Stormy grey eyes watched arguably the most powerful people in the world casually converse with each other. Cara didn't fit in amongst them and she knew it - every step, every word, every flicker of emotion across her face seemed to hold the scars of her past, scars which trained eyes could pick up on. Well, if she was being fully honest, she didn't make her heritage as known as that idiot Zhou Mei; she refused to think too harshly of the man, however. He was the only person she could relate to, after all.

In her thoughts, she barely even realised that someone was speaking to her. Blinking back the part-confusion, part-shock at the sudden presence of the large figure in front of her, the long lessons on etiquette drifted away like clouds in a dream. And so, they stood awkardly, one blinking in silent confusion and the other flustering over some great secret which Cara didn't really understand or more appropriately, which Cara probably didn't want to understand. The entire thing stunk of what it was like in school again which wasn't exactly a welcome thought but the man whom she quickly recognised as Niklas König wasted no more time in awkward proceedings, thankfully.

[color=salmon]"Guten morgen, Cara O'Brien. I would use your title, if I knew what it officially was, other than "heir to the Celtic throne,"[/color]

Her eyes narrowed, eyebrows arched and a playfull smirk graced her lips. Niklas König, heir to the Königreich der Welten, one of the greatest military superpowers in the world which meant that the charming young man in front of her, whose own movements seemed to betray him as well, was one of the most powerful men in the world. This would be a fun game - Niklas was definitely one of the more interesting characters gathered.

[color=dodgerblue]"Maidin mhaith, Niklas König. My people are a little backwards - we don't really have titles until you prove yourself and rise to the throne."[/color] A knowing smile replaced the trickster's one and cast doubt on her words, as if she herself didn't entirely believe them.

[color=salmon]"Might I have the honor of escorting you to whichever seat you may be inclined to? And if it were not too much to ask, may I be graced with your presence in a conversation? I would very much like to hear about the Celtic Consortium."[/color]

Turning himself subtly, he faced towards the table that the rather hot princess of Aciras had directed them towards. Cara may have forgotten most of what she was taught but she knew how to respond to this. Smiling, she stepped forward and slid her arm under the crook of his, silently looping it around and resting her hand on his forearm. Her eyes darted down quickly and caught the sight of marks on his hands before he turned them away. His charm seemed endless and if she was younger and a little more stubborn, she would have melted into him as well but she remained poised, back straight and chin eye. Her eyes followed the curve of his arm up to his wide shoulders before finding his face once again. He was hiding something - she didn't like secrets but she would work it out sooner or later.

[color=dodgerblue]"You're way too kind, you do realise that? I'm from a meagre little state that doesn't have much to do with the ways of the world. Perhaps you'd be better conversing with the good Prince Edwin and the merry ol' chap who is apparently the King of Wales? I'm sure they'd be ever-so... [i]interesting[/i]."[/color] Smiling, she allowed him to guide her to the table, making sure her voice was low which was a fruitless task considering the fact that everything they did and said was probably being listened to. [color=dodgerblue]"And Niklas, a tip for your beloved - try not to let a lady know you've researched her."[/color] Her smirk rose and she raised her eyes to watch his reaction.

Niklas König just laughed, a rich and deep sound, amused and delighted at how to-the-point Cara O'Brien is. He grinned, afterwards, knowing that she'd be an easy match of wits.

[color=salmon]"Very true, Miss O'Brien, on all points. However, I must disagree; having information and pretending to not can be very advantageous, but I do not want to seem ignorant and oblivious; no, I want it to be known that I know, and am kept up to speed. Anyone here with a mind for politics- as we are going to be buried in them from here on out- will know the advantage of knowing. I, of course, intend to know as much as possible. And likewise, I know that you are an exceptional student of education; you are, no doubt to me, an equal to all of us here, even if you may not be seen as 'royalty.'

"To address my kindess, well, I enjoy being kind. That, and friends are better than enemies, don't you think? And mind you, you are a formidable meager state. The way your leadership is selected is cause for worry among more traditional royalty, and frankly, you are entirely defenseless.

"Königreich der Welten is, as you know, the most powerful military power, and has its hands in every nation, for obvious reasons- our universities. You know that, everybody should know that, even if no one says it."[/color]

Arriving at their table, Niklas, gentleman as he is, gently disengages his arm, in favor to pull out a chair for Cara, waiting for her to seat herself, before going and seating himself at the chair right next to her. For the moment the chairs at either side of the two of them were empty; he was mildly curious to see who would sit down next to the Consortium and the Königreich.

[color=salmon]"But we are not taken so seriously, despite knowing most things going on and about. The Consortium has some assets that my father and I would like to have access to. We may have the biggest and the most guns, but we are interested in peace and diplomacy. I'd rather be friends, you see."[/color]

He paused, just enough for Cara to start responding, before he cut in again.

[color=salmon]"Of course, it helps that the future ruler of the Consortium is a beauty. Red hair is somewhat rare from Königreich der Welten. You're very intelligent, and I'd enjoy having such traits as both an ally- and a friend, personally."[/color] It didn't bother him at all that he just spoke so frankly- he knew it would work his favor. Very few people had had the time to come into the room, before the event, and bug the room- most nations wouldn't be able to listen in, without using their own eyes and ears. And no news or media company would dare let what he was saying spill out- it was too up-front, too political, to let it go out. 

Cara had a good mind for when people were lying or trying to cover up something but to her surprise, Niklas König was full of sincerity. Maybe he was just better at covering things up than she was or maybe, although unlikely, he was a genuine person. It scared her, especially in a room full of these sort of people - it was those who told the truth that you had to be wary about. When he mentioned her lack of royal blood despite her intelligence, her eyes flashed dangerously before a warm smile took over her features.

[color=Dodgerblue]"I'm glad - you at least have the balls to admit what people are but thank you for the compliment, nonetheless. And I'm sure no one is really afraid of us. They're just afraid of the idea of us because ideas are very scary to people who lack conviction. In reality, my friend, we're just a small little state that could be crushed under the heel of just about anyone who sets their mind to it."[/color]

Pausing, she allowed Niklas to break away from her and drag her chair out. This guy definitely knew how to get what he wanted - from males or females. His masculinity alone was enough to inspire a little bit of teenage kicks in anyone he came across, she imagined. Even she was his enjoying his company perhaps a little too much - maybe the other royals weren't massive dickheads? As she sat, her eyes drifted back towards the Prince of Königreich der Welten who had already taken his own seat. Niklas was nice and she suspected no one else would treat her in such a friendly manner but there was still something there that unsettled her. She had done her research - he was a tactician and tacticians were renowned for making the winning move before you could even realise. She tilted her head to the side in silent curiosity and grinned as he complimented her.

[color=dodgerblue]"You enjoy having both beautiful and intelligent friends? Sorry but I don't think I'd ever want to meet them. They sound very scary to a little country bumpkin like myself. Also, I see no problem with friendship. The Consortium has more than enough renewable energy so our oil fields are mainly useless to us."[/color]

She shrugged before a small smile took her lips captive and she lowered her voice.

[color=dodgerblue]"Would you like to know something very interesting, Niklas? Do you see our good Prince Edwin over there? Would you believe that such a charismatic character holds the most danger to me, enough so to warrant caution on my part? He's a gentle soul but power leads men to dark places. He wishes to be the greatest in his line but what would make him great? The Britannian Empire has spread to all parts of the globe but their greatest embarrassment lies in the very reason to why I'm here talking to you. Would it not be glorious for him to retake the home they had lost? To give the Prince of Wales some validity to his title?"[/color]

Cara was pretty, not beautiful, and she got on well with Niklas but he needed to understand that these were very dangerous times and she needed reliable friends if she was to get anywhere.

Niklas just smirked a little, and nodded his head in assent.

[color=salmon]"Indeed, you might be made of a target. But he doesn't have anything specifically on you, that he can force you to dance to his tune, correct? No, you'll only be a target because of what it'd mean for him, not because he has anything against you. It doesn't matter; we dislike the conquest of smaller, third-world or second-world countries by the Lusitanians, but we don't intervene because, because it's honestly better to be part of a major nation than not. Though, Lusitania, from what I've heard, might be pushing the limits of what my father thinks is acceptable. A major nation moving on another major nation would not be acceptable at all- and we are not close allies with Brittania anyhow. There's always been some competition between our nations; no love would be lost if they decided to attack a nation, and we decided to defend them."[/color]

And then there was a hint of grin, buried beneath Niklas's more serious expression, which came around whenever he talked about war, or possible war.

[color=salmon]"Britannia has many lands, but their homeland is not so far away from mine. And if there's one thing that we have better than anyone else's, it's a navy-airforce combination. If we declared a nation that they're attacking to be our allies, and wage war on their behalf, they'd certainly think twice. Anyone would, since we can play God. We could smite someone, and with how much we've invested into our military, there is little they could truly do. They'd need allies to face us, and who would want to ally someone who started an entire war in the first place, against the military superpower?"[/color]

There was just a hint of something beneath there- a hint of relish, of anticipation. Niklas was a tactian and a politicker- he could make the right moves on the dance floor, and on the field. But behind there came the part that only showed when he had been crossed- he enjoyed the chance to stomp someone down, who had dared to defy. It was present in all of the König line- the entire reason why their military was as strong as it was. 

And then Niklas was back to normal, that hint of bloodlust gone. 

[color=salmon]"And besides, if you are indeed my friend, then I have my first beautiful and intelligent friend. Most of my friends are just guys. Not beautiful at all. And besides, bumpkins are cute. Concerning the oilfields- well, you could certainly curry a great deal of favor. My father will certainly enjoy that, especially with how much more expensive oil has been getting nowadays."[/color] He raised his eyebrows up, assuming a look of mock surprise. [color=salmon]"It's almost as there is only so much oil in the world, and it's being used up!"[/color] He cracked a grin, flashing her with clean, shining, white teeth.

Then he glanced about, still smiling but without the teeth.

[color=salmon]"I wonder when the food comes..."[/color]

Checkmate. Cara was quite surprised that she got the information that her research simply couldn't provide in such a small space of time. Niklas, although sweet and undoubtedly a good friend or partner, was a lot more bloodthirsty than she imagined. She had to read between the lines to realise what all his talk of war was about but when it did hit her, the perfect image of this hot foreign guy (who in another life she totally would have done) became corrupted. He wasn't so lovely - he was bloodthirsty. Silently, she wondered what life would be like for his bride, Mai Mei. How could you ever love a man who needed suffering to pump through his veins, who had taken war itself as his paramour? She may have been melodramatic but she grew very cautious of the young Prince, even if she didn't let that show - the good tactician never shows their move until the last possible second.

[color=dodgerblue]"One day, someone's totally gonna take advantage of your kindness and let me tell you, you're so-called first beautfiul and intelligent friend will have to pick up the pieces! And for your information, bumpkins are horrible people - trust me."[/color] Despite the joking attitude, her cheeks were fixed with a twinge of red which faded as she grinned with his joke.

[color=dodgerblue]"You're an eejit, Niklas König!"[/color]

Niklas turned back to Cara, smile at the ready. [color=salmon]"Why thank you, Cara O'Brien. I'm honored that you think so highly of me. Truly, I'm touched."[/color] The playfulness was obvious, in his cheery, friendly attitude. But as he stared at her, he picked up something- just tiny tells, really. The same kind that he had been trained in, that she had to have been trained in. He had been studying her every moment he had her in his view, just as he had with everyone, just as most everyone was doing to everyone. And he saw that, perhaps, he maybe let himself get a little carried away. No matter; he'd just have to be so overwhelmingly friendly that she would doubt that she saw anything at all. And if she did remain firm in what she may have seen, then no matter; he needed her as an ally at the very least. 

He paused then, and took on a look of playfully intense concentration, purposely scrunching his face up to obviously scrutinize her. 

[color=salmon]"My... maaanly nature does not allow me to return your heartfelt sentiment with a matching one of mine!"[/color] 

Niklas paused for a moment, hesitating as he considered a sudden idea, and debating to himself whether or not it would be advantageous or useful. And after a moment, he did.

[color=salmon]"Princess Cara O'Brien, would you do me the honor of a meeting, sometime later today or tomorrow? Perhaps we can take a quiet walk. Among other things, I believe I would very much enjoy your company."[/color] He smiled brilliantly, laying on his charisma. [color=salmon]"I wish to know this brilliant beauty in front of me, truly. It is not every day that I meet someone like you, after all."[/color] He glanced about surreptitiously, taking in the other ladies in the room. [color=salmon]"A great many beautiful ladies here, and despite others being, ah, larger than you, or taller than you, or in some way 'better'-"[/color] he made air-quotes for false emphasis- [color=salmon]"I think you're the most regal of us all. We all hold ourselves above the common populace, as if we're a breed higher. You're one of the common, technically- you're proof that such is not true."[/color]

At that moment, he was a little vulnerable. He hoped that he had judged her correctly; she was very smart, but all reports and intelligence said that she wasn't vicious, or really manipulative. And despite all of what he was trying to do, he did like Cara. And, given the right push, the right resources, the Celtic Consortium could become a major player. Especially because the changes she and her nation could bring about could destabilize the current powerholders of the world- which would leave openings for smaller nations that don't rely so much on the old system. And if prepared, one could quickly ascend into the power void. Niklas and his father would just have to play his cards right, and maybe make allies- and friends- along the way.

[color=dodgerblue]"Manly nature?"[/color] She spluttered, breaking out into a fit of giggles as she rolled her eyes at the young prince. Despite this, she fell silent as he offered her the opportunity to talk with him later with the connotation of it being private, she imagined. Every part of her screamed at her that this was a very bad idea and to keep her distance but power was two-fold. If he wanted something and she knew what it was he wanted, she would always win. And the prospect of talking to him further interested her - he was mostly a nice person and it wouldn't hurt her to make a friend amongst the World's royalty.

She tried to keep serious but once again, she burst into a fit of laughter, another red twinge gracing her cheeks - a surprisingly genuine blush which caused a decent amount of embarrassment on her part.

[color=dodgerblue]"Are you calling me small, Niklas König? And those air quotes really make me feel that you mean a lot more when you say 'better'! Is that the nice way of saying they have a great rack!? Nevertheless, thank you for the compliment. I'll gladly take up your offer. A friend here might ease the whole being by myself thing."[/color]

Niklas shrugged easily, grinning still. Fates, he enjoyed talking to Cara, careful as he must be. [color=salmon]"I'm glad you saw the wisdom of choosing this admirer as your friend! I am, however saying nothing about that first bit. However, I do not mind you the way you are. One does not need this thing called a 'rack' to be impressive. You're plenty impressive as is."[/color] He made sure to keep a straight face as he acted oblivious to her comment about a 'great rack' and his response to it. 

[color=salmon]"For as long as I'm about, you've no need to be alone- Heavens, what goes on over there?"[/color]

And in response to his question, he turned towards a racket off towards another end of the hall- where he caught sight of a Liviana of Lusitania falling down a flight of steps. He was, for a moment, visibly torn between getting up and rushing to help the poor girl up- but the more political side said that showing too much towards her might not be the best for both of them, and that he really didn't want to drop his conversation with Cara to rush off after another girl. Even if he was trying to woo them all, he didn't want to just abandon one. But she- no, she had her maid, who was helping her up. And then she walked straight to who, based on her fiery expression, was the source or part of the source of her fall. Either way, it looks to have been handled.

So he turned back to Cara and gave a pained smile, wincing slightly at the thought of such a fall. 

[hider=Summary!]
Niklas escorts Cara to the dinner table
They talk 'bout stuff
Niklas is pained over Liv's fall
Niklas and Cara are planning to eat all the cake
Niklas and Cara are planning on becoming fast friends and close allies. Def.
[/hider]