p r i n c e ♕

“Everyone has their hamartia,” he said, and it sounded like there was just the hint of a warning in his words. Warning and regret. “But if you really think that commitment is mine then … maybe you never knew me.” Maybe it was a little too open for what they were now but Rion had often found it hard to properly censor himself with her. But what he knew for certain was that there were many different flaws of his that could quite easily end him if he let them. Naturally, he would never tell anyone that. “I don’t regret what I did.” It wasn’t answer. It was a million miles from being an answer. But how was he supposed to answer that? There was no way that he could give any kind of response that was less cruel than the one he did. Rion stooped to slide his feet back into his shoes, an easy way to break himself from Audelia’s penetrating gaze. “Give Greengrass my regards.”

“There’s a difference between running away and leaving once you’re,” Rion looked over his shoulder for one last glance, a final look as he decided what to say, “finished.” It wasn’t quite what he felt but there weren’t any words for that; he wanted Audelia to think that there was nothing left for them, the ends of this, even as he had a strong suspicion this would not be the last time he saw this room. He finished buttoning his shirt as she spoke and afforded himself a hint of a smile. Did she even know about Avalon? He was only waiting for it all to be public knowledge. “Do you really think I’m that much of a coward?” It was odd, even after everything she knew about him, that she thought he lacked guts.

For a brief moment after saying those three words Rion thought that she actually meant them but it was clear that Audelia didn’t. She couldn’t. Love wasn’t what either of them did and it certainly wasn’t what they were. They had never been anything except passion and convenience. “You don’t know me at all, Prince.” Rion had great skill at lying convincingly, it was one of the few things he knew that no-one could beat him at. He stood up, having quickly gotten bored of the ceiling, and began to change, throwing clothes onto his body so that he looked fairly presentable. “There are plenty of things I could do with that kind of devotion.”

       Did Audelia’s agreement mean she’d said the right thing? It was hard to tell sometimes, if she was playing her part well enough. The difference between what she was meant to believe in and what was in her heart was both worlds apart and a little too close for comfort all at once. It was far easier to talk about happier topics - her brother being here was easily the highlight of the otherwise dull party. ‘ Yes, I hope he’s around a lot more now. Though maybe I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. ‘ Avery knew better than to get her hopes up - not that telling herself that ever seemed to really work. ‘ I should probably just appreciate whatever time I have, shouldn’t I. ‘

Audelia had to wonder for a moment if she got to see Xander more than Avery did. That didn’t seem quite right, but then their relationships were completely different. Unfortunately, visiting Avery would be more of a personal pleasure for him while seeing her - Audelia - came with what he had dedicated himself to; the cause. “Yes, you should. If you are lucky, he may be around more often, but who are we to guess whether that will happen?” The older girl gave Avery a comforting smile before nodding in the direction she had last seen Xander. “Perhaps you ought to go appreciate this time, right now. I wouldn’t be upset; you and I will surely see each other again soon.”

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“Yes, him, Uncle Caym and what he feels like every other father here,” he might have sighed were it not for hearing Audelia’s laugh. It was rude to not smile when you had just made a lady laugh. “With your new found position? I think that you will be finding yourself with an ever increasing list of suitors in the near future.” Her hand on his arm was comforting but, more importantly, Blandon was sure he could feel at least one pair of eyes trained on him. That would give him at least a month’s worth of excuses. “I am … possibly a little bit too tipsy to be that concerned with being that polite all the time. Besides, it is not like I actually called anyone that to their face.”

Audelia hadn’t actually discussed her new position with anyone yet, however the Purebloods were fans of gossip, so she wasn’t surprised Blandon knew. She was certain everyone with connections to those in the Inner Circle were aware of it. And she certainly did not mind. “Perhaps. If that is indeed the case, you should be safe of being introduced to every other single lady here. Though you may be questioned about me, which I do apologise for. But if that does happen, you have my permission to allude to whatever may make your life easier.” If he needed to pretend that they shared a ‘bond’ to give him a break for once, Audelia wouldn’t argue. Blandon was, after all, from a good family. “No, of course not, it was just a little warning. I don’t want you getting into any trouble here over something as silly as name-calling.”

“That would be perfect.” Briony admitted. She bad been prepared to stay for the entirety of the party if it had been what Audelia had insisted on. She hated to ruin her best friend’s fun with her issues. It wasn’t fair to Audelia at all. 

“Thank you.” Audelia didn’t want to leave early, but it wouldn’t be fair of her to keep he best friend here if she felt uncomfortable or unhappy in anyway. “Can you promise me you will at least try to enjoy yourself? At least a little bit.” Perhaps this wasn’t where Briony wanted to be, but that didn’t mean the night had to be awful.

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Briony sighed and interlocked her arm with Audelia’s. “What are the odds that I’ll be able to talk you into leaving with me?” She asked, turning her attention fully onto her best friend. “The apartment is too empty when it’s just me.” She tried to avoid being alone for long periods of time following the most recent attack, a little worried that the man who had nearly killed her in Knockturn would show up to finish her off.

The brunette brought her hand up to rest lightly against her friend’s arm as she movd closer. Audelia felt a tug at her heart at Briony’s words; she was torn between being a socialite for the evening or returning home early to make her best friend feel safe. “If you allow me at least another hour or two of small talk, I will join you. Would that be alright?”  

They may have been one of the sole pairs upon the dance floor, save an older couple holding to each other with such warmth as their feet moved slow, but Xander paid no mind. Nice on its own accord, but also allowing a moment for just the two of them- a task more difficult to achieve here than in his uncle’s study. His hand lay gently upon her waist as the other took her hand. As the harp bled into another song, he began to lead. “Are you enjoying yourself tonight?” Xander asked, having angled his lips towards her ear, their conversation meant only for them. “I do hope you’ve gotten a rest from talk of the war. You’ve certainly earned a night away.”

Audelia hardly noticed - or perhaps it was that she didn’t care - that they were only one of two couples dancing rather than standing about, conversing. It was too nice taking this moment to breathe and find comfort in being with someone familiar - even if he wasn’t as familiar as he typically was. What made the moment feel more removed from everything happening around them was the way they spoke softly to each other. “Oh, absolutely.” Her answer was obvious even before she had spoken; it was really quite easy to read her for once, what with the twinkle in her eyes and smile ever present on her face. “It comes up here and there, however the majority of the conversations are far more pleasant. Are you enjoying yourself? You’ve earned it more than I have.”

“I think that most people would. In most cases boring means less dangerous,” Laurel agreed, though she kept her mouth shut in thinking that boring could also get people thinking that things were starting to become safe.  And while she didn’t think that anyone would fall into that kind of trap, it didn’t mean that some wouldn’t think that it was at least an option.  “Well that’s very exciting news,” she smiled, “Longer hours are just being a part of growing up, though I will not recommend sleeping at work if you’re ever tempted.  It’s not good for your spine, and tends to raise more questions than it’s worth.”

“Oh, I would never allow myself to be in such a vulnerable position. Sleeping anywhere near people I don’t trust... A terrifying thought.” After the Knockturn attack, everyone had been on edge, but it was what had happened to Briony that had Audelia constantly thinking about it. She knew her best friend was still worried whoever had hurt her would come back, and Audelia couldn’t honestly say that that wouldn’t happen. She just didn’t know. “Thank you for the advice, though, and I do hope that is no longer a habit of yours,” the brunette joked lightly with a smile. 

She wasn’t sure what point Audelia was coming to but she knew there had to be one. The casual conversation was far from comfortable, no matter how much Mariela might have objectively liked the girl in front of her. Then it was there; Listen. She looked at Audelia’s eyes, how earnest the expression behind them was, and she did listen. She listened as Audelia made excuses, made exception, told her it was ‘just how it was’. It made Mariela want to turn and walk away. “It shouldn’t mean having to have someone by my side,” she insisted in a normal voice, refusing to play Audelia’s game. She would never shrink herself to get what she had earned. “They should be thrilled without marrying me off. I’m not going to depend on a man to raise me up.” Her words heavily implied that that was exactly what she thought Audelia would do. 

“Of course you’re not. If you did, then you’re not the girl I think you are. I am not saying you must depend on any man - certainly not Jacob. But look at all these people. They are here for you because you are the news right now. They are paying attention so take advantage of this situation and build yourself up.” Audelia sighed, not wanting to upset the girl on this already surely frustrating and exhausting night. But she wanted to help her learn how to use these... opportunities to her advantage. “I understand your frustration, Mariela. I truly do. There are different ways of going about this, but this event has been given to you. You needn’t be the victim here. Take control of the situation.”