Future King of Norta

Living in the moment, consumed by feeling, Calista was certain that when it faded, for she felt certain that it were a dream, it would be like cool water washing over her. Speaking with him so openly, infusing her heart into the words, as though it were the brace of the weight, it was more than she could have hoped for. The Crownstrial in all it’s brutal glory, for it could not be considered anything less than barbaric, set in motion a future that she could not see. Pieces shifted across the board, decisions changed fates and whilst clarity had been found in release of emotion that she’d allowed herself, as though the mental blockade of outward feeling had somehow stifled any use of her power, the Lady was still uncertain to her fate. She wanted to shout to whoever was listening that she should be his queen. Choose me, love me. 

Butterflies arose in the pit of her stomach, a rise of nerves taking hold of her. Vicariously living through her dreams was not the same as reality, and despite the yearning in her heart, Calista felt unease about the potential of actually winning - she spent so much time picking apart every flaw, that she never considered a crown actually sitting atop her sable locks. All the odds had been stacked against her, yet she wanted it so fiercely, the longing for him. There was part of her which deliberated over the inappropriateness of his request, even under the purest of circumstances, yet she could not deny the chance to spend more time with him. “Of course, you need only ask.” His lips upon her skin had scorched the flesh, and she burned for more of them, to be the one that he would press kisses to and whisper sweet words. “I would not deny more moments with you.”

“Until then, Lady Eagrie.” Orion felt the heaviness of his feet with each step he took away from her, but there was genuine respect being shown by not tempting himself further with possibilities that might never be. He began to think of the next partner that he might dance with, pushing the thoughts of Calista aside until the time came when thoughts would not lead to disappointment. He found one last glance over his shoulder to be laced with such disappoint as she had already disappeared into the crowd. He turned forward and focused on what was to come next of his evening.

~ EXEUNT

        “ While I love to dance, perhaps more than most, but I do believe conversation is better held when you do not have to worry about stepping on the toes of your partner. I can tell you from experience that having your toes stepped on can ruin a perfect pair of shoes. It is something I strive to avoid. ” Despite the cheerful look on her face, she tasted metal in her mouth at the jovial conversation exchanged between the two. Every bone in her body wanted to insist she did not need help to find her friend, however, she smiled and said, “ It would be an honor for you to do so, your Highness. Lei and I got ready together. ” A slight silver hue adorned her cheeks. “ It is a tradition for us, you could say. So, I most definitely know she is in attendance. We became split up some point towards the time of our arrival. ”

“Lady Osanos, I shall not keep you if you are aware of where your companion may be. I know well that Lady Nolle would like to have you back without me keeping you any longer,” Orion said with a quick gesture towards the crowd around them. “Plus, I care to share a dance with as many people in the room as possible. I care to dive into conversations with those I have not spoken with prior to this moment.” He felt the lightest flush of blue in his cheeks as he glanced towards her with the most sincere of request. “Would you allow me to excuse myself? Perhaps, this conversation could continue at a later time. We could find ourselves in your brother’s room.” 

The smile only unnerved him further. He rolled his shoulders back further, letting his posture pull him to his full height. It was hardly enough to make him seem any better, but it was all that he had that he could do under the scrutinous view of a man so clearly Silver. Being obviously dismissed by the man only had his eyes lighting with anger. Of course he thought him not worth his time. “Someone who is certainly worth my time, unlike some others at the festivities,” he said, his words coming off just kind enough to not be inconsiderate but clearly laced with disdain. And yet when the man stepped away from him with a confession, his eyes went wider. Had he really just spoken like that to the king? His only grace was that his identity was possibly concealed. His heart pounding harder in his chest. He cleared his throat, watching the man stunned as he walked away, downing the rest of his glass of champagne before diving deeper into the crowd.

With a drink in his hand, Octavian mingled and browsed and took it all in—the elegance and grandeur—with a smile plastered to his face. Silently, he thanked the mask that hid his eyes for anyone who knew him well would be able to see the disdain in the corners, the hatred for nonchalance after such a brutal attack on his people. Deep down, he knew this is what they needed. A part to feel safe and as though nothing has changed, as if war isn’t being waged just outside their doors. They’d much rather turn a blind eye than face the truth and the harsh reality of what’s to come. Octavian, however, can do no such thing. Not only was he trained to predict an attack from his enemies; it was hardwired into his DNA to never shy away from a fight, so standing here was somewhat difficult for him. The alcohol made it tolerable, made swallowing the lies and the all bullshit and the denial much easier than if he were to take it sober. Dressed from head to toe in a suit that fit like a glove, anyone would think he was having the time of his life—enjoying the company of his friends and like-minded individuals, but no one seems to notice the way he fidgets with his the sleeves of his suit. It feels more like a straight jacket than a suit coat. Thankfully, Rahul had listened when he requested no tie, or that would surely feel like a noose right about now. So, instead, he drinks—heavily. Anything he can get his hands on until inebriation becomes his new best friend, strolling with him hand in hand at this god-awful soirée. It guides him, pulls him in the direction of happiness and refuses he feel anything but.

Care to dance with me next?

He smirks as soon as he hears the words, whipping his head around to come face to face with the source of the request. Orion. Normally, in any other situation, he’d let out a wry laugh and turn back around without so much as a response. Disrespectful? Yes, absolutely. Did Octavian care? No, never. But tonight was different. He couldn’t tell if it was because of all the flutes of champagne he’d downed or because a certain red chef had left a longer lasting impression on him than he’d thought, but he nods at him with a playful grin. “I’d love to, your Majesty,” he teases.

Delicate glances towards the man in front of him as Orion feared being caught with his eyes gleaming at the other in a manner that would be frowned upon in such a setting. He admired the way Octavian’s body fit in his tux with the details of his hips being evident beneath fabric that didn’t suit a soldier like himself. He felt his teeth dig deep within his lips as his request was pushed out regardless of thoughts going against it. The moment the other turned towards him there is a flash of blue in his cheeks at the way ‘ Majesty ‘ rolls off the lips of Octavian. 

He has only had a few drinks this evening with the number being limited to six by his advisor as a drunk king is not one people enjoy. The thought of his father flooding his mind with drunken slurs directed at his weak-willed son are enough to drop his gaze to the floor. Has he truly drank six flutes already? He thinks to himself before offering a hand to the other. “Sir Rhambos—” Orion clears his throat with a daring smile on his lips as he steps forward, weaving an arm around the man’s waist. “It feels silly to address you with such formalities when Tav rolls from my tongue with such ease.” 

Fingers dig into the material of Octavian’s suit to bring him closer with a cocked head from Orion, who seems to be dangerously close to the other in terms of breathing space. He catches the light hint of champagne off his breath with a sigh that seems to mask a laugh. “I seem to be in a daring mood this evening with champagne numbing my own thoughts long enough to get this out. Why did you not compete in Crownstrial? Was I not worthy enough to fight for? I do know how well you like the feeling of blood between your fingers. Do you think a crown would not suit you?”

She was at peace in his embrace, completely relaxed but she sensed a change in his demeanor. She wondered what had changed so abruptly, knowing her intuition was spot on when he let go of her, so suddenly, and backed away like he’d been burned. Her heart began to pound with that sick feeling filling her stomach but she kept her composure despite the sudden fear and ache. Until later he’d said but he was an elusive man and she knew she would not get another moment to speak with him for some time. Her body screamed at her to do something, not to keep him with her perhaps, that would be beyond selfish and foolish in this setting. But just—something. “I’m happy you’re home, your majesty.” She longed to use his name but knew that was a boundary she would not destroy without his express permission.

She curtsied and let that warm smile she rarely felt in her bones grace her lips, letting it reach her eyes as it only did with a select few. A million thoughts raced through her mind but he was rushing the niceties and her heart sank, she wouldn’t keep him when he clearly did not want to stay. Immediately she began to wonder if anything he’d said, if anything she’d felt, had been authentic or if he was so well practiced in deception she hadn’t been able to tell until now. The thought made her feel truly ill and she wanted to be away as much as he did now, to hide the bile rising in her throat at how foolish she’d behaved. He did not care for her, how could he? The King was a special man and she was nothing, not yet. She was unlovable and she shouldn’t have let herself get taken in by his charms.

“If should be so lucky.” She replied, beginning to turn away as she felt the sting of shame wash over her. She’d seen him with Calista, she’d felt the damage done to her heart at the sight of how honest and lovely they looked together. She had let herself believe, when she was the one in his arms, that he could actually be as lost in her as she was in him. What a fool she was, a pretty little fool.

“ Until then, ” Orion said as a final goodbye before finally releasing himself from her embrace with the weight of the crowd already pouring over him as conversations were sparked. He kept everything short with a few glances back towards where Nyssa had once been, questioning if it was truly in his best interest to search her out again. He felt a part of his father inflame in his chest as if it were okay to catch the eyes of many, but the softest flutter that followed proved that he was not the man his father once was. He could do justice to this throne without causing the hearts of all to suffer, so he begged himself to remember what was at stake and to keep pressing forward.

     Quick spins and various blurred faces, Orion had gotten his fill of conversation with the desire to simply disappear from the room around him. He told himself he wouldn’t allow such heavy emotions to flood such a fun evening, but the facade of carelessness and the act of moving on were slowly fading for him. His feet carried him abruptly across the Grand Hall with little hesitation to speak to those that stepped into his path. He need to disappear for a moment with the world around him shadowed from his vision. There was only one room he could make such an escape, and he thanked himself beneath his breath for creating it. He didn’t think he would be one to make much use out of it, but emotions were fickle and never understood when it was appropriate to flare up. He would have walked straight into the room and collided into anyone, but someone caught his attention abruptly as one foot entered Calista’s room, causing him to stop his actions entirely. Rahul Provos seemed to be caught up deep in their thoughts with little effort needed to see they would likely not want any company, but the two had not spoken since things with Emory became better. He found there was a need to reach out to them, so he redirected his steps and slowly pushed himself against the wall that Rahul rested on. “ Are you enjoying yourself? ”

The apology was everything Emory hadn’t known he wanted to hear, and the delivery of the words didn’t hurt. It was an honor to be marked by Orion–not as the king, but as the man Em loved. He craned his neck to give Orion easier access, chuckling as he spoke into his skin. The contact was enough to make him completely forget about the bitterness he’d so recently felt toward his best friend. With every kiss, Emory felt less and less angry about being abandoned. It was a flaw he was sure would ruin him one day: he would always, always forgive Orion no matter the circumstances. 

The moment Orion pulled away, Emory wished to pull him back and feel his presence more and more. He attempted to restrain himself–if only just for a moment–and took another moment to drink Orion in with his eyes. “Just don’t leave me again,” he spoke finally, knowing Orion really couldn’t promise him anything. He would marry whoever he married, and Emory couldn’t control it. He couldn’t tie down the king, and he knew that–still, it was nice to feel as though Orion was his for now. 

Hesitating no longer, Emory freed himself of his jacket and let it slip to the ground, forgetting how precious the fabric was. Now it was his turn to cradle Orion’s face in his hands and close the space between them. He kissed him hard and frantically, pressing his body against his friend’s–lover’s. “I can think of a few ways you can make up for your absence, though,” he spoke into Orion’s lips before kissing along his jawline, down his neck. His hands pulled at every article of clothing the king was wearing, desperate and impatient.

     “ Emory, you would ruin me if I allowed you to. ” Orion hated to admit such a flaw about himself, but the person in front of him held too much of his heart to deny it to be true. “ What am I to call you now that we have dove into another area of our friendship? Am I to call you my lover? What title would be enough for you? Will you fight hard enough to become my king alongside me? Will you reign with me? ” He felt himself gasp lightly at Emory’s lips with the direction of the evening becoming very apparent. “ Tell me what to call you, and the title is easily yours to possess, ” he whispered against Emory’s lips before mimicking his own actions as their bodies were soon to become one.

— time jump.

     Orion made getting dressed look easy as he was already snapping his pants moments after the two shared a moment that no one else could know about. He knew he was probably severely missed at the party, and he almost hated himself for giving into the emotions Emory stirred within himself. He dreamed that one day they would be able to live outside the walls of private rooms where these moments would be shown to the world, bragged about even. However, he had to swallow such naive thoughts as destiny would soon show that their journey to becoming one would be faltered by the loss on Emory’s end. For this moment though, they had to live in the unknown of how twisted and complicated their lives would soon be.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Melody vowed breathlessly. She knew little about the man who would rule over her; had never been curious until she saw that very first glimpse of his heart when he extended a voice to his subjects — no matter their blood, no matter their gender. If he wished to remain private, then Melody would do all she could to grant it. In that moment, with her admiration for King Orion at its peak and her chest fluttering nervously, she would have given him her left shoe if he’d asked for it.

His laugh soothed her, and his joy tugged at the corner of her mind, asking to be let in, to be felt by a girl who knew she had little right to feel the King’s emotions. “I’ve only ever had one dance partner before, Your… I mean, I’ve only ever had one dance partner, but he told me that he should be my last, for the safety of all toes in Norta.”

With shock frozen on her features and a blush stained on her cheeks, Melody willed herself to remember this moment forever; to be flustered by a King’s charm was a memory she wanted to hang by the stars. “I wouldn’t dare refuse you a second time.” Your Majesty. How her lips automatically formed the syllables before Melody could remember his request. “Since you want to remain unknown,” she said as she carefully took his hand, “maybe you should have a secret name?”

Something about the red in front of him seemed to remind him of what he stood for. Her features flashing different shades of red, and he realized that in that moment he adored the color. He had never been able to truly look a red so closely in the eye before, but there was a warmth to her that he didn’t have. There was a hint of love woven into her voice that he would never possess, and he wished to be caught up in her world for as long as she would allow him to stay there.

Every conversation Orion had seemed to pull him in and get lost, but it this single conversation where he was pulled in and seem to be at home. Her words laced with such admiration for him that he had small glimmers of hope, where the two of them would be able to share more than this dance together. If they desired, the world he wished to create would smile if marriage was a concept they went after, and he soon felt himself getting so settled into her presence that when he finally blinked; a frown captivated his features as reality came back to flesh.

“ Then shall we? ” He took her hand within his before lightly swinging her in towards him, placing his hand firmly on the small of her back. “ A secret name — I like the thought of that. Something only we would know. ” He spoke gently between the two of them as he soon glanced down to look at her. “ If you wish to save my feet, you could stand on my own or I could lift you during the duration of our dance. It wouldn’t be any trouble at all. ”

Jacob felt himself stiffen under the stranger’s continued attention. There was still something to them that felt so familiar though he couldn’t wholly place it. His eyes skimmed through the crowd again. If he gave a name, he would surely give away his blood as well. Though he had proudly chosen a red mask to go with the red suit, he almost liked to believe the fine craftsmanship of the Provos tailoring did almost enough to allow him to blend into the crowd for once. He wanted to know what that wealth and luxury felt like if only for a night. “A friend. Portia Barnes,” he finally admitted, though he spent far more attention on the dance floor than he did the person at their side. “If she’s here, I’m certain I could find her myself. I’m sure she’s found her way to another room.”

There was a smile that was barely noticeable against Orion’s lips as he watched the person beside him struggle with his own company. He wondered if they had already placed his identity upon him, fearing what the king would do to him. “ If you need no help, you are more than welcome to carry on with your search then, ” he said with a motion to continue on his way. “ There is no point in keeping you here when someone else has your attention so easily. ” He was already searching the room for the next conversation as he gave the man one last look with a small nod. “ Please do enjoy your night as I hope to bring about this type of event more often. As the king, I hope to create a unity among us all. ” With his identity finally revealed, he stepped back to give way for people that walked passed them, giving the man he was speaking to time to walk away as well.

Valeria blushed and lowered her face to watch the floor, embarrassed. “You know as well as I do that no matter how nicely my mother makes me dress you will always come first.” She looked up, her blush stills staining her cheeks and shook her head, poking him in the chest. “And that will never change.” She smiled, a genuine one for once and gracefully moved on to the next topic of discussion, trying to make sure Orion knew that, that particular topic was not (Nor ever was) open for debate.

She let him lead, spinning when he spun her and moving to his rhythm rather than the music’s. It was easier this way, mostly. It always had been for her, to follow Orion without question. Even in something as banal as dancing. “I like this game. But before we begin…and yes I see you starting already. We’ll have to set a wager. What will I get if I win, hmm?”

Orion could already see the blue rising in Valeria’s cheeks at her embarrassment, frustrated with himself for causing such a reaction. “ You deserve to come first every once in awhile, Val. ” The hard poke in his chest an easy sign that she was done with the topic, which caused a hard laugh to roll from his lips. “ You amaze me with your loyalty.” The words said more as a compliment than a statement as his idea was laid out between the two of them.

“ A wager— ” Orion thought shortly on the concept, but he nodded in agreement with his mind going over various things that each of them would desire. “ You choose. What would you like if you were to win? Anything you request in yours. ” His gaze falling to hers as he stopped looking around the room to give them both a fair shot at winning. He could have chosen the prize, but there was a part of him that wanted to know what she truly wanted from him.

His eyes were dark but she felt herself drowning in them as he stared. She kept speaking to attempt to keep her nerves at bay but what was the use? Orion was impossibly handsome and his voice, his eyes, had such depth. How could one not fall for him, with his arms around her waist and his eyes glued to her own? Her face went ashen at the mention of her family, they were irate she was competing and that had only grown when she was victorious and Zaira failed. “They’re putting on a good show tonight.” She said with a smile, forced as it was. The attention of all the high houses, the opportunity to show off, that was what they were proud of but she was sure they’d be less grumpy about it had it been Zaira who had secured such a thing. Nyssa could be proud of herself enough to make up for them all.

His words brought color back to her face, such high compliments but he didn’t even know her. Before the bunker they’d not spoken more than a smattering of words her entire life. Perhaps it was the training of a King but he made her feel like he had known her all his life and it both thrilled and frightened her. If he could so easily speak this way wouldn’t it also be easy to make lies sound like truth? “I have begun to wonder if it could do the same for me. I’ve not been able to really —let go, ever.” She laughed like the twinkling of bell chimes, embarrassed of the admission but never wishing to take it back.

The music changed but he did not release her, bow and move on to the next. There seemed to be urgency in his fingertips as he kept her close and she did not fight him. He may seem polished and practiced but he was still just a boy and she wanted so desperately to comfort him. He laughed and stars exploded, her form dipping low before being gripped tight, close, once more and she could not fight the exhilaration or her racing heart. He must know exactly what he was doing, his words were too earnest, too soft, too heartbreaking. “It is easy when you feel safe in the arms of another.” she whispered, her eyes not leaving his.

Tension seemed to leave his body the longer he kept himself tied closely to Nyssa. Orion barely taking notice of the people that continued to walk passed them in hopes of claiming his next dance. The way Nyssa kept his attention was almost frightening in a way as he couldn’t pull his eyes from hers. Their words exchanged in whispers as if every single thing that fell from their lips was only meant for the other. Their smiles being painted with such genuine emotion that many would have expected them to secretly be in love. 

Orion soon pulled himself back to the reality of the grand hall with noise invading him that he had not heard before; laughter spewing from the lips of various groups, heels clicking loudly against the marble floor, and gasps as partygoers walked in and out of each room. His peace with Nyssa coming to a close as he felt his face grow a dark shade of blue at his embarrassment that he had allowed himself such a luxury of dancing with Nyssa for longer than a king shoulder. He wanted to comment further, dive deeper into the meaning of the last words that fell from her lips, but he couldn’t push himself to.

The duties of a king neverending, and he had to face the fact that other people would desire time with him. “ Until later, ” Orion whispered abruptly in the midst of peaceful silence, almost wishing to brush his lips against her skin to see if it was as soft of his hands made it out to be. He remembered who he was and what he was called to do, so his hands soon dropped from her waist with only a moment to pause to give her time to give her respects to him. “ Maybe we will find ourselves in the same place at the same time. ” 

Diem didn’t know who she was dancing with, but she had nothing else to do so she didn’t mind dancing with a stranger. She immediately assumed it was a silver since she didn’t think a red would be straightforward enough to ask someone to dance when the main attendees were silver blooded. It was weird, she didn’t feel inferior to them. Maybe it was because she was currently living and working with one, or maybe it was because she rarely dealt with the ones who liked to remind reds of their place. Either way, she liked the fact that the ball was a chance for reds to just blend into society. She nodded her head at the masked stranger’s question. “I am. The room of water is nice and calming, though more people could stand to get their feet wet. The other rooms are interesting as well. How about you?” 

There was a long pause before Orion finally gave a response as he thought long and hard about each room for the night. He glanced over his shoulder at the room designated for Prisha with a wide smile, pointing towards it momentarily before placing his hand back in the appropriate place on her back. “I like how that room creates an equal ground for everyone in the kingdom. It’s a bit peaceful in there to hold a conversation without the worries of someone getting hurt, or burned in my case—” He bit the inside of his cheek as the simple suggestion of him burning someone would label him quickly as a Calore, which wouldn’t take long to connect him back as the actual King of Norta. “I hope you enjoy this night as I hope them to become a regular occurrence of Norta.”

       It wasn’t that things hadn’t changed. They had. When he saw Max light up at the sight of him, he thought he might die of happiness, each and every time. But there was something hanging over their heads, too, a weight he couldn’t escape – that their love was finite, and someday it would be ended. He had always known that, even in his dream world where Max loved him back. It could not be permanent. Her hand was for an alliance, not for a royal guard. The idea would have been laughable to anyone. He practically heard his father spit the words every time he thought of it. Disgraceful. But still he wondered. Still he hoped for just one more day, each time she slipped her warm hand into his own.

       The voice he heard over his shoulder as he thought about this pushed him from his thoughts and directly into the truth of them. King Orion was the person who would decide who Max would love, whether she wanted them or not. He tried to resent him for it but found he couldn’t. Orion, he knew, only thought in Max’s best interests. He was distracted enough by the whirl of her dress that it took a moment to process the words, but when he did, he had to repeat them in his head two more times just to make sure he understood them. Still, he deflected. ❝ I settle for what is allowed me, ❞ Calder said, making clear that it wasn’t what he wanted without suggesting he would go against Orion’s will.

       Frank and blunt, the tone of Orion’s words surprised him. Shocked him, even. ❝ I know you would not wish unhappiness on the Princess, ❞ Calder agreed, bowing his head slightly. I know you are not your father, he wanted to say, but that felt too personal for a king. ❝ Yet I fail to understand your meaning. I would – I would do anything, for the Princess, of course. But it is not me who holds the power. ❞ His eyes flickered toward her before settling back on Orion. ❝ It is both of you before it is me. I have never wished to presume that I would be the arbiter of either decision. I can speak only for myself when I say – ❞ and here he stumbled, choking on the words he knew could damn him if Orion did not find them in his favor, ❝ – that I am happy with what delights her. I am pleased with a future that is her desire. My wishes… I have not taken them into account because they are irrelevant. ❞

Soft, delicate twirls from his sister could distract any man in the room that watched her, but it was only Calder that had a look laced with such genuine admiration for her that caused Orion to even step out of bounds. If he were not king, this conversation would have happened earlier in a different way with pleas being made towards his father to allow the two to unite in a marriage that would reflect greatly on the kingdom, but this decision fell into his own lap with such a heavy weight that he understood why so much thought had to be put into them.

“Who said you had to settle for less when you have your sights set on something so much more than you deserve?” Orion asked with complete interest in an answer, but there was no time for such a heavy conversation to take place as his gaze fell back to his sister. The music would soon come to an end, and he would have to watch someone else take her for another spin around the room. He had little time to make sure that what he was about to do was right for not only the kingdom, but his sister — first and foremost, the person he wished to see smile on more than rare occasions.

Calder spoke with such a deep care for Adeline that there was only the suggestion that he would never see himself as the answer to her happiness. With this thought, Orion made it his mission to paint such a clear understanding that no one else would be able to question it. “If that is how you truly feel, there is only one thing I can do in this moment,” he said with a lift of his hand as an advisor popped up quickly beside him. “Please take note that there will be a wedding in two weeks from today for Princess Adeline. Make haste as I desire the invitations to be handed out at the night’s end.” 

The advisor seemed to wash over in confusion as he turned to face Calder with a large smirk captivating his features. “That should give you plenty of time to ask for her hand, correct? I mean — This is not a real question. It is more of a demand from your king. Do we have an understanding?” He asked as he rose to his feet, shaking off his suit with a quick adjustment of his mask. “If you fail to do so, I will simply do it myself in a manner that is not as romantic as the chance I am giving you to make it. Enjoy the rest of your night. I will check back in later.” 

               Actions offered comfort, and yet she felt completely unnerved by such a small gesture. In that moment, right then, she saw herself as his wife, completely wrapped up in his wires. Her gaze lingered on him, heart barely contained within her chest, a beautiful dream lifting the weight of her burdens. She would happily linger in the bubble that seemed to consumer her in that moment. Her hand remained on his shoulder, her grip soft as her chest swelled with his words. “It hurts because it was real. It’s okay to feel it’s weight, it is not any easy thing to lose so much. I would not wish you to burden yourself more, there is much sorrow and it is not for you to bear it all.” Calista had found solace in aiding those orphaned, those without family, for it kept her mind away from her own pain. And then here he was. He was so close, close enough for her to see the pain which lingered in the embers of his eyes, close enough for his breath to cause shivers down silver dusted arms. “You ask a question that all others in your position would not trouble themselves with. It is not within my power to speak for all, but I admire you for what you are, and what you can be.” Her chest rose with the large breath released from rosebud lips, warmth caressing her cheeks. She could not tell him of just how much she admired, of how the idea of having his love was the strength she had needed to fight. The crown was for her family’s pride, the king was for her own heart. “I would be in the same position now, if it were not you and instead some other king or prince - but I very well may have respected them far less, and wanted it only for the honour it would bring to family and nothing more.” Despite the elegance and poise of her stance, still in hold, her thumb was allowed the smallest of concessions to smooth over his shoulder in a comforting manner. “You are a good man, your grace. I believe you are worthy of great love and respect.”

Every word that poured from her lips seemed to be spoken from a place that he never knew existed between the two of them. Calista was creating a potential foundation for their rest of their lives with her words, and there was no doubt that she meant them. Orion could have sworn that he hadn’t blinked in a solid minute in fear that once he did that it would be the end of this moment. He wanted to hear why he was so important to so many, and this was the first time in so long that someone genuinely meant what they said when it came to him as a king. He knew plenty of people that cared for him as Orion Calore, but the single attachment of ‘King’ at the beginning changed opinions so easily. He wanted to reach out and touch her like he would his queen, wrap her in an embrace and show her off to the crowd around them, but she was not his queen — at least not yet.

His heart seemed to find peace with her words as the crowd around them seem to lighten as the floor was cleared of dancing as the band took a short break. He could already feel the eyes drawing towards them as it was apparent who he was when he was not blended into the crowd around him, so he took the moment to excuse himself before more approached him. He felt his knee bend, freezing at the gesture as his authority as king was still too fresh to know the traditions and authority he held. With a swift pull of her hand, he pressed his lips against the back of it, allowing them to hover just long enough to feel the warmth of her skin absorb into them. “ Will you promise me another moment later? Perhaps we can find ourselves in your room if you would allow such a moment to occur. ”

        Despite competing to be the queen, Leira tried to avoid the man she would have to marry to become queen. However, she still found herself face to face with him. In her search for Lei, the two having been separated in the crowd, she already turned a few down when asked for dances. Yet, she could not simply tell the king she did not want to dance, no matter her personal feelings about him. “ I am currently looking for Lei, so a dance seems inopportune at this moment. However, I believe it uncouth to turn down a dance from the king. ” She offered in a tone laced with sweetness she knew, in her heart, Orion did not deserve. 

          “ No worries, Lady Osanos. It was a simple gesture to you as dancing seems to be a wonderful time for conversation, and I have set out to hold at least one with each of those competing in Crownstrial, ” Orion mused on with little notice of her own desire to flee from his presence immediately. “ And Lei — Hm, interesting enough. I have yet to see her as well, so I am no help to you in your search. I could accompany you so I could hold a conversation with you both to grant my heart a bit of ease as I fear I will miss some of those competing and not share enough time with you all. ”

Upon Orion’s embrace, Emory’s first instinct was to pull away–not because he didn’t want the burner touching him, but because they were surrounded by so many people. The last thing he wanted was to tarnish Orion’s reputation. If people knew that the king’s best friend was more than a friend, it could ruin everything Orion had worked for. But then Em remembered the masks, how hidden they were behind them. The King, of course, was still recognizable to many–but Emory forgot about every risk the second Orion pulled him closer. 

Their bodies pressed up against each other, Emory found himself utterly disoriented. Even after so many lessons, he couldn’t remember the proper way to dance. His hands were in all the wrong places, searching Orion’s back as if trying to memorize it again. For the most part, though, he followed his friend as he always had: blindly, with full trust. He hadn’t even noticed how far they’d traveled until they were in the side room, alone. Alone–thank the gods.

It was strangely intimate, the way Orion removed his mask for only Emory to see–and Em soaked it all in. He was stalled for a bit longer than what would be considered normal, drinking in Orion’s features that he’d missed so much. Then, mirroring the King, he slowly removed his mask. He was scared Orion wouldn’t like what he saw: that the bags under his eyes would be too much darker than he remembered, that the sadness of the past few weeks had sunken his features. He felt the most vulnerable he’d ever felt around his best friend, but he stepped closer to him regardless.

“I wish I could have gone with,” Emory’s gaze flickered between Orion’s eyes and his lips. “Everything always feel easier with you around.”

Life seemed to slow down as Orion finally got to look at Emory long enough to see him, realizing the state he had been in while he was away. His hands couldn’t help how easily they found their place on each side of Emory’s face with soothing strokes of his thumb before lightly pressing his lips against his. His eyes intently looking into the eyes of his other half, the fragment of his soul he had been missing the last few weeks. 

“ I am so sorry I left you here, Emory— ” He realized his mistake by running from his pain only left Emory to sit within his own. His thumbs still drawing circles on Emory’s jawline before kissing him again with more passion in it as his lips went off course and followed down to Emory’s neckline. Hot breaths flooding over Emory’s shoulders as he pushed the collar of the suit back to gain access to more flesh for his lips to fall against. “ I let you down, ” he whispered as his teeth gave a soft bite to the pale flesh beneath them. “ What can I do to make up for my absence? ”

His face finally parting from the comfort of Emory’s neck to draw himself upright with every intention of keeping his hands to himself to simply listen to his friend; no, lover — no, Emory was more than that. Orion just did not know how to label him without assigning an entire galaxy in his honor as Emory meant more to him than each breath he took. He would sacrifice anything for the Osanos man, and he knew that this was a fatal flaw that he would never correct himself of having.

Jacob’s new suit rested on his shoulders, some how perfectly fit to every inch of his body the way no clothing he had ever owned before had. He had to admit, he felt a bit richer, the tilt of his chin felt more natural, he could look around the room filled with Silvers and almost feel like he belonged. But even then, his eyes roamed the ballroom for only one figure. There was only one person he wanted to dance with (no matter how poorly his steps would be done), and regardless of the masks, he was convinced he would still recognize Portia’s form the moment he saw it. He was surprised when suddenly he had a dance invitation. There was something about the man, something in his height and stance that felt like he should know it, but without being to see him completely, he couldn’t quite place it. “I waiting on a partner actually,” Jacob replied, his eyes returning to the crowd in hopes of finding Portia.

The refusal was a bit of a surprise as many had picked out the king early on, but he felt relieved to know that not everyone could see right through him. He wished to hold a conversation with the red further as it was too easy to spot the difference when there was an obvious tint of red on the other’s face. With the desire to keep talking, he tasked himself with at least helping the other find their partner before they parted ways, heavy relief that he could talk to someone without the need for complete formalities in place. “ Might I ask who it is? I might be able to point you in the right direction. I am quite good with seeing who is behind the mask, ” Orion mused with his eyes already scanning the room around them for any trace of the current competitors in Crownstrial.