[center]
[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220331/5a11c585d67b1a8a656f66d0ef68cb9a.png[/img]
[color=gray][h1][i][sub]&[/sub][/i][/h1][/color]
[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220319/e7069392741101ba6a7572342fa3f997.png[/img]
[img]https://www.theeagleinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/stacked_page_divider_image-1378934968-tapestry-d.png[/img]
[/center]



Mathias had been avoiding the same two older ladies that had spotted him with Charlotte during the first dance. They had tried to make a beeline to him as soon as the music stopped, and upon seeing this he had hurried off in the opposite direction as them. Unfortunately, they manage to pull a pincer maneuver on the knight and stopped him just as he was about to greet the Queen and King of Varian. And like before, both ladies pulled him to the dance floor where their daughters awaited for some nobleman to approach them and ask them to dance. 

They would not believe him when he told them that he already had a dance partner and continued to pull him forward until he saw Crystal just a few ways ahead of them. 

[color=5B89A6]"Ah, I see my dance partner."[/color] He bowed to them, like before, he apologized and hurried away from them and to Lady Damien, glancing back to see the two mothers glaring his way for running away, again. Once he was far away enough, he sighed and pulled on his coast to smooth it out, and approached his partner for the second dance.

[color=5B89A6]"Lady Damien, a pleasure to see you again.”[/color] He smiled at her before continuing. [color=5B89A6]”Would you allow me the honor of making up your first dance of the evening, Lady Damien?"[/color] Mathias bowed, extending his arm in front of him. 

Crystal smiled and curtsied, allowing him to take her hand as she said [color=1e4fff] “Yes, thankyou…”[/color] not really knowing what else to say at that very moment. She followed him onto the dance floor. She glanced back at her sister with a smile before returning her attention to Mathias.

Mathias held her hand as they made their way to the dance floor; blue eyes kept glancing down at Lady Damien to make sure she was not uncomfortable. Mathias had only seen Crystal practically run away from the man towards the end of the first dance, and he was determined to make it up to her. Once in their spots, Mathias gave Crystal a bow before standing up straight and assuming the position, keeping enough space between them. A second later, the music began, even slower than last time. However, Mathias learned from his dance with Charlotte and kept the spins to the minimum. The Caesonian waltz did not include the spins he had grown so accustomed to. 

[color=5B89A6]"Lady Damien, I do hope that this night is not ruined for you,"[/color] He started with brows furrowed together in worry. [color=5B89A6]"You've probably been asked this, but my worry will continue to eat me alive if I am not sure- but are you truly okay?"[/color]

Crystal gave another curtsy as Mathias bowed for the dance, then taking his hand and putting her other hand on his shoulder. She looked up at him when he spoke. She glanced away in embarrassment for a moment, of course he saw what happened. Oh she felt like a fool, especially after talking with her sister. She brought up a very good point. [color=1e4fff] “I am thankful that you are worried Sir Mathias. And I must apologize for making such a fool of myself. Earlier… I…”[/color] She looked up at him as she tried to find the right words. [color=1e4fff]”I do not get out much…as it is apparent.”[/color] She said sheepishly. 

[color=1e4fff]”But I am ok… I am mostly just embarrassed at this point..”[/color]  She added with a nervous smile. She looked down to hide her embarrassment and also to make sure she didn’t step on his feet. However his gentle yet firm guiding touch truly helped her. 
 
[color=5B89A6]"There is no need for apologies, My Lady."[/color] Mathias assured her with a smile. He was sure she was tired of talking about the incident, so he moved the subject away to something else. He noticed how her eyes had lit up when he mentioned the ballroom was something out of a fairy tale. Mathias wished to see that expression in her eyes once more. [color=5B89A6]"Lady Damien, are you a woman of literature?"[/color] Karla had been too. She would read aloud before his son was born, claiming that Lukas would move or kick inside the womb. Mathias continued to read to him even. To this day, he is always excited when Mathias approaches the boy with a book. 

Crystal was very thankful he moved on from the subject. She almost laughed though when he wondered if she was a woman of literature… She had 5 published books to her pen name. But she was sure he hadn’t read her books. She smiled as she looked up to him. [color=1e4fff]”Yes! [/color] With a tiny hop in her next step. [color=1e4fff]”I love to read. All I did growing up was read books. I'm sure my father would say his library rivals that of the king and queens.”[/color] She said with a giggle. [color=1e4fff]”Why do you ask?”[/color]

There it was. Mathias returned her smile, bright and welcoming as ever. It seemed like Crystal's happiness was contagious. [color=5B89A6]"A mere observation, My Lady."[/color] He shook his head a bit, [color=5B89A6]"I saw the way you lit up when I mentioned fairy tales and when you told me you do not go out of your home much. If you do not mind me asking, what is your favorite piece of literature?"[/color] 

She smiled more as he did. She cocked her head to the side though when he said it was an observation. Continuing on explaining how he came to his deduction. She gave him an impressed look as he gave his very logical reasoning. Giving him a nod to show she accepted his answer. She blushed and stammered a bit when he asked what her favorite literature was. [color=1e4fff]”I-uh..”[/color] She looked away for a moment, while she loved reading all kinds of books… and writing romance… She didn’t have a real ‘favorite.’ Also she read that men usually thought it was silly for women to read romance novels. 

But she looked back up to him as she followed him in the dance.[color=1e4fff]”You will think I am silly…[/color] She started… feeling he was not like other men. Her face reddened even more. [color=1e4fff]”I don’t have a single favorite piece of literature, but I…do love romance novels quite a bit…”[/color]

Taken back by the lack of favorites, Mathias arched a brow. [color=5B89A6]"Not silly, at all, just a tad surprised to hear that you have no favorites."[/color] His face softened when he noticed the shade of red rising from her neck. [color=5B89A6]"Romance novels, Lady Damien?"[/color] He smiled, [color=5B89A6]"I think I would have to agree with you in that regard, they are far more interesting than reports or historical books."[/color] He did not wish for Crystal to feel ashamed of her interest. [color=5B89A6]"Do you have a romance novel you might recommend to me?"[/color]

She relaxed when he said it wasn’t silly at all, only looking down and smiling. Crystal blinked as Mathias admitted he preferred romance novels as well. She absolutely did not expect that. Even more he then asked for her recommendation. She looked up to him with a warm smile. [color=1e4fff]A royal guard and [i]detective[/i] with an interest in romance novels? You are an interesting man Sir Mathias. [/color] She said with a giggle. [color=1e4fff]”Well before I recommend one. The reason I don’t have a single favorite is because I’ve read so many books that It’s honestly really hard to choose. I have favorites among every genre, it’s hard to place one at the top of all of them. [/color] 

She looked at him for a moment, as if thinking what would be a good book for him.[color=1e4fff]”I would recommend ‘The Princess and her Unorthodox Prince.’ by Violet Columbine. It has romance, adventure, and a few mysteries… I think you might like it.”  [/color] She smiled. Feeling kinda awkward recommending her own book without saying its hers. 

He smiled and looked away for a second as his cheeks darkened the slightest. [color=5B89A6]"You flatter me too much, Lady Damien."[/color] Mathias laughed, shaking his head. [color=5B89A6]"It is impressive that you have read so many books."[/color] He wondered if Crystal could fill a room with only the books she had read. [color=5B89A6]"'The Princess and Her Unorthodox Prince?"[/color] The title was a familiar one; he was sure he had heard of it before but could not quite place from where. He was sure there was a copy of it back home in Karla's old studio. [color=5B89A6]"I shall search for a copy; if you have recommended the title, I am sure it will be great read."[/color] 

[color=1e4fff]”All of her books have that theme to it. So you have a few to check out if you like it. But do you get time to read often?”[/color] She asked 

[color=5B89A6]"If you would consider reports and documents reading."[/color] Mathias continued, [color=5B89A6]"But I do enjoy reading in my free time,"[/color] He paused and hesitated before saying his next words. He would not admit to it, but Lady Vikena's subtle reaction to mentioning Lucas had made his heart sink- and he understood her reaction as well. It was rare to see a widowed man at his age, and others would often think of him as a married man when he was out with his son. [color=5B89A6]"I do enjoy reading fairy tales; my son loves them so much that he will often beg me to read one every night before bed."[/color] His smile widened, talking about little Lucas. He took so much after him in looks, but all of his personality came from his late mother.

She smiled when he took her recommendation seriously, even though they’ve just met. But she continued to listen as he made a small joke. [color=1e4fff] “Not the type of reading I was thinking of…”[/color] she said with a giggle. When he mentioned he had a son she was surprised, what would that mean about his wife? Was he still married, did she pass? She didn’t see a ring on his finger. There had to be a reason he was here, dancing with others.She smiled when she saw his warm smile. She could see instantly how much he loved his little boy with just that. It made her tear up a very tiny bit.

[color=1e4fff] “Awwe…. I love children, they are so precious. He must really love his daddy to want to read to him every night. I know I drove my father mad, always asking for one more story when I was a little girl. I think I got him up to four stories in one night.”[/color] She laughed. [color=1e4fff] “I highly recommend ‘Sir Ivan Whittlock’s collection of Fantastical [i]true[/i] Stories.’ That was my favorite book as a child. All The stories inside have good lessons. And it's sure to last you for a few years,it's thicker than a dictionary..”[/color] She smiled warmly at the memories of both her mother and father reading it to her while tucked in between them when she was feeling sick. Making different voices for each of the characters. 

[color=1e4fff] “I can't wait for the day when I can read it to my children…If.. I have some that is...”[/color] She said with a worried smile. She thought of her mother, how she nearly died having both Violet and her. It is very likely that she would have the same complications her mother did…the thought frightened her greatly.

[color=5B89A6]"Your father must care greatly for you, luckily my Lucas has only asked for two as of yet."[/color] Although he was willing to read as many as his son desired, of course, within limits. The boy had to sleep at some point. [color=5B89A6]"I shall make an inquiry at the local book store, hopefully, they carry a copy. I am sure Lucas will love it,"[/color] Mathias couldn't help but to grin at Crystal and just a hint of relief. 

She smiled, [color=1e4fff]“I know he does.very much so.” She glanced up to where her mother and father sat. 

[color=1e4fff]“I’m sure they do, it’s a popular book here in Caesonia. But if they don’t, please let me know, I know all the book store owners in the city. I can find one.” [/color] 

[color=5B89A6]"I am sure you will one day be able to have the family you desire, Lady Damien."[/color] And hopefully she would be spared from seeing her family break. 

Crystal smiled softly, unable to tell him her worries. [color=1e4fff]“I appreciate that….”[/color]  She pushed the thought from her head. And decided to make a tiny joke instead.[color=1e4fff] “Though… I am unsure if I could bear it… twenty children is quite a lot.” [/color] She said, giving him a smirk. 

Mathias' eyes widened slightly in surprise hearing the number of children she desired. The surprise was quickly replaced by amusement seeing the smirk gracing her lips. [color=5B89A6]"Having twenty children would be quite a lot,"[/color] he agreed with a warm smile before continuing, [color=5B89A6]"but I do think it would be quite adorable to have so many little ones running around."[/color] He had always adored children; even from a young, he'd always take care of little ones around the slums. 

She giggled at his reaction. She nodded at his remark, she enjoyed having many children around her. They always had such a wonderful imagination. But it was also because she always wanted more brothers or sisters. So her remark about having twenty children was [i]mostly[/i] a joke. 

[color=1e4fff]“Your son, what is his name? Is he staying back in Varian while you are here?”[/color] She asked softly 

At the question about his son, Mathias could not help but light up. [color=5B89A6]"Lukas, he's staying here in Sorian with me."[/color] He knew that if Lukas stayed back in Varian with Sir Oliver would make Mathias worry for his son that he would not be able to stay here in Sorian for long. [color=5B89A6]"He must be in my quarters right now with his nanny."[/color] While he wished Lukas was here with him, he knew it wouldn't be appropriate for a boy his age to be at the ball. Especially after seeing that wild animal that one of the Alidasht Shehzadi walked in with. 

[color=1e4fff] “Lukas.”[/color] She said with a small smile. [color=1e4fff]”Wonderful name. I hope he enjoys his visit.”[/color] She looked up to him as she heard the music come to an end. [color=1e4fff]”Thank you Sir Mythias, for the dance. You certainly made my night. Perhaps we can meet again after?[/color]