it seems as though hibiko's little angel always returned to the princess no matter how long she'd disappear for. leah tried to not be away for too long, but it couldn't be helped. she had her own duties after all, even if she was constantly running away from theme. still, being able to return to hibiko's side was something leah looked forward to, and it was most likely because of all of the places they enjoyed going to together when the princess was able to venture out.

When he realized who it was, he was stricken with eyes darting downwards and to the side, his intestines twisting into knots. Remember to smile - That’s what he practiced to him, right? In gatherings like these, it’s a must whenever he joins him in these events. 

A polite smile on his features. It was straining. “It’s a bit much.” He joined in taking the view from the balcony, hoping to catch a breeze to cool his anxieties, his weight shifting from foot to foot. "I'm- I'm never used to these, the people asking me so many questions. It's too much. I hope you don't get many as I have. I don't- appreciate, when they- hound me for attention. Is...that normal? It's very uncomfortable..."

Continued from [HERE] with @royaletiquette

She didn’t see it coming. Quite on the contrary. Nunnally was, indeed, thrilled and enthusiastic about how much they agreed on something (finally!). On something that she found important. It could have been their first project together.

No, no matter what Hibiya thought and assumed, she had had no intention to share all the details. Rather, in her own mind, Nunnally was gently testing how much support their proposal could have received. If they could count on the warm welcome, or rather would have to challenge the opposition. It was wise to do, so why?

No, the princess didn’t see it coming. That her fiancé, who had just a day ago so eagerly agreed with her, would so blatantly (rudely!) contradict her in front of the whole court (and exaggeration; Nunnally knows that). Was it planned perhaps? To humiliate her? To show her (everyone) that she was a foreigner? That she should simply accept her position as a queen consort, give birth to the royal children, and find her satisfaction in being 'a wife', 'a mother', 'a lady', even 'a queen', but not a ruler?

Why Hibiya? Why?; Nunnally was asking this question again and again in hear mind.

When he had interrupted her (yes, that exactly felt like interruption or perhaps more like a public reprimand), her heart that was previously beating so eagerly for Hibiya, crushed into thousands of pieces. Whoever her enemies were, they were now winning. But no-one was to see what had just happened. The princess would not allow that; yet alone acknowledge the situation. Nunnally had managed to maintain a cheerful smile, turn it to a joke, play it as an unimportant mistake of someone, who was not really interested. Changing the subject into their incoming wedding. The princess managed (or at least she hoped so) to cover for the bad impression they might have made.

But she knew. And Hibiya knew. She was certain of that.

She had heard him calling after her, when they were finally alone. But she didn’t slow down. Nunnally didn’t want to talk to him; yet alone to speak to him until he was to put the wedding ring on her finger. In that very moment, she was sure the prince ruined everything that was between them. She hated him (but did she really?).

But instead of him leaving, what she had expected, Hibiya followed her.

( “I have the right to explain.” )

“Then explain…!” – Nunnally heard her own words as if they were coming from a large distance. She didn’t want his explanation. She didn’t want his apologies. She didn’t care about them anymore.   

…misunderstanding…change of plan…contradiction…

These were empty words. And it wasn’t even the apologies she was expecting but rather the accusation that it was all her fault.

“I would then assume it would be a common courtesy to inform me about…” – she paused – “…the change of plans…as you wish to call it.” – Nunnally conveniently ignored Hibiya mentioning his father; she didn’t believe anymore it was his father that truly ruled this land. She was convinced Hibiya blamed it on him, because it was just easier; a convenient excuse. Otherwise, he’d surely have mention it yesterday. 

“Well, maybe I don’t mind having that target painted on me…!” – she hissed in a defensive voice, knowing she was going too far. She shouldn’t have said that, but somehow it felt good. She wanted to leave at that, but Hibiya’s next words kept Nunnally in place. Her blues eyes now wide opened; surprised and hurt; her palms clenching into the fists.

“I could throw your words back at you.” – she said; her voice finally shaking with previously hidden emotions. She felt sick. A knot in her stomach – “Think before you speak, Hibiya, as your words might have unintended consequences…” – with these words Nunnally turned around and started to walk towards her chambers. But she stopped just after taking a few steps. Turned and walked back to Hibiya: --

“If you think it’s the end, you're wrong. I am not going to give up on this idea.”

attraction meme. // @royaletiquette

“Isn’t it inappropriate to ask such a question about a member of the royal family? Besides, she’s practically half my age. You should know better. . .”

@royaletiquette ◇ Love Calculator 🤍 ( not accepting )

❝ For your sake the percentage should be lower—a guy like me would be bad for your health. That and I'm allergic to children. ❞

The flow of movement came to an abrupt halt when her green eyes first fell upon their figure, at first with shock, then scrutiny and lastly they fell into mild annoyance. Adrianna all but heaved a frustrated sigh as she went closer to the girl, one hand carrying a glass of champagne and the other tensely perched upon her hip. With a wide swung she grabbed the younger one's chin, turned it to left, then right and, again, grimaced.

@royaletiquette / Hibiko said . . .

[ 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐊 ] ― sender recognises receiver at a masquerade party (Hibiko and Lupin can get up to more antics)

🌙  *  ―     𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐒

Was it the debonair smile below the mask or the elegant tuxedo that offset his quick fingers? Whatever it was, it certainly stood out enough to a young lady who carried herself with elegance and refinement. Lupin was capable of blending in with such a crowd, fine with rubbing shoulders with the elite tier of society, bringing forth laughter as he charmed his way along. Like a ghost, some of their more valuable possessions were missing, not to be noticed until they would arrive home late in the night and were seeking to undress and settle for bed.

There was a sparkle of recognition – Lupin knew she knew. And his smile only widened for it, moving to be alongside the princess, arm offered to her like a gentleman.