(no subject)

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ the weeks seemed to drag by so slowly for him whilst robert were away, having little-to-no interest in the happenings around him throughout the duration of the other boy's leave. more often than not he would be seated by his window, gaze locked on the path that robert would surely return on. it was there that he stayed for most of his days, leaving it only to eat, bathe, or when his mother summoned him. regardless he would put on a smile for those around him, as if nothing was amiss and would say that his brother would surely return soon, that he would be gone for only a short while.

that short while turned into weeks. months. far longer than robert had ever been gone before. on his bad days he wondered if his brother had grown tired of his position (of their situation) and thus would not return for good, but those thoughts were always shadowed by the hope and faith he had in his prince. surely the day of his return would come.

opens his eyes slowly when the sound of music reaches his ears again, lifting his gaze back up towards the crowd of dancing people before him. after some time of simply gazing he sits up straighter in his chair, the one that is forever to his mother's right. does not look at her as she speaks to someone, his curiosity nonexistent. instead he raises his glass and slips at the liquid inside, going back to his silent thinking (of robert, of other things that had been on his mind for quite some while) as a somewhat glazed look overcomes his features once more. ]

Comments

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

In this case, perhaps.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ looks a touch proud. ]

In most cases, princess.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

I think otherwise. After all, I would not have kept you by my side if so.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ quirks a playful smile with another round of tsking. ]

No, no. I may die from humiliation if I am suddenly rumoured to be kind and virtuous.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ lifts a hand to cover his mouth lightly. ]

Oh dear... I fear that has already begun to happen.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ puts a hand to her forehead, pretending to feel lightheaded. ]

Oh, for shame. How can I bring myself before my liege now?

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ uses his free hand to pat her shoulder softly. ]

There, there. We will think of a way.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ leans her head close to his ear. ]

I will endure it. Provided that you hold me through tonight.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

Oh, but think of the rumors.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

Can you not take pity on me just this once?

1/2

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ shifts his eyes to the people around him, as if in thought. ]

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ smiles up at her a little. ]

Only if we are to use a shortcut that you know of.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ smiles broadly. ]

As you wish. Now, or a little later?

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ hums, taking another look around. ]

Do you see anything of importance to attend to?

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

Nay. You know very well that I am not fond of events such as these.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

Then I believe "now" is the appropriate response to your inquiry.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ reaches for one of his hands to lift it toward her lips so that she can plant a quick kiss to the knuckles. ]

Very well. [ short pause. ] You need not excuse yourself formally?

1/2

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ begins to open his mouth to protest before something in the back of his mind stops him. closes his eyes, smiling softly. ]

Mm. I should at least let my mother know.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ gently removes himself, giving her a slight incline of his head. eyes flicker to the exit of the ballroom, a silent means of communication before making his way back to the queen. ]

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ watches after annabelle as he leaves, not moving away from the wall she's been resting against immediately despite having understood the command. only begins her slow trek to the exit when she sees that the princess is speaking with the queen, walking in a relaxed & leisurely manner around the edges of the dance floor. gives a small smirk to anyone who spares the time to glance her way, giving them a short wave when she's ready to take the first step outside.

after a moment of thought, decides to wait for annabelle out in the hallway, away from the music and frolicking nobles. once again takes refuge against a wall when she feels that she's far enough (but not too far), her expression finally dropping into something neutral (more tired) as she crosses her arms. simply waits, having already made up her mind on which particular shortcut to take from their current location to directly place them en route to annabelle's bedroom. ]

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ is delayed a little longer than he would have liked, obedient as always when the queen (his mother) inquires of his leave, curious. bids him goodnight. tells him to be well; the typical things that he is used to hearing, though something sad spreads across his features within the smile he gives her throughout their short conversation.

curtsies one last time before making his exit, inclining his head to those who also wish him a peaceful rest. when he is outside--briefly declining the offers from the guards to be escorted to his room--he takes a moment to just simply breathe. feeling steady enough, he peers around the corner to alicia; frowns when he feels something is amiss. gives himself a moment, going right back to his encouraging smiles after some decision-making while slowly approaching alicia. ]

Did my knight have to wait for very long?

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ the instant she hears annabelle's softer footsteps ring against the hallways, she's on alert again, smile sliding right back into place. back to normal, baseline, confident. leans away from the wall & offers an arm toward annabelle. grins. ]

The proper response would be not at all. Yet I feel oddly inclined to say yes, princess.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ takes that arm lightly, shifting to stand next to her. ]

Then I must make it up to you somehow.

[savolonte.livejournal.com]

[ begins to lead them down the hall, making short turns here & there as she follows the route that she's already mapped in her mind. ]

I do enjoy being spoiled. However, that is not my place, I'm afraid.

[filleapapa.livejournal.com]

[ goes along willingly, only glancing around every so often in mild curiosity. ]

That could easily be changed.