[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/zQXUPoA.png[/img]
[@VitaVitaAR][@The Otter][@VahkiDane][@PigeonOfAstora][/center]

Whatever response she had for Velbrance evaporated at the assassin's presence. Hooded, certainly, but where had she come from? How incompetent did the guard detail have to be to not notice such an obviously suspicious figure?

And how [i]utterly[/i] idiotic did the assassin have to be, to decide that [i]this[/i] was the best opportunity they had to assassinate a princess? When the Paladin and the Gentle Blade, as well as a whole squadron of knights were present? Even if Dame Lilette had not caught the bolt, any number of them would have gladly taken the shot for Princess Elisandre.

Serenity could feel it. The flame in her stomach turn into steel, echoed details harmonizing within her mind. The chaos of the ballroom, guests making way while the knights flooded in, broiled like a sea in storm. She couldn't make a throw from here, and pursuit would only add to the chaos now. Her eyes flickered towards Veilena. The prodigy of the Mage's College wasn't casting. Haelstadt charged forth, but agility fit not the frame of a giant, no matter how skillful. The Crown Knights were in a better position here, especially when the assassin themselves already had a headstart on the Iron Rose, through the merits of a ranged weapon.

She knew what she would do, but she wasn't Fanilly.

[b]"Captain."[/b]

Her hand clasped upon the small girl's shoulder. Enough force to ground their inexperienced Captain.

[b]"A drop of royal blood is worth more than an assassin's lies. The Crown Knights and their mages can track the assassin, but [i]we[/i] need to clear out the area and get Princess Elisandre and Princess Maletha away from here."[/b] What stupidity would inspire an assassin to take a shot that would undoubtedly have failed? Perhaps not stupidity then. A diversion. Eyes focused on tracking one elusive form, while another blended into the chaos of pursuit and danger, to draw their own blade and reap the only lives here that had value.

A simple, but effective scheme.

And one, admittedly, that still looked likely to fall flat on its face, considering the proximity of both the Paladin and the Gentle Blade. Except, of course...

Serenity released her grip on Fanilly, azure eyes already finding another's.

[b]"Sir Fionn, Lein; escort Her Highness over! Sir Sergio, cover one side of Princess Elisandre; I'll cover the other."[/b]

Mayon above, what she'd give for a shield right now.