#lastplayingcard

Stammered words caught her ears, making the young woman turn toward the voice. By her surprise, Ace stood there with his head bowed. It was unlike him to carry such a doubtful disposition. “Would I what, Ace?” She said with a smile. Moments before she was quite incurious, chasing down Zidane and a few others who acted upon a dare. Yet, the blond would not lift his head and reply. A concerned look fell upon her features. With confidence, she smiled and peeped her head under him so that she could clearly see his face. “Hmmmm. Is something bothering you?” She said lightly but did not carry a clue.

[[OH YOU’RE GOOD. YOU’REEE GOOD!!!]]

my muse has been up all night working on a project, and refuses to come to bed. how does your muse convince them otherwise?

Ever since the assassination attempt, Ace had been overworking himself. Countless nights were spent creating a new plan to better guard the castle. But, each time he scrapped it when he found a blind spot. Yet, it seemed to have taken away from his health at times. He would forget to eat and drink. Countless nights she awoke to see his light still on. He was abusing himself this way because his mind was not at ease. Was he shouldering all of the blame? Garnet questioned. Peeking from the corner of the slightly opened doorway to the large library, the brunette stared with worry written all over her face.

He was wrecking his health this way and it was something she would not turn a blind eye to. It was her fault after all - placing such a burden upon him. Without much thought as to how to get him away from his prints, the Queen entered the room, causing the door to creak upon her arrival. The dealer faced her with a stressed expression, black beneath his eyes - it was a painful sight. Yet, he greeted her with respect. "Garnet, what are you doing up at this hour?" He said softly, keeping his gaze upon her as she approached him. "I could say the same for you." The woman's expression was solemn.

Ace sensed what she was trying to do and turned to face the map which held the sketch of the castle. "...Ace, you're ruining your health. You must sleep." Yet, the dealer shook his head. "No matter how hard I try, I cannot come up with the perfect strategy to keep intruders out. They come from the roof, underground - anywhere. We simply do not have enough men." He expressed his aggravation, the candle light illuminating his features in detail. Ace was ready to fall and it pained her to see it. For a moment, she bowed her head in guilt, brown locks falling over her features as she tried to ease the stinging pain in her chest. The words pounding into her head as to how she could help him.

Silence lingered in the absence of the exchanging of words - Ace was drawn into his plans once more. Slender digits reached up and tugged at the man's coat, causing him to look her way. Autumn hues peeked from behind ebony strands sheepishly as she witnessed the confusion that fell upon his face. Without uttering a word, she tugged at his coat harder, causing him to come closer to her. "...Y-you can stay with me, if it makes it easier for you to do your job." Garnet stammered over her words as the faint tint of pink turned into a flourishing color of red as she suggested that he should sleep with her from now on. Ace's eyes widen with both shock and disorientation.

In truth, the Queen couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. It was not an idea that derived from her thoughts and yet, she laid it out with hesitation. The dealer stuttered, trying to ease his way out of it which only aggravated her. "...How do you think you can be fit to protect me when you won't even take care of yourself!" She chided in a higher tone than usual. It was unlike her to use her status to guilt someone into doing what she wanted - but this was the only exception. The blond fell silent upon hearing her words and Garnet pulled him in for an embrace. Burying her face into his chest, she tightly wrapped her arms around him. A sigh eased the tension building up within her shoulders. "...Please, I don't mind it. I...I just want you to rest and take care of yourself."

⌆ a nervous tic or habit they do

Another party - Garnet was growing weary of such events. Yet, she had her image to keep up. A smile here and there to greet the other nobles who only irritated her were shown and quickly placed away. Anyone would disregarded those struggling got no respect from the Queen of Alexandria. The orchestra was playing rather lively music and everyone began to grab partners and dance. Garnet watched with a smile at the happy faces filling up her ball room

. However, once her arm was grabbed and pulled forward, the dove’s attention was taken fro her thoughts. Pulled in close she met eye to eye with the greatest member of Tantalus who had just performed the main lead of her favorite play, “I want to be your canary.” He was charismatic and very upfront with how he felt. Although she did enjoy his company, he was rather rash with his decisions. He grasped his hand into hers and said tenderly, "A dance Mi’lady?"

Never had someone had the courage to request a dance from her - the Queen. How could she turn down one of her guests who she viewed as a companion. The two dances in harmony, painting a perfect duo upon the floor. While she was having fun, her eyes surveyed the room for Ace. She knew he was anxious about joining one of her events and wanted to make sure he was okay. He was acting a bit weird all day - she reflected. However, once she saw that he was not present, the gem became concerned. Autumn hues weighed with concern and politely she pulled away from Zidane and bid him farewell. With he maids and guards to take care of the guests, Garnet left to search for the dealer.

Heels tapped against the marble floor that stretched out before her. Garnet checked the kitchen, the dining hall and the outside balcony. What was left was his room and probably she should have checked their first. A few light knocks were given upon his mahogany door. "Ace, Ace are you in there?" She spoke softly and waited for a response. Only, she was greeted with silence. Perhaps he fell asleep? The young woman thought to herself.

Again, she knocked a few times, this time only louder. Yet, no one answered the door. This was her castle, yes. But, she respected his privacy just as he would to her. Garnet did not dare enter his quarters. Instead, she turned and slowly walked down the steps which lead to his door with a solemn expression. "Where could he be?" She thought to herself as she stood in place.