[center][color=#B3EBC0][h1]Nolan Edwards[/h1][/color][/center]
Location: Grand Ballroom 
Attire: Attire: [url=https://i.imgur.com/8JdKRkn.png]Starry Night Attire[/url]
Interactions: [@Lava Alckon] Drake [@princess] Marina [@Tae] Mina [@Oso] Ambrose [@HylianRose] Lucian [@CitrusArms] Stratya
Mentions: n/a
[hr]

Why the hell was her bodyguard looking at him as if he just insulted his mother? Nolan did his best to ignore it, maintaining a trained pleasant smile, though it was hard to block out the over six and half foot tall, two hundred something pound living definition of tall, dark, and handsome that had his jaw clenched like he was holding back a river of vitriol looming over him like a god damn obelisk. 

It was oppressive, like every action of his was being scrutinized under Ambrose's diligent eye though he understood that was par for the course. There were any number of opportunists seeking to climb the social ladder or to gain some other favor or status within this very room and as knight of Varian personally responsible for Marina's safety it was his duty to suss them out. Of course Nolan knew that—he truly did—though did nothing to ease the unfamiliar sensation gnawing at his nerves, a small and ugly thing paired alongside a fluttering warmth that was equally as much as a stranger to him. 

That said warmth had now tinged his cheeks just as it had tinged hers. He had not expected her response to be so swift nor did he expect her face to take on the hue of her hair. At the very least the subject of the matter had been more or less buried though not without earning the interest of her brother, the crowned prince of Varian himself who looked the young noble like he had just found a new toy to amuse himself for the moment. For some reason, that grin reminded him of Drake's so he knew that this was going to bring nothing, but trouble. 

He really needed a slice of cake after this, a big one. 

Nolan nodded politely in confirmation of the prince's question of his name. The blush in his cheeks had finally faded away, his expression cordial, yet neutral. [color=#B3EBC0]"Yes, your royal highness you would correct. How may I be of service?"[/color]

And then Marina circled back to the subject again that brought the color back to his cheeks once again like a sudden ignition of flame. She obviously realized her mistake in drawing attention to the subject again since she tried to save whatever dignity either of them had with that authoritative stance. [color=#B3EBC0]"I, um, thank you, Princess Marina."[/color] The young noble had responded a little too quickly as well. He cleared his throat. [color=#B3EBC0]"I understood the intent."[/color] 

Could the earth open beneath his feet and swallow him within its maw? He could only imagine the unholy amount of teasing that their brothers would bombard on them. All of this was beginning to make his head spin.

And then Knight Captain Durmand waltzed right in asking Ambrose for a dance. While she was a welcomed presence that diverted the dour knight and his prince's attention from Nolan, the addition of another person to keep track of did nothing to help his frazzled mental state.

[color=#B3EBC0][i]Great, let's just invite the entire Alidasht delegation too while we're at it.[/i][/color]

Princess Marina appeared to be quite overstimulated as well. Her declaration had caused his brows to rise, but it grounded him back to the moment and he focused on her just as she demanded with that same cheeky grin she gave him at the museum. Not a peep escaped his lips while he observed her. 

Just how many women in the room would have disregarded social etiquette to throw themselves at their closest and dearest friend? He'd most likely only need one hand to count them though had not seen it as a lack of dignity. It took a great amount of self-assurance to not care what those who did not matter to be that outrageous pointing that finger at him. 

It was ever so faint and so brief that if one were not paying attention they would have missed it, but it was there; a rare laugh had bypassed his guarded self. 

[color=#B3EBC0]"Has anyone ever told you that you are very disarming, Princess Marina?"[/color] He asked her with a relaxed smile. [color=#B3EBC0]"If I had known that you had prepared a gift I would have brought you something as well. Just add that to the tally I suppose."[/color] It was just purposefully vague enough to leave their nearest and dearest in the dark though their [i]arrangement[/i] was still fresh in their minds.

His gaze lingered on her. He knew that he should have been satisfied with this; wishing for more than what he already had went against his very nature. Nolan wished to dance with her, to enjoy her company like he had before away from the potential probing questions of her brother and the watchful eye of her protector. Maybe it was the wine talking? At least that's what he'd tell himself. 

But how does one ask? Knight Captain Durmand had made it look so easy.. and maybe because it was? There was no grand gesture or flowery language, it was just a simple question

Steeling himself, he finally asked with a polite bow towards the princess with a hope that it would the anxiety in his eyes. [color=#B3EBC0]"I know this is abrupt, but if it please you would you care for a dance?"[/color]