dearest, most beloved Sadie becoming like her. Suddenly, Prince Felix became aware that he had not thought of her once since stepping foot into the princess' party. He had been so so determined not to let thoughts of her ruin his sister's party, he had not realized that the Lady had not even shown her face. He found it a little odd but shrugged off the thought immediately.

“Your tender heart is most sought after. It is an honest and enjoyable characteristic about you, my sister.” He paused as his eyes gazed over Sir Matthias' son. He was a delightful child, although a little pouty. He was not one to chastise or bring too much criticism over Sir Matthias, though. "Lady Lyra speaks wisely about the subject. Thank you," he nodded to Lady Lyra.

He turned his attention back to the Princess. "I cannot speak any words to adequately explain how cherished you are, as a sister, friend, or especially as a noble of the Caesonian Kingdom. Many more of these letters will come from different avenues in due time. As you said, always guard your heart. It is something you have done well your whole life, my dear sister."

With that, he leaned over and gave her a simple kiss on the cheek. No one was going to ruin his Sadie.

Callum walked aimlessly until the sun began to fade into the night sky. He avoided crowded places, anywhere where there might be guards, and hardest of all, anywhere that he’d likely be found. Taverns, brothels, opium dens, and any building with even the slightest bit of ill repute was bypassed the second he noticed his feet leading him there. He kept trying to chew at fingernails so worn away that there was nothing for his teeth to grasp. So he scratched at spots that did not itch and rearranged his hair. His mind circled around everything his mother did with this morning’s near execution tilting the balance heavily against any good she’d ever done him.

But finally, the sun had set and the night brought resolve. There was no more waiting, Cal had a plan, judging by his track record it was likely not a good one but it was something to do, and it was different from anything else he’d done. He walked with a sense of purpose and the fidgeting quieted but never entirely ceased. He stopped at a small market area first and picked up a few supplies before continuing. His hands shook slightly with wanting as a pair of bottles clacked against one another from within the bag he now carried.

Callum made his way to Sorian’s temple, which, given the night’s current festivities, looked to be as empty as it felt. The sound of fireworks echoed in from outside, occasionally a bit of light flashed across one of the faces of the holy statues that honored the gods. His eyes looked from Zivitas, to Imperis, and to Aquena; those who had once devoted so much to. He thought about how all of that devotion had amounted to nothing. Aquena, the bearer of the waters of life, who had poured Callum’s soul into a life he so despised. Imperis, lord of justice, who had turned a blind eye to all that was unjust in this world. All loving Zivitas who was certainly nowhere to be found in Sorian, probably not in any corner of Caesonia. So instead of further wasting his time with gods that had abandoned him, Callum riffled through a clothing donation box and switched out his clothes with the most tattered replacements he could find. Seemed a fair enough trade.

He then made his way to the graveyard outside, he walked until he was sure there was no one around. The god he sought tonight had no statue within the temple, but tonight he intended to make his request to one who might listen. He picked a spot just far enough from the graves, near one of the many paths that twisted through the cemetery. He sat the bag of supplies down and grabbed what he needed. He opened one bottle of expensive whiskey and poured about half of it along the ground, liquid splashing out into the shape of a crude sigil.

“I call upon Claedo
The mighty infernal hand
Spiller of crimson gore
Sower of strife
Sovereign of discord
And I seek your influence
So it is my will.”

Callum spoke with no hesitation in his voice, only conviction. He struck a match and dropped it onto the whiskey sigil and sprinkled a small variety of herbs upon the flames, allowing it to burn for a moment before he knelt in front of it.

“Holy Claedo, courageous warrior
I ask of thee, upon this night
And this night alone;
Bless me with calamity
Bestow upon me the same chaos I have caused
Bring to me what I have brought to others
So it is my will.”

Callum stared into the flames as he spoke, he held an image in his mind; the image of himself beaten and bruised just as Darryn had been this morning. He kept the image in his mind as the fire burned away his first offering. He kept the image in his mind as he continued with his prayer.

“Oh mighty Claedo
To the earth, I return sacred gifts
Of all that has brought calamity to me
So that they might bring joy to thee
May it be a worthy sacrifice
As I seek to add discord to the world
Through my actions tonight
So it is my will.”

Near the spot the sigil once burned, Cal dug into the earth with his hands and placed his offerings; an onion, a handful of golden coins, and the second, unopened, bottle of expensive whiskey. He reburied his offering and flattened out the earth.

Callum stood and pulled a small pocket knife out and sliced the blade along the palm of his hand. He made a fist and allowed his blood to drip onto the dirt above his offering as he stood back up.

“I offer my gifts
I offer my blood
I offer my words
I offer my actions
I offer myself
Glorious Claedo
Give me the calamity I ask for tonight
So it is my will.”

He held no doubts that his offering and his evocation would reach Claedo. Just as he held no doubt that Claedo would bless his actions. He’d chosen the right deity to work with, one that aligned with exactly what Callum wanted; calamity and chaos, for himself, for his mother, and for everything that kept Edin and House Danrose in power. His belief set the path, made it easier to walk, and removed any trace of doubt from his plans. He left the cemetery with the half-empty bottle of whiskey he’d used for his sigil. Now he allowed himself a few celebratory sips from the bottle as he continued on.

_Mentions:@ReusableSwordRoman

---

Violet walked away from the loud voices, the fireworks and the comfort she felt being near a friend. Each step she took she felt herself sinking further and further back into that black void she felt so lost in.

She let out a long breath that she had been holding in for so long. Her head continued to pound as she felt her body in its weakened state feel even more sluggish. She had just eaten yet it felt as if she was famished and needed energy. Perhaps a rest would do her good.

A presence lurked behind Violet from behind the trees, moving swiftly and silently with every step. She was being watched, whether she knew it or not. The pair of men had been watching Violet for some time now. They had been waiting for a few conditions to be met. The first had been that they needed to be certain that the target was indeed Lady Violet Damien and that she was living. Then, secondly, Violet needed to be alone and alone she was at last. Perhaps there had been guards in the distance, but they were a bit preoccupied for the moment.

Taking small steps to keep her balance, Violet counted as she stepped, 1..2…1…2. She paused for a moment, stopping in her tracks as she rested her weight on the cane. She pretended to be out of breath but truthfully, she felt eyes on her. More than one at that. The feeling of being watched sending shivers up her spin. She hoped it was just Roman perhaps watching her off but something felt off.

Something certainly wasn’t right…

Her head began to hurt even more, the sharp pains in the temple of her eyes. She shut them to rest her vision for a moment, feeling as if her senses were somehow sharper. There was someone watching her. But who?

Opening her crimson eyes, she began to walk again, this time her feet quickening. She continued to count 1-2-1-2-1-2 the beats hitting faster as she focused on keeping her balance. Her legs were already causing problems as they buckled slightly under her from the new speed she attempted. It was useless, she would just need to hope one of the guards was paying attention.

Before Violet could react, a figure stealthily closed in on her from behind. Like a predator stalking its prey, this mysterious assailant made their move, their presence only becoming known as strong, unyielding hands covered Violet's mouth, stifling any potential outcry, "If you scream, you die... again," He hissed the words, “If you scream, you die. Again.”

“It would be better if she did. She’s a mistake.” With a haughty laugh, a second person had moved up from the shadows as well. “She shouldn’t exist. She’s an anomaly goes against the very laws of nature.... We should kill her here and now while no one is here.’

But before she could even comprehend their words, a blade materialized under Violet’s vision, pressing against the tender skin of her throat. In the moonlight, the knife glimmered ominously, its sharp edge reflecting her own gaze back at her. The man behind her spoke once more. "No..." he declared, his tone unwavering. "We'll bring her to him alive."

Violet felt a hand wrap around her mouth as her back pressed up against their body. Her hands gripped onto the cane as her crimson eyes widened. She struggled in their grasp as whimpers escaped from the hand that held her mouth shut.

You die..again? Die..Again?

It was then that the sharp pinch of the blade pierced her flesh as her head tilted back instinctively. She pressed her body against theirs trying to gain as much space as she could from the blade but it was held so tightly to her skin she couldn’t struggle. Her body felt so weak and frail as it was that even the attempt of taking off was out of question.

“R-Rr” her words mumbled behind the hand, “R-Rom-an,” She tried to shout as she squirmed in the arms of the captor in some hopes he may hear her. It was useless though, the words came out as nothing more than muffled sounds behind their hands.

Violet's eyes searched around frantically, but it was useless; she still could not see or focus on anything. She still looked towards the direction of the mocking voice, her face still not showing even a drop of anger or frustration but she certainly felt something in the pit of her stomach. It wasn’t fear but something else.

"Rr-R-Ro-Ro!"The second man cruelly mocked, his voice dripping with contemptuous amusement as he approached Violet. His malicious intent was obvious in the look in his eyes as he moved closer, even going so far as to shove her with brute force back into the other man’s body, her breath escaping her lips as she had slammed into him.
A sadistic grin stretched across his face, his eyes filled with perverse pleasure as he scrutinized her expression. "Stupid corpse can't even talk," he jeered, obviously relishing in the situation. His lips curled as he bit down on them, savoring the sight of her vulnerable state.
"Does she even have any emotions anymore, or is she nothing more than a mindless zombie? …Well, let's find out, shall we?" With sudden and cruel intent, he roughly seized the bottom of her dress, viciously tearing at the fabric. The sound of the garment being ripped apart echoed through the air as her leg was exposed to the cool air.
Violet didn’t say anything or try to draw attention; she just simply allowed him to push her around, waiting. Feeling the arms of the man wrapped around her tightly as the second approached with a predatory tone in his voice.
She stood still, looking towards his direction as he approached. The faceless man then reached for the bottom of her dress as she heard the shredding of the fabrics. She stood there allowing him to do as he wished, You die..again? Die..Again? The words repeated in her mind as her body quivered, her lips piercing as she felt the cold air sting her skin as her leg was visible from the amount of torn fabric.
The first man, his patience wearing thin, finally intervened.
"Enough," he barked with authority. With a firm grip on Violet's arm, he forcibly yanked her away from the second man, twisting her out of his grasp. Ignoring her pain and discomfort, he began to drag her across the uneven terrain, cutting through the grass with relentless determination. Their path led them back into the concealment of the dense tree line, where no one would see them. He then threw her back into the other man’s arms once they were within the dark sanctuary of the trees. “Oscar, I am going to bring the carriage back over to the nearby road…For now, keep her out of sight and quiet.”

Littering around her the small pieces of her dress floated off into the breeze landing at various parts around the hill she had just left with Roman. She gripped her cane tightly in her fingers as she prepared to raise it but before she could she felt a firm grip on her arm as she was yanked away nearly tripping over her weakened legs as she had to drag herself to her feet while being pulled into an unknown location. Her cane dropping from her fingers as she struggled to catch her balance trying to not shout in fear they may do something worse.

As the first man disappeared into the night, Oscar, the second man, leered at Violet with a malicious glint in his eyes. A malicious smile curled upon his lips as he reveled in his newfound control over her.

She felt her body tossed once again back to the original man as he wrapped his large around around her squishing her tightly to his chest to the point she found it slightly hard to breath. She Thrashed around as she tried to loosen his grip but it wasn’t working. She watched the shadowy figure leave into the distance when she finally spoke.

“Are you afraid of blood Oscar?” Violet asked, her voice was deep and eerie with its lack of emotion. She didn’t wait for a response. “ Let's find out,” Violet threw back her head, her lips parting as she opened her mouth. Her head snapped forward as her teeth sunk deep into his flesh in hopes to loosen his grip on her.

She felt his skin tear under her teeth as a hot liquid pooled into her mouth. She grimaced at the feeling but as the warm thick liquid touched her tongue she felt the urge to bite harder. Her teeth sunk into his flesh further as she felt him loosen her grip on her. Her hands quickly shot up gripping onto his arm as she bit all her might into the latch she had created. She pulled back for air as she stumbled to her knees into what felt like a patch of grass. The red , thick and warm liquid dripped down her chin as she swallowed hard. She scrambled back slightly till she hit a tree, creating as much distance from the man as she could.

Oscar frantically scrambled backward, hand over his wound, eyes wide in shock. “What! …What the hell are you?” Blood trickled down from his wound, staining his clothes. He stared at her with a mixture of anger and fear, his eyes locked onto her as he realized that his captive had proven to be more formidable than he had anticipated.
Rising to his feet, he took a deliberate step toward Violet, his face contorted with determination. "I'll… I’ll make you pay for that," he seethed, his voice laced with venom and hatred."You... you fucking bitch!"

Violet raised her hands above her head cowering on the ground as she shielded herself. She shut her eyes tightly feeling nothing but a sense of peace. She felt like she was about to return home, a smile spreading on her face as she awaited the light.

The night was calm, but Cassius felt restless as he left the tavern. He had spent the evening decompressing in the comfort of a stiff drink. It had been a strange time recently. The death of his mother, him leaving his life as a mercenary behind for the time being to seek out a father he never knew existed, later confronting that very man on the doorsteps of his grandiose estate, making his debut in the city at as an impromptu competitor in an archery competition, and even witnessing the execution of a strange man that proved to be an even odder spectacle than he ever expected… His life had changed so suddenly, and in typical Cassius fashion he hadn’t properly taken the time to process everything. Instead, he had found the solace of women and wine to distract him while he pushed everything down to deal with another day.

As his stroll truly began, he wandered aimlessly, still not truly knowing the layout of the city. He was good at learning his way around a place quickly, it had been a helpful skill in his usual line of work…but as of yet he had not spent enough time here to commit it to memory. He wasn’t bothered though, by the prospect of simply letting the wind guide him and seeing what the night would uncover. For almost an hour he walked, and whistled songs from his past lives.

Cassius found himself in a park. It was dark out, but somehow the surroundings were still beautiful…just barely being serenaded by the dim rays of moonlight. He had a tendency to find beauty everywhere he looked. Believe it or not, it was a learned skill. Another among his arsenal of abilities to cope with the harsh life of a sellsword. It helped to brighten up the times between all the bloodshed and horrors he had endured. As he sauntered through the park, he noticed a scrap of fabric on the ground beneath his feet. His eyes focused on the cloth, and he realized that it wasn’t alone.

He took in the sight of what almost appeared to be a trail of ripped fabric littered around marking a path. Just as his curiosity began to pique, he heard a commotion beyond the tree line. The specific sound was one that made his blood run cold, and though his brain told him otherwise…his heart and the loosening of his will gifted to him by the wine in his bloodstream caused him to rush towards the sound. Palming the handle of the axe at his belt, and cautiously slipped into the trees and moved towards the ruckus, staying low and ready for trouble. What he found was a more ghastly sight than he had initially even imagined. A blood stained man stood towering over a cowering woman aggressively. Cassius paused for a second, trying to piece together some semblance of an idea as to what had transpired here, but there was no time. The man’s violent intent was clear. If Cas was to intervene, it was now or never. He stood from his strategic position and spoke in a stern, but still unnecessarily charming voice.

“It appears I have made a wrong turn, friends. Forgive me, but now that I’m here…I wonder if everyone should just calm the fuck down.” He raised his axe, using it to point at the bloodied man. “Step away from the girl now, or I’ll stain the rest of you with that crimson.”
Violet's hands fell down to her side as she looked up. Her face was pale from fear but the blood had decorated her mouth and chin with the streams of the thick red liquid. She still felt the taste of the coppery tasting blood in her mouth, the pupils of her eyes the size of a pinhead. Her headache had somehow disappeared and strangely enough, she felt slightly better.

She looked up at the new figure who arrived, hoping it was Roman but turned out it wasn’t. She hadn’t heard the voice before, perhaps it was just some passer-by that heard the man's cries of pain.

Caught off guard by the sudden intervention, Oscar momentarily froze in his tracks. His anger and determination were still evident, but he was forced to reassess the situation. He narrowed his eyes, contemplating his options and assessing. Then the other man returned before he could react.

“Alright we’re ready to go, but her guards have bested our guys and they’re on their way. We have to go now-“The man halted his speech seeing Cassius. “…Who the hell is this?”

“Some guy trying to score points with the corpse bitch... “ Oscar drew off then suddenly bolted at Violet, “Fuck him! Let’s just take her and run!”The other man unsheathed a sword and got in between as Oscar began to try to throw Violet over his shoulder. However, his movements were hesitant and he was weaker than before.

Cassius began to saunter around the sword wielding man, circling him strategically. He sized up his foe, taking in everything from the confidence in his face to the tightness of his grip on the weapon. The man seemed comfortable enough brandishing that sword, but Cas could tell by body language alone that he was tense…and that was never good against an opponent as at-ease in combat as Cassius.

“Does it usually take two of you idiots to harass a woman in the dark like this? If I was your boss, I would have killed you myself long ago for such a lack of efficiency. Looks like I’m going to get that chance anyway. Lucky me.” He did not hesitate as he finished his words, taking the opportunity to dash towards the man. Using the underside of his axe’s blade, he hooked the man’s sword and parried his foe’s defensive maneuver with ease. This man was a thuggish ne'er-do-well, but he was no Cassius Vael.

With the same momentum, he brought the side of his fist around and into the man’s nose hard. He could feel the bone crunch beneath his strike. You break the nose…and they may as well be blind. The man stumbled sideways and groaned in pain as his already crooked nose now set on the other side of his face. He came back quickly from the attack, swinging his sword wildly as his eyes were blinded by the effects of the injured nose. Cassius side stepped each swipe, playing with his prey and enjoying the thrill of it.

Violet struggled as the man attempted to grab her. She ripped at the wound on his arm with her fingers, pressing into it deeply as she yanked, tearing at his flesh more. The man screamed out “You bitch!” He shouted before grabbing her and forcefully tossing her over his shoulder. Standing to his feet Violet thrashed around her fists punching anything that could “Let me go.” she growled deeply, yet true to her new nature there was no emotion , no fear, no anger. It sounded like a threat.

The sound of the woman’s struggle beyond this man pulled Cas’ focus momentarily. It was enough of a distraction to allow his foe to land a glancing slash on his left arm, nothing major…just another scar to add to his collection. It was time to wrap this up. Cas aggressively blocked the man’s next attack with enough force to knock the blade out of his hand. A look of shock filled the eyes of Cas’ opponent. Normally, Cassius would allow the man to retrieve his weapon…but this wasn’t a man of honor, so that luxury had not been earned for him. With one quick downward slash, Cassius brought his axe down hard into the man’s head, cracking through the skull and into the soft meat of the brain beneath. Using his foot to kick the man backwards, he released his weapon from the man’s skull and turned his full attention back to Violet.

Oscar’s eyes darted between the two of them, quickly realizing that it was two-on-one. He swallowed hard, a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead His gaze was locked on the man sprawled on the ground. Oscar’s mind raced for a split second before making a decision. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he slammed her down on the ground, his hands breaking freeing from her waist. He gritted his teeth and glared at Cassius. “This is far from over.” He seethed, his voice laced with a promise of vengeance, “I’ll find out who you are and then we’ll make you endure the pain that will exceed the realm of your nightmares. ” He sneered before his glare snapped to Violet. “ And you. I’ll be back for you.” With a wicked grin that twisted his features, he hurriedly retreated backward, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

Oscar left them with some chilling parting words, “Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait very long.” The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the silence, leaving the two siblings to deal with the aftermath of the encounter.

Violet let out a loud groan as she pulled herself up off the ground. Slowly pushing herself up with her hands, pushing up her knee to slowly rise to her feet. She stared at the figure with dead eyes. Violet's blood soaked face held no emotion, her deadpan stare, frail and bruised body standing before the man.

“ You should have let them kill me.”

Time: 7pm
Location: Guest house
Mention:Farim/Drake - @LavaAlckon
Appearance:Dress, Hair style but red,

Ariella sat at the table with her hands on her lap. She had picked at her meal through the night just keeping to herself as everything transpired. Mayet throwing the knife certainly sealed the evening for her.

Ariella had seen and heard quite a lot this evening that she wasn’t sure she was able to socialize more. It was like she was watching a circus, yet she was also inside the large iron bars. She could never understand the actions that many of them took this evening, all for their titles or honor. She felt so out of place, even now. A room full of people yet she sat there to herself, unable to feel any sort of connection.

She was however rather impressed by Farim. In the short time they had known each other he had expressed his interest in becoming the next Sultan and the way he held himself this evening she could see that being a proper fit and it seems like she wasn’t the only one to feel that way. She watched him leave and continue his conversating and socializing while she sat there alone.

She didn’t fault anyone, it really was her own undoing. Ari always had a hard time finding common ground with people, the only one she was actually able to hold a conversation with was Callum. She was missing the time she had spent in the garden with him. It was really nice to actually share a conversation about her own interests then pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She envied Callum for the fact that he was able to stop caring about what people thought and just acted out on his own accord. She hadn’t quite gotten to that point yet.

Ariella stood up out of her chair and began to gather her belongings. Everyone was so busy she tried to slip out without being noticed.

Farim had been rather absorbed in the night's events, having now taken care of Thara and answered an interesting array of questions from Lady Charlotte. He had initially begun to head off to Sultan’s chambers to answer the summon, yet as he walked down the hall, a realization hit him. Ariella! I completely wandered off without seeing her first. I hope she is doing well

He turned a corner and began to quickly walk towards the dining room. As he made his entrance he noticed Ariella beginning to head out. He slowed his pace and came up behind her, not trying to sneak but not trying to announce his presence either. He stepped to her side and finally spoke to her as he would lean forward to show his smiling face.

”Ariella! I hope you were not too displeased by tonight's dinner. And apologies for disappearing for a moment. Thara needed to be placed on her perch. What is it that you plan to do with the rest of your night?”

Ariella was startled by Farim as she looked over to see him just behind her. “ Oh, Farim. Well, it was longer than a moment, but it's quite alright. The future Sultan would have his hands rather busy at an event like tonight.” She kept her voice low so no one would overhear their inside joke.

She stood straighter and offered him a friendly smile ” Displeased isn’t the word I’d use. Slightly entertained and Overwhelmed.” She shifted around uncomfortably ” I was actually just about to step outside for some air, would you care to join me? I understand if you are busy”

First, his expression was one of embarrassment, which quickly morphed into a slight panic as he would put a finger to his lips. ”Not so louuud…” He doubted anyone heard, but he was not willing to gamble any of his family caught wind of such a joke, even if it did put him on airs ever so slightly.

She extended her offer, which he nodded happily, offering his hand to her as he moved to pull her chair for her. ” It would my pleasure, fair Ariella.” He followed this with another trademark Farim wink. ”I feel some fresh air is a smart idea. I understand I was running around for a mo- well longer than a moment. But I am here and you have my undivided attention.”

Ariella smiled and lead the way out through the guest room doors. Making their way through the main room and out the large front doors. The evening air tickled her nose as she pulled her shawl over her shoulders tightly, covering her bare arms from the wind. “ Ah..That is better. Nothing better than an evening breeze. I think it has to be one of my favorite things.”

She took in a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “ It is quite alright, I wasn't saying anything against your social adventures this evening. I came under the impression that it would be rude and perhaps even a bit sad if you were to attend this evening alone as Anastasia had canceled on you. “ she shrugged letting out a soft laugh “ I suppose a future sultan would have no problem finding his way to an event alone” her eyes softened “ you held yourself very well, I think you should be proud of yourself. I hope that's not too strange for me to say.”

It seems his actions had been favorable with more people than he thought. He was reassured that perhaps his vocabulary, while harsh and cold, may have been what was needed to diffuse things. He would likely have picked different words should such an event occur again, but one rarely has the chance to think such things in the heat of the moment.

”You are quite kind, Ariella. I thank you for that.” The breeze hit his body as well, prompting some goosebumps to form on his arms and back, hidden by layers of silk. He took note of that for now and continued reflecting on what she had said. ”Well if I could have just anyone I would still much prefer to have someone like you in my company, Ariella. You are quite different from the riff raff, in a good way mind you.”

He took another look at the lady next to him covering her bare skin. ”I could likely shed a layer or two if you would like some more warmth. Perhaps I could even run back and grab you something?” He then offered her his arm. ”Or perhaps we can simply huddle for warmth? If that isn’t too cheeky for your liking?” He flashed a smile in her direction that was soft and inviting, or at least it aimed to be.

Ariella laughed nervously as she took his arm, she huddled next too him and pressed against his shoulder. “ Careful, or I may start calling you Munir” she teased as she remembered the graze on her back as he had joined the table earlier.

Farim used his free hand to rub the back of his head in slight bashfulness. ”Well, I hardly find myself on Munir’s level, but I just like to make sure those who deserve compliments receive them. You are a special one, Ariella. Don’t let others fool you.” His hand reached over hers to keep it warm. They walked together down the road and he took the moment to breathe in that cool night air, his body brushing up to hers to savor the body between them.

Ariella smiled lightly as she continued walking with Farim. It was a surprising friendship, to say the least. Ana certainly had her way with charming people, but it worked out nicely for her since she got to spend some time with a rather interesting person. “ I appreciate the kind words Farim. I will have to take your word for it. I don't believe I’ve done anything to deserve such sentiments but I shouldn’t refuse them, coming from a future sultan “ she offered him a warm smile and a gentle nudge to the ribs. “ Although this evening was not something either of us expected, it was a nice surprise. I would have much rather continued the evening at the bar then that dinner but I suppose that is just how it is sometimes.”

Farim enjoyed this little moment. In his brief time in Caessonia he seemed to be making quite a few friends, which he was rather grateful for. Her nudge to his ribs made him look at her with a cocky grin. ”You are certainly right. This has been a day of many turns and twists. If not for the bar fiasco you would not have seen your Prince Charming no?” He joked with her, giving her a slight nudge with his arm locked with hers. ”I am glad to have met you, and I do hope you find yourself someone like that, if not in Prince Callum.” The cold weather made him shiver ever so slightly, but the warmth between them managed to stave off most of the shudders and chills.

She let out a soft chuckle “ Prince charming…Do you mean Callum? That was a very nice afternoon, he doesn’t toss around much of the Charm as you make think. He is just himself, easy to talk to, or at least I think so... but I don't think he’s interested in me that wa-"

Ariella was interrupted by the sounds of horse hooves hitting the pavement as a carriage began hurrying its way down the road.

The carriage came to a sudden halt as a loud voice called from inside the cabin. ”HALT GOOD SIR!” The driver pulled the carriage around and the door popped open. At first, Farim tensed up and took a step forward, eyes glaring at the darkened inside of the carriage.

Ariella stepped behind Farim as the carriage pulled up, feeling her heart racing at the unexpected visitor.

That is when a reassuring, calmer voice rang out. ”Now now, this is not what you think. Ari, dear, you are requested at home. I am sorry to your…friend? But there is an urgent family meeting.” He stepped out of the carriage, brushing his pant legs off before taking a moment to address Farim. ”Good evening, Shehzade whose name I regretfully do not know. I am Sir Drake Edwards, this fine young lady’s brother. So I apologize for the sudden departure but as I said there has been an urgent family assembly called.” He looked at Ariella with a serious expression.

Ari looked at the carriage as a familiar voice came out, stepping out of the carriage was her brother. She felt the daggers of his eyes piercing into her as she continued to stand behind Farim. “If it's about the mud, I told mother that I fell while getting into the carriage home. It wasn’t a big deal Drake, it's all fine now..” Ariella said her voice holding a tinge of concern behind her words.

His words turned from serious into concern as he closed the distance between them, leaving a few paces between the pair in front of him. ”I’m not saying you did anything wrong. But our parents demand us all to sit down and talk. Mother is….well mother. And even Father is concerned.” He paused for a moment, his eyes looking at Farim before coughing nervously. Farim would only meet the man's gaze with a raised brow. He thought of saying something but this seemed to be a private matter so he held his tongue for the moment. ”I really think we should at least talk about this on the ride home, because they won’t accept no for an answer, Ari.”

Ari let out a long sigh, standing behind Farim her head lowered. She leaned against his back for a moment. Her head pressed into the small of his back. She took a deep breath and pulled back, walking around Farim she gently held onto his arm and looked up at him with a smile.
“ Thank you for the nice walk, We will catch up more another evening.” There was a look of disappointment and fear in her eyes as she turned to look at Drake. “ Yes, we can talk on the way there. Let's go.” Ariella let go of Farims arm before stepping into the carriage.

Farim would reach his arm around as she walked in front of him, their arms still clinging for just a moment. He gave her a gentle hug to soothe her seemingly rattled nerves. ”Get home safe, and do not let your parents give you too much trouble. It was wonderful seeing you Ariella and I hope to talk to you more in the coming days.” With that he felt her grip leave his arm and she walked into the carriage. Drake looked at the Shehzade and held out his hand, his expression still somewhat somber yet firm as they locked eyes.

”Thank you for watching over her. I will do the same henceforth. You have my word. I bid you a good night.” Farim met the man’s hand with a quick handshake, and the two turned and began walking opposite ways, one into the carriage and the other back to the guest house. Farim couldn’t help but worry for Ariella. He knew being reprimanded by your parents, especially ones that sounded as overbearing as hers, would be an intense headache and could lead to trouble. ”Better keep your word, Sir Edwards…” He whispered to himself as he continued down the stone road.