[center] [img]https://i.ibb.co/Kj5m6K1H/content-2.webp[/img] [/center] [center] [img]https://i.ibb.co/Q79F8mNv/Ariella-Nikolai-6-21-2026.png[/img] [/center] [color=gray] When Nik had realized that Ari was no longer in the ballroom, his mind swirled in panic. He felt the pang of an emotion that he couldn’t quite place. It was somewhere between sheer panic and anger, an emotion he wasn’t used to, especially with people he barely knew. [i]Find her.[/i] Nik quickly excused himself from the group he’d been conversing with, his tone likely more strained than he’d meant to allow. A dull ache spread across his temples as he made his way through the crowd, scanning. The speed at which his eyes darted around the room made him dizzy which only added to his panic. Anyone watching could clearly see that Nik was distressed by something. [i][b]FIND HER.[/b][/i] Nik pushed people out of his way, his face shifting into something angrier as he grew more annoyed with the obstacles in his way. The dark-haired knight hadn’t even realized that there were now people staring at him like he was the new spectacle. His mind shut all of that out, tunnel-visioned on finding that damned girl. He almost missed it. A pair of shoes tossed on the floor beside the bar and purple flowered accents trailing not far behind. Relief came like a sudden rain shower and Nik visibly relaxed as a loud sigh escaped his lips. [color=khaki]”I’m going to kill her.”[/color] He mumbled under his breath as he started in her direction. As Nik approached the strangely unattended bar a mop of red headed curls began to appear from behind it. Looking up at him with bright emerald eyes, brightened by the red and puffy color around them, Ari sat huddled in the corner with her legs tucked into her chest and a half empty wine bottle in hand. Her eyes glanced down to the bottle than back up at Nik before extending her arm out. [color=slateblue]”Drink?”[/color] she asked, her voice nearly cracking at the word. Nik’s anger never left him. It just shifted. No longer was he angry at her for leaving him, he was angry at whoever did this to her. He took a moment to temper the fire growing in his gut, taking breaths. Then, he shifted his weight and moved to sit next to her. [color=khaki]”I’ve got my own.”[/color] He replied, holding up his glass of scotch, though barely a swallow was left of it. He raised it to his lips and drank the last little bit before setting it down on the ground to the side of him. [color=khaki]”Do you want to talk or do you want a distraction?”[/color] He offered, turning his head to look at her. Looking at the bottle and his empty glass, without hesitation she poured more into it nearly overfilling the glass before taking a long swig herself. Nik couldn’t help but laugh before he carefully brought the glass to his lips to sip too. He didn’t want to think about the fact that just a second ago, he was ready to punch someone to find her and now he was perfectly calm and at peace. That realization would not sit well with him. [color=slateblue]”A bar full of alcohol is a great distraction, I can tell you from experience.”[/color] she said softly as she sniffled back more tears. The bottle hung between her legs as her arm rested across her knee. [color=slateblue]”After this whole event is over, I’m going to do something I probably shouldn’t.”[/color]She added, still whispering soft enough that only he could hear. [color=slateblue]”I’ll need you to support me in that.”[/color] Ari glanced to look over at him to get his reaction. [color=khaki]”Depends. Is there a good reason to do this stupid thing?”[/color] He asked, suddenly rather serious, his volume matching hers. She looked at him in silence only responding with a simple nod, the seriousness in her eyes telling all that needed to be said. Nik watched Ari’s face, his eyes narrowing as he took all of her in. His eyes glanced over her swollen red eyes, the way her hands shook just slightly, and the way she carried herself like someone who was on the verge of collapse. Knowing that she had a reason for doing her stupid thing was all Nik needed. [color=khaki]”A bar is an excellent distraction. But so is a dance, of which I was hoping I might convince you to share with me…”[/color] He responded, eyes still trained on her face. Ari blinked, before taking another large mouthful of wine. Her cheeks puffing up with the alcohol before she managed it down. [color=slateblue]”M-me?”[/color] she stuttered. [color=slateblue]”There is a room full of beautiful women who are much better dancers then me…”[/color] [color=khaki]”Is anyone else down on the ground here with me?”[/color] He asked, brow raised at her. He rolled his eyes at her next comment, letting out a low sigh. [color=khaki]”The world is full of beautiful people, Ariella. But there is only one you. And [i]you[/i] look like you could use a dance.”[/color] He added with a soft, surprisingly genuine smile on his face. A coy smile spread on her lips as she turned from him taking another long drink from the bottle. Realizing it was nearly finished, she tilted her head back wiping the wine around her lips on the back of her hand. [color=slateblue]”Well, how can I refuse when you put it that way…”[/color] her eyes appeared to brighten up. [color=slateblue]”...but the shoes are staying off.”[/color] she gestured over to the heels that laid beside him. Using the bar she pulled herself to her feet and dusting off her dress before setting the empty bottle on the bar top. [color=khaki]”I expected no less.”[/color] He replied with a soft chuckle. Nik lifted his head to watch Ariella as she dusted herself off, admiring the strength about her. Yes, she looked like she could collapse at a moment’s notice. Yes, she looked all the world like everything was crumbling around her, but… She stood up. She held her ground. There was a certain beauty he found in that. Nik reached his hand out to her, giving her a soft pout. [color=khaki]”Help me up?”[/color] He asked, giving her the most pitiful look he could manage. Leaning back with her hands on her hips she looked down at him, biting back a grin before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. She reached out and offered him her hand [color=slateblue]”If this is a sign of your protection abilities, I'm worried.”[/color] she grinned cheekily. Gripping on his hand she used all the might to pull him, her feet sticking to the marble floors as her back arched as a tiny grunt escaped her lips. However, to Nik it felt like a rabbit pulling a carriage. He let out a soft chuckle and pushed himself up from the floor, giving her a little bit of help. [color=khaki]”I just wanted to see how cute you’d look struggling.”[/color] He teased lowly into her ear. Ari’s cheeks pinkened, unsure if it was the wine or his words but she attempted to play it off nonchalantly. He pulled away a moment later, a smirk on his face. [color=khaki]”Shall we?”[/color] He asked, still holding her hand. Just as he asked the orchestra to start their next song, the timing was strangely too perfect. She felt the butterflies in her belly flutter, not necessarily because of Nik but dancing was not something she was very good at and usually just avoided it. It really was the first time anyone asked her to dance and she didn’t want to mess it up. [color=slateblue]”Yes, but don’t laugh. I’m not very good.”[/color] she said while following him towards the dance floor. Thankfully for everyone else her dress was long enough to hide her bare feet but feeling the cool grounding touch against her skin helped ease the nerves that had started to build. She looked around awkwardly trying to not be too obvious as she observed the other dance pairs and how they were positioning themselves. Her lack of experience was clear and as time went on she started to feel slightly embarrassed. Unsure of where to put her hands, how to stand, the direction it all started to become a tad overwhelming. Nik guided her to the floor, his eyes already scanning the room again for any signs of trouble. When those amber eyes of his turned back to look at her, he could see the way her eyes seemed to dart around and the hesitant way she grabbed and let go and grabbed again. ….adorable. Nik took Ari’s hand and placed it gently at his shoulder. [color=khaki]”Just follow me. I’ve got you.”[/color] He told her, his voice low so that only she could hear him. He took her other hand with his and began slowly pushing her, guiding her, through the song, one gentle step at a time. One foot over the other, Ari stumbled once more than twice falling slightly into Nik but he caught her before she could really fall. She grumbled under her breath but with a few more steps seemed to get the hang of it. She smiled realizing as she was able to finally catch her steps. [color=slateblue]”So…”[/color] she attempted to break the ice as they moved along the dance floor. [color=slateblue]”You’re a dancer and a swordsman. I have heard that a good swordsman needs to be good on his feet so I suppose it makes sense.[/color] She didn’t look up at him, her eyes continued to look down at her feet as she attempted to continue moving without stumbling. [color=khaki]”I’m a man of many skills.”[/color] He replied with a small smile, clearly enjoying her compliments. He watched her steps, smiling as she slowly became a little more confident with each one. Nik was not known to be a very patient man, but at least with her, he seemed to be. [color=khaki]”Good, just like that…”[/color] He whispered, his hand at the small of her back pulling her with him as he turned them both. [color=khaki]”You aren’t so bad yourself, princess.”[/color] He continued after a moment, smiling down at her. Large emerald eyes shot up to meet his nearly stumbling again at the word [i]princess[/i] [color=slateblue]”Please…dont use that. I- I don’t like titles.”[/color] she said trying to be as polite as she could but being called a princess made her skin crawl slightly. [color=slateblue]”I don't really care for this world…"[/color] she said softly, nearly a whisper. [color=slateblue]”it changes people.[/color] her mind went to Cal. [color=slateblue]” I don’t mean to be rude, I just…Ari..you can call me Ari.”[/color] she smiled softly. [color=slateblue]”Or something else but just, not that."[/color] Nik stayed quiet for a moment, eyes searching her face for a moment. [color=khaki]”Of course.”[/color] He replied simply, giving her a soft smile. [color=khaki]”Ari.”[/color] He added after a beat. [color=khaki]”Want to tell me what this stupid thing you’re going to do is?”[/color] He asked, eyes lifting up a moment to scan the room again. She returned his smile [color=slateblue]”Thank you."[/color] letting out a soft sigh she thought about the best way to tell him. [color=slateblue]”The king has a son, named Callum.”[/color] his name leaving her lips made her expression falter. A sadness crept in her eyes. [color=slateblue]” He is my best friend. He’s gone missing."[/color] she whispered looking around. [color=slateblue]”Anastasia, the princess, she was my childhood friend. I went to check on her after her mothers death and she told me that he was missing. I had a feeling something was wrong. I couldn’t find him. He always found me. He wasn’t at my hideout, he wasn’t at any tavern during drunkards day… he didn’t send a letter. Nothing.”[/color] Taking a moment to take a breath she followed his lead, dancing with ease as her mind found itself elsewhere. [color=slateblue]”She was told she couldn’t go looking for him, but I cannot just let this go. He … I"[/color] she thought about telling him about the dark magic, about how Cal and her would bond over it. She decided against it, not here. [color=slateblue]”W He had a lot of similar interests. Anyways, I need to find him. There have been some things that happened, changes I've seen in him and after his mother…he [b]hates[/b] his father."[/color] her voice dropped. [color=slateblue]”I’m worried."[/color] her large emerald eyes looked up at him. [color=slateblue]”I need to find him."[/color] He was quiet for a moment, listening to her speak. The king’s son… Even Nik knew that what she was doing was something that could get the both of them killed. Anything involving the royal family was something he’d much, much rather enjoy. However, the idea of his grandfather sending him out here, just to have his only grandson do something so stupid because of the girl he sent him to? Now, that was some sweet, sweet irony. And something Nik wouldn’t dare pass up. [color=khaki]”Then, we’ll find him.”[/color] Nik replied simply, his tone calm and firm. [color=khaki]”You just tell me what you need from me and we’ll make it happen.”[/color] He added. Smiling, Ari’s shoulders dropped slowly. Her body, which was tense, seemed to relax as they continued to move around the dance floor. When her father instructed her to be watched by Nik every fiber of her being hated it. But, his understanding and willingness to listen to her was not going unnoticed, or unappreciated. In fact, it was one of the first times outside of Callum that she felt heard. [color=slateblue]”I feel like I keep saying thank you but I really do mean it. For now, just..a distraction. I have to attend this or else my mother will put me on a pyre. Tomorrow though…tommorrow we can start looking.”[/color] She took in a deep breath followed by a warm smile, her eyes brightening once again. [color=khaki]”Distractions I am all to happy to provide.”[/color] He chuckled, his smile gentle. [color=khaki]”I’d like to see her try, though. I’m not above cutting down a woman…”[/color] He mused, seeming to genuinely think about it. Even he didn’t quite realize just how much he meant that. [color=khaki]”Look at you… Dancing like a pro already.”[/color] He teased lightly, pulling her closer to him now. [color=khaki]”Careful not to step on my toes, hm?”[/color] [color=slateblue]”I’m more worried about you, stepping on mine.”[/color] she laughed softly [color=slateblue]”My lack of shoes always makes that a possibility but one I am willing to risk.I give credit to such a great leader, I think you’re the only reason I'm not falling on my face."[/color] [color=khaki]”Me? Step on your toes? I would never.”[/color] He replied, his tone taking on that playful teasing lilt. [color=khaki]”Eh, you wouldn’t do that either. I’d just catch you and twirl and make it look like you’d always meant to do that.”[/color] He shrugged. [color=khaki]”As long as I can help it, I’m not letting anything bad happen to you.”[/color] He explained, watching her face now as they continued to move. [color=slateblue]”Well you are kind of paid to do so.”[/color] she teased. Glancing around at the other dancing couples Ari turned to look back at him [color=slateblue]”I saw you mingling around, meeting people. Has anyone caught your eye? A number 87 perhaps? Or what is 92? I can’t remember.” [/color] she grinned playfully. [color=khaki]”Mmm, well… There was this one girl…”[/color] He mumbled softly, turning to look around. She might think he was looking for the girl, but once again, he was scanning the room, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a few annoyances. Luckily, they were either far enough away or occupied. Ari looked around with him, attempting to spot who he might be looking for but had no luck. [color=khaki]”And I had planned on making a night of it, but… I think my plans just changed.”[/color] He explained with a shrug. He let his fingers splay out over the small of her back, feeling how small she felt in his arms. The change in his grip caused the hairs on her arms to stand. She turned her attention back to him, looking at him for a moment before speaking. [color=slateblue]”I’m sorry if I ruined your plans. You could still find someone, I'm sure, tomorrow is still some time away. I don't want to spoil your evening. Though selfishly I am enjoying your company - [i]surprisingly.[/i]” [/color] she smirked. Once again, Nikolai found himself looking at her face, glancing at her eyes, nose, the way her lips curled upwards just slightly as she spoke to him. [color=khaki]”Surprisingly?”[/color] He asked, an incredulous tone to his voice. [color=khaki]”My plans aren’t ruined, simply changed. Besides, I’m fairly sure she’s already off flirting with someone else.”[/color] He whispered the last part like it was some secret between the two of them. [color=khaki]”So, whether you like it or not, I think you might be stuck with me.”[/color] He added, giving her a smirk of his own. [color=slateblue]”It seems so.”[/color] she smiled. As they danced, gliding across the floor with ease, suddenly her worries seemed to slip away. Though it was only momentarily she found herself getting lost in the moment. Nik found himself staring at Ari more often than not as they danced, enjoying how comfortable she seemed. For someone dealing with so much, she looked so strong. He felt an unfamiliar rising desire to support her, to be the pillar that helps boost her up. [color=khaki]”You mentioned a place you liked to hide at?”[/color] Nik started, pulling her with him as he moved them around the dance floor. [color=khaki]”Is it nice?”[/color] [color=slateblue]”Well it wouldn’t be much of a secret if I told you.”[/color] she said with a tone of playfulness [color=slateblue]” It's a place that Annie showed me a long time ago, it's in the woods. It's where I feel most myself. I could show you it, maybe tomorrow. I suppose it would be important for you to know about it but only a few people know of it. Annie, Callum and I suppose my family but they know not to go there. The last time they did…”[/color] she paused. [color=slateblue]”Well I don't remember it but according to my brother they destroyed many of my things. I’ve been trying to find a way to remember it but any journal or thing I would have had is stuck in a box that I can’t open.”[/color] she admitted. Nik listened as she spoke, still leading her around the dance floor. He was far more graceful about it than he’d let on earlier, having enjoyed dancing. Though… he’d probably never admit that to anyone. Maybe especially her. [color=khaki]”We can certainly do that.”[/color] He replied, a smile on his face. [color=khaki]”You’re not going to jump my bones out there, right? I’m a man with sensibilities, you know. You shouldn’t take advantage of me.”[/color] He teased, his lips curling into a smirk. Ariella nearly missed a step at his comment, stumbling over her feet as her cheeks warmed. She narrowed her eyes at him in mock offense, though the smile tugging at her lips ruined the effect entirely. [color=slateblue]“Jump your bones?”[/color] she echoed, letting out a soft laugh.[color=slateblue]“Nik, I think you’ve confused me for some scandalous tavern girl or one of your 97 conquests.”[/color] Her fingers tightened lightly against his shoulder as he spun her across the floor, the movement making the skirts of her dress sway around her legs. [color=slateblue]“And besides,”[/color] she added with a teasing tilt of her head,[color=slateblue]“you’re the one who keeps pulling me closer. I’m beginning to think [i]you’re[/i] the danger here, not me.”[/color] She glanced up at him then, playful but slightly nervous beneath it all, still not entirely used to his charm or this kind of attention. [color=slateblue]“You don't want me even attempting that, I wouldn’t know the first thing or even how where to start.”[/color] she admitted the wine clearly had some effect on her judgement of conversation. Nik pulled Ari closer, spinning her as he leaned forward to whisper in her ear, [color=khaki]”I’ve [i]always[/i] been the danger.”[/color] Ari leaned into his words, her cheeks flushing more as his voice tickled her ear. He pulled back a moment later, that same calm smile on his face as he gave her a knowing look. [color=khaki]”You didn’t think you’d be much good at dancing either. And yet… here you are. I think you follow instructions [i]very[/i] well.”[/color] He teased. [color=slateblue]“I-that… my”[/color] she stuttered on her words, clearly flustered. [color=slateblue]“I don’t like to follow instructions actually.[/color] she finally managed to say but her voice still quivered. [color=slateblue]“So is this how you have built up such large numbers?”[/color] she whispered. [color=slateblue]“Trying to make me just another number on your belt?”[/color] her tone seemed to drop slightly. His lips curled upwards as she began to stutter, clearly flustered by him. No small amount of pride and confidence swelled inside his chest at that fact. His brow furrowed, however, as she mentioned his ‘belt.’ It was rather quickly replaced with a slow, easy grin. [color=khaki]”Are you… asking me to bed you, Lady Edwards?”[/color] He asked, his slow, low tone hiding the hurt he felt. [i]lady edwards…[/i] It was obvious she struck a nerve with him. His image was carefully crafted and he liked that it gave him the ability to move about without much expectation. People didn’t expect a rakish rogue to be of any real use, but… The idea that she truly thought he would treat her that way stung more than he cared to admit. Far more. [color=slateblue]“I'm sorry…”[/color] she said softly. [color=slateblue]““I just…”[/color] she looked up at him, her large eyes scanning his features and though he held his charm on his face she could see hurt behind his eyes by her question. [color=slateblue]““No one has ever paid me any mind before.”[/color] Her eyes fell as she looked around as if checking to see if anyone was listening. [color=slateblue]““And you, with your charm, your way with words. You're attractive and smart. You have the attention of so many. ”[/color] She looked back up at him before shaking her head softly. Being too embarrassed to look back at him as her insecurities were written all over her face. Nik raised a brow and a moment later, something clicked. She wasn’t used to his kind of attention, much less any attention at all. He was likely one of very few who had ever glanced her way. It was hard for him to imagine given her looks, but wasn’t outside the realm of possibility. [color=slateblue]““...would you have noticed me if my father wasn't paying you to watch over me?...”[/color] Her voice cracked into a soft admittance. She wanted to run, to let go of him and end the dance. To curl back up behind the bar and drink herself into tomorrow. But she stayed. Why did she stay… [color=khaki]”Ariella… How many guards do you know willingly ask their charge to a dance? At a court gathering? Where most men are in want of a wife?”[/color] He asked, gentle amber eyes looking down at her. No longer was there that roguish charm he usually tried to put on. For one brief moment, he was simply Nikolai. [color=khaki]”Look over there.”[/color] He started, giving her a small spin so she could face where Ambrose and Stratya danced. [color=khaki]”Is he dancing with his charge?”[/color] He asked, his gaze scanning her face. She continued to look at Ambrose and Stratya as they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Her eyes glancing back up at Nik only moments later. [color=khaki]”My point is… As you said, I could have nearly any woman in this ballroom.”[/color] A small pause as he recalled a few who couldn’t stand the sight of him, [color=khaki]”And yet, I have asked [i]you[/i] to dance with me. Not because of some need to keep you close, although that [i]is[/i] a bonus…”[/color] Nik let out a small chuckle at that before continuing, [color=khaki]”I just… wanted to.”[/color] [i]He wanted too…[/i] The words lingered between them as he continued to move her across the dance floor. Enjoying the dance and being with someone who [i]wanted[/i] to be there. Nik allowed a quiet to settle over them, his eyes kept on the beautiful woman in his arms. Anyone watching would have clocked the way his gaze was softer, gentler than he had been with others, though perhaps the roguish knight hadn’t realized it himself yet. As the silence lingered, Ari’s smile didn't falter. She continued to look up at him, their eyes unbreaking as if holding a silent conversation between them. But before long the music started to slowly come to an end. Despite the lull of the music, Nik continued his slow dance with Ariella, pulling her with him as he moved. It was as if the world had melted around him and all that was left was him and her. It wasn’t until she began to slow a bit that he even realized that the music had ended. Nik felt a heat rise to his cheeks, something not very many ever got the chance to see. Did… he really just get lost in the moment with her? Ari didn’t let go, not right away. Instead she stood in his embrace for a moment longer, catching the flush in his cheeks.[color=slateblue]”The wine hitting you too?”[/color] She asked, knowing full well it wasn't the wine. Nik froze at her question, realizing that she may have understood what his actions meant before he even did. And that scared him. [color=slateblue]”Thank you, for the dance.”[/color] she added with a softer smile. [color=slateblue]”Maybe we can have another? before the night is over.”[/color] [color=khaki]“...Maybe.”[/color] He replied, his reply short and quiet. He looked at her for a moment, really looked at her. Amber eyes scanned her face. [i]Bump.[/i] No… He couldn’t. That was stupid. [i]Bump. Bump.[/i] It terrified him how much he wanted to dance with her again. He took a step back, bowing towards her, [color=khaki]”Thank you for the dance.”[/color] [color=khaki]”I don’t… want to take up too much of your time. I’ll be nearby.”[/color] He added softly before he turned and took a few steps away from her. [/color]