[center][h1][color=lightpink]Olivia[/color][/h1]
[sub][color=lightgreen][s]Persephone[/s][/color][/sub]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/FfdNy36.gif[/img][/center] [color=lightgray]
[center][color=lightpink]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=lightpink]Location:[/color] Castle Dining Room
[color=lightpink]Interactions:[/color] [@princess] Charlotte [color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [@samreaper] Kazu [color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [@JJ Doe] Fritz
[color=lightpink]Mentions:[/color] [@Lava Alckon] Drake
[color=lightpink]Aesthetic:[/color] [color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/eXIDeug]Dress[/url][color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [url=https://imgur.com/abGm50u]Hair[/url] [color=lightgreen]♞[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/pI3FUId.jpeg]Shoes[/url][/center]
[hr]

Olivia looked up when Fritz joined them. She heard Kazumin’s words of wisdom and did not reply. She snickered and listened as he addressed everyone. While Fritz and Lorenzo spoke, Olivia’s attention was drawn elsewhere. Her gaze focused on Charlotte and the Varian section. What happened to Lottie? She wished she could send a message to her, but the risk of magic wasn’t worth it. The angel and devil on her shoulder whispered conflicting advice. Did Cassius hurt her? Olivia’s fists clenched. Lorenzo’s loud laughter drew her out of her reverie in time for her to respond to Fritz. Whatever he’d said was going to draw ire from the Edwards and she decided not to react.

[color=lightpink]”Very well, thank you and yourself?”[/color] The proper words spilled out of her mouth. She hated speaking so eloquently. [color=lightpink]”It’s nice to see you again, Sir Fritz.”[/color] Her gaze scanned the room and she caught sight of Drake. Olivia waved at him kindly. Their conversation the previous day had been pleasnt.

A loud thump caused her to glance around in alarm. Kalliope and Sjan-dehk had come into the hall. She tilted her head to look more closely, then dismissed it. Whatever happened, she hoped they would be okay. Her gaze returned to her companions, though she kept Charlotte in her peripheral vision. Fascination with Kazumin’s words caused her eyebrows to raise. Her smile was as radiant as her dress. [color=lightpink]”Oh Sir Kazumin, that is a wonderful idea!”[/color] She clasped her hands together and eagerly drew forward. [color=lightpink]”I love it.”[/color]

Her gaze lingered on Kazumin for a second longer. Memories of them catching fireflies at night on the farm raced through her mind: [i]the melodies of the crickets chirping, the darkness punctured by the fireflies flying, and the laughter of two farm peasants attempting to catch them.. Behind them, the occasion mooing, neighing, clucking and hooting of the owl…[/i] The memories of what once was and could never be again caused her chest to tighten.

For a moment, Olivia was stunned into silence. Her vision blurred briefly as tears threatened to come pouring out. Olivia turned away before anyone saw and aggressively began eating her food as though her life depended on it. As she turned, she caught sight of Count Calbert and fury rose inside of her. Olivia caught his gaze and held it until he was forced to look away. If she had the power to turn him into ash, she would have.

[color=lightgreen][i]Like a phoenix, we’ll rise from the ashes and take you down.[/i][/color][/color]

[hr][h3][color=black]Olivia and Kazumin Flashback[/color][/h3]
[hider=Sola, 27][center][color=lightgray]
[color=limegreen]Time:[/color] 28th, early morning
[color=lightpink]Location:[/color] Vikena Estate
[color=limegreen]Interactions:[/color] Olivia/Persephone, Charlotte
[color=lightpink]Mentions:[/color] Ruby [/color][/center]
[hr]
[color=lightgray]Kazumin stood with his hands resting against the large, heavy set wooden doors to the Vikena estate, his upper body leaning forward as if he would collapse without its structure to hold against. 

Nearly two days had passed since the episode, most of which had been spent in a flurry of mild fevers and nightmares. Eventually, his body gave in allowing sleep to take in. 

He was over the sickness and the marks somewhat faded, those on his hands still itched. Unable to tell if the itching was truly there though barely felt at times. His skin was no longer pale as snow, but hardly an improvement.

Was it not for his body screaming for more rest and the fresh pain in his leg, having struggled in his climbing the gate (an apology owed for the sneaking in) due to his current struggling health. That his mind would wander and allowing that to happen meant letting the thoughts in.

Thump…

Pressing his forehead against the door.* Not now, just focus….you’re here to see Percy….got to make sure. I will make sure with my own eyes…please be here…Char…” A small intake of breath, wishing to see her as well. Any of their faces would be enough to settle the anxious pounding of his heart. But this…he didn’t want them to see him like this, hell he didn’t want to show any of them.

Still, he needed to confirm they were alive; more than anything he longed to see his closest friend. Fearing he may crumble otherwise.

A deep breath held in, he shifted to give a gentle rap at the door the first time, seconds later another then another until it almost became a knocking out of desperation, wanting someone to answer the door, though preferred to avoid Charlotte until he was in a better head space. 

Charlotte, hearing the frantic knocking at the door, quickly made her way across the room. As she opened the door, she was greeted by Kazumin’s weary form. Her expression softened immediately, her concern growing for him as she took in his frail state. Without hesitation, she gestured to invite him inside.

Noticing the creaking of the door had him hastily scrambled into a standing position, the sudden light from within momentarily left him in a blinding wince. 

[color=D0B4EC]“Hello Kazumin!”[/color] she greeted, [color=D0B4EC]“It’s so nice to see you. Come in, please.”[/color] 

Standing there wearing a pair of simple light-blue pajamas, the buttons misplaced and bad bed hair with weak attempts to battle it down. Some bits of leaves and small stains elaborate further his less-than-clean way of getting in.

Her gentle voice washed over him; a tidal wave of relief flooding in and with it melted the anxiety from his face.”[color=limegreen] Charlotte! You’re ok![/color]” Kazu found himself blurting before he could catch himself. A momentary awkward pause as he knew how weird he appeared.”[color=limegreen] I mean..hey-o ok! Ok hey! Just..just my way of showing how great it is to see ya..on this fine morning ha…ha….[/color]” Forcing a laugh with some rhythmic clapping and jazz hands trying to play it cool.

He was grateful for her invitation, which he sheepishly took. He used this chance to duck his head down on the way in, briefly hiding his blushing face as he went.  

Charlotte’s expression softened as she stepped closer to Kazumin. Gently placing a hand on his arm, she asked, [color=D0B4EC]“Are you alright?”[/color] Without waiting for an answer, she pulled him into a brief, warm hug. After letting go, she asked, [color=D0B4EC]“And what brings you here, dear?”[/color]

His body tensed at the touch; a light trembling that worsens upon being hugged. He wanted to return the affection, but the itching of his palms held him back, unable to trust his hands still. Pulling away, barely registering her question at first.” Huh? That…” opening his mouth to speak but stopped, hesitant to unload so much on Char, especially after appearing unannounced like this.

It wasn’t a lack of trust that stopped him, the lack of a close bond and fear her learning of…” [color=limegreen]Ngh..i don’t want to lie to ya, Char… and..and I’m sorry. I want to tell you but my mind’s all fu-messed up right now.[/color]” Biting his lip, contemplating before continuing.  "[color=limegreen] It will get out before long anyway, but..the estate was broken into…and a maid was- was attacked.[/color]" His head turned away, shame keeping him from elaborating. 

[color=D0B4EC]“Oh gods.”[/color] Despair filled her expression. [color=D0B4EC]“...Is she alright? What can I do?”[/color]

“[color=limegreen] She’s fine![/color]” He nearly shouted the words, fearful worry etched his eyes.”[color=limegreen] I-I meant, that I think she is...they took her to the hospital, but that’s the last I heard.[/color]” Gulping as he fidgeted nervously in place.” [color=limegreen]I want to explain more…[/color]” Eyes closing for a moment with a small huffed exhale.” [color=limegreen]B-but for now, I just…have you seen Percy Or Ruby recently? Please, I just-just need to be sure.[/color]” Looking at her properly since stepping in, he was both comforted and pained at seeing Char’s despairing face.

Charlotte’s brows furrowed with worry, but she answered nonetheless,[color=D0B4EC]“...Percy is in the dining room…”[/color]

Kazu heaved a big sigh, the tense aura and trembling to relax as if finally able to shake off an uncomfortable icy biting coat.”[color=limegreen] Really?! Ah, ya no idea the loads dropped my heart just now, thanks, Charlotte… truly.[/color]” Pushing himself to gingerly wrap his fingers around her hand, the best he could muster to express his appreciation. “[color=limegreen]Can ya show me the way?[/color]” Stepping back with an awkward chuckle, not wanting to risk getting lost wandering in his pj’ after all.

She smiled warmly, hoping that would offer him some comfort. ,[color=D0B4EC]“ Of course…”[/color] Charlotte squeezed his hand tenderly then led him toward the dining room.  As much as she wanted to ask what had happened, she was able to put together the pieces on her own anyhow. She bit her lip, uncertain if he was in the best state for her to fill in the blanks for him just yet. [color=D0B4EC]“And Kazumin… Perhaps we can talk later, before the banquet tonight…  You, me and Percy. I’ll always be here for you both.”[/color] 

He followed along quietly, lightly hugging himself, the lingering crisp cold of the early morning. Perking up at the suggestion.”[color=limegreen] That sounds great. I will..explain more, I promise And if possible, if you find or run into Ruby, inviting her could be great too. [/color]” Kazu added, good to get her a good safe place too. 

As they entered the room, she gestured to Percy. With a parting smile, she then left the two of them to talk privately.

Before entering the room he had moved to shake off some of the leaves. Following with one last battle against his rebellious hair (an ever-losing battle, his cowlick stood proof) in whatever attempt he could to make himself somewhat more presentable, he certainly appeared more composed now.

In doing so, he held back awkwardly for the moment with an equally awkward little wave.”[color=limegreen] Hey Percy.[/color]” Was all he said, waiting to be alone and knowing she would have questions, wanting to take a second to relish in knowing his friends were safe so far….

Olivia sat in the living room, surrounded by food and watching outside the window. She wore a blouse and pants loosely tucked into one another. Her red hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her green eyes were focused on outdoor activities. Her gaze moved over to them and assed themL Kazu looked worse for the wear in his pajamas with Charlie accompanying him. She frowned, set her brownie down, and stood up. 

Olivia rushed over to him and gestured for him to sit down beside her. With an arm wrapped around his shoulder, she stared at him with worry and concern. [color=pink]”What’s wrong Kazu?”[/color] She gestured to the food because she knew it was a key item in helping him relax. [color=pink]”Did someone do something to you?”[/color]

The tired blonde stood, his body was tense and fidgeting though it had lessened upon being alone with Percy.  He was reluctant to take a seat, but the allure of the food and her comfort had him ease his way into the seat.

With the gesture given, his hand shot out grabbing the thickest piece of sausage.” [color=limegreen]Right now? Realizing how starved I am..fuck this is good..[/color]” Pausing with a small exhausted chuckle. For a moment, allowing himself to forget all his qualms and just savor the juicy meat and Percy’s embrace.

Concern washed over Olivia like a tidal wave. What the [i]hell[/i] happened to Kaz? She frowned and kept an arm around his shoulders. For a moment, she allowed him to sink into her embrace and feast on the food. After a small pause, she gently turned his head to face her. She brushed some blonde hair out of his eyes tenderly and became serious.

[color=lightpink]”Kaz, I want to know what happened. When you’re ready and satisfied, please talk to me.”[/color] She kept her arm around him and waited patiently
. 
His body briefly tensed at her touch, relaxing afterward as he idly nibbled at the food. Whether to savor it or prolong talking, he couldn’t be sure, both his guesses. Then the touch of her fingers, gentle and comforting, directed him to look at Percy’s face.

 No, who he saw was Olivia; guilt and sadness filled his eyes, illuminated by small pools of tears threatening to spill. Grasping at how to start and doing so with his friend wearing a different face made this awkward (not that he blamed her), but he needed to get it out. So he chose to tell her the details, starting with how he woke up with a nightmare, a bad sign now that he had thought back on it.

From there, he spoke of making his way to the garden after receiving a day off and came upon the tree. It was at this point he started struggling to continue, the image of that poor mutilated tree and those wicked dolls. That was when he stopped, but how he kept avoiding eye contact and the way his hand squeezed the forgotten food in his shaky hands showed that there was more to the story. As he held back the details of the doll and..the last part he dreaded; feared if he told her and looked into her eyes…he would see hate.

Olivia remained silent while Kaz ate. She knew something was deeply wrong - no, something terrible had disturbed him. Though the anxiety was eating her alive, she needed to give him time. 

After time passed, it seemed he was ready. A full stomach always helped him. Finally, he recounted the story. Her skin paled and her eyes widened. She was silent for a moment, then sucked in a deep breath; she had to be strong for him. [color=lightpink]”Oh, Kaz.”[/color] Her voice shook and her eyes shined with tears. Olivia took a deep breath.

He had taken his time eating the bit of food, longer than usual, and was thankful for Percy’s patience and caring words. Her words alone comforted him far more than the food placed; listening to his friend show her immense worry and fierce spirit with promise of payback. That familiar spunk he sorely needed now more than ever. 

[color=lightpink]”I’m so sorry they did that to you!”[/color] She pulled him into a tight hug and didn’t loosen her grip. [color=lightpink]”How dare they! I will have their heads.”[/color] She pulled back, and then cupped his face in her hands. [color=lightpink]”Those bastards aren’t going to get us. I promise,”[/color] Olivia let go of him and pulled him back into a tight hug. 

Kazu allowed himself to be pulled into the hug; a warm embrace that in this moment melted his qualms and stress, a protective fire he thought forever lost from him.” [color=limegreen]Percy… you’re here…gods..…it’s been difficult to tell, ever since that afterparty….and all that shit with Calbert, what he did to you. It’s all messing with my head then…the tree. My family…Percy…I don’t..I don’t know what to do?[/color]” His face hid in her shoulder, tears spilled as his arms returned with a fierce hug, almost afraid she may vanish again, another mind trickery to mock him. 

Olivia held onto Kazumin tightly and stroked his hair. She was silent while he spoke. She didn’t know what to say or how to comfort him. The situation they found themselves in was a bigger web than she’d ever imagined. How did it come to this? She knew she had to reply and rattled her brain for a positive response. With a sigh, she gently pulled away and lifted his chin with her finger so they made eye contact. 

A muffled shaky exhale; grateful just to feel her in his arms. How often the phantoms plagued him, mocked him from the shadows, both awake and asleep. Even now a part of him feared her to be an ashy mirage like the nightmares. A comforting hug mending his splintering limbs barely holding together. A flinching hitch at the familiar gentle touch thought lost; scared eyes trembling in confusion and a fragile vulnerability kept beneath the smiling buffoon mask. 

[color=lightpink]”I know, I’m so sorry. I hope things will calm down soon. I’m more worried about what he did to you than whatever’s going on with me. I say you lay low and mind your business. Be careful who you talk to and don’t spread any news on the Black Rose or anything going on. Stay safe with us, so I can protect you all. It’ll be okay,”[/color] She pulled him again into a hug tightly. [color=lightpink]”I promise. I’m here now. Here, want to listen to my heart beating? It relaxes you, remember?”[/color]

Her words, they soothed but the memories they burned. Comfort in her voice filled in guilt; a cruel note all too familiar.” [color=limegreen]*sigh* Y-you’re right. It’s not just us two now. We got char and the group![/color]” A genuine smile cracked his dried lips, the ash souring his tongue washed away with each shaky gulp.”[color=limegreen] Be careful? More like they need to be careful of us! By the time we’re done, the black rose will be Red violet, like their faces will be![/color]” A fresh spark ignited his assumed snuffed heart and a clenched fist idly punching the air.

[color=lightpink]”I promise. I’m here now. Here, want to listen to my heart beating? It relaxes you, remember?”[/color]

Stunned and taken back.” [color=limegreen]W-ah..I- yo..I’m not a kid Percy![/color]” Kazu spluttered, face flushed red with embarrassment. Turning his head away with an annoyed huff at her even suggesting..”[color=limegreen] Ya tryna make me look like some creep who likes listening to heartbeats or somethin?[/color]” Feigned bravado in a moment of weakness too awkward to share.”[color=limegreen] Don’t think this will distract me from the fact you just magically appeared at the ball and your disappearing dinner rescue act![/color]” An accusing glint and harsh wag of a finger scorched in betrayal as boundless hurt filled his teared up eyes, long wrestled to spill since the day she magicked her way cruelly back into his life.” [color=limegreen]Unfair….you’re so cruel..Percy.[/color]” Grimacing, hating how she knew him better than himself. 

Biting his lip as he wrestled the conflicting emotions. 

“ [color=limegreen]Please? *sniff*...can I?[/color]” The request left on a delicate, shaky whisper uttered only for a trusted friend, fearing mockery at the absurd idea.” [color=limegreen]Hngh..gah! Ignore me..I’m just being stupid![/color]” Furiously shaking his head, wiping at his face, knowing it unbecoming to show such an unpleasant face; Lady Agatha’s horrid recent lessons demonstrated plenty enough.  

Olivia remained silent. She allowed him the opportunity to vent and talk. While his words cut deep, she didn’t let it show. Guilt threatened to overwhelm her like a tidal wave. She took a deep breath and continued to hug him. She nodded and pulled him into yet another hug. [color=lightpink]”Let it out, Kaz. No judgement. Speak your mind.”[/color] She coaxed him gently and cotninued to stroke his hair. 

The touch of her skin meant to be comforting singed his perspiration flesh, the crackling heat of that day briefly fresh. He gulped the choked ashy air down on a guilty hitch; gloves hands previously resting atop his lap gradually tightened even as her embrace enveloped him once more, a familiar warmth to comfort that only burned the gurgling shame bubbling like boiling acid in his stomach.”[color=limegreen] *Sniffs* T-that’s not fair…you can’t just…[/color]” A struggling shaky breath grasping for untainted air yet the stench of the acidic touch nearly took friend only wishing to help.

“ [color=limegreen]Think..you can just show up…expect me to trust..[/color]” Biting back a stifling the fiery burst of rage; hands clenching tight around fingers till the white knuckles crackled beneath the punishing pressure. The despairing blonde let his head hang to hide the anguishing face battling an inner turmoil threatening to tear him from within as damned tears leaked trickling tears as his teeth and fingers almost cracked from the trembling suppressing flurry of emotion, regret, and guilt poisoned his suffocating veins as words wrestled viciously on his blood beading lips.

“ [color=limegreen]I-I can’t…can’t…[/color]” Lowering his head till he heard the faint pounding of that familiar frantic beat. Restrained watery eyes closing on a small hitched sob.” I didn’t mean…the tree, there were dolls…the dolls Percy…” Body tensing in fearful rage that again held no face to blame.” [color=limegreen]F- *sharp intake* familiar dolls and… something just…flipped when I saw them….[/color]” Teeth dug into his lip on a blood-letting sting; afraid to say it, to make it real instead of the waking nightmare he wished for a dream but unending and none more of the vices imbibed to numb now forced to choke on his potential wicked act.”[color=limegreen] It was all a blur…my mind, my imagination..ever since those drinks…I swear.. It was accident… I’d never..I wouldn’t…[/color]” An uncomfortable faint crackling pop of knuckles and quick vicious head shaking;  body now quaking, crumbling against the closest friend he thought he could trust…and hated her returning after starting to let go. 

And yet, still, her beating fiery smile soothed his scorched heart.”[color=limegreen]Please…Percy…promise…promise me…you will believe me.[/color]” He needed to hear her promise again before he dared breathe the cursed day from its slumbering lie.” [color=limegreen]Please…I don’t care if anyone else…just…please…[/color]” A trickling river spilled bitter self-hating tears all but pleading in desperate, terrifying need for someone to truly listen to him for once, bare against she who hurt him most, the cruel irony gagged back down refusing to spew the built-up harsh grievances that snarled to make her experience its burning bites.” [color=limegreen]Only you.[/color]” Whispered on cutting sobs still straining. 

Olivia let go of him and pulled his face up to face her’s. She gently cupped his face and kept her voice low and steady.

His body tensed initially on a shocked gasp; a flinching wince at the touch of her fingers. Both burning and comforting left a conflicting battle in his pounding chest as tear-stricken eyes peered into Percy’s eyes giving no resistance. 

[color=lightpink] "Kaz, I believe you. I believe you with everything in me. "[/color] She pulled him back into a warm embrace, her heartbeat steady against his ear. [color=lightpink]"You’re not alone in this. No matter what happens, I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere."[/color] She did not reply or react to his accusations of her appearing and disappearing; she did not need to further stress him out. The guilt filled her stomach, but she didn’t let it show.

A nervousness trembled through him, feeling himself so close, the sound of her beating heart crumbling the pained walls flimsily erected to forget that night as flurries of emotions whirled in guilty shame as fear gripped his throat momentarily.” [color=limegreen]I-...Percy…my hands…something snapped, the dolls…Calbert..what he’s done to you…[/color]” His breath stuttered between words, the soothing warmth of her familiar presence like a blanket protecting him from the overwhelming weight of the world only she could give.”[color=limegreen] Can’t..I don’t know what happened, but I never meant…Sasha tried to help I guess and I…the rage…the drugs and..that day..[/color]” Shivering within her grasp fighting to hold himself together as the rush of bubbling emotions spilled down his cheeks unable to hold back, hating her and himself as he let the nightmare slip.”[color=limegreen] It…all came out and I..nearly *choked gulped* choked her…they had to drag me off…Percy..please..don’t leave me.[/color]” Holding her close, he feared the world would collapse beneath him.” Not again, don’t go without me.” He murmured to himself. 

“[color=limegreen] I..I’m scared Percy. Those bastards…threatened my family….and you..[/color]” Said in a whimpered plea, his face hidden against her shirt, the soft thumps of her heart all that anchored him in this vulnerable moment. 

Percy’s fingers curled gently into his hair as she held him close, her voice soft but laced with fire. [color=lightpink]“Hey. Look at me.”[/color]

She pulled back just enough so he could see her eyes—warm, fierce, unchanging. [color=lightpink]“You didn’t break, Kaz. They tried to break you. But you’re still here. You didn’t lose control—you survived a goddamn war inside your own mind. That’s strength, baby. That’s you.”[/color]

She cupped his cheek and wiped away a tear with her thumb. [color=lightpink]“You think I’m leaving you? Please. You’re stuck with me. Glue-and-glitter level stuck. We’re in this together. I don’t run from fire, I light it.”[/color]

Her smile was sweet, but her eyes burned like stormlight. [color=lightpink]“As for those bastards?”[/color] She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper that sent chills 

[color=lightpink]“They don’t know what they started. They messed with the wrong man. And they really messed up when they dragged me into it. You and me?”[/color] She tapped his chest. [color=lightpink]“We’re not victims. We’re the reckoning.”[/color]

Then, with a softer look, she added: [color=lightpink]“You’re not alone, Kaz. Not now, not ever. I’ve got you—and when we’re done? They’ll wish they never even saw us."[/color] She kissed his forehead gently. [color=lightpink]“Now breathe, badass. We’ve got a storm to unleash.”[/color][/color][/hider]

[hr][hr]

[h3][color=black]Olivia & Drake Flashback[/color][/h3]
[hider=Sola 26][color=lightgray]Olivia sat on the Vikena estate porch with a cup of herbal tea in her hands. Delilah insisted she drink tea, so she followed the woman’s advice. It wasn’t often she had the time to relax and take in the amenities of the Vikena estate. Being at peace and sitting on the porch caused her to feel a mixture of joy and sadness; this had quickly become her home; yet, it was still alien to her. A book laid on her lap she was attempting to learn how to read. She had been too embarrassed to tell the others that reading chapter books like Charlotte did was difficult. 

Noise caught her attention and she looked up from the book. A family walked by with the kids running and playing tag. The parents watched their kids with amusement, oblivious to the disgust from onlookers. From the look of their clothes, Liv could tell they weren't noble. A flashback of Kazumin and her made her grin but her heart broke, and she took a deep breath to regain her composure. 

As Olivia made her way towards the front part of the estate, Drake had begun passing by in light strides, witnessing the same sight of playing children. The young lord smiled at the jubilee and whimsical nature of the playing children amidst their game of what appeared to be tag, likely with some funny little twist that only participants would know about it. [color=greenyellow][i]Oh to be young again.[/i][/color] Drake thought to himself. He briefly paused and thought about the times he and Ari would play like that, and sometimes the younger children would come by joining them from other families. He remembered the playdates with other noble families, including the Vikenas and even the Danroses on rare public occasions. He remembered those days fondly.

Amidst this mild reminiscing he couldn’t help but notice another face admiring the youths. Drake turned to his left and glanced over at Olivia, someone he had seen in passing a few times but memories had not permitted him the clarity as to who exactly she was. She had been around Charlotte, so there was no reason to think she was not to be trusted. But Drake’ curiosity still hung in the air, and so he waved at the fair lady with his charismatic smile. 

[color=greenyellow]”Hello there, Lady Olivia, was it? How are you doing today?”[/color]

Olivia’s reverie was broken by a male voice and she looked up. There stood Drake Edwards, a mixture of beauty and grace all in one package. Panic surged through her. What did she say or do? She quickly hid the book behind her and stood up so she could curtsy politely–something she still did not enjoy or prefer doing, yet was a necessary evil for nobles.

[color=lightpink][i]”Hello there, Lady Olivia.[/i][/color] The title caused her to pause, and she took a deep breath. Not responding fast enough would be suspicious. She smiled and curtsied to him and in the process, knocked the book over. Olivia pretended not to notice and hoped he would do the same. 

[color=lightpink]”Good day, Lord Drake. Yes, you’re correct, my name is Olivia. I am doing well, and how are you?”[/color] She motioned to the porch. [color=lightpink]”Do you care to join me and move out of the sun? You wouldn’t want to burn yourself.”[/color]

Drake looked around, and chuckled softly at the thought of himself literally “burning” his skin several shades darker. [color=greenyellow]”Worry not I shall partake of your invite and spare myself the oppressive rays of this afternoon sun, milady.”[/color] He wandered to the gazebo that Olivia had been perched at, and bowed once he made the proper distance between the two. His eyes glanced towards the book, laying on the ground without a care in the world. Taking a particular interest in the title, he bent down to pick the book up and place it into the hands of the woman in front of him. [color=greenyellow]”An avid reader, are you? What work are we enjoying today?”[/color]

Olivia smiled, both nervous and excited, when he joined her on the porch. She watched him pick up the book and inquire if she were an avid reader. She smiled nervously, and sheepishly nodded. [color=lightpink]”The Green Meadows, by Iliya Knight.”[/color] At least she knew the title, as weird as it sounded.

[color=lightpink][i]What if he asks me more? I’ve been on chapter one for a week…[/i][/color]

Drake let her take the book, not prying too harshly by staring at her possession. The man casually brushed his coattails aside as he sat on the bench, crossed his leg over the over, and locked his fingers over his knee in a casual yet dignified pose. [color=greenyellow]”I am a bit of a book worm myself. I’m particularly drawn to mysteries and detective thriller type novelia. I simply can’t get enough!”[/color]

Fortunately, the conversation moved past the book. She let out a little sigh of relief. Olivia mirrored him and sat down across from him. She made sure to be lady-like, and smoothed the dress over her knees. Why were nibbles obsessed with dresses? Olivia smiled, despite her inner anxiety. Truth be told, Lottie telling her about these books did intrigue her, which started her trying to learn how to read them. Reading hadn’t been a past-time of her’s as a farmer peasant; it was nice to escape, although it was challenging enough that it infuriated her. [color=lightpink]”Those are fun! It’s nice to get yourself into a book like that. It’s nice to see them piece together the little clues and stuff.”[/color]

[color=lightpink]”So! How’s your family doing? Were you just going for a walk? It’s a nice day out.”[/color] She glanced at the book then back to him, and bit her lip subconsciously. 

Drake nodded at the mention of clues. [color=greenyellow]“I do rather fancy myself the detective type. Not quite as legendary as some of these authors, but I can piece together a mystery or two!”[/color] He chuckled. [color=greenyellow]“Oh the family is, well, as family does. Lots of particularly interesting bits and pieces have been happening over the last few days. I personally had a … somewhat unexpected turn of events at my recent name day ceremony. My sister has been getting into some rather substantial trouble, and my poor parents are caught fraying their hairs out over our well-being.”[/color] Drake sighed, tapping his finger against his knuckle in a subtle show of frustration. [color=greenyellow]“They act as though they were never young themselves. But alas, things shall rectify themselves soon enough. Where might your family be at this sunny day? The weather is rather enjoyable, and I am curious to know what sort of occupations they have in this fine city.”[/color] Drake innocently smiled as he inquired about Olivia’s relatives.

Olivia glanced at Drake, her fingers drumming lightly against her thigh before she caught herself. His question was innocent enough, but she had quickly learned that the simplest inquiries were often the most dangerous. Each lie had to be seamless. Afterall, one crack, one hesitation, and everything she had built could come crashing down. Still, she maintained her composure and offered a polite smile.

[color=lightpink]“My parents, Lady Rose and Lord William Hawthorne, are likely attending their usual engagements,”[/color] she replied smoothly. [color=lightpink]“My father has always been deeply invested in Veirmont's trade while my mother… Well, she enjoys ensuring everything is in perfect order.”[/color] The words left her lips easily. Beneath the surface, her heart pounded. She had no father overseeing trade, no mother ensuring order. There was no grand estate waiting for her, no comforting assurance of a noble name to protect her. Her real parents were long gone, and whatever life they had once given her had been reduced to nothing but ashes.

She sat up straight and smiled kindly. [color=lightpink]"So to answer your question, they're down in Veirmont. I've been staying with Duke Lorenzo Vikena and his daughter Lady Charlotte this summer for the courting season. Our families have been friends for years. "[/color]

[color=lightpink]”What do you look forward to this season?”[/color] She changed the subject smoothly and sipped her tea to avoid further discussion. 

Drake nodded, pleasantly smirking as he mulled over those words. [color=greenyellow]“Ah, a fellow child of a perfectionist mother…”[/color] He muttered. [color=greenyellow]“This season I am looking forward to perhaps finally sealing the deal on a future bride. A bit of a tall glass of water but I like to think big on my goals - no matter how many little steps they take.”[/color] Drake smiled in her direction.

Olivia feigned a smile and nodded. Perfectionist. Both her parents had become hypervigilant perfectionists. Before the royals ruined their lives, they had been more carefree and joyous. She said nothing to confirm or deny it, and hoped the topic would change soon. Her heart raced as if she’d been racing through the fields with Kazumin. 

He wasn’t familiar with the families in Veirmont, and he took a mental note to try and look more into those names at a later point. If there was someone staying with his old friend Charlotte then his curiosity wouldn’t stop until he found that errant connection. But he wouldn’t pry so deeply to Olivia after barely meeting the girl. He would just make it a point to learn more about this Lord William and Lady Rose for a future time. Who knows what good tidings they may bring?

[color=greenyellow]“Other things I look forward too aside from the cheesy romantical tale would include the conclusion of a mystery series of novels that I am rather fond of. It is called ‘Truly Devious’ - and its conclusion book is called ‘The Hand on the Wall’. It is a rather funny name when you think about it - but I shan’t gush over details and spoil a good book.”[/color] He paused after his enthusiastic little tirade. [color=greenyellow]“What might [i]you[/i] be interested in this season?”[/color]

[color=lightpink]”Those are indeed good things to look forward to! When you finish them I might have to steal them.”[/color] She couldn’t help but lie to respond. She could hardly read the novels Lottie provided her. Olivia smiled pleasantly and was thankful for the topic change. [color=lightpink]”Oh, it’s so fun to meet the guests from Varian and Alidasht.”[/color] Her eyes shined as she thought of them. [color=lightpink]”They are so different from us, the Alidasht, but similar too.”[/color] She paused, then glanced back as a loud whiny caught her attention. 

Buttercup demanded attention. [color=lightpink]”Want to go visit the horses as we talk?”[/color]

Drake joined her back in the stables. The two conversed the rest of the hour and enjoyed one another’s company. Once he left, Olivia wished him a good day and smiled. Relief washed over her. The pressure that was on her shoulders had eased.

Had she just made another friend?[/color][/hider]