[center][color=royalblue][h3][i]Valentine/Edelessa of Luxième[/i][/h3][/color][/center]

Prince Akio was trying so hard to be helpful, and yet he was hardly helping at all.  He was right about looking after her cut, at least, though it took a few moments to work up her nerve and let him.  While he did, Valentine fixed her gaze firmly on the ground in front of her.  Her thoughts were a flurry of shame and self-recrimination, but at least they distracted her a little.

The arrival of an attendant brought her back into sharp focus.  Prince Akio wanted to know who she'd be comfortable with.  She wanted Anton, or Ianos, or Melissa, none of whom were really available -- and that assumed she could manage to communicate her desire.  [i]At least he's trying.  And he's doing better than I am.[/i]  Valentine sighed internally and held her hand out to Prince Akio again, feeling like she'd let everyone down.  With a mental wrench she pulled herself away from that line of thought, though it lingered in the back of her mind.

The cut was a small one, somewhat deeper than a papercut but still superficial.  Having Prince Akio fuss with it hurt a little, but that was a welcome distraction from her thoughts.  She still hadn't managed to say anything to him.  She really should fix that.  Valentine took a deep breath, closing her eyes to focus better on the words.

"Th-thank you."

They came out wavery and quiet, but at least she'd said them.