[center][color=#C84808][h1]Askel Camila[/h1][/color][/center]
Location: Grand Ballroom 
Attire: [url=https://imgur.com/pIXFlLx]Starry Night Attire[/url]
Interactions [@AuthenticTomb] Aslam
Mentions: [@Tae] Ranya
[hr]

Askel had not raised a brow in response to the Shehzade's moment of dumbstruck; his sister tended to have that effect on people. What had caused him to raise a brow was the familiarity that Aslam spoke of his sister and the fondness that tinged his smile. It gave Askel a moment of pause, questioning when Marina and the Shehzade could have met though it was not as outlandish as one would think. After all, the Varian and Alidasht delegations shared the same quarters so it was within reason that they could have met at some point during the day or perhaps even at the execution of the queen. 

The prince had no reason to protest yet; he could not tell someone who or who not to be attracted to and he knew not of Aslam's character. Just as importantly, it would have made him a hypocrite if he had. Askel knew he was speaking to Ranya's brother; it was the eyes, green eyes that were so much like hers. 

When Aslam asked his question, a light blush took a hold of Askel's face. He was grateful that he was facing away from Ranya lest his eyes found her across the crowded room. [color=#C84808]"Ah, well, actually yes. I promised to dance with a very wonderful woman who I gave my heart to, but if I had my way I would dance with her and her alone all night long once again."[/color] Memories of the night before flashed before his eyes, the smell of ale and the smoke of burning wood mixed with fragrant jasmine and vanilla, the sound of the violin singing and the percussion of boots cut through by the jingling of gold jewelry and her laughter, and beneath the faint golden light of the tavern, the heat between them and the thumping of her heart against his chest.

He could not help, but smile as he relived those memories in his head. [color=#C84808]"She is a beautiful not just in visage, but in wit and intellect as well. Listening to her weave words together is a pleasure I didn't know I needed nor do I think I could live without now. And her boundless curiosity! I've never met a woman with such a zeal for life; it makes me want to make her world bigger."[/color] For a moment, Askel could only think about how caged Ranya's life must've been, how restricted she was by her own family. Her desire to breathe and be free, it was something that Askel wanted to protect and nurture. [color=#C84808]"She deserves it,"[/color] he added firmly. 

[color=#C84808]"Ah, here I am talking your ear off. I know that I must sound like an infatuated school boy, but I am not embarrassed to admit it. It's a privilege to love her and be loved back honestly and sincerely."[/color] He looked back out towards the crowd. The more he spoke of her, the more he wanted to see Ranya again.