[center][h1][color=#DDA0DD]Sadie[/color] [color=Violet]♥[/color] [color=seagreen]Drake[/color][/h1]
[color=#DDA0DD][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=seagreen]Morning[/color]
[color=#DDA0DD][b]Location:[/b][/color] [color=seagreen]Tea Party[/color][/center]
[hr]

[color=lightgray]The rather interesting fellow by the name Alexander made his way back to his wife, no doubt talking to her about what all had happened. But that was their conversation to have, so Drake did not stare for long. Not with the beauty sitting across from him. He soaked in the atmosphere and took note of the way she reacted to the varying events around them. Most notably was the vibrant shade her cheeks changed to as she talked to him, which were mirrored by the butterflies in his stomach. [color=greenyellow][i]She definitely seems to enjoy my company. I wonder...no I mustn’t rush such thoughts.[/i][/color] 

Just as he was about to answer her, yet another display of fanfare and showmanship erupted throughout the gardens. Several sounds flooded the area as King Edin himself was present and flaunting just about every avenue of wealth of exuberance he could. Very apropos of him. Nonetheless, with a respectful reaction, Drake kept his expression with a faint smile and waited for all to be over before talking to Sadie once more.

[color=greenyellow]”Well, it certainly is growing interesting by the second. Truthfully I am just happy to be here with you. It seems that perhaps with all of these boisterous actions the focus can be on you and I instead?”[/color] He smiled and took the last sip of his tea, and held his hands together on top of the table with fingers interlaced between each other. [color=greenyellow]”I hope you are enjoying yourself. Is there anything I can get you? Or have someone get for you, should you require me to stay near?”[/color] His words came with a light chuckle, his eyes meeting hers.

Sadie listened to Drake speak and wondered how someone could manage to have an angelic voice. How did she compare? Long, untamed curly hair and dimples, lithe frame with big eyes? She wondered if her voice was too squeaky. Was she eating too much? Not drinking enough tea? Sadie let out a quiet sigh. None of these intrusive thoughts would do well. Drake, a masterpiece, sat before her and was interested in her, and she couldn’t allow herself to be distracted. The butterflies fluttered in her stomach untamed and she did her best to ignore them.

Before she could speak, King Edin made his [i]grand[/i] entrance. She watched the proceeding and kept a friendly smile on her face. His flaunting of wealth and power caused her stomach to churn. She knew that being a princess of an allied country in the public she couldn’t show such thoughts. So Sadie played nice, a smile on her face and clapped along. Once it was over, she turned her attention back to Drake. His words, like melted honey, rang through her ears. [color=#DDA0DD]”I’m happy to be here too,”[/color] she agreed and sipped her tea. 

[color=#DDA0DD]”I hope so. I’d like to converse with you!”[/color] She set her tea down and reached for another cake, avoiding eating any given by Prince Callum from the evil baker. Sadie frowned upon the idea of eating anything from him, even if she were starving. Something was not right with that man. Realizing she was once again distracted, she turned her attention back to Drake. [color=#DDA0DD]”I’m fine right now. Do you need anything? I can do the same for you. Is the sun too bright? I can get us a parasole.”[/color] 

Drake could only smirk as she seemed to worry over his own comfort. He held his hand up in a gentle gesture to assure that he was okay. [color=greenyellow]”And risk shielding the world from that beautiful smile of yours? Never.”[/color] He felt rather corny being so forward with her, but it seemed like the right thing to do. For what else would someone do when faced with a natural beauty like her. He only hoped he could measure up to her standards. He certainly did his best, and her general demeanor suggested she was enjoying herself, but there was always that slight nagging doubt.

[color=greenyellow]”All I really need is to make sure we are having a good time on this beautiful day. And that we take our time and really get to know one another. I’ve only known you for such a short time after all, it would be rude of me to not ask more about the person whom I so boldly proclaimed my adoration for.”[/color] He slid his cup to the side, and would let any nearby butler anxious to do something fill it up if needed. He made a quick motion with his hand at a nearby servant and turned his focus back to Sadie. He leaned in slightly and took a long slow breath as he looked her up and down idly. He tried not to linger too long on any of her features but it was proving to be difficult. To break up the slight pause, he figured asking more about her would do.

[color=greenyellow]”I know you were thinking of making some necklaces for charity. What else do you like to do, whether for yourself or the fine people of Varian? I hope the little token we found together was nice and helped out in some way.”[/color]

Drake’s words caused a ripple of giggles to escape from Sadie. His words were like chocolate chip cookies melting in milk. Her cheeks flushed once more, if possible, as she grinned with joy. Her smile was too big, she wondered. How did he like it? The thoughts had to vanish from her mind’s eye though as she listened to him. It would not be good to become distracted, especially with that evil baker here. With all her might she focused on Drake. 

[color=#DDA0DD]”I am enjoying my time!”[/color] she chirped. Sadie finished her food and tea while ignoring the background noise. [color=#DDA0DD]”I hope you are enjoying your time too and not getting bored.”[/color] She noticed him slide his glass over and gestured for a butler to come over and refill both of their glasses. Quickly the butler did so, and also brought over some more desserts for them. While this occurred, Sadie noticed him glancing at her, and couldn’t help but mirror his movements. His eyes looked even more gorgeous up close. The butler said nothing and moved away hurriedly to give them privacy. 

The silence was broken by his question next, and Sadie quickly leaned away. She sipped her tea quickly and listened to him. A soft smile graced her face. [color=#DDA0DD]”I feed the marine life and tend to the water to ensure there isn’t any plastic in it. I also like to help school kids study, and…”[/color] Sadie dropped her voice as a blush crept over her face and grinned shyly. [color=#DDA0DD]”I’m also a blacksmith. I create swords, daggers, bows and other weapons. I am working on creating special kinds of swords that are fire resistant, and the like. I also like to make silly things too.”[/color] She began eating her dessert before she rambled more and averted her gaze nervously. What if she had put him off? It was not ladylike to be a blacksmith, especially for a princess. 

Drake found the knowledge she was sharing rather intricate and interesting. He nodded as she spoke of her recent exploits and saw the growing concern in her expression. She had a similar muted reaction when her face had grown a big smile. Drake surmised that she was simply trying to not overwhelm him, which in and of itself was a noble trait of her. [color=greenyellow][i]You are simply too kind and too pure, Princess Camilia.[/i][/color] With his cup renewed, he slid it back next to him and took a slow sip. He wanted his next words to be appropriate yet endearing. So after a brief pause he took her hand and looked into those eyes of hers that made his heart skip a beat.

[color=greenyellow]”What a magnificent line of work you are in. An environmentalist and an expert in her craft. Not to mention looking after our future little lords and ladies.”[/color] He stopped to share a lighthearted chuckle and placed his other hand over top of hers as it lay in his loose grip. [color=greenyellow]”You impress me, Princess. You do far more than I do, that's for certain. I would be interested in learning a little more about how you make those crafts of yours and what sort of thought process goes into making such [i]royal[/i] items. Naturally if they were made by you of all people they must be highly sought after?”[/color] He took a moment to look at her hands, veiled thinly by the gloves she chose to wear. Despite the cover he still could see where she earned some marks here and there in the forge, yet there was still a gentleness to them that he admired. There were two sides of this woman, a caring side and a hardworking side, that much was clear. He continued admiring her hands for a few more moments before checking his posture and looking back at her.

Sadie beamed when he kindly regarded her extracurricular activities. His hand fit over hers perfectly, as if they had been meant to be. She glanced away with her cheeks flushed. This seemed unreal; how could she, the clumsy, blacksmith, talks-to–much princess like her, have caught such a perfect man’s eyes? It didn’t seem as though it was a joke, nor did he seem to know Desmond. Just thinking of that name caused a lump to form in her throat and her attention to break. Still, Drake’s voice broke her reverie like a rock skipped over a still lake, and she glanced back at him. [color=#DDA0DD]”Thank you so much, Sir Drake.”[/color] Sadie’s voice was soft as she struggled to stay focused. [color=#DDA0DD]”I do arm my knights and swordsmen with my weaponry and I do sell them to the Caesonian army as well.”[/color] She paused and then added, [color=#DDA0DD]”I’d be happy to show you them! Maybe give you one of my swords for free. I’m trying to perfect a certain craftsmanship to them. You’d be the right person for it!”[/color] 

His gaze on her caused her to look down and chuckle shyly. How did she continue this? Was she doing all right? Jenny caught her eye momentarily and gave her a stern nod. She took a deep breath and took a long sip of her tea to steal her nerves. In the background she could hear noise and commotion between the Caesonian royalty, but could not pick up what they were saying. Drake’s long hair was gorgeous, and she even wondered if her hair was comparable. She looked at Drake again, wondering how Victoria Edwards had raised such a gentle and sweet gentleman. The stark contrast between the two caused her a momentary giggle, which she recovered from quickly. 

[color=greenyellow]”Forgive me for looking so much. You’re just such an interesting person, and I can’t seem to help but act a fool when I take the time to truly look upon you and all the beauty that you encapsulate. How do you do it, Miss Camilia?”[/color]

[color=#DDA0DD]”You must forgive me too, Sir Drake, as you look much like a statue - a good one!”[/color] She added the last bit quickly with a deep flush on her face. [color=#DDA0DD]”I’m glad you find me interesting. Some people in my kingdom call me the Quirky Princess, or that I don’t live up to the standards of my siblings, or my parents, because I’m… different.”[/color] Her voice became hushed as she continued and downcasted her gaze. The hole in her heart threatened to open up once more. [color=#DDA0DD]”I also… I also wonder the same.. Same about you.”[/color] She forced herself to meet his gaze with a soft smile as she pretended not to have let her words hurt her. 

There was quite the occurrence around as announcements were made. Drake saw it all for what it was, political mind games for the public. Would this event even be real? Would it really be held out of Edin’s pocket? Or Prince Callum’s? It all seemed rather fortuitous that they suddenly felt so charitable. Then the King mentioned his son would abstain from alcohol. [color=green][i]Ah. Another family affair. How foolish of me to think of anything but that.[/i][/color] His eyes had shifted over to the Danrose’s for a moment and with a sigh he turned back to Sadie.

Her words truly flattered him, and he did his best to keep composure while still indulging in the floating sensation in his chest. He had felt like he was a rather dull and boring person all things considered, but she spoke to him and about him with such adoration he began to wonder if he was the only one who was lovestruck. [color=greenyellow]”Your words and offer are all so very kind. I would be happy to see this forge of yours and see just what kind of work you do. Particularly in that offer of a sword. I had been meaning to learn some bladework lately and it seems I have been granted a sign by an angel to do just that.”[/color] He not so subtly slid in another compliment, noticing her gaze at his features. 

Sadie’s attention was stolen momentarily by the debacle between father and son. She wondered what was happening with them? They seemed so tense and vengeful. She wasn’t surprised, not with Edin’s antics, however she felt it was best not to air dirty laundry in a public event. So many nobles were here. She sighed and turned back to Drake. Her gaze softened and her shoulders relaxed, as she had been slightly tense due to the drama occurring nearby them. Her cheeks flushed as he spoke and she giggled into her gloved hands. A sign from an angel? Oh boy, did he really think of her that way? What if he finds out she wasn’t? Sadie dismissed the thought for now, before the anxiety sunk back in, and she resorted back to her old habits? 

He fixed his hair slightly, pushing it behind his head and feeling himself look to the side In nervousness for but a moment. As he looked back at her he took advantage of the pause to sip on his tea, buying him a few precious moments to collect his thoughts. [color=greenyellow]”Not to speak ill of the others but I find it rather uncouth of others to place such rudimentary limitations on someone who, so far, has shown to be a proper example of royalty. I am sorry others are so unkind. I sadly know what it is like to be accused or judged. It seems to be the flavor of nobility nowadays, to be snarky or quick to judge.”[/color] His other hand placed the teacup back down and softly glided over the top of hers, as if to offer a small amount of comfort. [color=greenyellow]”When perhaps would like me to come see your work?”[/color]

As he continued to speak, she took advantage of the moment, and began eating and drinking hastily. A warmth spread throughout Sadie as he spoke kindly of her. Sadie had become accustomed to hearing the bad things people said about her, and had learned to tune it out. However, at night it would keep her up, so hearing someone else speak this way, caused a ripple of joy to overwhelm her. However, what if …. She didn’t let the thought form and fought hard to stay present. Regrettably, he understood how she felt, which dampened the mood. Sadie frowned and took his hand gently, her expression now soft and her gaze upon him. 

[color=#DDA0DD]”Your words bring me comfort and joy, although I am saddened to hear you feel the same. Some people aren’t raised to be kind or weren’t given enough love and attention so they bring it upon others. It’s unfortunate, although hopefully we can change the minds and hearts of others around us. All it takes is to be kind. You are a sweet and kind man, I don’t know why they would judge you. Is it your looks?”[/color] She teased toward the end of the statement, and waited for his response.

He grazed his thumb over the back of her hand while taking a brief repose to gather his thoughts. Then a soft smile parted his lips while the most subtle of shrugs moved his shoulders mere inches. [color=greenyellow]”I am not certain. Usually when you do not play the game you are scorned by the players. I hold no such judgements of course but I do notice those who like to batten down others hopes and dreams.”[/color] He seemed to gaze off for a short moment, his eyes lowering as if in contemplation. For a moment he wondered if he really could be as optimistic as Sadie spoke about. He then wondered just what it is that prompted her to talk about such dealings. Who had hurt her in such a way she felt the need to feel this way too? [color=greenyellow][i]Maybe there is more behind those cascading eyes and bright disposition. But this is neither the time nor the place…[/i][/color] His serious demeanor moved to a more warm look as he chuckled at her remark. [color=greenyellow]”Well if people are mean to you because you look good, then it’s even better we seem to know so much about mean people, dear Princess.”[/color]

Sadie continued enjoying her tea and desserts, despite the ongoing mental battle waging in her head. She sighed as he seemed to understand the “plight of nobles” as she had nicknamed it. They had everything they could dream of that peasants did not have; yet, they were the most heavily judged and criticized. His somber attitude was too real; it hurt her soul to see him looking melancholy. Sadie folded her hands after finishing her bakery and looked at him softly. His comments made her grin and briefly break eye contact to hide the blush creeping back up her face. [color=#DDA0DD]”Well Drake, your sentiments are well appreciated. I can only agree with what you said for you as well.”[/color] She paused to sip her tea and nearly choked as soon as she noticed Sir Gideon approaching them. Quickly recovering, she smiled sweetly up at him. 

[color=Burlywood]"Good day to you two. Drake, my son, I see you have found yourself rather exemplary company!"[/color] He turned to look at her with a charismatic smile which she returned, despite the nerves now rushing through her. [color=Burlywood]"I trust my boy has been behaving himself? Being the proper gentleman he was raised to be? You let me know if he gives you any trouble, Princess."[/color] He gave a slightly jovial finger wag at Drake's direction, entirely meant to be light-hearted and not a serious accusation. He took the final sip of his tea and held it in his hand as he looked to the two with an eager desire to learn more of their budding relationship. [/color]