[@Wick][h1][color=royalblue][center][img]https://38.media.tumblr.com/d4089335253554297d6d88f39bbf5544/tumblr_inline_o3fdwqUoGK1qbp5za_500.gif[/img]
Elias[/center][/color][/h1][hr]
Elias slowly straightened his back and took a deep breath, mentally steeling himself. Either his life was changed forever, or Alexis suffered for the rest of her's. It was an unfair ultimatum, yet instead of the normal rage Elias typically felt, there was... numbness. Stronger than sadness and heavier than anger, Elias was familiar with this feeling, as it afflicted him for months after Taric's death.

The Grimm could feel all eyes on him, and he had to acknowledge them. Meeting Marcus eyes, Elias faked confident expresssion. [color=royalblue]"It's true. A few evenings ago I asked Alexis to give me her hand in marriage."[/color]

There was a small gasp from someone in the room, though Elias couldn't tell who. Perhaps it was one of the many servants that thought they weren't detected, listening to the conversation around corners and behind closed doors. The silence stretched on for a few moments longer before Elias spoke again. [color=royalblue]"I don't intend to allow Broussard to see Alexis again. That boy is vile, volatile, and repulsive. Inform him an actual suitor has claimed Alexis' hand and that he will [i]never[/i] touch her again."[/color]

With that, Elias turned and left, his boots echoing loudly as the only noise in the hallway. As he made his way up the stairs, he saw three servants, one being his own personal helper, quickly scrambling up the stairs and out of sight. Disregarding them as he went, the newly engaged man turned right at the top of the stairs and swiftly walked towards Alexis room. Without bothering to knock or request entrance, he opened the door, shutting it behind himself.

Alexis was waiting for Elias, sitting on the edge of her bed. Before she had the chance to say a word, Elias gently grasped her shoulder, leaning in close with a soft whisper. [color=royalblue][i]"If your magic can make us unheard from prying ears, I suggest you do it."[/i][/color]

After speaking, he pulled away as the numbness overtook his body, making reality feel inauthentic as he moved to the window and gazed outward.