[color=lightgray] [center][h1][color=C84808]Askel & Mina: The Knight & The Witch[/color][/h1]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/eaIfx6S.png[/img][/center]

[color=#758173]Time:[/color] 3pm, Ignis 5
[color=C84808]Location:[/color] Askel's Room


[hr]


The corridor of the guest house was thick with the cloying scent of beeswax, the hush broken only by the distant, hollow shuffle of the noble court preparing itself for another evening of empty spectacle. Mina stalked past the gilded mirrors without a glance, refusing to give a damn whether her ginger curls were in place or if her face wore that lazy, calculated smile she’d perfected for strangers.

With Askel, the mask was a burden she could finally set down.

She hitched the tea tray onto her hip, the porcelain rattling with every step. Her heart thudded hard and fast, a wild, guilty rhythm that was half anticipation, half the cold ache of knowing she’d missed Sophia’s funeral. She’d hidden in Kolonivka’s shadows, nursing a dying vampire and dodging ghosts, while Askel and the others—Lucian, Ambrose, Marnie, Sylvie—had braved that devastating silence alone.

She drew in a breath, forced her nerves into line, and rapped out a sharp, staccato pattern on the door—none of that delicate, noblewoman’s tapping. It was the old code from when they were young: trouble’s on the way, and it’s brought provisions.

[color=#758173]"If there’s a servant in there getting ready to open the door, tell Askel you’re going to go find a hobby for an hour,"[/color] she called out, her voice dropping the sharp, seductive mask she wore for the rest of the world. It was warm, grounded, and rich with a teasing familiarity. [color=#758173]"And if it's you, Askel, open up. I’ve brought proper tea and a deck of cards that I fully intend to use to empty your coin purse. Unless, of course, you’ve grown so wild and fluffy in your travels that you’ve forgotten how to greet an old friend."[/color]

Askel had this late afternoon to take some time for himself, to laze in the guestroom he had called home for himself when the Camilia family had arrived in Caesonia. He sat by a window with the curtains pulled back to get a view of the afternoon sun kissing the palace grounds, a warm breeze passed through the opened glass panes. Dressed in a white tunic that was lazily unbuttoned to reveal partially the planes of his scarred chest and his sleeves rolled up past his elbows and his typical fluffy auburn man of hair charmingly disheveled, he looked like the picture of a prince who really had no plans to dress up for anyone at that moment. 

He was all too comfy to sit in his room with his feet on an ottoman and a book that he picked up in Alidasht that he had been meaning to read though the time was never really afforded to him. At least he tried to. It was no fault of the book; he simply just could not get into the headspace to enjoy it. A groan escaped his lips as he sunk down into the cushions of the plush chair. Why was it so hard to relax?! 

Askel had all but given up on enjoying his afternoon when he heard a rapping against the door, a very familiar pattern that was engraved into him. His pupils dilated and he sat up straight in an instant as if he was trained to respond to that particular knocking. And then a voice he hadn't heard in years rang behind his door. 

He quickly got up and was about to run to the door when he tripped over the ottoman with a loud thud before he scrambled back up and rushed over with thumping footsteps. The door was swung open and Askel stood before a red headed woman with a big grin like a dog that had seen his best friend in years, his eyes filled with unbridled excitement. 

[color=#C84808]"Mina!"[/color] He said with delight that was unbecoming of a prince. [color=#C84808]"Get in here so I can give you a right proper hug!"[/color] 

Now Askel looked a bit different than the last time she saw him, mainly because he was much more muscular than before and his hair was a tad longer though he still had that same goofy grin on his face. The more things changed, the more things stayed the same.

The unmistakable, heavy thud from inside, chased by the frantic, desperate scramble of boots, ripped a sharp, unguarded laugh from Mina’s lips. It was a sound she usually kept locked behind her teeth in the suffocating, watchful halls of the court. But with Askel, the mask of the 'Whore of Varian' slipped away, leaving only the raw, reckless girl beneath.

When the door crashed open, the sight of him—shirt half-unbuttoned, hair wild, that ridiculous, eager energy pouring off him—slammed into her like a punch to the ribs. She’d shed her usual armor of severe, black silks for a gown the color of moss and memory, something that belonged to the wild Varian fields and their reckless youth, not the choking secrets of Kolonivka.

[color=#758173]"Careful, my dearest Prince! If you break your neck on an ottoman, I’ll never hear the end of it from your mother,"[/color] she teased, her blue eyes dancing with a mix of concern and mirth. She could see he wanted that hug, but she held up the rattling tray with a smirk. [color=#758173]"Hold your horses! Let me put the tea down before you drown us both."[/color]

She swept past him, the tray rattling as she dropped it onto the side table, then spun and didn’t bother with hesitation. She launched herself at him, arms flung around his neck, clinging with a ferocity that was half relief, half desperate need to anchor herself in something real.

[color=#758173]"Gods, you’re a bloody giant,"[/color] she muttered into his shoulder, her fingers digging into the muscle of his back like she could anchor herself there, refusing to let go even as tears burned hot tracks down her cheeks. When she finally pulled away, it was only far enough to take him in, and her hands remained gripping his arms, unwilling to lose the contact. He was all broad shoulders and hard lines now, a warrior, while she’d traded the softness of girlhood for sharp cheekbones and a body grown into womanly curves and a narrow waist—a silhouette the green silk only accentuated. Yet no matter how fine the gown or how striking her figure, it couldn’t hide the hollow, hunted look in her eyes.

[color=#758173]"What did they feed you on your travels? You've grown a whole foot and filled out like a warhorse. You’re definitely going to have all the girls after you this season."[/color] She said, her voice softening. [color=#758173]"I missed you, Askel. More than the letters could say."[/color]

Mina would feel her feet lift off the ground as Askel's arms clung to her like a bear climbing a tree, trying to be the firm presence that she needed him to be. He knew not what had happened while they were separated for all of those years, but the prince knew deep down the kind of burden that she carried, the secrets that they both shared that weighed on their souls. With her, he did not need to be a prince of Varian or its knight; all he needed to be was Askel.
 
A quiet sight parted his lips, a relief to see his beloved friend after so long. [color=#C84808]"Gods, I missed you too. There was never a day when you weren't on my mind."[/color] He looked at her, really looked at her. She had changed; no longer was she the little girl with a round face, but a woman, a beautiful woman with grace, wit, and charm. However, none of that changed the fact that even though she had changed physically, the woman holding onto him so desperately was still his closest, dearest friend and confidant. 

With large, calloused hands Askel gently placed her back on her feet. [color=#C84808]"But I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."[/color] Askel smiled at her so reassuringly. He did not say things were going to be okay, he did not have to. All that the prince needed to do was to be there for her again. 

[color=#C84808]"Let me get you a chair. We have much catching up to do, Mina."[/color] He gestured towards the empty seat he was sitting earlier with the ottoman that was sitting upside down with its legs pointing towards the ceiling. [color=#C84808]"And it would be a waste to let tea that you went to the trouble to make get cold."[/color]

Mina let out a quiet, shaky breath as her feet touched the floor, her heart still pounding with a mixture of relief and happiness. She brushed the tears from her eyes, feeling the weight of his promise settle over her, easing the restless worry that so often lingered. When she followed his gesture, her eyes landed on the overturned ottoman, and a small, genuine giggle slipped out. [color=#758173]"I see the ottoman put up a valiant fight, my darling Askel. I’m glad you survived the encounter with your dignity mostly intact,"[/color] she teased, giving his arm a gentle poke before making her way to a chair.

She settled into the chair, smoothing her moss-green skirts before reaching for the teapot. The gentle clink of porcelain was a comfort, something steady and familiar. As she poured two cups, watching the steam curl between them, she felt the weight of everything she carried—her uncle’s declining health, the thoughts that pressed in on her, the ghosts... It was all waiting at the edges of her mind. But for now, she pushed those worries aside. She wanted to hear about his adventures, to live vicariously through him, even if only for a little while.

[color=#758173]"The tea is far too good to waste, the best from Kolonivka,"[/color] she said, her storm-blue eyes bright with genuine curiosity. [color=#758173]"Now, tell me everything. Where was the one place that actually lived up to the stories? And I want the truth. Where was the absolute worst place you set foot? I need to know if the world is as grand as the books make it out to be."[/color] She leaned forward, extending a steaming cup toward him with a soft smile.

Askel leaned forward to take the fine porcelain cup. A grin spread along his face as a chuckle rumbled from his throat, shaking his head at this line of question. [color=#C84808]"Oh come now! You can't seriously expect me to give such a black and white answer. Every place has its highs and its lows."[/color] The little cup of tea was brought to his lips, and he took a sip from it, a taste that invoked memories of sitting with Mina when they were children. 

Askel placed the cup down with a gentle clink on its plate. [color=#C84808]"Alidasht has diverse climates ranging from dry, searing desert days and nights that rival a Varian winter, and then jungles so humid and hot that the position of the sun matters not. Don't get me going on the mosquitos and the sweat in... places."[/color] While one would have assumed that he held an unfavorable view of the kingdom just by his words alone, there was a fondness in the way he smiled. One could not find the wonderful nooks of life if they never made the effort to trudge through the muck.

Wonderment glinted in his eyes as the prince spoke with a wistful nostalgia. [color=#C84808]"But I must admit, they were beautiful. I saw colors, plants, and strange creatures I could never dream of finding in nature and the architecture of those in Alidasht is so unique and varied. Alidasht is less of a cohesive kingdom and more various countries united under a banner. I've never met such diverse groups of people before in my life."[/color] A wry grin passed his lips and then he said half-jokingly, [color=#C84808]"Also, their food is fantastic. Probably one of the things I miss the most."[/color] Actually, she knew that he liked his food and drink so perhaps he wasn't kidding.

He let his words hang in the air as he thought carefully what to say next. His brow furrowed and he said in Norskan, [color=#C84808]"Caesonia is idyllic and never goes into extremes, but if we're talking about their views on women then you'd think this kingdom was still in the last century and don't get me started on their crime epidemic. I swear, everyone suffers for their gross mismanagement."[/color] If one was going to speak rudely of their host then it was best to make sure any prying ears could not understand him.

After another sip of tea Askel continued, [color=#C84808]"Caesonia for all of my complaints does have good people fighting the good fight, but I dare say that as a nation it leaves a lot to be desired."[/color]

Mina tipped her head back, laughter spilling from her lips, bright and unrestrained. [color=#758173]"Eww!"[/color] She managed, dabbing at the corner of her eye where a tear of amusement had gathered. [color=#758173]"Though, I suppose it does explain why their fashion favors so much loose, flowing silk. One must allow for a bit of air, after all, if one hopes to keep any semblance of dignity intact."[/color]

Her features softened as he spoke of the colors of Alidasht, and her thoughts wandered to Munir, the Alidasht prince whose gaze had unsettled her with its reverence. To be regarded as some divine goddess when she felt so very haunted herself had been almost too much to bear. Yet, hearing Askel speak of the land’s beauty made the memory seem less like some fevered dream and more like a place she might wish to see for herself one day...if only she had not sealed her own fate by wounding the very prince who had looked at her so intently.

[color=#758173]"I am glad it lived up to the stories,"[/color] she said, her voice tinged with wistfulness. [color=#758173]"There is something about the way they see the world, it feels so much more alive than the cold stone and old blood we have always known. Having their royalty here this season has certainly been interesting. And I do not doubt the food was excellent. I am relieved your stomach has not lost its sense of adventure."[/color] A quiet laugh escaped her, lightening the heaviness of her words.

As he switched to the familiar, guttural cadence of Norskan, Mina’s posture sharpened. The warmth in her gaze didn't vanish, but it was joined by a cold, hard edge. She set her tea down and responded in the same tongue, her voice dropping to a low, private murmur.

[color=#758173]"You’re right to be wary,"[/color] she replied in the same tongue. [color=#758173]"This kingdom is a gilded trap, Askel. It’s full of people who would rather watch you drown than ruin their silk gloves to pull you out. Dare I say it, they even want to watch it happen. They’ve even given me a charming little title, courtesy of King Edin, to ensure I know my place: the Whore of Varian. They whisper it behind their fans as if the words themselves are holy. Queen Alibeth was one of the few I could tolerate and respect, however I never understood how she could continue putting up with her husband. But now she’s been arrested, and the hunt for witches has increased exponentially."[/color]

A sharp edge of bitterness colored her words, but it faded swiftly, replaced by a more somber curiosity. She leaned forward, her storm-blue eyes intent upon his, considering what he had said about those who dared to resist the order of things.

[color=#758173]"But you mentioned people here 'fighting the good fight,'"[/color] she prompted, her voice still low and serious in their mother tongue. [color=#758173]"I respect that, gods know this place needs it, but I worry for them, Askel. It’s gotten dangerous lately. More than it used to be. The shadows in this court have teeth, and those with enough spine to stand up usually end up being the first ones the crown tries to break. In the first few days of my being here, they had an execution. They burnt a ‘witch’ at the stake. And now Roman is to be put on trial for potential ‘witchcraft’ all thanks to holding our normal celebration for the Summer Solstice and things getting a little wild, as they often can."[/color]

Askel threw his head back into the cushions of the chair and let out a long groan. [color=#C84808]"Don't remind me of Roman. That blasted idiot could have withheld the tonics, but no, he had to give a bunch of Caesonians a vision quest and now I'm going to have to go to the stand and defend his character."[/color] The prince leaned forward and looked at Mina with an exasperated expression as if he had been playing this exact scenario in his mind. [color=#C84808]" What am I supposed to say? 'Oh no sir, he's not a witch! He just got everyone higher than a kite!' If they don't kill him, I bloody will."[/color] He grumbled like a man who caught his dog shitting on the rug.

[color=#C84808]"And the King of Edin has stained your honor with such a title. My dear, you must have rebuked him something fierce to earn his ire."[/color] Askel chuckled though the obvious front of his good nature was breaking apart. One would only need to see his hands shaking with the seething anger at the very thought of Mina being so publicly humiliated. [color=#C84808]"'Whore of Varian,' what rubbish. If he were anything less than a king, his head would have been lopped off a long time ago for running that mouth of his. The only teeth this kingdom has is used to tear itself apart."[/color] He said with a darkness veiling his eyes filled. It was an unusual sight to see them so cold not with the focus he had gained from Ambrose, but something else, something chilling.

Askel let his lungs swell with air before he exhaled before his teeth. The darkness that clouded eyes lifted and the warmth returned followed by a smile. [color=#C84808]"Ah, but who cares what those fools think? Any man worth his salt would see that you are no whore, but the very definition of a beautiful, charming Varian woman sharp of wit and keen of mind and if anyone else says otherwise they'll have to answer to me. Why, I can only imagine the line of suitors you'll have when we return."[/color] The prince laughed with that same boyish laugh of his. 

He took a good look at her not like a man pursuing her with a licentious gaze, but a boy who had not seen his friend in a long, long time. His gaze softened and he prompted, [color=#C84808]"I must confess, you startled me; you've grown so much that I hardly recognized you. I suppose we both did."[/color] 

Mina offered a sheepish, lopsided smile at his groan, her fingers tracing the delicate pattern of her teacup as a flicker of guilt crossed her face. [color=#758173]"I do feel a bit responsible, honestly."[/color] She sighed. [color=#758173]"While the Caesonian guards rudely interrupting and looking for Lady Violet Damien wasn’t my doing, I could have done more to keep from getting kidnapped. He was only trying to protect the ritual and me when things turned... complicated. And in his defense, he was quite explicit about those tonics. He labeled every cup and warned them exactly what would happen. If the Caesonians chose to go on a 'vision quest' despite the warnings, they can hardly blame the brewer for the destination."[/color]

She reached out, her hand coming to rest lightly atop his trembling one, the contact gentle yet steadying. The fire in his eyes stirred something within her, a warmth she had not felt in some time. It had been far too long since anyone had been so willing to defend her honor, to stand so fiercely at her side. [color=#758173]"Let them whisper, Askel. Their words hold only the weight I allow them,"[/color] she said softly, her gaze lingering on his. [color=#758173]"Still, I am grateful for your sword. It is a rare comfort to know I have both a knight and a prince willing to stand with me once more."[/color]

A soft laugh escaped her, melodic but tinged with something weary as she leaned back in her seat. [color=#758173]"Suitors? I fear that would be a rather short line,"[/color] she replied, a wry smile touching her lips. [color=#758173]"There was one, a Shehzade, but it ended almost as soon as it began. My uncle has decided that no one is quite suitable, and now he seems determined to keep me within arm’s reach at all times. He claims it is for my safety, but it has made the prospect of courting feel more like a trial than a pleasure."[/color] She shook her head, as if to cast off the lingering shadow of his overprotectiveness. [color=#758173]"Sometimes I wish I could simply be Mina, without the burden of titles, scandals, or masks."[/color]

Her gaze softened as she studied him, her expression reflecting a quiet understanding. [color=#758173]"We have both changed, haven’t we?"[/color] she murmured, her voice gentle. [color=#758173]"Time and circumstance rarely grant us much choice in the matter. Yet, seeing you now, I think I rather prefer who we have become. A little older, perhaps a touch wiser, and certainly taller."[/color] A playful glint appeared in her eyes as she regarded him over the rim of her teacup. [color=#758173]"I would not be surprised if there were a line of admirers at your door by the end of the ball. There are quite a few lovely eligible ladies this year. You have become quite the distraction, Azzie."[/color] The tease lingered in her tone as she took a slow sip of tea.

A sheepish chuckle escaped from Askel's mouth as he shook his head at Mina's teasing. He casually waved away her praise with his hand and said, [color=#C84808]"I am flattered that you think so, but there are other princes and noble dignitaries that have a much more regal air and are much more charming than I. If anything, I would be more of a novelty that people would get bored of quickly."[/color] Askel took a long slip of his tea before he exhaled, his eyes seemed glazed over as if this had been a much more recurring topic than he'd like. [color=#C84808]"But that doesn't seem to be stopping Sylvie from advertising me to every warm-blooded woman in both kingdoms. That girl has made it her mission to make sure that I don't die alone. Do not get me wrong, I appreciate it, but we have drastically different views on love."[/color] 

His finger began to make circular patterns on the arm of his chair. [color=#C84808]"Though I suppose views on love are irrelevant here. You know how Courting Season is; it's mainly political marriages and strategies. I've set my expectations comfortably low at the idea of finding someone that loves me for me and not for my title. If by some miracle I do find someone I'm sure you'll never let me hear the end of it. 'The boy that only cared for knighthood finally found love. Surely the end is nigh!'"[/color] He snickered with a self-mocking grin.

For all the joy he had to speak with her, something sat uneasy in his gut. [color=#C84808]"Do you want me to say something to your uncle, Mimi?"[/color] Askel asked with a worried expression. [color=#C84808]"I know it is improper to intrude upon family affairs, but as far as I am concerned, you're an irreplaceable friend. You should be busying yourself with finding someone that you fancy and having fun with my sisters, not feeling trapped."[/color]

Mina’s smile cracked, the last traces of teasing about balls and suitors dissolving as reality clawed its way back in. She stared into her tea, watching the leaves swirl and sink, her fingers tightening around the cup as if it might anchor her. [color=#758173]"If you want to talk to him, Azzie, I won’t stop you,"[/color] she said softly, her voice rough and low. [color=#758173]"He’s always had a soft spot for you. Maybe you’ll get through to him, since I can’t seem to anymore."[/color]

She drew in a shaky breath, bracing herself for the confession she could no longer dodge. [color=#758173]"His overprotectiveness isn’t just some passing fancy. There’s much going on, but there’s one thing that bothers him more than anything else. My fainting fits have gotten worse. Much worse. The doctors poke and prod and find nothing, as always. But my uncle finally admitted he’s been hiding something. There’s a secret, and it’s scared him enough to turn him into this obsessed watchdog."[/color]

Mina set her teacup down with a soft clink, then lifted her hands, fingers weaving through the air in a quick, practiced gesture. A shimmer bled from her touch, swelling outward until a translucent sphere snapped into place around them. The palace’s distant noise vanished, replaced by a thick, suffocating hush.

[color=#758173]"For the next ten minutes, we are the only ones who can hear each other. To anyone else, we are just a muffled blur,"[/color] she explained, her voice sounding strangely intimate in the contained space. [color=#758173]"Forgive me if I’m a bit unsteady when this ends, the collapse of the spell often leaves me dizzy. I’ll also explain more about this,"[/color] she gestured to the bit of magic she cast, [color=#758173]"in a minute. But what I have to tell you cannot leave this circle."[/color]

She leaned in, her eyes searching his with a raw, tired honesty. [color=#758173]"It’s the Blackwood legacy, Askel. Turns out, I come from a line of women who see the world differently. It’s not an illness, it's a sensitivity. My mind is being flooded with things I cannot shut out. Voices, echoes... the dead. I’ve seen them my whole life, but now? Now they speak to me. I can’t make them stop."[/color]

Her fingers shook as she clutched at her skirt, twisting the thick fabric so hard her knuckles blanched. [color=#758173]"That’s why I faint. My body just gives out, crushed under everything I can’t shut out. Uncle Sebastian knows if the wrong people see me like muttering to ghosts or dropping to the floor, they won’t send for a doctor. They’ll send for a witch hunter."[/color]

Askel sat there silently as Mina shared her secrets with him, his eyes falling upon her knuckles turning white from the intensity of her grip. [color=#C84808]"...Then it appears I have failed you as well,"[/color] The prince stated simply with a melancholic smile like it was a silent apology. He leaned back in his seat and that same dark haze from before clouded his eyes. [color=#C84808]"I had aspirations to share what I learned when I returned home in hopes to begin to change Varians views on magic, but, well, the way that Sophia died has made that rather difficult."[/color] He chuckled dryly.

His gaze shifted towards the late afternoon sky that painted the palace grounds outside of the window. No matter how beautiful, how grand, or exquisite their world appeared to be, it was all a sham. [color=#C84808]"Varian, Caesonia, Alidasht, our countries would not be in the state they are currently in if we stopped being afraid of our own shadows. If we embraced magic once again, then the Black Roses would lose much of their power, people afflicted by curses could be cured, magic itself could be better managed and regulated, and perhaps even you would be able to silence the voices or have those that would understand your plight. This system of pain can come to an end."[/color] 

His gaze shifted back to her and leaned forward, his hands clasped together. One could see that his own knuckles were stark white from how tightly his fingers got into his skin. [color=#C84808]"It's not just compassion, but pragmatism that drives that belief. Mina, change is coming and it will come like a crushing wave. Whether we ride its current with it or are caught in its tide is up to us."[/color] He spoke with a great deal of weight as if it was something he himself would be crushed by this knowledge. [color=#C84808]"The resentment and fear of mages will boil over one day if this continues and that will be just one of many fronts we would have to face. As we grow to understand the world more, so will our capacity to invent great and terrible things. We must get ahead of it today."[/color] 

Askel lowered his head and averted his gaze from Mina’s. [color=#C84808]"Though ideals and truths are as useful as the people behind them and I have availed you nothing."[/color] 

Mina’s features softened, her own worries slipping away as she reached out and covered his hands with her own, steadying the tension in his grip. She looked at him, her voice quiet but unwavering. [color=#758173]"You haven’t failed me, Askel. You didn’t fail your family, or Ambrose, or Varian. I know you’re telling yourself, when the world is quiet, that if you’d been there, maybe Sophia’s tragedy could have been avoided, Lucian spared his grief, and Ambrose could have kept his sister. But you’re not meant to see every path before it’s walked. You left to learn, to try and make things better, and you can’t hold yourself responsible for what you couldn’t have known."[/color]

She turned her gaze to the window, watching the sunlight spill across the floor, warm and bright, but unable to hide the festering wound beneath. [color=#758173]"You say ideals only matter if the people behind them do? You’re the only one in all this gold and decay who’s looking at the storm and trying to pull people from the water. That means your ideals matter more than anything anyone else could ever say."[/color]

She looked back at him, her eyes shadowed with worry. [color=#758173]"When they burned that man, I could feel it—the air was thick with insurrection. If the noose keeps tightening, Caesonia will tear itself apart. There will be a civil war. Maybe it isn’t supposed to be our problem in Varian, but we’re close enough to feel the pieces when they fall. People like me, the ones they call witches or worse, will need someone who sees us for who we are. Someone like you."[/color]

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze before letting go, a small, weary smile touching her lips. [color=#758173]"You’ve given me hope, Azzie. If the world does break, I know there’s someone I’d want to stand beside when it’s over. That’s worth more than anything Varian or Caesonia or Alidasht could offer."[/color]

An exhale blew past his lips and lifted his head to face her; a small smile crept on his face. There was still a weight on his shoulders, almost unbearable, but if could bring her hope then who was he to take it away from her. [color=#C84808]"I'm glad that I can bring you some comfort then. You know I'm always going to be on your side."[/color] 

Askel fell silent for a moment before he asked a question that burned within him. [color=#C84808]"Unrelated, but am I the first that you have spoken too? Of my family, I mean."[/color] He rubbed the back of his messy mop of auburn hair and said, [color=#C84808]"Sorry if that's out of the blue. I was just wondering if you had a chance to speak to Lucian at all. I spoke with him earlier, but I guess I wanted to get the perspective of someone else."[/color]

Mina’s heart gave a sharp, uncomfortable tug. For a second, the silence of the sphere felt like it was pressing in on her. Her mind flashed back to the guesthouse sitting room—the heavy weight of Lucian’s sword, the way he’d gasped Sophia’s name while pulling her down on top of him, and the sudden, shocking heat of him jumping her once the teasing had gone too far.

She opened her mouth, but the words felt like lead. She looked down, her eyes looking to the place on her arm where he had grabbed her. [color=#758173]"I... yes. I ran into Lucian in the guesthouse sitting room,"[/color] she started, her voice sounding thinner than she intended. She couldn't bring herself to meet Askel's eyes. [color=#758173]"It was a strange, difficult meeting. He was exhausted, drifting between grief and... something else. We talked for a while about the things we’re both carrying."[/color]

She gripped her skirt, twisting the fabric as she felt the heat of the memory rise in her cheeks. [color=#758173]"I think he is in a very volatile place, Askel. I tried to be a friend, to offer some levity, but it... things became intense very quickly."[/color] She trailed off, biting her lip hard enough to pale it. The "missing piece", the way he had hungrily sought her affection, felt like a betrayal of the safety she usually felt with the brothers. [color=#758173]"Why do you ask? Did he say something about it?"[/color]

It had not escaped Askel's notice that her presence seemed to diminish when the subject of Lucian arose. He could have asked her what happened between her and his brother though if she really felt comfortable then she would have told him already. It was just something to keep in mind for later. [color=#C84808]"No, I wasn't aware that he had spoken to you yet."[/color] He began, his voice steady to hide his worry. No matter what, he tried to maintain a smile for her, to continue to be a source of comfort for her. [color=#C84808]"I ask because, well, I needed someone else's perspective. I'll be honest, my siblings are my blind spot; I trust them way too much even when I know I probably shouldn't so I sometimes can't see things objectively."[/color] 

That smile slowly turned downwards; he could not hide the weight that he carried in his heart too. [color=#C84808]"I spoke to him too, things that I promised to keep secret as to not worry anyone, but seeing how you look I think there is cause for concern."[/color] A sigh escaped his lips, his fingers ran through his hair and his fingers dug into his scalp. [color=#C84808]"I'll be honest, I am worried about him. Not just for his grief, but... I know this will sound awful coming from me, but he's naive. What a thing to say about my brother and future king."[/color] He chuckled dryly, hating himself for even admitting such a thing to anyone. 

[color=#C84808]"I tried to explain what I saw during my journey, just a little bit. I tried to explain to him that those with wealth and power tend to not even think of those below them, in fact, they may think they deserve it. Do you know what he asked?"[/color] Askel let the question hang in the air. A smile that could not figure out if he should laugh or cry cracked along his lips. [color=#C84808]"He asked which restaurant. He thought I was talking about the restaurant that I went to with Sylvie and Ambrose."[/color] 

Askel heaved a heavy sigh and propped his head up with his arm resting on the armrest of the plush chair, wearing a look of never-ending worry. One could only imagine what it is like to be the brother of a king and his knight. [color=#C84808]"Grief and naivety are such a dangerous thing when together hand-in-hand. Perhaps I'm wrong to go down this line of thinking, but I cannot help, but question why he came to Caesonia."[/color] The prince scowled, not at Mina, but for whatever reason Lucian decided to attend the courting season. [color=#C84808]"I'm not stupid, even I can tell when something is off. He loved Sophia, gods above he loved her since they were kids and I know he still does. So, the question remains."[/color]

Mina’s release a slow breath, her own worries slipping to the background beneath the heavy weight of Askel’s words. The mention of the "restaurant" unsettled her, a cold shiver running down her spine. It was more than a simple mistake; it revealed a troubling distance between him and the people he was meant to care for.

[color=#758173]"It isn’t awful to say he’s naive, Askel. There’s a high chance that it’s the truth,"[/color] she said softly, her voice regaining its steady, grounded tone. Her brows knit together as she processed the image of a future King who couldn't see past the silver platter in front of him. [color=#758173]"But it’s a specific kind of naivety. I think he has spent his entire life looking at the stars while others cleared the thorns from his path. He doesn't see the reality of the world because he has never really had to, and now, without his heart to guide him, he seems to have lost his footing entirely."[/color]

She leaned forward, her features shadowed by the memory of her own encounter. [color=#758173]"I think you might be right to worry. I didn't think much of it at the moment, but... when I found him, he was in the guesthouse, asleep on the sitting room sofa. I thought perhaps he’d been training with Ambrose and needed a moment to rest, but he was more than tired, Askel. He looked utterly spent, so much so that he couldn’t even make it to his own bed. At first, he was so disoriented he didn’t even recognize me."[/color]

She hesitated, her eyes searching Askel’s, reflecting the unsettling memory of Lucian’s grip. [color=#758173]"He mistook me for Sophia when I was merely covering him with a blanket and picking up his sword off the floor."[/color] She shook her head, the confusion deepening the lines on her forehead. [color=#758173]"It doesn't make sense. Why is he pushing himself to the point of collapse? I mean, I understand training to keep up your skills, but to that extent? What could possibly require that much preparation, that much sweat and blood, when he’s supposed to be here to find a wife? Why would a King need to train like he’s preparing for a war that hasn't been declared?"[/color]

Askel looked at her as if there were lobsters coming out of her ears. Why was his own brother training like was getting ready for war? Who the hell was training Lucian because he sure as hell was sure that Ambrose wasn't; they were barely on speaking terms, let alone friendly enough terms to receive training from the knight. Questions kept rushing in his head, but the single question that formed the foundation for each one was [i]why.[/i]

He leaned forward with his hands held together and his elbows pressed against his legs. His eyes were cast down to the floor in contemplation. [color=#C84808]"I... I don't know."[/color] He said with a tremble in his voice. [color=#C84808]"I'm afraid that if I am honest with myself then I am not going to like the answer."[/color] It was an admission that he loathed to make because he truly believed it. There was only one reason why Lucian would train and it all boiled down to a single factor, or rather, a person: Sophia. Askel swallowed a lump that formed in his throat.

[color=#C84808]"I know I shouldn't think like this, but I regret not dragging him with me all those years ago."[/color] He said softly, his head lowered further with a heavy shame. [color=#C84808]"If he saw what I saw, grieved what I grieved, and found joy where I found joy then would things have been different? Would he be stronger, wiser? Or maybe I am just being hopeful."[/color] The prince chuckled bitterly, knowing that it was a pointless exercise in despair. 

[color=#C84808]"I believed that if I could experience the world and see it for what it was then maybe, just maybe I could have been a steady hand. Was I naive to believe that I could guide him?"[/color] He lifted the cup of tea to his lips and then looked down at it; there was no longer any steam. [color=#C84808]"It appears that our talk has chilled the tea."[/color] Askel joked with a dry amusement.

Mina’s gaze lingered on the way Askel’s shoulders seemed to fold in on themselves, burdened by the weight of all his unspoken what-ifs. There was a hollowness in his eyes as he stared down at the untouched cup before him, and in that moment, Mina found she could no longer remain a silent observer. Without another thought, she slipped from her seat and crossed the small space between them, kneeling before him and wrapping her arms around him in a gentle, steadying embrace.

[color=#758173]"Stop it,"[/color] she whispered, her voice thick with affection. [color=#758173]"Stop trying to be the architect of everyone’s fate, Askel."[/color]

She eased back, just enough to rest her hands on his shoulders, her eyes searching his face for understanding. [color=#758173]"You cannot carry the weight of the man he decided not to become. Maybe things would have changed if he had gone with you, or maybe they would not have. We could chase 'perhaps' until the sun forgets to rise, but it will not change what is. All it does is drain the strength you need to help him as he is now."[/color]

Her expression gentled, earnestness shining through. [color=#758173]"It is not naive to want to guide him. You can, and perhaps you and Marnie and Sylvie are the only ones who truly can. But you must guide the man who stands before you now, not the shadow of who you wish he had become. If he is preparing for a battle that has not yet come, he is wandering in darkness. We only need to be the ones to bring him a little light. We can do that, together."[/color]

She gave his shoulders a final squeeze before laughing a little, her expression lightening as she glanced at his cup. [color=#758173]"And as for the tea... if it’s chilled, it’s a sign. Usually, a cold cup means a secret is about to be revealed, but in our case, I think it just means we talk too much. I could try to reheat it with a flick of my wrist, but I’d probably just end up exploding the porcelain. We could instead find something stronger? I hear 'Edin's reserve' goes down much better when you're plotting a moral intervention."[/color]

[color=#C84808]"You mean you need a stiff drink after this kind of talk."[/color] He stated with a smirk. Askel knew she was right; there was no point in sinking into that thought process and he wasn't alone. He had Marnie, Sylvie, and her too. With a renewed sense of purpose, Askel stood up from his seat. [color=#C84808]"Well, normally I would be against plundering our hosts private reserves but given his 'generosity' I don't think I will mind just this once."[/color] 

From his coat rack Askel grabbed his jacket and began to put his arms around his shoulders. He tilted his head back and with a playful grin said, [color=#C84808]"Not a word to Ambrose about this. If he finds out I will never hear the end of it."[/color] 

A quiet, melodic laugh escaped Mina as she traced a final arc in the air, releasing the spell with a practiced grace. The shimmering boundary faded, and the muffled sounds of the palace pressed in once more, filling the room with a familiar, distant clamor. The sudden return of sound left her reeling, a sharp wave of vertigo washing over her. For a moment, the world tilted beneath her, and she reached out, steadying herself against the edge of the table until the sensation passed.

[color=#758173]"Oof... right on cue,"[/color] she murmured, blinking away the dancing spots in her vision. Once the room stopped spinning, she stood tall, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes as she smoothed her skirt.

[color=#758173]"You have my word, not a peep,"[/color] she promised, her grin softening into something a bit more complicated. [color=#758173]"Besides, telling him would mean I’d actually have to speak to him, and I doubt he even really wants to see me."[/color] She waved the thought away with a practiced flick of her hand, refusing to let the shadow of her past with the knight dampen the mission at hand.

She moved past him toward the door, pausing just long enough to glance back with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. [color=#758173]"Now, come along. Since I am the one suggesting we rob our host, it is only fair that I lead the way to the cellar. I know precisely where the best of it is hidden, though I will not be explaining how I came by that knowledge."[/color] Her laughter lingered in the air as she guided him from the room, her steps light and sure.[/color]