How was he still being corny? Everything he said had been true! Still, he was relieved when she would affirm that she would take good care of it. He had neglected to add that the ring was easily worth a good one fifteenth of the Roselia fortune, but he figured she’d be responsible enough. Not like she was reckless or anything…though Grant was positive he wouldn’t have anything to worry about. He didn’t care much about the soldiers, his thoughts still on Levi. It still bothered him how much she had known about the two of them. Whoever her source was, it was something dangerous, and it couldn’t be ignored.

Speaking of the snake, he was snapped out of his thoughts when Savayna suddenly started yelling at him. It took him a moment to understand what she was talking about. His gaze would fall on the woman on the ground, though he grimaced. “[color=purple]In my defense, I didn’t think a point-blank shot would actually [i]work[/i][/color]” He couldn’t help but point out. “[color=purple]And I was defending your honor! …hmm, that was a bit too Wesley-like, even for my taste.[/color]”

He let out a sigh.

[hr]

Nadeline was distracted, having not realized that they had arrived until Wesley had offered his hand to help her off her horse. The trip had seemingly flown by, but no, she had been so buried in her thoughts that she hadn’t been paying attention. Keiran had managed to leave a pit in her stomach, moreso than she would rather admit, and despite finally arriving at their destination, she couldn’t quite share Wesley’s excitement or his anxiety. No…it wasn’t right. She didn’t belong here. She was a damn hypocrite, she had tried her best to assure Wesley that this was where they needed to be, but it just didn’t feel right.

Why?

Wesley’s hand squeezed hers, informing her that she was needed. Not in the sense that he was saying so, but his body language spoke volumes. For all his honor, Wesley was very much like an open book. An admirable trait, but ruling a kingdom required some closeness. For the moment, she would shelf all of her thoughts into the back of her head, focusing instead on the matter at hand. Summoning every ounce of authority, she would look at him. Even if he wouldn’t look back, she knew he knew she was staring at him.

Of course he had reason to be nervous. His father was the ruler…how could Wesley possibly feel ready to lead at the drop of a hat? Nadeline, at least, was literally groomed to become a Queen, so she had her whole life to prepare. But Wesley had been different, his father was so young, and the tragedy that befell Dalmasca had left the country hurt. But now more than ever, Wesley had to step up to the plate.

“[color=coral]Lead by example,[/color]” She reminded him. “[color=coral]No doubts, no nervousness…put on the Kingly Mask.[/color]” The term was one used exclusively throughout nobilities, regardless of country: everyone in a position of power had to put on a mask of confidence, no matter how bad things were and regardless of personal feelings.