Alexander James Francis Maximillion Nightingale raised an eyebrow. She was rather quiet, he thought. Why would the shadows guide him to someone like her? It did not really make any sense. But, he bowed his head in return. He saw her finally extend her hand, and he took it, as he was supposed to do, even if he had not extended his own first. He noted the type of smile she wore. 'That may change upon her calling this her permanent second home' he thought, not very happy with that thought. He continued to ignore the stares and everything that came with them as he and this young woman continued their' exchange. He did raise an eyebrow though, when she had said she figured as much, but luckily he had not given himself away very much further than that, if at all. 


"It is more that it is a pleasure, for myself, to see YOU."


He did not say why. This is a king who would keep that to himself, at least for the time being. He noted how she, well, seemed to be staring at his attire. Of course, that would be a question best saved for another day. After all, there was to be plenty of time for them to exchange such things now, plenty of time indeed. However, she asked something he hoped that no one would ever ask him. Alexander would freeze, pausing that is, for a moment, silent. He had to think of what he was to say, since this was a circumstance where he would not lie, and yet felt he had to. And so, this ruler took a deep breath, managing to respond to that question. 



"Events have been hosted here at one time or another, yes."



That much was the truth. However, this was the first 'royal ball' to be held since he took the throne, and had begun to wear that crown upon his head. It was not a lie, what he said, but it was not entirely the truth either. He could not tell her what was the whole truth, not now anyway. This king had every reason to hide it, as well as anything else, or so he was thinking. He gave a nod when she said they could speak for a time. He managed not to react in any negative way. Alexander was avoiding doing so, for obvious reasons. If his chosen bride was scared off, he would have no heir and all would be doomed, or so he and others have thought whenever that was brought up in the past. Anyway, the king took a breath before he spoke again. 




"Did you desire to move to another corner of the room?"



For some reason, Alexander felt the need to ask her that. He did not realize he was still holding her hand, nor had he realized that he had gently squeezed her hand for a moment. The king was looking right at her, and his eyes had not, and still did not, looked away, not even for a moment.