Crystal felt her own cheeks growing hot at Irina's honorable answer. [i]So noble...[/i] She thought about how Irina would make a fine Princess had she been born in her place; She was noble, honorable, and most importantly kind... All areas that Crystal realized she herself was severely lacking in. It had only been a day and already she had shown her fangs to her bodyguard... though Irina handled the snarky remarks and the first of her escape plans rather well. The female knight's mild temperament was one of the reason The Princess had taken a somewhat liking to her...'course, she would never admit to that! Honestly, she just wished they had met under different circumstances... Irina could maybe see that Crystal was in fact very peaceful, and not half as bad as the scolding she'd given to Versetti and Pindel. [i]I still don't regret what I said to them.[/i] [i]Grrr.[/i] Thinking about those two always made her seethe. She was seriously bubbling again, getting hot about all the things she wished she said to those two, but once Irina chimed in with her story about feeling worthless, Crystal couldn't think about those two anymore... Truthfully, she couldn't relate to feeling like nothing. All her life she had been placed on a pedestal, showered with the finest gifts by strangers, attended only the finest of events. In a lot of ways, people treated her and her family like Gods and Goddesses... Never once in her life had she wanted for something, but she was not oblivious to what went on in the lives of civilians. She had seen it first hand... No one would understand that being royalty had it's downfalls as well, but saying such a thing would be insensitive, that's why she kept such comments to herself and kept little company. While Crystal was loved and adored by many, there were also the ones who held envy and hatred toward her just for being her father's daughter. [i]Maybe if I try being sweeter...[/i]"Irina..." She said softly, bringing her hand to rest on Irina's cheek. Crystal felt sad that her royal attendant was down and that there was probably nothing she could do to change that. Yes, it was all true that Irina was overbearing and does in fact talk too much about honor and duty, but she had also saved Crystal's life on more than one occasion...much to her disapproval. However Irina's cause was to be respected, and Crystal would try her best to behave for the rest of the day. She would have to...have to be honest with Irina just a little bit to cheer her up, so she knew that her life was valued, and her presence welcomed. Sighing lightly, Crystal moved her hand to rest on top of the armored one, her gentle eyes focused on her teary eyed friend. "I... I know your father is proud of you and despite what you may think I-" Crystal bit her lip and squeezed Irina's hand as the intensity of her emotions were bubbling over. "I like you." She smiled, finding that wasn't so difficult at all, though she wasn't sure she would be able to say that a second or third time. " I enjoy your company and I would very much like it if... if you continue to be my Royal Attendant. So please don't cry." She flashed a smile, though Crystal was feeling mostly worried about Irina. ----- Shortly after their conversation, a maid ran up the stairs and to the balcony where The Princess and her Royal Attendant were. The maid was holding a small card in her hand, it looked to be an invitation of sorts judging by the thickness and the fancy decorations on the cover. "[b]Princess, I have an invitation for you.[/b]" Crystal approached the maid girl and opened her hand for the invitation, taking it and inspecting the floral artwork and the name which read [b]Alegasia Theater[/b] in gold print. [i]Hmm...[/i] Crystal opened the invitation and read the details of the event. The theater was inviting her, as they always do, to an Opera tonight. Hadn't they learned that she did not like leaving the castle unless it was for a personal friend, or if she wasn't the Princess? Crystal looked at Irina, a soft smile forming on her lips now as it occurred to her that Irina had probably never been to a fine event such as an Opera or a Ball...The Princess herself had only been to one public event this year. "I suppose we can go. [url=http://i62.tinypic.com/2yxqh79.jpg]Ginger[/url], from now on you are Irina's personal servant. No longer will you tend to Pinhead and Spaghetti." She smirked, placing her hand on her hips. The maid smiled with The Princess and nodded in understanding. "[b]Yes, Princess. I'll go run her bath water and fetch some clothes for her, though we will need to have her measured later.[/b]" Ginger said before hurrying off. Crystal smiled to herself, feeling quite pleased that she was able to give Irina the royal treatment. [i]She had almost forgotten that there were people trying to kill her...[/i]