[color=lightgray][center][h3]
[color=#7D7FDB]M[/color][color=#836FCF]a[/color][color=#8860C3]r[/color][color=#8D50B7]i[/color][color=#9241AB]n[/color][color=#97319F]a[/color] [color=#9C2292]&[/color] [color=#A11386]A[/color][color=#A4257B]m[/color][color=#A73770]b[/color][color=#AA4865]r[/color][color=#AD5A5A]o[/color][color=#B06C4F]s[/color][color=#9E664C]e[/color]
[/h3][/center]

[color=#7D7FDB]Time:[/color] Evening
[color=#9E664C]Location:[/color] The beginning is a flashback to Alibeth's execution in the morning. Then we move the Guest house and finally the Ballroom
[color=#7D7FDB]Mention:[/color] [@AuthenticTomb] [@CitrusArms] [@Remram] [@HylianRose] [@Samreaper]

[hr]

Marina had attended the execution, not to feed some twisted appetite for violence, but because she wanted to challenge her own comfort. She stood among the crowd with her hood lowered like everyone else, auburn curls escaping the fur lining. She forced her eyes to stay on the platform even when every instinct told her to look away.

When the fire caught, she could not help but falter backward a few steps, jaw clenched so hard it ached. She might have clumsily fallen over someone’s foot if Ambrose’s mighty hand hadn’t caught her shoulder. The smell of burning hair and flesh made her stomach lurch so violently it was a wonder she didn’t hurl, like many around them did. Beside her stood a [b][color=limegreen]young blonde man with a funny little cowlick[/color][/b], his disgust written so plainly on his face that she reached for his hand and squeezed without thinking. She left that courtyard somehow a storm of emotions, yet also hollow. The rest of the day, she did what she always did when she didn’t want to deal with her feelings… She kept moving.

Marina had gone shopping at the outdoor bazaar in the afternoon, buying small things she did not need. It helped, a little, especially when she ran into an Alidasht prince named Aslam. He was charming, and her goblin of a sister made an appearance too. For a brief stretch of time, Marina managed to forget the insanity of the morning.

But even now, alone in her bedroom, she felt like she could still smell the smoke, despite the [i]three baths[/i] she had taken today. Her staff had filed out the moment they thought she was finished.

Marina sat still before the mirror anyway, her mind elsewhere rather than the girl staring back. Freckles dusted her nose and cheeks, stark against the darkened makeup she had chosen. Her eyes were lined and heavy-lashed, her mouth painted a deep plum. Her hair had been pinned up into a thick twist, with a few curls left loose at her temples.

She exhaled through her nose, then reached behind herself to scratch an itch. Marina’s brows knitted and she patted about her back with sudden confusion. She tried again, twisting her shoulder, feeling along the back of the bodice until her hand found the laces hanging loose. 

The realization made Marina’s stomach drop with dread. 

She stared at her reflection, lips parting. Then she huffed and tried to lace it herself anyway, tugging one ribbon tight, then the other. The cord slid through the holes but her arms began to tremble from the angle. The knot slipped the moment she tried to cinch it properly.

Marina went still, staring at herself again, then finally turned from the mirror and crossed to the door. She opened it just enough to peer into the corridor.[color=#7D7FDB]“Ambrose,”[/color] she hissed softly. Then she tilted her head to look at him, lashes lowering. [color=#7D7FDB]“I require your assistance.”[/color]


[hr]


While fire and flames were the focus of all in attendance, Ambrose’s eyes did not reflect the inferno. Instead, his shadowed gaze was cast down onto the princess in front of him. He watched as Marina struggled with the horror playing out in real time before her, letting a hand stop her from falling as her body tried to escape from instinct alone. His hand had remained there on her back even after she steadied herself. It was all he could do to offer comfort for such a ghastly ordeal.  

Soon enough though it was over, the crowd departed, and they went about the rest of their day. Ambrose had accompanied Marina throughout her errands. Not directly, rather he remained nearby as she perused the shops and conversed with the man from the Alidasht. The knight gave his princess the space she needed to cope, to process, and to move on from what they had borne witness to that morning. To have her know that he was not far, that she was not truly alone, and that she would be safe under his watchful eye, was enough to offer him the briefest bit of solace throughout the day’s tasks.

Even now as he stood watch outside her castle chambers, he replayed the burning of the queen over and over in his mind as he pondered the horrific place his royal wards had found themselves and he could not help but to ache for home. For Varian. 


[hr]
The thoughts were broken by Marina’s voice ringing out to him for assistance. With zero hesitation, Ambrose made his way over to her door and prepared to enter. He was already wearing the outfit that had been provided to him for the night’s castle ball. The long, tailored black coat had brilliant embroidery of crimson and bronze. The ensemble was made just for him, and no man could look as distinguished nor as striking in the outfit as did the Briar Knight. 

His demeanor carried the same underlying sharpness that gave him a dangerous kind of appeal. It was often presented in the form of restrained exasperation from the Camilia siblings’ antics, but tonight it was more so the weight on the shoulders of a weary man that had no time for rest, and far too much responsibility. The duty was one he welcomed, despite the air of irritation he wore so well.  

Stepping inside of Marina’s room, he spoke to announce his presence. 

[color=#9E664C]“Princess, you called for me?” [/color]

When Ambrose stepped in, the first thing he saw was Marina standing by the mirror, one hand pressed flat to the small of her back, the bodice laces hanging loose. She lifted her chin like nothing was wrong, but her freckled cheeks were pink. His eyes widened as though he were seeing something he should not. Though ever the professional, the knight could help the instinct that he should turn his gaze from her in such a state.

[color=#7D7FDB] “Ambrose,”[/color] She said his name sharply, then immediately ruined it by looking away. [color=#7D7FDB]“[i]Do not make that face[/i]–I dismissed my maid too early.”[/color]  Her eyes flicked to the loose laces dangling, then back to him, though she avoided direct eye contact. [color=#7D7FDB]“Be a dear and rescue your princess.”[/color]

The moment her eyes left his, Ambrose fought the temptation to let his own wander her figure. Instead, he followed her gaze to the laces and though hesitant… he moved to do as instructed. With a clearing of his throat, the knight addressed the princess as he closed the distance between them. 

[color=#9E664C]“Rescue you?”[/color] Ambrose repeated as he stepped behind her and gathered the loose laces, careful not to let his hands linger anywhere they shouldn’t.

[color=#9E664C]“Princess, I was under the impression my duties involved keeping you, your brothers, and your sister safe from assassins and worse…[i]yourselves[/i].”[/color]

The laces tightened neatly beneath his fingers.

[color=#9E664C]“Little did I know that Marina Camilia would need to be rescued from her own clothing, as well.”[/color] His voice carried its usual hint of grumpiness, but it was laced with dry humor and little did she know that there was a soft smile across his face as he performed his duty. 

[color=#7D7FDB]“Try not to look too pleased about it.”[/color] Marina retorted curtly, holding perfectly still as he went to work. [color=#7D7FDB]“And don’t you dare look at my voluptuous backside without proper paperwork.”[/color]

[color=#9E664C]“Voluptuous?”[/color] Ambrose echoed as he continued tightening the laces, one brow lifting though she could not see it from the mirror. [color=#9E664C]“Strange. After years spent guarding your rear, I somehow failed to notice.”[/color]

[i][color=#7D7FDB]“Excuse you?”[/color][/i] Marina’s head snapped up, her indignation written on her face. 

He pulled her back an inch or two toward him as he cinched in the final lace. She was not the only one capable of such a tease. He leaned down, lowering his voice and letting his breath caress her ear. 

[color=#9E664C]“Perhaps I have been too focused on keeping you alive through your many…[i]many[/i] questionable decisions.”[/color]

Her pink cheeks did lighten the severity of the look she gave him through the mirror. However, it was a look that promised vengeance all the same. She huffed after a moment then lifted her chin higher as if that would intimidate him. [color=#7D7FDB] “Oh please. I’ve never questioned any of my decisions. Not even once.”[/color] Though that did not defend the point as well as it had in her head, she didn’t dally on that remark. Instead, she whirled around to face him, ready to snap at him, only to find that the distance between them was far smaller than it had seemed in the mirror. 

Her breath caught, her eyes flicking up and down the view as if she couldn’t decide where to land them. Her retort was thus placated. [color=#7D7FDB] “And…”[/color] Marina managed to give him one of her token smug looks as she finally met his eyes and softly informed him.  [color=#7D7FDB] “I’ve noticed you noticing. You’re just trying to dodge my official backside-viewing-access-paperwork.”[/color]

Ambrose mirrored the smugness she carried; an air of satisfaction pouring from his expression at the sight of the blush on her cheeks. 

[color=#9E664C]“I must admit, Princess…”[/color] The knight said, taking his time and letting her hang there waiting for his next words.  [color=#9E664C]“I do…really…hate paperwork.”[/color] 

Marina leaned toward him, her hands on her hips now, [color=#7D7FDB]“Not… my… [i]problem.[/i]”[/color] she mockingly enunciated her words, keeping her sentence as slow as he had. Then she straightened and added, [color=#7D7FDB]“Get a lawyer.”[/color] Ambrose rolled his eyes, though the smirk remained. 

Then she smoothed the front of her dress. [color=#7D7FDB]“Now,”[/color] she added briskly, pivoting toward the door with a decisive little nod,  auburn curls bouncing in time with her step, [color=#7D7FDB]“it is time to go.”[/color]

The knight turned and motioned toward their exit with a little bow of his head. [color=#9E664C]“After you…”[/color] He concurred. [color=#9E664C]“Seeing as I’ve been ready for over an hour, it appears that you’re the one that’s running late.”[/color]
 [color=#7D7FDB]“Being on time is for losers.”[/color] Marina said and stuck her tongue out at him. 

Ambrose’s eyes went from Marina’s gaze to her tongue, then back up to meet her eyes once more. There was something enticing about the way his bronze eyes traveled across her face.

 [color=#9E664C]“By that metric, there is not a man nor woman in all the kingdoms combined that is [i]less of a loser than you[/i], Marina.”[/color] He assured her mockingly, one last move in their little game of back and forth. The man then straightened back up into his knightly posture and adjusted the front of his jacket to be pristine before continuing. [color=#9E664C]“Shall we, Princess?”[/color] 

Marina’s brows lifted and a brief look of outrage crossed her expression as the meaning of his quip sunk in. She paused mid-step, then turned her head slowly over her shoulder, eyes narrowing. [color=#7D7FDB]“Oh? Then you should be grateful to accompany me.”[/color] she purred, smile sharpening.  [color=#7D7FDB]“Now hush and escort me, loser.”[/color]

She swept toward the corridor and the two made their way to the castle. Eventually, they found themselves approaching the ballroom doors, the muffled swell of strings and laughter seeping through the wood. Marina slowed only long enough to glance back at Ambrose, lashes lowering, before the guards opened the doors for them, presenting them a bright, vast room of blue and gold.

Marina set a hand on her hip the moment the herald announced her name, as if the entire room had been waiting for her approval. She lifted her other arm high in a bold echo of the pose Stratya had struck just days prior, letting her leg deliberately peek through the slit of her dress with shameless confidence. Her chin tipped up as she presented the room with a pleased smile, and then she strode forward with every ounce of attitude her small frame could muster.

Ambrose felt the room in its entirety turn their attention towards his princess as she wasted no time claiming her moment for this entrance. 

Of course, she did not. The girl had a way of drawing attention to her, even when she did not intend to. Oftentimes, it was the source of much of his stress… But tonight, it was earned and she truly looked spectacular as she struck that familiar pose for the crowd. 

From his position just behind her shoulder, Ambrose watched the princess do her thing. While he could never be as stunning as his charge, the tall, broad man stood in a glory of his own, one to be basked in. His ensemble for the evening commanded a kind of masculine beauty that few men possessed, but Ambrose had never really learned to use his looks like the other nobles. Instead, his presence was one of authority and protectiveness as he stood behind one of the most important women in all the world. 

His eyes shifted between the men in the room. Men who had intended to greet dignitaries instead found their attention firmly stolen by the freckled princess who strode forward like she owned the very marble beneath her feet. Ambrose followed a step behind her, posture immaculate, his long coat falling neatly behind him as he properly entered the ballroom. His expression had settled into that familiar mask of disciplined calm, though his bronze eyes moved constantly with vigilance. 

The Briar Knight could not afford to be dazzled by chandeliers and music like the others. He had a job to do. 

As Marina moved ahead with a beautiful confidence, Ambrose could not entirely suppress the quiet flicker of pride that stirred somewhere beneath his ribs. She had seen horror today in the form of fire and death. That kind of thing could scar someone, and yet here she was in all of her natural magnetism.

And most importantly…she was smiling. 

Ambrose allowed himself the briefest glance toward her as they moved deeper into the ballroom. The candlelight caught in the loose curls at her temples, turning the auburn strands to copper flame. Her freckles stood out boldly against the darker paint of her makeup, and the deep plum of her lips gave her smile a dangerous edge that many of the gathered nobles couldn’t truly see because they simply did not know her like him. A few ambassadors exchanged murmurs. Another bowed quickly as she passed. Ambrose noticed everything… The admiration, curiosity, desire…even envy.

The handful of gazes that lingered a second too long were the ones he focused on most. Those he would remember most vividly. His eyes drifted once more to the perimeter of the room, tracking guards and courtiers alike before returning to his rightful position just behind Marina’s shoulder. He leaned slightly closer then, his voice low enough that only she would hear it beneath the music.

[color=#9E664C]“What a demure and [i]subtle[/i] entrance, Princess.”[/color] He teased with a knowing smile. 

[color=#7D7FDB]"I am nothing but subtle."[/color] Marina smiled smugly, pleased with herself and still waving to the onlookers. Through her teeth, she leaned her head slightly and added back. [color=#7D7FDB]"I could be [i]far[/i] worse, and we both know it. "[/color] She then abruptly spun on her heels to meet his gaze. [color=#7D7FDB]“Do hold still.”[/color] 

Marina reached over without warning and plucked her folded fan from Ambrose’s coat pocket as though retrieving it from its rightful place. She snapped it open with a flick of her wrist. It bloomed wide, white, painted with black flowers whose silver jeweled centers caught the light. Then she began to fan herself, not because she needed it, but because it suited the aura she required. And, of course, because it was great to gossip behind.

[color=#7D7FDB]"Now then, who should I approach first?"[/color] she mused, eyes drifting over the room without quite turning her head. [color=#7D7FDB]"I have caught a few faces already, because I am ever observant, obviously, but I do not wish to look back and stare like some overeager little gargoyle. Hm. I do believe I spotted several wondrous options such as the generous darling Shehzade [b][color=#FEF698]Aslam[/color][/b], my sweet[b] [color=#B3EBC0]Nolan[/color][/b], the beautiful [b][color=peru]Stratya[/color][/b], my [b][color=#F09A99]gremlin sister[/color][/b]... oh, and the heaping amounts of [b][i]beautiful[/i][/b] women..."[/color]

She fanned herself a touch faster then, though whether from heat or dramatics was anyone’s guess.[color=#7D7FDB]"But first and foremost, I am here for [b][color=slategray]Lucy[/color][/b], so I am rather interested in making certain the women of this court have not pulled every last shining red lock from his head."[/color][/color]