[hider=Kazumin's Final Hour?][center][h1][color=82ca9d]Kazumin[/color], [color=E77298]Anastasia[/color], [color=#85aabd]Wystan[/color] & [color=ab274f]Wulfric[/color] [/h1][/center]
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That had certainly been one of the more entertaining and wild dances Kazu ever found himself in, though to an outsider's perspective what they did would hardly be considered dancing and more akin to children mucking about.” [color=00aeef] Aye, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind, lady Ani. I shall anticipate seeing you at the 'study group'.[/color]” He finished with a quick salute, his face sporting a brief serious expression as he pronounced the last two words especially… hint hint.

Still relishing in the thrill the two had just shared when a pair of men unknown to him approached. And out of nowhere he heard a comment meant to be a dig at him causing him to wince a bit as if he had just been stung.*[color=82ca9d] Ouch…yeah that one stings.[/color]* His face momentarily showing hurt before returning to that casual grin of his as if he hadn’t heard it, albeit smaller than before their arrival.

It soon became quickly apparent that the more distinguished and dignified gentleman knew Anastasia, not only that he seemed to not like him with that steely ice gaze aimed his way.

He could only blink in confusion; wondering what he did to earn such an unpleasant ire from the stranger as he could not recall wronging him in any way, of course a lot of things tended to slip Kazu’s notice as he learned. Then a hand was extended by the man that spoke the stinging comm]ent.” [color=00aeef]Hm? Oh..yes. Thank you, good sir.[/color]” Taking hold of Wystan’s hand with a firm grip and in that brief touch noticed his hand to be hard and rough much like his own though something about was off; not quite the hand of a manual labor like his own. The watchdog merely nodded in response.

Anastasia smiled innocently as her brother stared down at her in discontent. She took his hand and used it to pull herself up, immediately throwing her arms around his neck in a hug as soon as she got to her feet, [color=E77298]“Awooo! It’s the big wolf!”[/color] She greeted him with delight. Though she was excited that  Wulfric and especially Wystan had come over to join them, she wasn’t sure why they seemed to be in sour moods. It was no matter; she would just have to cheer them up. 

Wulfric drew his sister up, not at all surprised to find himself in a hug. He wrapped his arms around Anastasia, and the familiar warmth did serve to improve his mood a little. He shook his head at her greeting, though he was secretly amused by it. He released her from his hold when he felt that she was ready to extricate herself.

Letting go of Wulfric, she gestured to Kazumin, [color=E77298]“Gentlemen, this is my new best friend, Kazoo. He’s a kind and funny fellow so please do not frighten him with those scary looks you’re giving.”[/color]

[color=ab274f]“[i]Another[/i] ‘best’ friend?”[/color] the prince questioned sarcastically, turning a disapproving glare at the hapless man. [color=ab274f]“You have this unfortunate habit of attracting the most vexing of specimens to your side,”[/color] he complained to her. Because he knew his sibling would not be phased by such a remark, he continued with a better line of reasoning. [color=ab274f]“I realize you can hardly stand these events without your share of fun, but the first dance has concluded,”[/color] his voice was low, compelling; the implication that Anastasia had already gotten her way, and should be satisfied for now. [color=ab274f]“However, if you still find yourself overbrimming with energy,”[/color] he let his gaze sweep around them, and due to their proximity, it landed on the watchdog. [color=ab274f]“Yes…let Wystan over there lead you for the next one.”[/color] Clearly, Wulfric’s priority was separating the princess from the unfitting man she called a friend, and he gave the guard a meaningful look.

[color=#85aabd]“..."[/color] Wystan had been adjusting the wrapping on his hands after assisting the blond man up. The guard seemed preoccupied with a thought. Upon hearing the prince's suggestion, he stood at attention by their sides, thoroughly having understood his task. He shared a look of compliance with Anastasia as it came up - an expression that seemed open, perhaps even welcome to the idea if one looked carefully enough. [color=#85aabd]“If you would have me, it would be an honor, Your Highness."[/color] The watchdog executed a well-practiced bow toward the princess.

Soon found himself back upon his feet with help from Wystan where he took this chance to dust off the back of his pantsuit and adjust his shirt. The wolf comment Anastasia directed at the one helping her up made him smile though it wavered a bit upon feeling that icy glare aimed at him once more. This guy definitely did not like him. How nice it was to see Ani consider him a best friend and try to quell the unpleasant air coming from the two.”[color=00aeef] Thank you Ani and again I must say I love the new nickname you afforded me.[/color]” He chuckled while giving her a playful wink, which Anastasia returned with a smile.

“ [color=00aeef]I do apologize for our little floor mishap as Ani here proved to be a masterful spinner which took me off guard thus causing our inevitable plummet.[/color]” Kazu explained with a smile  as he peered between the two, listening to their exchange; noticing a hint of eagerness in the watchdog’s eye at the proposal of dancing with Anastasia. The tad dizzied blonde gave a friendly pat on Wystan’s shoulder.” [color=00aeef]You’re in for a truly pleasant dance, good sir. Hopefully one as enjoyable as the one we just shared.[/color]” 

[color=ab274f]“[i]Ani?[/i]”[/color] Wulfric barely refrained from growling out, but the danger was still apparent. [color=ab274f]“I do not [i]care[/i] what pretenses of friendship the two of you have crafted in that short while, so you will do best to mind your tongue. While you are in my presence - or indeed, while speaking to her publicly - you will address my sister with due respect,”[/color] he warned. [color=ab274f]“In case it wasn’t clear, that is as Her Royal Highness,”[/color] he added.
Anastasia could be spotted rolling her eyes at her brother’s words.

At Kazumin’s apology, which implicated himself as much as it did his sister, a muscle in Wulfric’s cheek ticked with anger. Oh, he was sure Anastasia played her part as much as she usually did with these antics, but for some stranger to say as much while he clearly benefited from the experience…It frustrated him to no end. However, since it finally looked like the man might depart, he decided to help along with that decision. [color=ab274f]“I’m sure he will. Now, away with you,”[/color] he tilted his chin imperiously, shooing Kazumin elsewhere.

[color=#85aabd]“Mhm. I appreciate your well-wishing."[/color] Wystan received the disrespectful stranger's pat with a grip of his own, careful not to clench, before conscientiously redirecting it away. The coldness in his features remained immovable, clearly unsatisfied that he could not do anything to discipline the man right then and there. [color=#85aabd]"I will do my best not to raise any issues and enjoy it to the fullest."[/color] 

[color=#85aabd]“Have a good evening."[/color] With that, Wystan extended an arm out to Anastasia before giving the man a customary nod.

Anastasia had a brow raised as things played out, finally taking Kazumin’s shoulder gently and softly telling him, [color=E77298]“Sorry Kazoo… It appears my brother has woken up on the wrong side of the bed today. Don’t worry about any of that. “ [/color]She gave him a sympathetic smile, mouthing [color=E77298]“I’ll see you later.”[/color] She turned on her heels and looked at Wystan, pausing momentarily as her cheeks seemed to change slightly in color. [color=E77298]“Hello again! Fancy meeting you here, good sir. ”[/color] Anastasia greeted him as she looped her arm through his. 

Kazu found himself receiving nothing but cold treatment from these two. Why? A question soon answered by Wulfric; both learning and realizing he had just danced with a princess and thus making the icy individual one of the crowned prince’s.*[color=82ca9d] ooooooh.[/color]* His mind mentally cringed at the fact he had been acting so casually and informally in front of a prince who did not much care for it one iota. 

The slight painful grip to his hand by Wystan pulled him from his head as he pulled his hand away to give it a little rub.” [color=00aeef]I see. Then do forgive my impertinence and clueless tact for not recognizing that I stood in the presence of the crown prince.[/color]” He gave an apologetic bow to give the two royal members the due respect. His head then turned upon feeling Anastasia’s hand rest on his shoulder and gave that kindly smile while his eyes flashed her an incredulous look; one that practically said ‘Really? You couldn’t give a guy a head’s up?’ followed with a nod to dismiss the glance he just gave. Forced to bite his tongue to keep from snickering at ani’s little bed comment just then as he doubted the prince in any mood for humor.” [color=00aeef]No trouble at all. I shall be off then though before I do, I must add before I forget that your royal highnesses look positively stunning and handsome tonight. This good gentleman too, of course.[/color]” Motioning his head in Wystan’s direction then gave another bow of his head, this one not as low.

Wulfric might have been appeased by the second apology, if it only weren’t followed by Kazumin’s poor attempt to ingratiate himself to him with that compliment. He noticed Anastasia conspire with the stranger quietly, and though he thoroughly disliked everything about him, he did offer the departing man a gracious nod. At the very least, he’d not insisted on sticking around.

[color=#85aabd]”If you are ready, Your Royal Highness, perhaps we shall take our place.”[/color] Wystan nodded at Anastasia, before turning to give Wulfric a deep bow. [color=#85aabd]”I hope that your second dance goes smoothly, Prince Wulfric. It was an honor.”[/color] Upon rising, the guard gave the crown prince a cautionary glance, as if to say: [i]be careful this evening.[/i] 

Wulfric caught the guard’s eyes, and nodded lightly. [color=ab274f]“Take care,”[/color] he said lightly to the two of them - though Wystan would likely know he meant it as seriously as the watchdog’s own warning had been. Then, he departed for the catering tables; he needed at least a glass of cool water after all that, if nothing else.

Turning on his heel, Kazu intended to leave lest he say anything to sour the prince’s mood any further that might lead to some rather unpleasant clash. Once far enough away he shuddered.* [color=82ca9d]Oof…..never met a chilling pair like that before.[/color]* Taking a mental note to avoid prince Wulfric if possible or next time he might find himself skewered by the man.


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