[center][h1][color=1e4fff]Crystal[/color] & [color=00F8FE]Callum[/color][/h1][/center] [hr] [color=silver] Crystal looked back towards Violet and Lord Ravenwood as she walked away, stopping for a moment, turning around and taking a few steps back to them, wanting to go back and try to fix things but she convinced herself it would only make things worse in the end. She stopped again, her hands wringing each other so tightly even through her silk gloves she could feel her wrists warming up from the friction. She groaned to herself as she again started the debate in her head if she should go back. When she finally chose not to again. She turned around not realizing who was around her and suddenly bumped into another person. She stumbled and fell into this said person, grabbing onto his arm and shoulder so shoulder out of reflex. [color=1e4fff]”I’m so sorry…”[/color] She immediately said without even looking up at the tall man. She quickly found her own feet again and took a few steps back looking at the floor. Her face was bright red again. [color=1e4fff]”I am so clum-”[/color] She cut herself off when she looked up and saw it was Prince Callum. The one whom Violet dan-well drank with during the first dance. [color=1e4fff]“I am sooo sorry your highness.. Please forgive me. I-I-I didnt mean to walk into you.”[/color]She said growing even more nervous. She hadn’t really heard much of Prince Callum, so she didn’t know how he would react. Callum, lost in thought, wondering just how long this ball would go on for and watching with mild interest those around him, was entirely caught off guard by the sudden collision. He nearly dropped his wine glass, felt a sudden tugging on his free arm, and rather ungracefully, tried to help keep the stumbling woman upright. But, at least he managed not to spill a drop of wine. Once the culprit had regained her footing he noticed the same woman who had run into Wulfric during the dance, the rarely seen younger Lady Damien. And it seemed she looked somewhat mortified by the whole ordeal. [color=00F8FE]“It would seem you make a habit of stumbling into princes, Lady Crystal Damien,”[/color] Cal paused, offering up half of a smile, before shrugging mainly with his hands, [color=00F8FE]“but I also make a habit of being in the way, so no need to apologize. It would seem you’ve had quite the eventful night already.”[/color] Cal continued, giving the expected polite bow. He held up the wine glass and grinned, [color=00F8FE]“Not a drop spilled, no harm done.”[/color] He said before finishing the glass and setting it on a nearby table. [color=00F8FE]“I hope your night is getting better.”[/color] He added with a bit more sincerity. Crystal blinked when the prince knew her by name taken off guard clearly. She tried to smile back but it only came up as a half nervous one. But she was grateful when he was generous enough to let it go. Her nervousness rose more when she gave a curtsy back to him when he gave a bow. Apparently he had seen her previous blunder. [color=1e4fff]“Y-y-You’re too kind your highness…”[/color] She said softly, Her eyes flicking to him and down to the floor. [color=1e4fff]“It would seem not…I-i-i keep making a fool of my…self.”[/color] She answered as she waved her hand to indicate what just happened. Not even mentioning what happened between her sister and Lord Ravenwood. But suddenly it clicked what he said before. ‘Princes.’ She looked up at him, slightly mortified to ask but she did. [color=1e4fff]“Y-you said…Princes before?”[/color] Her nervousness peaked as she covered her face. [color=1e4fff]“U-m…who…did I run into?”[/color] She asked looking in between her fingers at him. [color=00F8FE]“My brother, Wulfric,”[/color] He answered pausing as he searched through the crowd before pointing him out. [color=00F8FE]“He was dancing with Wystan, the watchdog of my other brother, earlier.”[/color] He added in case she had forgotten. [color=00F8FE]“And said other brother, Auguste, is right over there in case you’re looking to accost all three of us.”[/color] He offered with a smile, his tone light, and teasing, but after taking a bit more notice of Crystal's anxious disposition he wondered if that had been the wrong thing to say. [color=00F8FE]“I don’t think you need to worry, people are already talking all about Duke Vikena’s run-in with our guest from Alidasht, so as long as you steer clear of the sultan someone’s already made themselves the bigger fool. Either way, my opinion is not to take these things too seriously, I’m sure your life has already been laid out for you by your father just as mine has been laid out for me. Nothing we do here matters much in the end.”[/color] Callum offered up his defeatist outlook, not because it was comforting, but for him, it usually soften the blows of disappointment. Crystal eyes widened with horror. Not Prince Wulfric. She looked over as he pointed to his other brother Auguste who was speaking with one of the women from Alidasht. She also saw Wulfic speaking with Lord Leo and Charlotte. She just wanted to run back to her room in her tower and lock the door and never come back out again while in the fetal position under her covers. However, Prince Callum brought up the fact that Duke Vikena already made the biggest commotion of the night. She only nodded to him saying to steer clear from the sultan. Knowing her luck she would probably push him out a window by accident at this rate. She was pulled from her thoughts as he mentioned not to take things too seriously. That their lives have been laid out for them and what they do doesn't matter. She allowed her hands to come down from her face and into her lap as she looked at him. Thinking about what he said, she felt an instant connection to the youngest prince. Both were trapped in their worlds…for different reasons. But the way he looked at it was so sad. [color=1e4fff]”Of course it matters…”[/color] She said softly. [color=1e4fff]”For such a long time my father simply wouldn’t allow me to do anything so I could just stay healthy enough to live. If he had his way I am sure I wouldn’t leave my bed at all. But I kept on pressing and wanting to do more. He finally let me learn to do all different kinds of things within the home. So much now I help run the estate now…and now here I am. I’m sure I am going to get in trouble for coming by myself…despite making a fool of myself, I-I am still happy I can at least experience it.” [/color] [color=1e4fff]”What I mean is, I changed what my father had envisioned for me. I am sure you can as well.”[/color] She reddened as she looked up at him with that last sentence. Looking away. [color=1e4fff]”I mean… I don’t know what it’s like for you, but if you can be ok with ‘nothing really matters’ you are clearly strong enough to accept the disappointment. You are certainly strong enough to change what you want out of life.”[/color] She said with a small reassuring smile while making eye contact with him. [color=1e4fff]”At least that is what I see in your eyes.[/color] Callum grinned as Crystal began to open up more, finding it refreshing that someone outside of his own family was willing to challenge him. For someone who seemed so plagued by anxiety, she certainly lit up a lot more when speaking about something she believed in. He held her sapphire gaze with interest for a moment before speaking, [color=00F8FE]“you know what I see in your eyes? That you’re not as fragile as people think, not in the ways that count.”[/color] He said before breaking eye contact and looking over at where Edin sat. He gave an annoyed sigh as he watched concubines massaging the king all in full view of his mother. Crystal had waited a few moments wondering what he was thinking as they held each other's gazes. He did have a grin on his face so she wasn't as worried, but she still did a little. He then complemented her. Her whole face somehow got a brighter shade of red. As she looked down away from his smile. [color=00F8FE]“But you leave out one important detail, my father is King Edin, and his mind, well his mind is probably a terrifying place to imagine, but little in there changes. This is his world and we are all his chess pieces. Some more than others.”[/color] Cal said, a small smile at the knowledge that while he couldn’t win at Edin’s games, he was already learning the rules of another game, one of forbidden knowledge and magic. She looked up as he mentioned his father, glancing at the king, and seeing such an awful display with his concubines. Even though she had heard all the rumors about him it still shocked her that he would do such a thing…especially in front of his wife… Crystal was happy that Callum was nothing like him so far. He seemed sweet, a little sad and beaten down…but still managed to have a good heart. [color=00F8FE]“As for what I want out of life, well, you know I was often ill as a child. Not up for the training my brothers went through, useless with any sort of blade, and it disappointed my father greatly. Being a disappointment is easy, I would choose that over complacent any day, but a lack of control over my life is far more frustrating. So what I am content with right now, is to be the thorn in my father’s side any way that I can.”[/color] He admitted with a shrug. She looked back to him and perked up when he mentioned he was often ill as well. Honestly she had forgotten about that, that made two things they had in common. Was…was that why he knew her name? She knocked the silly idea out of her head. [color=00F8FE]“But, your points are valid, and I prefer those who speak freely. Sounds like even if you’ve made a bit of a fool of yourself, you’re still happy you came, right? Remember that, as you walk through this nest of vipers, you can hold your own.”[/color] Callum added. She then looked to him when he asked her a question, she simply nodded. But hesitated when he mentioned walking through a nest of vipers. She certainly didn’t hope it really wasn’t like that. She heard stories from her father, or her father telling violet something similar. [color=1e4fff]”Well I hope I don’t have to walk through it long. I do detest snakes…”[/color] She said with a small smile. [color=1e4fff]”Thank you for your compliments Prince Callum.. You don't realize how much that means to me.” [/color] [color=1e4fff]”While being a thorn in your fathers side is all well and good for a short time goal….”[/color] She said hesitantly, saying something like that would be quite dangerous. [color=1e4fff]”Your father won't be king forever…after Wulfric takes the throne, what do you want to do with your life? Hypothetically?”[/color] Callum thought about her question, it wasn’t something he gave much thought to because Edin’s rule seemed like it would go on forever. He couldn’t imagine his father stepping down willingly, and despite how often Cal had wished it, somehow his father seemed to easily avoid being struck down by consumption or syphilis despite his lifestyle. Somehow King Edin remained immunue to any sort of karmic backlash for anything he did. [color=00F8FE]“Hypothetically, I would leave all of this far behind.”[/color] Cal gestured towards the entirety of the ballroom. [color=00F8FE]“No palaces, no titles, no more horrid suits. Find somewhere secluded and quiet, focus on scholarly pursuits, spend my time in rooms that have more books than people.”[/color] Cal answered, mostly honestly, leaving out that if he could, he’d spend all his time focused on studying magic, try and bring some of those old ways back to a world that seemed in despite need of it. [color=00F8FE]“But I imagine it will be a very long time before Caesonia sees a new king, my father loves his crown more than anything.”[/color] Cal added, stopping himself from thinking about improbable dreams for too long. [color=00F8FE]“What is it you would do, with full freedom?”[/color] He asked. Crystal blinked when he mentioned he would leave it all behind, she was surprised that he would rather have a secluded place far from people. She was interested that he enjoyed books, a third thing in common. For a prince, he certainly wanted a fairly simple life. Before she could ask him what did he enjoy reading, he flipped the question on her.[color=1e4fff]”Me? I would travel the world, take in everything I can see.”[/color] She said, smiling a little at the thought. [color=1e4fff]”I want to see and sail on the Ocean, walk through the sea of sands surrounding Genasea in Alidasht. Explore the ruins in Montouppe woods. Climb the snowy peaks of Kolonvika, or or even… The Hidden Lover’s Waterfalls of Breoven forest.[/color] She said excitedly, if Callum could look closely enough he probably could see the very scenery in her eyes as she said each place. Her excitement grew with each one, even to the point where she unconsciously stood up on her toes, holding her hands to her chest. . She grew red at realizing what she was doing and lowered herself. [color=1e4fff]”I also want to collect and read as many books as I can. I-I absolutely adore them… [/color] She also wanted to continue writing… using her experiences to help her. She looked up at Prince Callum. [color=1e4fff]”Then… perhaps, possibly…start a family.”[/color] Cal’s head tilted to the side as Crystal listed off a variety of places she dreamed of visiting, all of which sounded breathtaking. His own dream seemed much smaller by comparison, but Cal had never been one for lofty goals or to allow himself to wander freely into the realms of dreams and whimsy. It was hard enough to slip out of the palace, he knew the leash he was kept on would never extend past Caesonia. Books and paintings would be the closest he ever got to seeing the world as long his father was king and Cal had simply accepted that long ago. [color=00F8FE]“And how do you let yourself drift so high into dreams when there is so much here to weigh us back down?”[/color] Cal asked, not as a critique of her dreams but out of curiosity. From what he knew and from what she had said, it seemed they both had a number of limitations on their freedoms. [color=00F8FE]“If you’re planning on being around for the season, the library here is expertly stocked, I saw to it myself. You’re welcome there anytime.”[/color] Cal offered a rare invite to another into his sanctuary, not that he really had control over who came and went where in the palace, but it was one place in his home that really felt like his and he had his mother to thank for that allowance. In recent years he had overfilled it with books, picked out most of the furniture, sought out art for the walls, and kept careful watch over it ensuring it was organized and tidy. Crystal placed her hands behind her and gripped her left wrist at his question. [color=1e4fff]”Dreams can go as high as you want. It’s only weight down by putting limitations on yourself. If you really want to, you will always find a way to make them become a reality. No matter what real world thing weighs us down.”[/color] She said without hesitation. As she smiled sweetly. She had spent years ‘locked’ in her tower, with no hope in sight of ever leaving. There were many dark days for her in the past.[color=1e4fff]”Would you believe me this was one of my first mountain of a goal? I’ve always wanted to dance in a beautiful dress at a ball. It took me nearly twenty years, but I am here.”[/color] Her eyes grew wide as Callum offered her access to the palace library. [color=1e4fff]I-I-I dont know what to say!”[/color] She stammered, her joy welling up again inside her. [color=1e4fff]”I-I’ve always wanted to see it, I’ve heard it's quite impressive![/color] The very thought of visiting the library was another one of her goals. She couldn’t contain her excitement as she covered her face for a moment. Before taking his hand and saying. [color=1e4fff]”Oh Thank you! Thank you!”[/color] She giggled and stood up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. This time it was Callum’s turn to blush, redness spreading across his face from the unexpected peck placed on his cheek. He blinked a couple times as he tried to remove the look of surprise from his face. Her entire response to his question had already thrown him for a loop, unused to this amount of enthusiasm or sincerity. Not among Caesonian nobles; they were all a mix of jaded, or power hungry, or cruel, or vain, or selfish, but Crystal, somehow, remained overwhelmingly positive and from what he could tell, genuinely kind, despite the difficulties in her life. [color=00F8FE]“What? Um, no it’s really not that big a deal. I mean it is a good library, and congratulations, on your goal, and if you have any others that I can help with, let me know.”[/color] Cal said, stuttering out a jumbled mix of words, finding himself confused by his offer. Had he meant to say that? He didn’t usually offer to help like that, and he didn’t normally stumble around over words either. Something about being around someone so good-natured drew him in. And just like the saying about moths and flames, such a draw could only be dangerous. [color=00F8FE]“You’re very much not like most people here. I hope your next dance fairs better.”[/color] He added with a smile as he regained his composure. Crystal also blushed as she realized what she did. Looking down and letting go of his hand she gripped her hands behind her back, She cleared her throat and her eyes flicked from him to the ground multiple times as he stuttered his words. She smiled and looked down. [color=1e4fff]”You already did.”[/color] She looked up to him. [color=1e4fff]”My second was to visit the palace library someday.”[/color] She really wanted to make it up. She blushed even more when he mentioned she wasn’t like anyone else here. She raised a hand to her face, running a finger along her skin to pull back some hair and tucked it over her ear. [color=1e4fff]”T-Thank you…I hope you can enjoy at least one dance tonight as well!”[/color] She curtseyed politely to Prince Callum and turned to walk away to find Sir Mathias… However she stopped, hesitated for a moment before looking back to Prince Callum. [color=1e4fff]”You helped me with one of mine. Now… I owe you… Please…let me help you with one of your life goals…when ever you think of one.``[/color] She said softly with a warm smile before turning back and walking away from the young prince. [/color]