Unaware that she was being watched by Lord Vaross and his faithful servants, Crystal continued in her merriment from checking out the various vendors in the market square. There was one in particular she was especially thrilled to check out, a shop for pet accessories that opened for business not too long ago. Her dear Olivia often traveled to Alegasia's shopping district and during her time there, would update The Princess on all of the little happenings outside of the castle walls since Crystal didn't go out often enough to know. An ear piercing squeal escaped Crystal's lips as she stopped at the pet shop, eyes widening in amazement at all of the collars and miniature clothes for her furry friend. She had never heard of animals wearing clothes, and didn't intend on putting Lily in any clothes but it was still very cute to The Princess. Sighing happily, she held up a lavender collar with amethyst stones on the band. "Ooohh, Lily would love this!" Crystal mused, holding a collar of the largest size up to her neck... For a second she almost wished it were for her. Not caring of who watched, Crystal posed cutely in front of the small vanity mirror perched on top of the vendor's stand. She was smiling, carefree...happy, until those familiar black robes fluttered out from behind her reflection in the mirror. Before that man opened his mouth, Crystal knew exactly who it was, nearly dropping the collar and resisting the fear that came over her as he spoke with that feigned delight. It was a miracle that Crystal was able to turn around and face the man, the man who she was sure had hurt Irina last night. "Ah, Lord Vaross...Th-thank you, you're so kind." Crystal swallowed nervously as Lord Vaross held her hand, her heart beat drumming loudly in her ears as his parched lips pressed against her hand; she could feel the skin on his lips through the delicate lace on her hands, but she was glad to have some protection from his venomous touch. Oh, Goddess. Please, I'll never abandon Irina again if you help me out of this.
Just as her desperate prayer was sent to heavens, the thundering of hooves on cobblestone were heard. The Goddess heard her pleas and sent her a knight in shining armor to cut Lord Vaross down. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as Irina neared on her noble steed, the same as when she rescued her for the first time. Crystal stepped away from Lord Vaross, exhaling for the first time since he appeared behind her. In the midst of the confrontation, she had come to a shocking conclusion about Lord Vaross. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt before, but now she knew for a fact he was stalking her. Maybe Irina was right all along. Covering her mouth with a gloved hand, Crystal watched in shock as Lord Vaross retreated to wherever he came from. This was all his doing; The Opera, someone rummaging in her room for something. It all added up now.
Crystal sighed and nodded in understanding to what Irina said toward Lord Vaross, but when she got a scolding of her own...in public at that; she was startled to say the least. Blushing deeply, she hung her head to shield from the on lookers in the market place, her face completely concealed by her giant sunhat. Crystal frowned and turned away from Irina, feeling worse to hear that Irina was scared for her. No longer could Crystal pretend this wasn't happening. It was time to grow up a little.
"Forgive me, Sir Irina..." Crystal sounded remorseful for once, sincere even. Irina had no reason to apologize, and she knew that. "It was foolish to leave without you." She knelt down beside Lily and patted the bunny between the ears before placing the unpaid for collar around his neck. The shop keeper didn't notice with all of the commotion going on, but Crystal put several gold coins on his counter. She grabbed a matching leash and tied it to Lily's collars, glancing up at Irina with a soft sigh. "I promise I won't leave your side. Please grab my things so we can go home...They're too heavy." Crystal said coolly before leading Lily away in one hand, and Argo in the other by his reigns. Argo seemed willing to go and gave a huff toward his owner. Crystal giggled to herself, loud enough for Irina to hear.