A few days ago, before coming to Freyea, Crix had already heard that among the discussions of war and alliances, matrimonial talks were going to be part of their visit. Oh, of course, the curious prince had already researched about who he was paired up with. Quite so fittingly, he was set to be wed off to a lass whose name was Princess Moran. She had enticing traits and an appearance that led men to think with their other hands but the prince predicted that beneath her smiles and rumours, she was an entirely different person. Everyone had a mask they wore, anyway; everyone had a mask to show others, a mask to show their family and a mask that they never want anyone to see. This third mask is the reflection of the truest identity of the person involved. However, his situation behind, Crix was more worried for his sister, Erin. They had never really talked much but just because he didn't socialize with his own kind doesn't mean that he doesn't care for them. On the contrary, Erin was probably the closest sibling he could ever hope to agree with. So, when the royal entourage was already stationed outside of the castle of Paplia, Crix took the opportunity to talk to his sister. As the lad hobbled on a walking cane, the youngest brother met up with his sister. Before speaking, however, Crix made sure that no one was watching or near. [color=8dc73f]"So, you're being married off to this prince Marion. I've done my research on him and the results didn't come as good as I had expected. He's as proud as a llama spitting at a hunter."[/color] Crix began, his voice was intermittently cut by arid coughs. [color=8dc73f]"What I mean to say is... if he ever puts a dent on your face or any part of your body for that matter, tell me. And, I'll castrate him brutally until he can't walk for a year."[/color] Once more, Crix began to cough voraciously, only abating by inhaling a large amount of air. [color=8dc73f]"I know we don't talk much but... you're still my sister and I.. uh..."[/color] the lad hesitated, knowing that it was out of character for him to do so. [color=8dc73f]"I care for you just the same."[/color] Crix smiled genuinely, a rare occurrence, before turning his back on her. [color=8dc73f]"That'll be the last time you hear that from me, Erin. Don't get used to it."[/color] ---- He had expected the room to be a bit more... gracious. They were more packed than a can of sardines (speciality of the invention of Paplia, thank you) but, perhaps, there was a deeper meaning to this. However, as the grown-ups began discussing the pressing matters, it couldn't be helped but to usher the younger generation out. Crix was nonchalantly disappointed, though. He believed that he was more than mature let alone smart enough to contribute to the discussion, which made it a point to believe that he was ushered out so that the royal families would be spared from his incessant coughing. Still, as he escaped from the hall, his illness got the better of him, his lips opening in silent agony as his coughs were becoming more brutal as time passed by. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of him, apparently asking the state of his health. [color=8dc73f]"Ah, prince Liam. Worry not about me."[/color] Crix straightened himself on his cane. [color=8dc73f]"I'm fine."[/color] Crix forced a smile before wiping his lips with a small cloth. Well, he couldn't escape now. [color=8dc73f]"Your kingdom is wonderful but a bigger meeting room would have been splendid."[/color] the prince muttered amidst some small hacks and gurgles. His eyes darted over to the prince just a few feet away from them... it was prince Marion. Crix's eyes dilated in annoyance at the older prince's appearance; he practically oozed arrogance with the way he strode and walked. Heck, Crix didn't even need to do research if he had seen Marion at an earlier period of time. Due to this seething disappointment at the man who his sister was suppose to marry, Crix couldn't help but click his tongue. However, he wasn't here to fight or bicker with his counterparts. He needed to establish some sort of... alliance with them. His gaze turned over to prince Liam, his counterpart host, and smiled gently. [color=8dc73f]"Our parents, huh? Marrying us off to the other princes and princesses without our approval. But, then again, they never needed our approval."[/color] Crix chuckled lightly, a slight cough escaping his lips. [color=8dc73f]"Who did you get as your lucky bride?"[/color] the sickly prince turned to his host.