The Royal Reception Celebration

[Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais]

[ALEXANDRIA] The library was very different than most libraries. There was a large main area that looked like a small function hall, but the shelves of books framed the room along the wall. Tucked away was a smaller area with a fireplace and couches and chairs to sit and relax to read. Also the spot of where Aric and Alex had almost kissed for the first time.
She noticed Aric tracing the embro designs on her dress and she smiled and nuzzled her face into his neck. "Do you like my gown?" She rested her head on his shoulder, not wanting to move. She would have been perfectly content staying with him in the carriage, too. But when Aric let out that exaggerated sigh, she laughed and slipped off of him, climbing out of the carriage with his help. She instantly grabbed his hand and slowly walked with him into the castle. She quietly led him into the library, pulling him into the room where he would see it was decorated and set up for their reception. She grinned as she turned to look at his so she could see his expression.

[ARIC] Indeed he liked her dress. She was absolutely breathtaking, and he couldn't seem to stop staring at her, even while they made their way back into the castle. Fingers entwined with her own, he let her lead him down those now familiar halls and to a room that was also very familiar to him at this point. He was grinning when they entered the library, see how it was lit up with an amazing amount of candles. Tables were set up around the perimeter with soft white tablecloths and splashes of a pale, silvery blue that matched closely to her dress. "And here we are...again," he murmured, reminiscing. A quick look at the door to notice no one else had arrived (only a couple of servants rushed about to finish the last bit of details), his arm snaked around her waist to whisk her away to that particular section of the library where he would pin her gently against a row of books and himself; taking her face in both his hands to kiss her deeply.

[ALEXANDRIA] She let out a laugh as she grinned at Aric's reaction. "Here we are again," she repeated after him, nodding her head. Before she could say anything else, he was whisking her away and over to their spot and pinning her against the books. She gasped slightly out of surprise but immediately returned his kiss, her arms resting on his shoulders and fingers weaved into the back of his hair. She parted her lips to allow her tongue to find his, deepening their kiss. Not wanting to let go of him. They had denied their kiss for so long, and now Alexandria found she couldn't live without it.

[ARIC] He couldn't help himself. All he wanted to do was kiss her for the entirety of the night, to touch her, to inhale her scent. But it would all have to wait. He couldn't be selfish, even if he hadn't been at all since he arrived in Aralore. Such was the life of royalty, he supposed. But for now, he lost himself in this euphoric act of kissing her; sighing happily into her mouth as she forced her tongue in to battle with his own. If he didn't love that dress so much, if he had forgotten where they actually were, he may have torn it right off her body. The only thing to break him from this passionate reverie was a stern clearing of another's throat. Only mildly shocked at the intrusion, Aric sighed again (this time in slight frustration) to look over and find the older woman standing there with a half disapproving look on her face. "The guests have begun to arrive, Majesty," she said, her eyes on the queen. She bowed before swiftly departing. There was a bit of humor shining in his eyes when they turned to fall upon Alexandria. "I suppose some things never change..." Locks. Oh so many locks...

[CASSANDRA] It took every bit of her control not to look behind her, mingling into the crowd as they all took their time in walking to the library. The moment she walked in, she was smiling immediately. It was even better than she had imagined, and Alexandria had chosen well. It was cozy, it was romantic, and there was indeed enough space for the tables as well as an open area should anyone decide to dance. She let the shawl slip from her shoulders and she draped it over a random chair. She didn't see Edward or the newlyweds just yet, and she fought the urge to wander. As more people began to trickle in, the musicians began to softly play; servants weaving through the crowd with trays of wine-filled glasses. She was quick to snag one.

[ALEXANDRIA] She didn't mind whatsoever if he couldn't help himself and wanted to kiss her. Because she felt the same way about him. Their kiss made her forget where they were and she had started to let her hands wander on him. She had weaved one of her legs around his pulling him closer to her, allowing all of her passion to be thrown into that one kiss. But it was so rudely interrupted by the clearing of one's throat. She barely pulled away from Aric, but turned her gaze to the woman. If she disapproved, that was too bad for her. She was kissing her husband. A smirk played on her lips as the woman walked off and Aric spoke to her. Her eyes found his own and she laughed softly. "At least we were able to kiss this time before interrupted." She placed another quick kiss to his lips before she nudged him to let her go from her pinned position (even though she didn't want him to). She took his hand again and led him back to the main area of the library where the guests were starting to fill in.

[ORIN] He had lingered behind all of the other guests that had begun to enter the library, staying in the halls of the castle at first, just maybe inspecting all the guests as they arrived in the room, to make sure there were none who seemed suspicious. These types of scenes were't really his cup of tea, but he would stay because it was his sister. As the crowd began to thin out in the hallway, he finally made his way inside, but rather than take a seat at a table, he just stood and wandered around the room quietly. He hoped nothing would happen as it had with the banquet, but he was pretty sure they had done better at securing things. He sighed softly, arms folding across his chest as he leaned against a wall, eyes watchful of everything around him.

[EDWARD] The two had finally married and he could breathe a little better knowing that Aric's position was secured now as the king of Aralore. Though the two's vows made him wonder things. Had they truly fallen in love as they claimed, or was it all for show? He could sense Aric cared for the queen, and his attitude about everything had seemingly changed. He wasn't his miserable depressed self that he had become after Maria's death. Still, he wasn't sure if it was jealousy, or something else-- but something wasn't sitting well with him.
As he entered the library, with his wife on his arm, he had to make a scene, of course at his entrance. He let go of his wife and called out. "Ahhhh... Let the festivities begin for the newlyweds!"

[CASSANDRA] The moment she saw the queen and her cousin emerge from some other secret little area, she was immediately rushing over to them. She flung her arms around Aric's neck, planting a kiss to his cheek. Her lipstick had come off a little, and she giggled as she quickly wiped it away. "I'm so happy for both of you," she said, unable to contain herself as she moved over to hug Alexandria as well. "And you look absolutely angelic, Your Majesty." Lingering for a couple of seconds, she whispered in the woman's ear, amusement in her tone. "And you smell amazing, too." Drawing back, she was about to say more when Edward decided to make his grand entrance. Fortunately, her back was facing him so she was able to roll her eyes.

[ARIC] He grumbled again, only half jokingly, as she dragged him back to the main area of the library. Of course, he wouldn't really complain, because he was willing to follow her anymore by this point. Unfortunately, he had to let go of her hand when Cassandra came in like a whirlwind, hugging him and leaving a mark on his cheek. A light chuckle as she actually used the sleeve of her dress to wipe it clean, he was lightly wiping at his own lips after while she turned her attention to his wife, just to make sure Alexandria's hadn't, well...come off. Ahem. "Thank you, Cassandra," he said, amused by her excitement...and excitement that was slowly diminishing when his brother came into the room. He had to refrain from sighing.

[ELEESA] Having made sure the boys had been put to bed, she entered the library beside her husband, marveling at the beautiful sight. A library was indeed a strange place to hold a wedding reception, but she liked the uniqueness of it. The smile on her face faded just a little at her husband's exclamation, as though the world had stopped until he arrived, but it would quickly return when she caught sight of the new wife and husband.

[EDWARD] He immediately grabbed a glass of wine and completely downed it in one long sip and then reached for another. When he saw the newlyweds and Cassandra, he made his way over towards them and continued his obnoxious display. "Brother!!" He moved over to him and clapped him hard on the back. "Congratulations!" He turned to Alexandria and stared at her for a moment before moving over towards her and placing kisses on her cheeks. He took her hands in his own and spoke gently, for probably the first time since he had met her. "Please accept my apology for giving you a difficult time. I see now how happy you make my brother... May I have a dance later?"

[ALEXANDRIA] She smiled as Cassandra rushed over to them and threw her arms around Aric and smothered her lipstick on his face. She laughed before Cass was hugging her. "Thank you," She spoke softly, her grin never fading. But then she laughed out loud at her whisper, but said nothing. She looked over to Aric and laughed again, as he had some of her lipstick on his own lips. She leaned over him and brushed her thumb along his lips to wipe it off of him. "Sorry." She let her hand linger on his face for a moment before she removed it and looked back to Cassandra, about to say something but Edward was making his presence known. She took hold of Aric's hand and squeezed it gently, falling silent.
Though, when Edward made his way over to them, she felt her stomach churn with nervousness. She watched as he greeted Aric, but then was a bit taken back when he approached her and kissed her cheeks then took her hands and was apologizing to her? She may have even had a confused expression on her face. But she pushed it aside and simply nodded, offering him a smile. "Of course..." Her gaze turned to Aric again and she gave him a slight nervous look. Wondering if this was normal or not.

[ELEESA] The Tresterian queen was not too far behind her husband as he greeted the newlyweds. She would do the same, although making a less spectacle about it. She congratulated them both, taking their hands and placing a kiss to Alexandria's cheek. "Welcome to the family, Majesty," she spoke. Even though she had a wide smile on her face, it barely reached her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't mean it, but perhaps...in ways, it was a slight. However, upon seeing the changes in her brother-in-law, she did not think their marriage would be as difficult. Intolerable was maybe the right word...

[ARIC] He was taken a bit off guard at the slap to his back, causing him to lean forward a bit and his eyes widen. "Thank you...brother..." Aric managed to say, a little taken aback by Edward's response. Granted, he was probably just glad that it was all said and done with, but even still. He seemed to be a little politer and apologetic with Alexandria....so when she looked sidelong to him, he did the same with a bit of confusion on his features. This wasn't exactly normal, but one could never tell with Edward.

[CASSANDRA] No, one really could never tell with Edward. And for once, she kept her mouth shut when he appeared and congratulated the couple. Maybe he really was being sincere...or he had had more than those two glasses of wine already. Cassandra simply stepped aside, saying hello to Eleesa when she had spoken with the pair. She'd have just stepped away by now, but she wanted to let her cousin and the queen know that Henry had been unable to make it. She promised him that they would understand, considering how ill he had been. Finishing her first glass of wine, she was trading it for another when a servant passed by.

[EDWARD] He nodded as Alexandria accepted his request for a dance. And he quickly excused himself without another word. He was hungry, dinner had better be served soon. He found a seat and plopped down into it, sipping his glass of wine again. When he saw his wife hadn't followed him, he yelled out to her, demanding she come sit with him and not leave his side again.

[ALEXANDRIA] She watched as Edward left and found a seat at the table, rudely calling after his wife. She frowned slightly and took Eleesa's hand, squeezing it gently, before leaning in to place a kiss on her cheek. She wanted to tell the woman that she should not tolerate him like she does. But it wasn't her place. "I hope you enjoy your evening with us." She said softly to the woman, offering her a genuine smile before she let go of her hand.
Her gaze turned to Aric, then and she wrapped both her arms around one of his. Suddenly, she felt thankful that he was nothing like his brother. She placed a kiss to his shoulder and then turned to Cassandra. "Thank you so much for setting all of this up... It is perfect..."

[CASSANDRA] She visibly cringed as she heard Edward demand for Eleesa to join him, announcing it to the entire room. Cassandra felt so bad for her, because she knew what the man was like- her cheek had just lost the welt he had left, and she had always wondered if he was that abusive with his wife. If he was, he fortunately left her lovely face alone...but that didn't mean it was any less a horrible thought. Turning back to the newlyweds, she managed a small smile. "They were all your ideas," she pointed out to Alexandria. "But I was glad to order some people around." A pause, she winked before taking a couple more sips of that wine. It was lovely and sweet, so she had to be careful not to drink too much of it...because it would be easy. "Henry wanted to apologize for not being able to make it. He hasn't been-"

[ARIC] "Well, he's here now," he said as he saw the old Duke being escorted in by his personal servant. Aric had known the man was getting worse and worse by the day, and wouldn't have thought anything ill of him for not attending the wedding. Henry had always been civil with him, even when Aric was at his worst. And as strange as the marriage was, he had kept Cassandra safe and from hungrier, crueler eyes, and she returned the favor by actually taking care of him. For the longest time, it was the only thing he could admire about his cousin, since all she had cared about was gossip and parties, and well, herself.

[CASSANDRA] At his words, she swiftly looked over her shoulder at the door. Lips murmured a barely audible curse. It wasn't that she didn't want him here, but he clearly wasn't well...and she didn't want Edward to notice how badly he had declined. Still, there was a bit of pride in her eyes when he managed to bow his respect to his king and queen before taking a seat nearby. "Excuse me," she dismissed herself to quickly go over and check on him.

[ARIC] He nodded, understanding the situation without Cassandra having to explain. What would happen once poor Henry passed? "Of course, Cassie," he said as she turned away before looking down at Alexandria. "Well, that wasn't too traumatizing..." Holding her close to him with an arm around her waist, she'd feel him laughing through his nose when he bent to kiss her on top of the head.

[ALEXANDRIA] A soft laugh at Cassandra's admitting she enjoyed ordering people around. Part of it had been her idea, but Cassandra had executed it and had thrown in a few of her ideas as well. Even still, everything was simply wonderful. With a soft sigh, she watched as Cassandra apologized for Henry. As she was about to dismiss the apology, Aric's voice indicated that Henry was here. Her gaze moved to watch Henry as he entered, her lips pulling into a small frown. A nod given to Cassandra as she excused herself, and she instantly turned to Aric as he drew her in close against him. His words made her laugh and she placed a hand on his chest. "The night is still young, my love..."

[ARIC] "Well, that's the spirit," he murmured into her hair before laughing soon after. The room was beginning to liven up a little more while the musicians continued to play. He was thinking about getting some wine when a particular song began to play, one that she perhaps wouldn't recognize right away. But he had requested it. He moved in order to bow in front of her, extending out a hand for one of hers. "Shall we?" he requested a dance, a smirk playing across his lips.

[ALEXANDRIA] She laughed at Aric's words. Yes, the two of them were perhaps quite cynical when it came to their happiness and things going right. When you had lived through so many bad things and came to expect them, it only made sense. Her eyes watched him as he bowed and requested a dance with her. She smiled and gave him her hand, accepting his request. "Of course, my husband."

[ARIC] It was tradition for them to start the dance, and as much as he wasn't very into dancing, he knew how to. And would happily do so because it was her. All he cared about was making and keeping her happy. Wrapping his fingers around her hand when she took his, he lead her to the middle of that room before spinning her then drawing her in close, leading her in a simple waltz. When he eventually drew her in close to him, she might begin to recognize the song as he softly hummed along with it near her. It was the tune he had hummed in silence that very first time in the library, when their feelings had first begun, when he was trying to console her.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes never left his as he lead her to the dance floor. She was laughing softly as he spun her, but when he drew her in, her laugh faded but her smile did not. She danced along with him, suddenly recognizing the song playing, and it caused her smile to widen. A small laugh escaped her throat as she looked to him admiringly. He remembered that one tiny detail? She thought of the night and how he had urged her to dance with him since she had stormed out of the ballroom. He had held her close like this and hummed softly, this song, in her ear. They had become so drawn to one another and so close to kissing. If they had not been interrupted, if they had kissed, would it had saved them so many months of torture? And now, here they were, as if that very night never held them back. She sighed with happiness as she looked into his eyes. She whispered softly to him, "I love you."

[ARIC] When it came her to, he remembered every little detail. That had been the very first moment he realized something had changed. Perhaps not so much between them, but in him at the very least. He had fought it so long, feeling as though he wasn't good enough to deserve her love...and now, he wasn't so sure he could live without it. Alexandria was his purpose. In everything. Hearing those three words, he smiled and withdrew just enough to rest his forehead against hers, his humming fading in words, "And I you, Alexandria." Eventually the song would end and the musicians instantly began to play another, an invitation for others to join on the dance floor if they wished. Meanwhile, appetizers were being served and more ale and wine.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes rested on his as he pressed his forehead against hers. She smiled softly and as the song came to an end, she pressed her lips to his gently. Her heart felt so full and she wasn't exactly sure how to handle all of these emotions. She just wanted to take Aric upstairs and let all of it out on him. But that would have to wait until later. With a soft sigh, she slowly pulled away from him but did not let go of his hand. One of the servants came by to them offering them some of the wine. She took a couple of glasses and handed one to Aric, a smirk on her face. "No whiskey for you tonight." She laughed lightly and took a sip of her wine before she'd finally glance around the room and take everything in. Was all of this real right now?

[EDWARD] As the appetizers and wine came around, he was indulging in everything he could. Drinking heavily. Because, why not? He had been held captive for several days and he was feeling bitter. The alcohol helped him forget that he was now supporting a kingdom that was about to kill him for something he did not do. And, his own brother had obviously sided with Aralore. He wasn't exactly sure what to think. But their queen had saved his life twice while he had been here. And although he did not want to admit it, he knew he owed her his life. And there she was, probably one of the most beautiful women he'd seen, and in the arms of his brother. Had he made a mistake? He turned to Eleesa and grabbed her face, kissing her lips. "You don't look at me like that anymore" He pointed over to the newlyweds in their obvious display of affection.

[ORIN] Despite his not wanting to be here, he would stay until the very last person was out of the room. It was his duty now, especially with the threat of Saelis and the recent attacks. So he stood there, watching. He watched the newlyweds as they danced, and the affection they so obviously held for one another. He often wondered if he'd ever find that in his own life. But when everything had gone so wrong, and never seemed to work out, he didn't think it was in the cards for him. He turned to look at where Cassandra was, noticing her husband had made an appearance and did not look well. How long would she remain in Aralore, then? If he died...would she be free for him? Would she even want a man like him? Or would she go for the next suitor that was offered to her. He sighed quietly and turned his glance away just as a young lady approached him and began talking with him, flaunting herself as if trying to flirt and get his attention. "I noticed you standing here alone, my lord.. " Orin raised a brow and regarded her for a moment. "I am guarding the room." He spoke simply. But the woman continued, reaching to touch his face "oh...what happened here?" She frowned and brushed her fingers along his cheek.
Orin laughed slightly and shook his head. "I did it to myself. Wanted to look more like a vagabond. "
The woman blinked, removing her hand from his face and stared at him, confused. And then she laughed. "Oh...you're joking, huh? You're so funny!!" He sighed quietly and didn't respond. But the woman still lingered around him, standing next to him, she turned to lean against the wall just as he was, and she continued talking his ear off.

[ARIC] It was easy to forget that they were in a room full of people, despite the soft chatter that filled the air along with the music. The day had gone by so quickly, despite feeling as though it would never have happened. Maybe he didn't need to worry. Perhaps all would be well from this moment forward, so long as he clung to this happiness she seemed to offer him. Together, they would get through anything the world through at them. He had to believe that. When she handed him the wine, he took it with a chuckle. "I think I'll be staying away from whiskey for quite awhile now..." The headache had been excruciating, and he had apparently gotten fairly obnoxious. Maybe he shouldn't embarrass himself again for awhile...even though it was all Orin's fault. That was his verdict and he was sticking to it. He caught sight of his brother and Eleesa, his jaw clenching. It wasn't hard to see the misery on the woman's face, and he always wished there was something he could do. At least his nephews were the one good thing to come out of that union. Sighing at his own thoughts, he subconsciously drew Alexandria against his side to kiss her brow, praying he never became his brother. Ever.

[ELEESA] She was tired and wished she could just excuse herself, but felt that would be rude considering this wedding unified Tresteria and Aralore. Truthfully, she was here to support Aric and his queen, whom she had quickly come to respect although barely had been the time to speak with. Or had been allowed to speak with... Her husband was speaking, and doe eyes drifted to him as he grabbed her face, asking such a ridiculous question. Normally she would have catered to his mood...but again, she was tired. Her tone was flat when she answered him, "Because you only look at your whores like that these days." There was no bite in her tone, just sadness. She remembered their earlier years, when he had at least pretended to care for her.

[CASSANDRA] Henry seemed to be doing a little better, but it was clear that he was still struggling. But he had wanted to get out, and was currently conversing with another elder couple which made her smile...only to have her grow bored very quickly. None of what they spoke about was interesting and Edward was being a drunken ass already. She sat there with her chin in her hand, simply watching Aric and Alexandria which managed to make that gentle grin of hers more sincere. They seemed so happy, something neither of them had expected. It was such a beautiful thing and she couldn't help but feel envious. Green eyes eventually drifted to find Orin lounging against the wall with some young floozy hanging around him. Her laughter made one of Cass' eyes to twitch, but it was very hard not to laugh herself because Orin's expression was priceless. He really did not want to be here. So, while people drifted to the open floor to dance, Cassandra was rising up from her seat to wander her way closer to the security captain and his chatty companion, seeming to have a purpose. Just as it appeared like she was about to interrupt them to ask Orin for a dance, she changed course at the last moment to request it of another nameless nobleman. He happily agreed with his wife's blessing, and Cassandra followed him to the dance floor; throwing a smirk over her shoulder at Orin. He "didn't dance", so she couldn't save him.

[ALEXANDRIA] She had vowed to Aric that she would do everything in her power to make him happy and keep him out of that darkness, and she meant that with all of her heart. They were husband and wife now, and had already overcome so much. She knew they would be able to work through anything else that came their way. They had to. She laughed at Aric's response about his whiskey intake. She didn't blame him for thinking that. He and Orin were obnoxious funny in their drunken state. Though, she thought Aric was rather cute. Her eyes wandered around the room, catching sight of Edward and his wife, and she frowned seeing the tension between them. As Aric pulled her to him and kissed her brow, she smiled and looked up at him. And as if she read his mind she spoke gently and quietly to him, "You're nothing like him...." She squeezed his hand gently and pulled away from him. "Please excuse me?" She reluctantly let go of his hand as she walked backwards from him for a moment before she turned and made her way to Edward and Eleesa. She stood next to the queen and interrupted. "Your majesty? I'm so sorry to interrupt... I was hoping we could talk?" She hoped the queen would come with her, if just to get away from her husband for a moment.

[EDWARD] He laughed at his wife's comment and shook his head, downing the rest of the contents in his glass, before he spoke. "They are not whores, wife. They are my mistresses. Whores belong in the brothels...I do not visit brothels." He scoffed and had been about to say something else, but Alexandria was interrupting and taking his wife away. He rolled his eyes and waved his wife away before he got up from the table and walked off so he could mingle.

[ORIN] He had stopped paying attention to the woman as Cassandra stood and looked as if she were walking his way to hopefully save him, but she did not. She walked right by him and asked another man to dance. He had told her he didn't dance and he probably would have declined anyway if she had asked him. He glanced around, seeing that his sister walked away from her new husband, leaving him alone. So he interrupted the woman with whatever she was saying to him, "excuse me.." and he walked off and over to Aric. He offered the man a small smile as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Congratulations... brother." He smirked slightly. "I am good with whiskey for a while, but it's be nice to get a drink every once in a while..." He laughed, and then got very serious. "Please take care of her. If you hurt her, I'll kill you myself. " his tone was only half joking.

[ARIC] Alexandria was trying to console him, but...what if he ever did get that way? It was in his blood, and he had practically already gotten that way after Maria's death. "Of course," he told her while she excused herself, watching as she went to Eleesa and managed to pull her away from Edward. He grinned, taking a few sips of his wine before Orin was approaching him. The mention of the bloody whiskey again had him chuckle. "I'm afraid to ever drink with you again..." he joked lightly, but some of that was still truth. Then Orin's tone got fairly serious, and he paused to look at him. He knew he wasn't serious (alright, not entirely serious), but still. Aric turned to face him, looking at him with a look similar to his own. "You know by now that I'd never intentionally hurt her in anyway." Even if Orin really did know, he had to say it again.

[ELEESA] Feeling the tears beginning to well up in her eyes at his response, as if she and her emotions didn't matter, the queen was thankful for Alexandria's interruption. Eleesa rose up swiftly from her seat to go to the woman's side, swallowing the hard lump in her throat as they walked away from Edward. Her hands shook as she tried to smooth out the skirt of her dress. "Is there something you need?" she asked sweetly.

[CASSANDRA] The Duchess was quickly taken by surprise, because this older gentleman was able to keep up with her and lead her across the floor. She was even giggling as the dance was a group one and she was ducking beneath another's arm, spinning around another to come back to the man. He was a Count, if she remembered correctly, and he was the politest other noble she'd met this far. In the midst of the dance, Cassandra noticed how Alexandria whisked Eleesa away and Orin had approached Aric. She was still grinning, glad to see these two kingdoms so easily merging now.

[ALEXANDRIA] She took Eleesa's hand and led her away from the table she had been sitting with. She offered her a warm smile, as if she didn't know what was going on and just had amazing timing for pulling her away. She shook her head, "no of course not. I just wanted to..." She paused, trying to think of an excuse. "Talk. We haven't had a chance to with me getting wounded and trying to recover...and then planning this wedding. " She sighed softly. "I hope you are not angry we held your husband prisoner..." She frowned slightly because she really wasn't sorry. It helped benefit them. "And I do hope we can be friends. I want you to know you will always be welcome here... and can call on me for anything at all." She lightly squeezed her hand before releasing it and pulling off one of her bracelets, offering it up to her. "So you will remember my friendship when we are apart."
Alexandria might not be able to help her with Edward, but she could at least offer her friendship and someone to confide in. She could hopefully lighten her mood, even if just a little. "Come dance with me?" Alexandria clutched Eleesa's arm, hopeful she would agree to join in with the others dancing on the floor.

[ORIN] Yes, he'd probably lay off the whiskey for a while now. He hadn't even reached for the wine tonight. At least not yet. He laughed at Aric's comment and shook his head. "Oh stop. You enjoyed it." He looked to Aric as he mirrored his own expression. "Mm...I know. Just making sure." He looked to Edward who was flirting with some lady and he looked back at Aric, brows raised, with a look as if he were asking him if he'd be like his brother with the infidelity. "That counts as being hurtful, too...." He suddenly felt like he had been punched in the gut. He was being hypocritical now...look at what he and Cassandra were doing. They were hurting Henry. He didn't know why he hadn't really thought about that until now.

[ARIC] The prince laughed again. Yes, he had enjoyed it, whatever parts of that night he could remember. If had made him feel better about a lot of things, knowing that Orin wasn't out to kill him. Not intentionally, anyway. The man's next words struck a chord in him though, because he had noticed Orin looking his brother's way. "I would hope you knew me a little better by now..." The mirth had left his voice and became stern. Orin didn't know him well, of course, but he knew him better...and Aric figured his affections were Alexandria were clear and how much he despised Edward and his ways. Still, Orin had to play the protective brother, he knew... didn't mean that insinuation didn't hurt.

[ELEESA] For a moment, she felt ashamed. She was a visitor in this quaint kingdom and had barely gotten to know its queen. Granted, some of that had been her husband's fault, but still. Perhaps she should have made a bigger effort. So, her smile was small and perhaps a little embarrassed. Upon the mention of Edward's imprisonment, "It was...a little unusual," she confesses, wringither hands together. "But I do not fault you for needing to do it." Eleesa might appear meek and compliant, but that did not mean she didn't understand what was happening around her. She knew why the Aralorians had been suspicious of him. Her face lit up at the mention of friendship. "I would like that very much so. Thank you." A more genuine smile fell onto her features with the gift, wishing she had something to offer in return. She currently wore so little jewels. Fortunately, all of this was enough to keep her from noticing Edward in the process of finding his next whore. "Dance?" she asked in alarm. Taken by the arm, she was led to the dance floor where a group of people formed lined and intermingled with spins and sidesteps. As she attempted to fall into step, Eleesa finally laughed. A true hearted sound.

[ORIN] At Aric's response, Orin simply nodded and then shrugged. "But I don't know you all that well... just have the hope to know you wouldn't ever..." He sighed quietly. "Just... don't give up on her.. or your marriage." Was he really giving marriage advice? He was probably the last person to take this sort of advice from, but he spoke out of protection for his sister. He didn't want to see her crumble. And he saw how she looked at Aric. He didn't want that to ever fall away from her.
Orin squeezed Aric's shoulder firmly. "Welcome to the family, anyway. I'm here if you need anything."

[ALEXANDRIA] She grinned at Eleesa's response and dragged her onto the dance floor and she'd join in, too, quickly falling into step and laughing along with everyone else. She'd glance over to Aric, noticing the serious expressions on his and Orin's face, wondering what they were talking about or if Orin was starting another argument with him, like the ball. How fitting would that be? She wondered if they'd get along still outside of their drunken state.
She pushed the thoughts out of her mind when she saw Orin place his hand on Aric's shoulder, and she smiled. If Aric had. Aught her glance, she'd flash him a smile as she continued dancing along with the music, grabbing Cassandra at one point and Eleesa so they could twirl together.

[ARIC] It didn't matter how much or little they knew about each other...it still bothered him. Aric tried to push it aside, trying to believe Orin was just, again, being overprotective. 'Just...don't give up on her...or your marriage.' Because he thought Aric might? Did he have some sort of inclination that that was ever going to happen. The squeeze to his shoulder only eased his mood a little, and the prince could find all he could respond with was a nod and a light smile that didn't reach his eyes. It only did when he saw Alexandria's gaze falling their way. He wasn't going to repeat any of that or how small Orin's words had made him feel, intentionally or not. He finished the rest of his wine very quickly.

[ELEESA] Mid-turn, she caught sight of Edward and it made her falter in her step. Perhaps it shouldn't bother her anymore, maybe she should be used to it by now...but it still hurt her. Deep within her heart. Their marriage had been arranged, as with most royal marriages...but maybe she had still clung to that hope of having a happy one. Did he ever love her? These horrible thoughts were thrown aside as Alexandria dragged Cassandra into the dance, the three of them were now happily dancing by themselves in the middle of the dancing crowd.

[CASSANDRA] Completely delighted by this Count keeping up with her for as long as he did. But he had to beg her forgiveness and excuse himself, kissing her hand to go back to his wife. He was "too old for these things", he'd said. Before she could seek out another partner, the queen was drawing her into the middle of the room where she already had Eleesa. All eyes had fallen to them, some questioning the strangeness of it all... especially when Cassandra hiked up the hem of her skirt a little bit and kicked off her heels. Fuck propriety for a little bit. It was time to have fun! Laughing, she had each of their hands as they twirled around in a circle to the music.

[ORIN] He noticed Aric seemed a bit upset by his concern, so he sighed and shook his head, his own eyes trailing over to where Alexandria, Cassandra and the Tresterian queen were dancing. He couldn't help but smile and he began to point something out to Aric. "See how happy she looks?" He glanced at Aric then before he finished his point. "I haven't seen her smile like that in a very long time... That's because of you..." He folded his arms over his chest and sighed. "I did not mean to offend or accuse you of anything.... I just...." he shrugged his shoulders, "don't want to see that smile fade again.... and that darkness take her away again..." He was sure Aric would understand.

[EDWARD] Oh how he loved willing subjects. Especially the ones who threw themself right at him and made it easy. Though he did enjoy a challenge every once in a while. As the lady was gushing over him, he let his gaze drift to where his wife, cousin and the queen of Aralore danced. He found himself staring at the queen as she danced and laughed. She was quite a vision. When the music changed to a slow song, he excused himself from the woman and moved onto the dance floor, finding Alexandria. He bowed to her and extended his hand. "May I?"

[ALEXANDRIA] She was having fun with Cassandra and Eleesa, as they went against the crowd and danced their own dance, mostly twirling in a circle. When the song came to an end, Alexandria was laughing hard, catching her breath and trying to steady herself from the dizziness of spinning. Suddenly, Edward was in front of her asking for his dance she had already agreed to. Her widened smile slowly shortened, but she kept a polite smile on her lips and nodded, "of course, your majesty..." But her stomach started to knot itself. Her eyes looked up to Eleesa as if asking her permission, but Edward quickly grabbed her hand and dragged her into his arms to sway along with him in the slow waltz. She had a hard time looking at him, at first, but eventually did and she forced a smile to him, staying quiet as he led her in the dance.

[EDWARD] He would move Alexandria away from his wife to avoid her hearing any of what he'd have to say to her. Because this was business. His business.
When Alexandria looked at him, he grinned, tightening his grip on her hand and her waist. He spoke quietly, so only the queen's ears would hear. "I think I had you all wrong..." he spoke gently. "And I think I've made the wrong impression on you, unfortunately. Which I am sorry for." He spoke with a genuine tone, making it hard for anyone to believe whether or not he meant his words. "You...." he paused for a moment before he continued. "Are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen... And I think I've made a mistake in giving you to my brother. You should be with me instead. You should belong to me.. Queen of Aralore and Tresteria..." He pulled her closer so she couldn't walk away from him. "Aric will get bored of you and he will treat you as I treat my wife... it's how we are, unfortunately. I've seen him at his worst... he'll shut you out...be an ass to you... maybe find other ladies to satisfy him... our father was the same..." He turned to look at his wife before he continued. "Look at how miserable my wife is with me... you'll get that way with Aric... But not with me... because you're beauty is just too much to" He leaned in and kissed Alexandria's neck before whispering in her ear, "to not be satisfied with...."

[ALEXANDRIA] At first, she thought Edward was genuinely apologizing to her for all the trouble he was giving her. But when he started admitting to her that he wanted her and she was something to be given to Aric but belonged to him...she wanted to step away from him, but he tightened his grip around her and continued and spoke poorly of Aric, filling her mind with dread and worry about her and his future. The expression on her face clearly showed she was not happy and he was striking a nerve with her. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her blood was boiling in anger. How fucking dare he? She tried to break away from him, but he was gripping her wrist hard and not allowing her to leave. She tried to block him out but he was suddenly leaning in and kissing her neck? Her eyes widened and she tried desperately to free herself from his grip. He was hurting her as he was squeezing where her wound on her side was and leaving red marks around her wrist. She narrowed her eyes at him and spoke harshly. "Let me go, now..."

[ARIC] He did understand, which is why he didn't respond in any sort of offensive way. Still, it got him thinking...and worrying about things that he knew he shouldn't. It was so difficult to believe he was any different from his brother when Edward was flaunting himself all over the place. Aric's eyes never removed themselves from Alexandria, though, even while Orin spoke and tried to console him in some sort of way. "I'm just...worried now," he confessed, although it was meant to be more of a thought to himself. Weird thing was, he wasn't sure what exactly he was concerned about, but he couldn't shake this sudden feeling that something might happen. He couldn't dream of parting from her in any way right now.

[ELEESA] She was having fun. More than she had in quite awhile...but when her husband intervened and requested a dance from the queen, she felt that dread at the pit of her stomach, that sadness taking hold. He was drunk, and he was always far worse when he was intoxicated. Sometimes he really didn't even know what he was doing. Still, this seemed deliberate. And while he pulled the queen to the side, she felt Cassandra taking her by the shoulders to draw her even further away.

[CASSANDRA] It was only a matter of time before her cousin made a mess of things. She just didn't realize how bad it was going to get until it did. While she drew Eleesa away, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, she was looking back over her own to watch Edward and Alexandria. It seemed innocent enough...until it wasn't. "Fuck," she murmured under her breath, pulling the Tresterian queen with her towards her sane cousin and Orin. "Aric..." she was saying to warn him, but she knew immediately that he had seen the display, and she swore she felt his anger rise right off of him. Eleesa was near tears in her arms, murmuring about what she could have possibly done to deserve this treatment...and Cassandra didn't know what to say. It was just how it was. It was the way of royalty and nobility alike. The two of them never had a choice in the matter. It was all like a bloody game to Edward. "I know," she soothed. "I'm sorry."

[ARIC] Damn right he had seen it because he hadn't taken his eyes from Alexandria for a second. He hadn't known what to make of it at first, but then his own brother leaned in towards his wife's neck, and he nearly saw red. Aric heard Cassandra as she neared, but he barely acknowledged her. Drunk or not, Aric would take him out if he absolutely had to. And he kind of wanted to. He broke from Orin's side immediately and long strides carried him up to the pair. The room was already beginning to get quiet, some having noticed the Tresterian king's advances, some only wondering now what was happening. God help him, but he might run his own brother through with that beautiful blade Alexandria had given him. Fingers were wrapping around Edward's wrist as he held onto the queen's, tightening but not as harshly as he could. It would still hurt, and the rage was quite obvious in those menacing dark depths as he leaned in for his brother to hear, seething, "Let go of my wife, or I will break every fucking finger of your wandering hands..."

[ORIN] His brows furrowed as he looked at Aric confused. "Worried about what?" But Aric was watching Alexandria and something was happening between her and Edward. He could see the look on his sister's face. When Cassandra and the Tresterian queen make their way over to them, Aric was already moving towards the two on the dance floor. He frowned, thinking he should stop him to prevent a scene. But he didn't, he would have acted the same way. And if Aric didn't go to his sister's rescue, he would have. His gaze turned to Cassandra and he frowned. He didn't know what to say, especially with the Tresterian queen so upset. So he stood there, waiting and ready should he need to step in to break up a fight.

[ALEXANDRIA] The tight grip around her wrist began to drag her into that darkness from her past, reminding her of being handled in such a way. He wouldn't release his grip no matter how hard she tried to get away. Then Aric was there, with his own grip around Edward's wrist. She was fighting tears out of panic, and when Edward finally let go of her, she rushed to Aric and buried her face into his chest. She was trembling with fear.

[EDWARD] The queen wasn't hearing or understanding him. No one denied the king, and here she was fighting him to be released. He wouldn't give up so easily. He pulled her in even closer, his grip tightening harder around Alexandria's wrist. "You will see.... and when you do... You can find me and...." Before he could finish, Aric was there grabbing his wrist and threatening him. He laughed and let go of Alexandria, watching as she rushed to Aric. He shook his head and looked to Aric. "She has disrespected me!" Yes, he was going to throw the blame on Aric's wife now. How dare she deny him? He needed to have her and it wasn't fair his younger brother had such a beautiful and strong woman. He laughed, "you begged me to get out of this marriage... I should have listened to you...married her myself, maybe." He admitted to Aric, loudly so Alexandria could hear that Aric didn't want her and had begged him to stop the arrangement. "How could you beg to get out of a marriage with that? You're a damned fool, Aric.. A woman like that needs someone like me... who can give her babies without dying off. Are you going to kill this wife too? Deny yourself another heir? Go back to being your miserable self again? Let's just cut all that out and give her to me."

[ARIC] The moment Edward let go of her, Aric kept her close and secure against his chest, knowing very well why she was shivering. He didn't need to see the fear in her eyes to understand...and that infuriated him. His brother didn't know, but he shouldn't have been doing this in the first place. And he wouldn't just leave it there. Edward kept letting his mouth move, and Aric wasn't sure if it was what he truly felt or he was being an inebriated jackass. But he was being loud and sputtering out things he shouldn't have. The more Edward said, the more Aric's rage was resurfacing. Every muscle in his body tensed, his jaws visibly clenching as his blood boiled in anger that he feared he might lash out. The king could try and say all he wanted- Alexandria already knew had had reservations at the beginning, she understood how he felt now...but to bring up Isabelle was a step too far. There was no way he could ignore that. After he gently urged his wife aside, everything happened to quickly. There was no warning as his fist slammed straight into Edward's face at blinding speed and with a force that might knock him straight off his feet. His brown eyes managed to darken, seething with that rage as they bore down on his brother. He was gesturing with that same hand for the guards to come closer, "Take this man out of my sight!" Before he beat him bloody. It was taking every ounce of his will to simply stand there now.

[CASSANDRA] Meeting Orin's eyes as Eleesa now cried on her shoulder, there was nothing to say. It was all out in the open now. Edward, the drunken fool, was making everything loud and blatantly obvious, and further proving how much she couldn't go back to Tresteria. This was what he was like. He cared little for anyone else around him, taking what he thought he deserved, forcing others to do his bidding even against their will. He couldn't even seem to care about the mother of his own children. "I'm so sorry..." she whispered to the woman again, murmured into her hair as she kissed her brow. As the king rambled on, it was clearly too much for his wife to handle and she was dismissing herself in a fit of tears, running from the library. "Eleesa!" she called after her in a whisper before her attention was drawn back to the horrid display...and Edward said the worst thing imaginable. A loud gasp fled her lips, one she tried to suppress with her hand before Aric's fist flew.

[ORIN] He frowned as Eleesa ran off, and he gave Cassandra a look before he decided it would be best if he head on over there. Just in case he needed to interfere. He walked over to where Aric held Alexandria, as Edward continued to ramble on and say things that he shouldn't be saying. He could see Aric fuming. So when he urged Alexandria aside, Orin took her into his own arms and held her out of the way. He didn't know what Edward meant by killing his wife? And babies dying off? But whatever it was, even Orin knew it was uncalled for. So he wouldn't stop Aric as he went at the man and threw a fist into his face. He moved Alexandria behind him and took a step forward, as if to stop Aric from doing anything further, but he was yelling to the guards to take Edward away. He relaxed a bit and drew Alexandria into his side.

[EDWARD] He didn't see it coming. Aric's fist. He hit him so hard he fell to the floor. Stunned, he laid there for a moment, hearing his brother yell to get him out of his sight. He tried to stand to go after Aric, but he tripped and fell, still dazed from the blow. Then the guards were grabbing him and dragging him out before he could say or do anything further.

[ALEXANDRIA] She clung to Aric until he moved her aside, still shaken up. But Edward was saying things she knew would anger Aric even more than he already was. Orin came and took hold of her, and she frowned, turning to watch as Aric struck his brother. She flinched and tensed up, hoping it did not get any further than that. Edward deserved it though... For everything he had just said and did. As Orin prepared to cut in if he needed to, she just stood there, eyes widened and scared. The guards were taking Edward away, and Alexandria rushed over to Aric and wrapped her arms around him and started crying. "I'm so sorry, Aric... I..." She cut herself off and just fell silent. She was still shaking.

[ARIC] He didn't move. He stared down at his pathetic brother as he struggled to get up. Aric couldn't speak, couldn't even take another step as his fists shook at his sides, fighting the urge to kick him while he was down. When the guards hauled the king away, he finally turned away, shaking his hand with a wince. He had struck him far harder than he anticipated. It was a good thing he hadn't broken it...or Edward's damn nose, though he probably came close. Suddenly, he felt Alexandria's small weight as she embraced him, instantly beginning to dissipate that anger inside him. His knuckles bled only a little, but he was careful not to stain her dress when he hugged her back. She would be able to feel his heart still thundering in his chest, the way he stuttered when he attempted to talk. What Edward had said struck him deeply, and he was desperately trying to forget it. But now, all he could see were the cold faces of Maria and their child that barely drew a breath. "Why are you sorry?" he managed to ask quietly, taking her face in one hand to try and wipe her tears away. "It should be me apologizing for what he has done." Except, it was no one's fault but Edward's.

[CASSANDRA] All she could do was stand there helplessly as everything went down. Fortunately, Orin had gone over in case things got worse...because, after what Edward had said, she was expecting Aric to retaliate far more than he already had. The fact that he only struck him down once was surprising. She would have murdered him. The scary thing was, she was letting her mind linger a little too long on that idea...how she could slip something into his drink, his food...a poison that took its time in small doses before it was too much and his heart couldn't take it... Cassandra realized that she was crying, her vision blurring as she watched Alexandria go to her cousin and embrace him. It was the first time she realized the musicians had stopped playing their music and all eyes were on them. That sonofabitch ruined everything. She needed wine.

[ORIN] Well then. That was.... something. He sighed, watching as Alexandria went to Aric and was apologizing to him? The woman needed to stop holding everything on her own shoulders. He slowly stepped away, now that the situation was under control, and he spoke out to everyone who had stopped and were staring. "Everything is fine... Go back as you were." He motioned to the musicians to start playing again, and they complied. He needed a drink now. He moved over to a servant that held a tray of wine and he took a glass, downing it quickly. There was one in every family. He smirked at that thought and shook his head.

[ALEXANDRIA] She could feel his heart thundering in his chest, and she placed her hand over it, fingers clutching to him softly as she rested her head against him. Her wrist was red and beginning to bruise from Edward's grip, and she was still trembling from it all. She didn't know why she was apologizing to Aric, other than hoping he did not think she was trying to make advancements towards his brother, or that she had provoked him somehow. She was used to men coming on to her, and she was typically ok with politely turning them down. But Edward didn't give her the chance, nearly forcing himself on her. He had blamed her for disrespecting him. She shook her head. "I don't know... I am just sorry he said those things to you....I'm sorry I was the reason to come between you two..."

[ARIC] Feeling her shaking against him, it was only making it harder to get over his fear. He barely noticed people were staring until Orin spoke up and the music began to play again. He didn't know what anyone else would think of it, but Aric didn't want to care. Simply holding Alexandria close to him, he ushered her off to the side, taking her gently by the arm so that he could examine her wrist. A bad mix of concern and rage filled his eyes, before he brought her hand to his lips so that he could gently kiss that hurt flesh; holding her hand soon after between both of his own. "You didn't do anything, I promise," he said, his voice wavering. He was still struggling to forget it all, but it was proving harder than he thought. "He has always been this way. He shouldn't have touched you..." Dear God, give me strength... "I'm so sorry." It was his turn to apologize into her hair after drawing her in to kiss the top of her head.

[CASSANDRA] She didn't know what to do. Even while the music began to play and people attempted to go back to normal, she spaced out before feet carried her to the door. Cassandra had the sole intention of checking up on Eleesa- she should have followed her- but when she opened the door to step out, she paused at the sight of one of the Tresterian queen's handmaidens already trying to calm her down. Green eyes met the worried one's of the woman who gestured and nodded to let her know that she had it under control. Drawing in a staggered breath, she stepped back into the library to watch the scene in front of her. After a moment, it almost seemed like nothing had happened. Could this night be salvaged? Snatching a glass of wine from a passing servant, she was prepared to down it all in one breath. Maybe it would be strong enough.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes remained on Aric as he ushered her out of the crowd and off to the side. She watched as he examined her wrist, and noticed his own knuckles were bleeding. She frowned, and started to glance around for something she could use to to dab the blood off his hands. But Aric was speaking to her and she returned her eyes to him. He was apologizing to her now and she shook her head, embracing him gently. She didn't know what to say. It wasn't his fault, either--but she knew he was being empathetic with her and knowing her past how badly it had shaken her up. Finally, she let out a deep breath she had been holding, and she looked him in the eyes, her hand resting on his cheek. "Thank you for stopping him and for standing up for me..." She could sense that he was uneasy now, and she hated that, only wishing she could take the bad thoughts that were clouding his mind away. So she leaned into him and pressed her lips to his, hoping to do just that. She pulled away just for a moment to whisper against his lips. "Come back to me... Everything is okay now..." She kissed him gently and passionately, not caring who saw them or what they would think. All that mattered right now was them.

[ORIN] He glanced around the room, relieved that people were beginning to get over what had just happened and were back to dancing and having fun again. The musicians were playing a fast upbeat song, probably to help out with that. He saw Cassandra and her unease, so he slowly stepped up to her and spoke quietly and gently. "Are you alright?" He asked, concern showing on his face. She had been crying and he could tell. He glanced over to where Alexandria and Aric were and knew he didn't have to worry about her--Aric was taking care of her, so he'd make sure Cassandra was alright.

[ARIC] This was not how he wanted this day to end. They should've all been laughing and smiling, maybe even getting a little drunk themselves. This was their wedding day and, somehow, Edward managed to make it about him. Managed to possibly ruin the mood and one of the happiest days of his life in a long time. Aric wanted to punch him again, but Alexandria was coaxing him out of that so-called darkness, drawing her back to him and what was more important. "I'd never let anyone hurt you..." he swore; a soft, rage-filled growl sounding within his throat. He'd have meet Edward down further if he didn't have control to reel himself back in. Slowly, he was beginning to see red again, but she was leaning in closer, clearing his vision that had begun to blur with unshed tears. He couldn't remember the past, he couldn't remember his idiot brother...he had to, simply, be here and now. And her lips helped do just that. She was murmuring then, pulling him even more into the present before allowing him to slant his mouth hard against hers; an arm wrapping around her back gently. The kiss was passionate yet filled with sorrow, perhaps even fear and desperation as though he truly worried his past would plague him all over again with Alexandria. He couldn't let Edward's words get to him. Not now.

[CASSANDRA] Half that glass of wine was already gone, and she was holding it in front of her while eyes examined the dark, red liquid. It was strange- she didn't know whether to be upset or angry, or maybe both...even though Edward's antics hadn't directly affected her. But it had affected everyone else she loved, and now she was furious about it. When Orin came over and asked that question, she didn't even look at him. "That is what he does. He believes the world is his fuckin' playground, his chessboard...and we are all the pieces in his game." Cassandra finally turned to regard him, a strange look in her eyes. "I will not go back with him." Bringing the glass to her lips, she tilted her head back to finish the rest of the wine before speaking again, her voice quiet, "I'll poison his fucking wine if I have to." It was clear she had had a few glasses already, but regardless, she was speaking treason. However, the scary thing was, Cass was dead serious. Now, if she could only keep Eleesa and the boys here and safe...but she wasn't so sure it was possible…

[ALEXANDRIA] The tone in his voice nearly gave her chills when he swore to her he'd never let anyone hurt her. There was rage in him, and she truly believed that he meant those words. Orin had that same tone when it came to protecting her. She placed her hands on Aric's face, that jasmine and warm vanilla scent on her wrists would perhaps draw him in even more to her. He was fading from her and heading into that darkness of his past--just as she had done. He had been able to pull her out of it and keep her with him, so she tried to do the same for him. Her words gentle and soothing as she tried to urge him back to her. When he kissed her back, she wrapped her arms tightly around him and poured all of her passion and love and appreciation for him into that kiss, trying to pull that sorry and worry from him.

[ORIN] He frowned as Cassandra went off on her rant, but he'd not stop her, and he'd let her go on for as long as she needed. He glanced over to where her husband had sat earlier, to see if he was still there, or if he had left during the commotion. He wanted to embrace her, but he was refraining. His gaze turned back to her when she began threatening to poison the king. Whether she was joking or not, (which he didn't think she was), if the wrong person heard her, she'd be locked up herself, and perhaps put to death--especially if anything happened to Edward. He took hold of her arm and pulled her away from the crowd, leaning into her slightly to whisper in her ear. "You cannot say things like that out loud... If the wrong person hears..." He sighed. He didn't know what else to say or do. So when the music slowed again he offered her his hand. "Dance with me?" It was his stupid attempt at trying to calm her.

[ARIC] That scent was pulling, intoxicating, and calming. He knew he was drifting away even if he wanted desperately to stay here, in the present with her. She became that very lifeline he needed, the very hook to reel him back in with that kiss that he poured his entire being into. He loved her, perhaps desperately and feverishly so. He couldn't bear the thought of another having her, couldn't let another touch her in any sort of way. He'd have cut off his own brother's hand if it had come to it, and that was a maddening thought, indeed. Eventually the darkness went away, and he remained there with her, engulfed in the very essence of her. Subconsciously, he picked up on the change of music and began to sway ever so slightly with her securely in his arms, none too bothered by their public display of affection. At least, if the people truly needed to know, Edward's words were proven false, because they seemed to only have eyes- and lips- for each other.

[CASSANDRA] Were she not drowning in a few glasses of wine already, she would have been quieter about it. But would she have spoken so brashly? Probably. Everyone had a breaking point, and perhaps Cassandra was already at hers, or close. She was tired of that man treating everyone like his own personal plaything. Even in a land not his own, he thought he could gain control. Well, what would happen if she had the control? Too busy with these dark thoughts, she hadn't noticed that Charles was helping Henry up from his seat to escort him from the room. A few others were beginning to leave as well, but not many just yet. She barely acknowledged Orin still until he was ceasing her by the arm and dragging her away from prying ears, whispering that warning. "They would probably thank me," she replied right back, sounding so matter-of-fact, as though being the king's cousin somehow made her untouchable. A foolish thought she wouldn't have had sober, of course. At his question, which was so very random to her all of a sudden, she laughed. "You don't dance..."

[ALEXANDRIA] She could almost feel it as he slowly emerged out of that darkness and back to her. When she felt him completely give into her, she deepened that kiss and remained so close to him, her hands pressing against his back. She loved him more than she could say, but Edward's words were bothering her more than she should allow them to. Would Aric really grow tired of her and become like Edward? She didn't know him too well, but she knew Aric, and he had been the most selfless person since coming to Aralore. It was that thought, that made her feel like Edward was probably grasping at whatever he could to try and convince her she had made a mistake in marrying him. She couldn't bear the thought of Aric straying to other women. What if he got tired of her and eventually became frustrated with her unable to give him a child? All of these poisonous thoughts began to pull her away from Aric now and tears began to sneak their way out of her closed eyelids. She whimpered into their kiss and tried to deepen that kiss, to feel his love and that everything would be alright.

[ORIN] He shook his head. "I don't." But he was pulling her onto the dance floor anyway, placing one hand on her waist and the other taking her hand. He was bad at it, but he gently swayed with her in his arms, to the sound of the music. He was trying not to think about it too much because this felt horribly foolish to him. Why did people enjoy this? But if it would stop Cass from admitting her treason before she even acted on it, then so be it. When he was certain no one was paying attention to them, he leaned in and whispered in her ear. "I won't let you go back with him..." He wasn't really sure how he'd help in that... But he'd think of something.

[ARIC] He wasn't an easy man to live with. Aric was certain he had told her this numerous times before, and was only half joking a couple of those times. He could be broody, anger easily...but he loved fiercely. If he had known she was worrying about what his brother had claimed, he probably would be at a loss for words. He didn't know how he could prove it anymore than he already had that he loved her. There was no one else, and he wanted no one else. Even after Maria's death there had been no one, only his grief and sorrow. Alexandria had breathed new life into him, and he was a far better man because of it. At hearing that gentle whimper, though, he broke away from their kiss to peer down at her; catching her tears with his thumb. "What is it?" he dared to ask quietly, almost afraid to know now.

[CASSANDRA] The Duchess wasn't too far gone from the drink, so she would remember this all in the morning. It was why her confessional idea was so dark, because she was quite aware she had said it. And meant it. Treason or not. Maybe the wine had given her the foolish courage to say it, but she had been thinking it. Eleesa was miserable, and what if those sweet boys grew up to be just like Edward? How many other poor women like Alexandria would he try to ruin? Who would he sell Cassandra off to next, who had the biggest pocket once she became a widow? She had to stop. This was ridiculous and she couldn't ever think she would act upon it. Right? When he drew her out onto the floor and close to him, it slowly began to make that jumbled mind of her concentrate on other things. However, they were beginning to still be the wrong things. The grin on her face was crooked as she looked up at him while he desperately tried to pass this swaying off as...something. At least he was making an effort. But his words made her smile falter a little. "Why?" she asked simply. The wine was making her a bit more brazen indeed. Yet, she wasn't looking for the obvious answer, either; maybe she was prying a little deeper.

[ALEXANDRIA] He broke their kiss because he had noticed something was off with her. And he was asking her what was bothering her. Deep down, she felt and knew that Edward's words were wrong, and it was silly that she was letting them get to her. She felt how much Aric cared and loved her, and she wasn't going to repeat what Edward said to her and that she worried. He was upset enough about the things he did hear him say. She looked up at him and shook her head, placing a hand on his cheek. "Nothing... I am just so happy to have you in my life. I am afraid, though....and I am trying not to fear it.." She tried to swallow that lump in her throat. "Every time I have given my heart... It has lead to catastrophe..."

[ORIN] He did warn her that he didn't dance, so she couldn't really hold that against him. He held her a little closer, daring to do so. Though when she questioned him on why he wouldn't let her go back with Edward, he looked at her confused. Why wouldn't he have a much longer list to why he would. He was silent for a moment, focusing on the way she felt in his arms.. The way she smelled. How the alcohol was giving her that fiery courage. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. "Because..." He fell silent again, almost as if that was all he would say, but then he daringly brushed his lips against her ear as he whispered again, "Because I want you to stay." It was a selfish reason, but it was true. There were other reasons, but for now, he would give her that one as it seemed the most obvious to him.

[ARIC] Something was wrong. He could sense it as well as see it in her eyes. Perhaps it was harder to forget what Edward had done, and maybe the evening couldn't be salvaged, as much as he desperately wished for that. It was hard to mask the concern in his eyes now, even while she tried to tell him it was nothing. Then she was saying a little bit more. Fear it? That made him grow still before she added a bit more of an explanation. He'd lean his forehead against hers in that new yet familiar way he seemed to always do and shut his eyes. "Then we will weather whatever storm comes our way," he told her, surprisingly calm now. At least, for her he would be. "I love you too much to let you go." Maybe he was even saying that she was stuck with him, but he couldn't manage the humorous tone just yet.

[CASSANDRA] It was almost...cute that he was trying to dance. Were she completely in her right mind, she might have teased him about it, but she didn't right now. The only thing she could seem to concentrate on currently was the nearness of him, his warmth, and it took every bit of her to remember where they were. She couldn't lean into him like she wanted to, or reach a hand up to his face, or taste his lips when she had the sudden urge to. And being unable to hurt far too much than she wanted to admit. She felt safe, she felt sane and normal in his arms, and she could do nothing about it except be further tortured by the sound of his voice by her ear. Because I want you to stay. Surprisingly, that made her draw back in small shock, maybe even awe (her mind couldn't fully wrap around it), and stared up at him again. Those lips pursed while she sought for words, to say or ask something else...but the sounds of shouts in the hallway paused her immediately.

[EOIN] Hooves pounded against the cold earth as the hooded figure charged towards the castle- that large, looming building he thought he would never see again. It was black against the already dark night sky, except for the flickering of candles illuminating some of the windows. There was a gathering, he realized as he neared, because carriages were neatly lined up in the front, awaiting their guests at the end of the festivities. Heels dug into the equine's sides, urging it as fast as it could go before he was drawing the tired beast to a halt right through the gates. Guards were immediately asking to identify himself, to state his purpose because he clearly was not dressed to attend any social gathering in those muddy worn leathers. But too consumed in his thoughts, in his purpose, he dismounted and was briskly rushing passed them inside before they could stop them. Shouts would fill the halls as he went, men moving in to restrain him. The way he manuevered or sidestepped was like second nature, as though he knew how they moved and operated. It would seem he didn't need to ask where the party was, because servants were coming in and out of the library. Strange. Before a gloved hand could reach for the handle, he was hauled back by strong hands and forced down to his knees. "I must speak with the queen!" he called out desperately. "You're not getting anywhere near her," one of the men said, perhaps thinking he was someone he wasn't. The other would draw back the hood that concealed his face to reveal a man so familiar to many of this land...but there was a haunted look in his eyes, a tiredness to his features. It was the face of a man long thought dead.

[ALEXANDRIA] She now feared Edward for another reason, and he needed to leave Aralore. Though, at least now as husband and wife it would be acceptable to have Aric staying with her. She trusted he wouldn't let anyone touch her. As long as he was around. And she felt horrible for Eleesa. Would she now hate her because her husband came onto her, even though she wanted nothing to do with him? When Aric leaned his forehead against hers, she closed her eyes too and listened to the sound of his voice, it was soothing to her, especially as he assured her that whatever catastrophe came their way, they would get through it together. At his next comment, she opened her eyes and smiled, pressing her lips against his briefly. "Promise?" She didn't want to lose him, she didn't want him to give up on her. She would never give up on him.

[NAEVA] Not one to be into parties, she had agreed to guard the halls as the reception went on. She had just gotten back after helping with Edward and getting him back to his room. But upon her return, something else was happening. The guards had someone down to their knees, and he was staring he needed to speak with the queen. Was this someone else from Saelis?
She rushed over to help, drawing her sword as she stepped in front of the man and held the point to his throat. "State your purpose!" As the other guards removed the man's hood, she immediately recognized the man. And she stood there shocked, confused and unable to move. Finally, she lowered her sword as she spoke. "Eoin....?" Her voice was filled with confusion. She thought he was.... Dead?

[ORIN] Had he said the wrong thing? She was drawing back from him as he admitted why he wasn't going to let her leave. He wanted to draw her back in, claim her lips, but he could not. He couldn't treat her the way he wanted to and it hurt a bit.
She was about to say something, but the noise out in the hall was distracting. His gaze moved away from her and towards the door. Was Edward making a scene out there? He sighed and placed his hands on Cassandra's shoulders, holding her at a distance. "Now what?" He whispered before he looked back at her. "I'll be right back." He headed towards the door and stepped out just in time to hear Naeva utter a name he thought he'd never hear called again.

[ARIC] "I promise," he told her, and he'd say it a hundred times over if he had to. He was still a little shaken by what had happened, but more so over what it had done to her...and every time he thought about it, he wanted to slam Edward's face into the wall. How dare he touch her and utter such things. Had it truly been the wine, or did his brother really mean all of it? Looking down at her, a hand pressed gently to her face, Aric was about to say more when the commotion out in the hallway garnered his attention. Then Orin was moving to the door which put him on higher alert. Just to be safe, he was ushering Alexandria behind him, catching sight of Cassandra somewhere nearby. His mind immediately went to Saelis and how this might be another assassination attempt. A hand drifted to the hilt of that blade sheathed at his side.

[CASSANDRA] No. It should have been the wrong thing, but it wasn't. That was why she appeared so confused, so lost in what was right to feel and what was wrong. When his hands went to her shoulders, her own were gripping his arms in alarm. Something was happening out in that hallway and she almost didn't let him go. But she nodded quickly, stepping further back when he went to the door to investigate.

[EOIN] Sometimes, he wondered if he had died. Sometimes it didn't feel real, especially now being in this familiar place, the coarse stone beneath his knees. Eoin looked thinner and somehow older, as though he had aged far more than just the brief time he had been away. Bright eyes lifted to glance up the spans of that shining blade to find the woman's face; a small smile curling up the corner of his mouth. "Hello, Naeva..." By the look on her face, she certainly wasn't expecting to see him. If ever again. How long had he been gone? Time had been such a blur and he could no longer keep track. The library door open and his attention was instantly shifting to find Orin there. All he wanted to do was ask for Alexandria, but something suddenly felt off and wrong.

[ALEXANDRIA] Her lips slowly formed a smile as Aric promised her. She believed him, and it made all of what Edward had said about him start to fade from her worrying mind. She looked into his eyes as he touched her face and he looked as if he were about to say something but there was that noise from out in the hall. She could have sworn she heard whomever it was, say they needed to speak with her. But Aric was urging her to get behind him. She suddenly thought that she should start carrying at least a knife on her. "Now what?" She uttered to Aric. Why couldn't they just enjoy their night together without trouble? She placed her hand on Aric's back, and though she stayed somewhat behind him, she was glancing around him towards the commotion. Mostly so she could be prepared if something was about to happen.

[NAEVA] She was a bit in shock. How was he here? Her eyes widened as he said her name. "....You're *alive *?" Her voice was broken as she question him, perhaps giving him the clue that they all presumed him dead. She lifted a hand to the guards, motioning them to let him go. The doors of the library were opening and she looked behind her to see Orin come out to check on the commotion. She gave him a puzzled look before turning back to Eoin. That confusion never leaving her face.

[ORIN] He nearly halted in his steps when his eyes fell upon Eoin. What in the actual fucking hell? His brows furrowed, eyes slightly widened as his mind began to try to make sense of this. They hadn't actually found his body.... but what happened to him? And he was just coming back now? At the worst possible time ever. He needed to do something. Alexandria couldn't see him. No. This might....most definitely would ruin the night, if Edward hadn't already. He finally shut the door behind him and shook his head. "What are you doing here?" Was all zorin could manage to say. Obviously he knew why, but why after all this time did he decide to come back? Did he realize what his disappearance did to Alexandria?

[ARIC] Yes, what was happening? They were standing there for a good few moments after that door was closed. No one was coming into tell them what was going on, there was no more shouts or scuffles of footsteps. It made him uneasy. His gaze shifted to to Alexandria as she spoke, but he had no reply. He couldn't take his eyes off of those doors even as Cassandra came closer to them, remaining by the queen's side. The entire room was quiet now except for a few people whispering amongst each other.

[EOIN] He shouldn't have been surprised they thought him dead. In all honesty, he didn't know why he wasn't. Saelis had taken prisoners, and he only expected to last a week. Maybe, after awhile, he wanted them to kill him to end the pain. He had scars along his back, his wrists were still red and raw from the iron shackles they kept him bound in. His chest was still currently healing from a deep slash of a knife when he had managed to escape. The details were still blurry, but he had somehow washed up on shore, only to be tended to by a nice farmer and his daughter. When he realized he made it to Aralore, he immediately rushed here. "I know," he answered Naeva, his voice gruff and disbelieving himself. "I didn't expect to be..." As the guards let him go, he slowly and carefully got to his feet. The adrenaline had worn off and he was feeling every ache in his body now. Orin's words, however, took him off guard. Why shouldn't he be here? "They held me captive...for months," he started to explain. "It was only by the grace of the gods that I escaped, and barely." It was true, Orin never did like him much, but Eoin at least thought there would be some respect after being long thought dead. Apparently. "Where is she?" he finally asked him, his tired eyes flicking to the doors of the library before falling back to the man. Orin didn't need to answer him, he knew. "I need to speak with her, Orin. There is much that needs to be said, something you all need to hear." He motioned to Naeva as well. It appeared she had taken his place among the ranks. "Danger is coming."

[NAEVA] Oh, this was bad. On so many levels. And she didn't know what to do. Orin was closing the door, maybe to prevent Eoin from going in. But he had a right to be here. He was Aralore's military commander. She had fought in the war alongside him. She took a step out of the way, letting Orin handle this.

[ORIN] He just stood there emotionless as Eoin explained what had happened to him. "No. Not months.... a year...." Orin broke the news to him slowly. He shook his head, "Saelis already came and attacked. Your warning is late.... They nearly killed her..." His hand remained on the doorknob of the door. And they nearly took his eye out. "We've already taken care of it and have several prisoners." He sighed, glancing back at the door, making it almost obvious that Alexandria was inside the room. She was going to find out sooner or later, no matter how hard he tried to prevent it. He hung his head and shook it slightly mumbling. "You're not going to like what's behind this door, Eoin... You've been thought dead. For a year..." He said this as gently as he could, knowing very well of the relationship between him and the queen.

[EOIN] A year? That seemed to hit him hard, and they would be able to see the shock of it on his face. Blurry images of being in a small house on a farm, of someone's face looking back at him in a dusty mirror...with his eyes but a beard and hair so long, like he hadn't cut it in weeks. The farmer had clearly cleaned him up a bit, but that still wasn't enough for Eoin to realize it had been that long. As Orin explained Saelis attacked, he was both concerned and confused. "When was this?" he asked almost frantically, taking a step closer to the man. What he saw, what he heard...there was no way that Aralore would have survived it. No, this was something altogether new and they were wasting time standing there debating it. "No, no, no..." he mumbled. "That was the tip of the iceberg, Orin..." Blinking, he stepped back trying to compose himself. Eventually, he was looking at him again, trying not to appear worried by his warning. "I need to see her..." Not just for the kingdom...but for himself.

[ORIN] By the look on Eoin's face, it appeared he had no idea he had been gone for so long. "Last week," he answered simply. But when he explained more was on the way. Orin's jaw clenched and his brows furrowed with worry. What had he heard? He was curious how losing a war and their leader would bring more danger to Aralore. Who was in command now, and why were they after them so badly? When Eoin repeated that he needed to see her, his heart sank and his stomach twisted in knots. A long sigh escaped his lips as he hung his head and slowly opened the door, stepping aside. He did not go in though. He could not bear to see the look on Alexandria's face. Once again, he would be the cause of that look…

[EOIN] Only last week. It was not long ago when he had heard what was going on and made his escape. There was no way the Saelisians could have gotten here faster. That was something else. They were all not safe yet. Looking to Orin, his eyes were practically begging him to open that door, knowing for certain that Alexandria was on the other side. His heart was racing, his hands shaking because he didn't know what to expect. There had been some warning in Orin's voice that he had swiftly ushered to the side. And when one of the doors was open, Eoin was rushing into the beautifully lit library. He stood out like a sore thumb immediately, and no because of how quickly he had entered. Everyone was dressed nicely and in their best. There were banquet tables set up with foot and plenty of wine. Eventually those eyes found a man who was watching him in surprise and confusion. When his attention trailed down his arm and to the woman he was protectively standing in front of, he found her. His heart may have stopped right then and there by the mere sight of her, so beautiful in that pale gown, barely looking any different from the last time he had seen her. "Alexandria..." Eoin finally found his voice, but it cracked as things were slowly beginning to dawn on him. He had been gone a year…

[ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes remained on the door, anxious as they all waited. Orin was out there, was he in danger? It was so quiet. And time seemed to drag on forever. She placed her hand on Aric's arm and was about to ask him if he could go check on things, to make sure Orin was ok. Despite how badly she didn't want Aric to be placed into the danger either. But the door was opening and a figure moved in. Her breath suddenly caught in her throat and she held her breath. She recognized him instantly in just his posture and mannerisms alone. She looked stunned, as if she were quite literally looking at a ghost. Everyone else could see him, right? She slowly released that breath and her voice escaped her in only a staggered whisper that maybe only Aric would be able to hear. "Eoin...?" She took a couple steps closer as if she might be seeing things wrong from that distance. He was worn and older looking, despite only a year of passing.
But he was dead... That's what they had told her. Her hands moved to her mouth in disbelief and her eyes started to well up with tears. This couldn't be real.

[ARIC] She almost didn't need to ask him, because he was about ready to go and look. Things had gotten too quiet out there, even though he swore he heard muffled voices on the other side of that door. It was clear that something was certainly happening, otherwise Orin would have been back by now. His fingers curled tightly around the pommel of that sword, just waiting...before the doors finally opened. He didn't understand some of the gasps at first while a ragged man slowly approached, but he felt how tense Alexandria had suddenly gotten. The stranger only had eyes for her, speaking her name...and before he could even realize what was happening, she was saying his. Eoin. Eoin was alive. His dark eyes dropped to her immediately in shock, in fear, in confusion, watching as she took those steps forward and away from his side, shaking as though she had seen a ghost. Aric didn't know what to do or say, he had even forgotten how to breathe.

[EOIN] No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remove his gaze from her. He was like a zombie, shuffling forward ever so slowly. When she was taking those few steps closer, all he wanted to do was run to her but he was feeling that exhaustion hit him tenfold. "It's me," his voice wavered, his whispered words loud enough to hear amongst everyone in that very silent room. All eyes seemed to be on him, but he didn't care. Eoin pushed himself forward before dropping to his knees in front of her; arms embracing her legs as though he were seeking her forgiveness. She was real. She was warm and real and safe. "I'm sorry...I tried to get out...tried to get here sooner..."

[ALEXANDRIA] She was forgetting how to breathe, too. The room was spinning suddenly. Her heart was racing and she felt as if someone was twisting a knife into her stomach. She couldn't get her voice to work, and he was moving closer to her. No, this wasn't real. She looked behind her at Aric, as if to ask him if he was seeing him too. But the she had arms around her legs. Her gaze quickly turned down to look Eoin, who was very much real, and he was apologizing. He tried to get out? Out of where?
Her hands were trembling at her sides as she just stood there frozen, unsure what to do. Finally she shook her head, her voice escaping her in a panicked shakiness. "No... you... died.... They said you were killed..... in the fires..." Her voice was trailing off, and broken. She couldn't breathe and she was collapsing toward the floor.

[EOIN] He had been gone for too long. Everyone was looking at him with those shocking eyes, even faces he did not even recognize...as if they somehow knew who he was. Eoin felt her shake, trying to argue the logic behind it all even though he was right there in front of her. "I'm alive, I'm right here..." He wanted to explain it all but couldn't find the words. Suddenly, she was beginning to drift away and felt her beginning to collapse. He was already prepared to catch her, but the other man he had seen with her was already rushing over.

[ARIC] So many things were rushing through his head in that very moment. It was like a vice around his heart and he didn't know how to feel. Anyone could see how Alexandria was struggling, unable to believe that this was real...and maybe Aric secretly wished it wasn't. Perhaps this would all be some weird dream he would wake up from. It was selfish of him to want that, but it could not be helped. His feet were already moving, as though he knew she was about to collapse, and he was right there before she completely could, pulling her just a couple steps from Eoin before lowering her down; supporting her against him. "Alexandria?" he asked her, brushing the hair from her face. "Hey, hey, look at me," he soothed, trying to get her to fully wake up.

[CASSANDRA] The Duchess stood there in complete shock. She didn't quite know who this man was, but she suddenly got the inkling when he fell to his knees and embraced Alexandria. A hand flew to her mouth to muffle the gasp. Why couldn't this night go smoothly? Why was God being so cruel to these two? When the queen fainted, Cassandra immediately moved and began ushering people out of the room. They didn't need to see this, any of it. The party was over.

[ORIN] He stood outside the room, dreading to go back in. He didn't want to see what was happening. She was finally happy and had moved on. And now this would stir things up and surely ruin whatever could have been left of this night for them. Yes, why was God being so cruel? As he noticed people leaving, he waited until the flow of people stopped. Eyes fell to Cassandra, as if questioning her if he should really go back in. But he did anyway, and he saw Aric holding her on the floor. She must have fainted. He frowned and just stood there, not knowing what to say or do.

[ALEXANDRIA] She remained unconscious for a good minute or two, but Aric's soothing voice brought her back and she slowly blinked her eyes open to look at him. Her brows furrowed in confusion and she spoke quietly, "what happened?" She must have blacked out. She slowly sat up, but remained seated on the floor, her gaze searching around the now empty room and then back on Eoin. Her hands went to cover her mouth in slight shock, and her eyes began to well up with tears. No, it hadn't been a dream. She shifted slightly, moving closer to Aric as if she were afraid of Eoin.
She couldn't count the number of times she had hoped this would happen...that he would come back to her alive. Somehow. Just... not on her wedding day, after she had finally healed from losing him.

[CASSANDRA] She caught Orin's gaze, not sure what to say or do. This night was suddenly spiraling out of control and she, for once, didn't know how to help. Rushing from the door, she sought for a pitcher of cool water and a clean cloth napkin, dampening it and ringing the excess out. She was making her way back over to Alexandria now as she slowly woke up, draping the cool cloth against the back of her neck.

[ARIC] At the queen's question, he didn't know what to say or how to respond. He only nodded in silent thank you to his cousin when she brought over the cool cloth before he was slightly alarmed at Alexandria moving closer to him...inching away from Eoin. Dark eyes flickered up to the man, wishing that he could look at him in annoyance or even hatred, but he couldn't. There was almost pity in his eyes. It was obvious he had been through hell and back, Aric knew they had loved each other and, clearly, Eoin still did. Alexandria would forever love him, something Aric would never fault her for. But his presence here and now...well, it may change so many things. Trying not to think about it, he turned his attention back down to Alex. "It's alright," he soothed. But his voice cracked a little when he continued, "But he is here...he's here..."

[EOIN] Watching her withdraw from him and curl up into this stranger's arms nearly killed him. It left him speechless, breathless, unable to move. He kept telling himself it had been a year, an entire year she thought he had been dead for...why was he surprised she had moved? Clearly she had by the way Aric was trying to comfort her, the way he held her. He saw the pity in his eyes and it only made things far worse. He hadn't come back expecting this. He hadn't thought he was gone that long. Days blurred together when he was locked away, and it was still a wonder how he managed to survive. Finally, he simply fell back to sit, drawing his knees up in defeat. His head was swarming, he felt ill, and he would just walk right out of there to spare her this heartache (and his own), but danger was looming. Eoin couldn't ignore that. Before anything else, the safety of this kingdom came first. "They took me..." His voice suddenly broke the silence, quiet still. "I tried so hard to get free, but I failed...I knew I had been gone for awhile, but...I didn't realize..." Now he was simply mumbling to himself, running a hand down his face as though that would clear his head. "There was a mutiny on the ship they were taking me away on- I don't know to where...it was the only way I escaped. Weeks ago." There were more details, very minor ones, that he didn't feel were important. "I barely slept or ate so I could make it back here." Those tired eyes lifted to Aric then to Alexandria, where they remained, horrified by the news he carried. "The Saelisian court is at war with itself. I don't know how many have banded together...but they...plan to overthrow Aralore." Eoin had absolutely no idea why. The land was in ruins and not useful to anyone, yet it was still happening. He saw the armies begin to move, he heard the words with his own ears. They were coming.

[ORIN] Footsteps carried him closer to where the others were, but he just stood there, eyes flickering back and forth between Aric and Alexandria and then to Eoin. This whole situation was just.... horrible. He sighed, his own eyes sort of filled with pity for both men. And for Alexandria. He stood there and listened as Eoin spoke, trying to explain what had happened.

[ALEXANDRIA] She hardly noticed the cool cloth on the back of her neck. Her whole body was cold and she was shivering against Aric as he tried to soothe her. He was telling her that Eoin was really there. She wasn't dreaming this. She wasn't being haunted by him. She wasn't imagining this. Her eyes drifted back to Eoin, tears were rolling down her cheeks freely as he tried explaining what had happened. Her mind went back to the war, imagining Thais being captured and thrown into that cell she had once been in before, rotting, tortured, for an entire year. If she had known... If there were any indication that he could have been alive, she would have sent troops to look for him. But there had been a horrible fire in the forest....and the necklace she had given was found on the charred ground. There was no hope in him being alive when there was nothing to give her any hope that he was. She felt so sick to her stomach and she was sobbing into her hands now, feeling horribly guilty that he had to go through all of that. "I'm so sorry, Eoin..." Though her voice came out broken and soft, perhaps barely audible. She was shaking as Eoin explained Saelis was at war with itself and they were coming back to Aralore to try and overthrow them. Had that been what the attack was last week? She lifted her face to look back at Eoin, fear in her eyes. Her voice came out shaken, "But... They attacked us last week... They tried to kill me.." Her hand moved to her side as if her wound was showing, but her dress covered it. "We killed or captured them all..." She repeated what Orin had previously told him. She didn't want to imagine there was still danger. That there were worse things coming their way.

[EOIN] He thought he was going to be ill. After ruining this evening (which he clearly had), ruining whatever it was that was going on, he had to bring this news...as well as the fact that, no, he hadn't died. He was alive and still breathing, even if a part of him wished he wasn't. Now, all he wanted to do was run out of there and pretend it didn't happen with how she was looking at him. As if he had committed some sin by surviving. Eoin struggled with not knowing whether to be upset or angry at the notion when she was apologizing. Instinct wanted to make him go to her, take her hand in his...but that obviously wasn't an option. This other man holding her meant something to her. It was so very clear, like a knife buried in his chest...twisting. There was frustration on his face when she reiterated the exact same thing Orin had, and he was forcing himself up to his feet. "No," he said flatly, even taking the time to find the queen's brother so that he, too, understood and was listening. "Were that it, you wouldn't be standing here now." He wasn't trying to scare any of them, but he had to be more blunt about it. He nearly died trying to bring them this information, and they were going to damn well listen. "Saelis is joining with Noath and Etravia, possibly Ocandra-" Pausing for a second to shake his head, he couldn't be sure where Ocandra stood. Everything had been a rush. "I've seen the state of these lands...you cannot withstand that. And if they had attacked..." Eoin didn't finish his sentence. It was obvious. Whatever happened last week was a testing of waters. Saelis now knew what Aralore had and didn't have. "You have little army and no defenses." And now Saelis would know if one of them had gotten word back.

[ARIC] Feeling her shake, he could only think to hold her. No knowing what else to do with this bomb that had suddenly dropped. A part of him almost made him walk away, as though he were intruding a moment he didn't belong in...as if this wedding and the ring on his finger meant nothing when it came to the roguish man. But Eoin's words drew him from those thoughts, making his blood run cold. He was speaking of something more...and something far worse than a handful of men managing to take over a castle. If they had been that adept at that, what could Saelis do with an entire army, triple the size of Aralore's? "She has Tresteria." His voice spoke up perhaps a bit too loudly and sternly, speaking to this man for the very first time since his arrival.

[ORIN] He moved closer as Eoin started to explain the threat that was at hand. This wasn't good, and he couldn't even fathom what all of this meant. When Aric spoke up, claiming that his sister had Tresteria, he could only imagine how Edward would handle this news. Edward would agree to help fight another war, what? If Alexandria agreed to marry him now? Even with Tresteria, their army still would not be strong enough. He shook his head and finally spoke up. "It still wouldn't be enough, Aric..." He sighed and looked to Eoin. "So what do you suggest we do?"

ALEXANDRIA] Her eyes remained wide as Eoin spoke. Deep down, she had a feeling there was still a threat, the moment she realized they had rummaged through her room in search of what was in that vial. Something no one in this room but her and Aric knew about, and that made her even more sick to her stomach. She turned to Aric as he stood for her, instantly claiming that she had Tresteria. She took his hand and squeezed it tightly, but then Orin was speaking up, agreeing with Eoin that what Aralore had wouldn't be near enough to fight this war that would be coming their way. Again. She frowned and looked down, playing with the fabric of her dress. She was at loss for words, and didn't know what to say or what to do. Orin had already asked the question that was probably on all of their minds.

[NEMERIS] She had missed the ceremony and was late getting to the reception, not feeling well this evening. But she figured she should make an appearance. Though, when she entered the castle, it seemed like the party had already died down. But she could still sense something was going on. Naeva had stopped her though, and filled her in about Eoin. Her eyes widened and she quickly rushed into the room, eyes falling towards the group as she entered, and there he was. "...Eoin?" She called out. Despite her cold and distant heart, Nemeris and Eoin had become close friends. He had been there for her when she found Brennus dead. He had always known how to get through to her. Deep down, she knew he hadn't died. She had even warned the queen several times, asking her if she would agree with the arranged marriage if Eoin were still alive. She quickly moved closer and threw her arms around him. "You're alive!?"

[ARIC] Orin was right, but having Tresteria was still better than having no one on their side. Naturally, he knew Edward would throw a fit, but he was ready to throw him into the god damn ocean and didn't care. His brother signed an alliance treaty and would have to obey it. Another problem for another time. There was a bigger one looming over all of their heads right now. He was climbing up to his feet, urging Alexandria to do the same as he still held onto her. "Tresteria is a start," he stated, his tone implying that his kingdom would back Aralore up as agreed upon. Anything else he was about to say was interrupted by the sudden appearance of the ambassador.

[EOIN] He ground his teeth as Aric spoke. Tresteria? Those slate eyes looked the man over, only now noticing the colors of his coat, his composure, the way he simply presented himself. This man was nobility, perhaps more. Eoin nearly laughed, having heard stories of King Edward- an alliance didn't seem likely with Tresteria. At Orin's question, he lifted his arms out to his sides. "You need better defenses, allies. You need to build an army." What he couldn't figure out was why Saelis was so hellbent on taking over Aralore. There was nothing of value here, it was a small kingdom. The question was lingering upon his lips when yet another was calling out his name. A familiar voice causing him to turn towards the open doors of the library and find Nemeris. A slight stumble backwards when she embraced him, he was only hesitant for a moment before encircling her in his arms. In that very moment, it occurred to him that she was the first person to truly acknowledge and welcome him back. Everyone else stared, sneered, or shied away from like he was some animal. Eoin sighed in mild content, feeling some sort of burden lift off from his shoulders immediately. "I am, Nem," he answered her, a shudder of weariness rushing through him, a sadness tinging his voice.

[ORIN] Tresteria was a start. Which was going to be another battle in itself, but at least they had Aric to ensure that would happen. As Eoin answered him with his suggestion, he honestly didn't know what more they could do than they already were trying to do. Aralore had lost so much in the war--all that they had were their allies. They needed more civilians to move into Aralore so they could rebuild their army. But with a land in destruction--it wasn't much to attract new people that would want to call this place home. He sighed and was about to say something, but the doors were open and Nemeris was entering and rushing to Eoin to embrace him. The most cold and distant person in this land, was the only one who had greeted Eoin in such a way. There was something wrong about that, and he felt bad, suddenly. But who could blame them? Orin had been the one to tell his sister he died. Alexandria lived through the torture of thinking him dead, and here he was. It was a bit hard to swallow.

[ALEXANDRIA] She slowly stood with Aric's help, but remained close to him. She was still in shock that Eoin was there, living and breathing in front of her. And she found it a little hard to handle right now. Her gaze moved to Aric as he confirmed Tresteria was a start. Indeed it was. And she was relieved for that, at least. Their army was massive. It would just be a matter of Edward agreeing to it. But Aric would fight for that. It was their whole purpose of this alignment. Her brows furrowed as Eoin was lecturing them on needing better defenses and allies. He had no idea what they had been doing since the war-- how hard they had worked on getting the alliances they had-- on rebuilding. He wasn't here for any of it. And she wouldn't fault him for that. He had been through enough. Her eyes moved to the door as Nemeris came rushing in and embraced Eoin. Something she should have done herself, but her emotions... her doubt and sorrow, had gotten in her way. Her eyes dropped to the floor, and she was fumbling with the fabric of her dress again.

[NEMERIS] She did not let go of him right away. She held him there, sensing he needed a friend in that moment. He had been through hell and back, she could see it in his appearance. So much had been lost with the war. Brennus, her baby, Eoin. She, too, had lost everyone that was close to her, save for the queen, but they had grown distant with this whole arrangement that had been made with Tresteria-- against her counsel not to. It was nice to have a familiar face back. She was sure she had missed his explanation on what had happened to him and what was going on, so she refrained from asking him again. Perhaps they'd catch up on it later. But something seemed amiss... besides the obvious. "What's going on?" She whispered to him before stepping back and letting him go. Her eyes turned to the others in the room. They all seemed worried about something.

[EOIN] He needed a lot in that moment, but he had stood there in that room feeling suddenly isolated from the land and people who he fought and nearly died for. They looked at him like an intruder, and the heavy news he carried didn't help matters. Nemeris would feel the muscles in his back slacken as she held him, sensing it and knowing how lost he must have been. He buried half his face in her shoulder, shutting his eyes for a moment to calm his nerves before she was drawing away; asking that inevitable question. So, he would repeat himself, calmly this time, and explain to her what he had seen but nothing of his capture. There was no need to repeat that to the others. After all was said and done, he withdrew from her a step, turning his eyes to Alexandria. "I'm sorry," he finally said, defeated. "I'm sorry this is the news I must bring you...after everything..."

[CASSANDRA] All of this had stunned the Duchess into silence. She didn't know what help she could offer, and she had no advise, so she remembered off to the side; green eyes flickering to each one of them. This man, Eoin, meant something to these people, even the silent and steely Lady Arundel. It took her by surprise. But she hadn't realized her hands were shaking before she clutched the fabric of her skirt. A war was coming here, for whatever reason, and her mind was exactly where Aric's was. Edward was going to be difficult to deal with...and just when her mind was drifting to those vile ideas she was beginning to share with Orin, she spoke up suddenly. "Aldsage." If she had interrupted, she looked apologetic as she took a few steps closer to them. "The clans there. They helped...with my rescue, did they not?" She couldn't care less back then about it, but she had inquired further when she got over herself and grew a heart. "What of them?" Sure, they were small in number most likely...but they were fierce, from the stories she heard.

[NEMERIS] She kept a hand on Eoin's shoulder as she turned to look at where Aric and Alexandria were. The queen was visibly shaken up, and she understood why. Eoin was here to warn them, and they needed to do something. Eyes drifted to Cassandra as she spoke of Aldsage. Yes, she had heard of them too and it wasn't a bad idea. But still, it wouldn't be enough, though it was a start, along with Tresteria. She sighed quietly, eyes turning to Eoin again as he was apologizing to the queen.

[ALEXANDRIA] Sapphire eyes turned to Aric, searching his own eyes, wondering--but perhaps knowing exactly what he was thinking or feeling in this moment. She reached for his hand and interlocked her fingers with his, squeezing his hand tightly as Eoin spoke with Nemeris. She had no idea what to say to him, or to anyone in this moment. As Eoin stepped closer towards her, she turned her gaze back to him, her eyes still threatening to spill tears. He was apologizing to her, and it made her heart sink. She shook her head, her voice shaky as she spoke. "No... I appreciate you coming here to bring this news to us." She slowly let go of Aric's hand and took a step closer to Eoin. "I am so sorry for whatever they've done to you... For not knowing you were alive... I would have..." She stopped herself, hands coming to her face to cry into them. She would have sent him help if she had known they captured him. "I am so sorry for all the trouble you've been through to get here...." And she showed him no affection. He had come all this way, perhaps expecting she would jump into his arms and be happy about his return. But instead, she had been cold and distant. A married woman, unable to embrace him because she had spent nearly a year trying to get over him, and being forced into a marriage. But she loved Aric, maybe even more than she had loved Thais. And that's what killed her right now. She just stood there crying, not knowing what to do.
She couldn't think straight, she couldn't think about what they needed to do or how to handle the second impending war that Saelis threatened. Despite Cassandra's suggestion, she still felt completely helpless.

[ORIN] He remembered Aldsage, and how they had helped him and Naeva capture the bandits and save Cassandra. They had only been there for a short period of time, but he remembered how they had stayed hidden, as if no one existed on that island. He smiled slightly, glancing to Cassandra and he nodded. "Yes... Aldsage. They helped us save Cassandra and to capture those bandits... We could go talk with them... See if they would be willing to help. Along with Tresteria and our other allies... It's definitely a start." He placed hand to Cassandra's shoulder, hoping to make her feel like she had made a good suggestion. Eyes turned to Alexandria. She was struggling badly, and there was nothing he could do for her.

[ARIC] What was he supposed to think or do in this moment? There, right in front of them, stood a love of Alexandria's life. A man she had mourned and had still been mourning when they had first met. The only reason she had allowed him to get close was because Eoin had died...he was no longer in the picture...but now? Now what happened? Blinking, he was trying to focus on the others talking. His cousin was suggesting something...Aldsage? When Alexandria left his side, his hand remained suspended in the air for a few seconds too long before dropping.

[EOIN] Remaining where he was, staring at the queen, it pained him to watch her struggle to speak, apologizing for something that had been completely out of her control. Despite guessing who this man, Aric, was to her, he still stepped towards her; hands only going to the sides of her shoulders. He nearly shuddered at feeling her beneath his fingers again, desperate to embrace her, to draw her to him...but something told him he couldn't. That he shouldn't. "I know," he simply whispered to her. "It is not your fault...it's not..." Something had made it seem like he was dead...how could he blame her for that, as much as it hurt him to realize no one had looked for him. One of his hands rose up, shaking and hovering near her face as though to press his palm against his cheek...yet still he didn't. She had already recoiled from him before. When the Duchess spoke up, bringing the conversation to the dire matter at hand, Eoin withdrew and stepped back. The clans of Aldsage? Weren't they always just warring with themselves?

[CASSANDRA] She had once thought them to be savages, those from Aldsage...but now they seemed to fascinate her. Everything different from high society fascinated her these days. Or perhaps she had become different. Her own hand fell to Orin's briefly when he placed it upon her shoulder before it dropped to her side. All she could do now was watch the agony that displayed across Eoin's features, how her cousin had gone rigid and appeared so lost. What was to happen now? Not with this impending war...but with them?

[ARIC] He couldn't stop watching them. The last thing he wanted to do was become some jealous man. Aric wore her ring, and she wore his...but he didn't know what it meant when the man she had loved so much suddenly came back from the dead. Even while she cried, he felt like he wasn't allowed to console her. Finally, his gaze dropped as a hand ran through his hair in light frustration; desperately trying to push the confusion off of his face. "Then, first thing tomorrow, perhaps we start recruiting crews for ships. We need to get messages out as soon as possible."

[ALEXANDRIA] She stared at Eoin as he moved closer to her and touched her. Tears continuing to stream down her face. Those hands she had not felt touch her for a year, that she had never thought she would feel again, and there he was. She held her breath and looked into his eyes as he lifted his hand as if to touch her face, but he refrained and eventually withdrew and stepped away from her. It nearly killed her. Her head hung as she looked to the floor. Her hands lifting to her face to wipe away her tears. He had told her it wasn't his fault. But she couldn't help but feel like it was. Somehow. How could she had known when all the signs pointed to his demise?
She needed to pull herself together, but she couldn't seem to. Her whole world felt as if it were crashing down on her. As Aric spoke, she lifted her head, wiping her face. At his suggestion of recruiting crews for ships and sending messages, she just nodded. She so desperately wanted to just crawl away and deal with this in the morning. She couldn't think straight right now. Though, tomorrow she may not be any better. Her eyes fell back on Eoin again and she took a deep breath, trying so hard to regain her composure enough to speak. "Do you know where they are? Are they on their way here now? Planning things out? How much time do we have?"

[EOIN] It was becoming too much to handle, and he could feel the tears beginning to well up in his eyes. Even still, somehow, he felt like an intruder in these lands, something he was struggling to ignore. And now, he couldn't stop staring at her, wondering how far his presumed death had caused her drift from him...to another. Is that what happened? Was this beautiful dress she wore...a wedding gown? A hand was going to his head as it felt like his whole world was crumbling. But she was questioning him, and he had to pretend like he wasn't splitting in two. "No..." he answered her quietly. "If they were just here-" A pause, he forced himself to look back up to her. "Then you may some time...a few months at the most. But if they know Tresteria is here..." Gray-blue eyes turned their gaze upon Aric before continuing. "Then they will be sure to come further prepared." Aralore wasn't the only one on Saelis' radar now.

[ALEXANDRIA] She was staring back at him, noticing how his eyes were welling with tears and it only made her cry more. This was too much for her to handle. She felt like a horrible human being in this moment. That she had done something horribly wrong to him, that it was her who condemned him to this torture. Deep down, perhaps it all was her fault. The longer she stared at him, the more she felt she was crumbling.
As he answered her, she slowly nodded. She didn't think any of the Saelis men who had attacked had gotten away. At least she hoped not. And at his mention of Tresteria, she glanced to Aric. She could see the look on his face. He was struggling himself, and she knew exactly why. And her heart broke for him. Finally, choking back tears she shook her head. "I'm sorry... I cannot do this right now..." She wanted to run out of the room, but for whatever reason, her feet would not allow her to move.

[EOIN] He'd tell her it wasn't her fault if she had suggested it. It wasn't, it couldn't be. It was no one's fault but Saelis'. He had been in the woods at the wrong time, overrun, and weakened...and oddly enough, he still felt that way. He wanted to despise this man from Tresteria, and although the anger was there, he had no strength to direct it. Instead, he could only watch as Alexandria crumbled before him. He shook his head, trying to find words, "I should...go then. For now." Because this couldn't be left up in the air, but at least his job was done. He warned them. Eoin went to turn, realizing...he didn't know where to go.

[ARIC] This was painful to watch. It was killing him and he feared he might completely break down and lose his mind right in front of everyone. How had he been so happy just this morning...and now he felt like he was going to burst into rage? Alexandria was about to break as well, he could see it before she even spoke. He'd taken a step towards her, only to halt himself. Why? Why was he hesitating? She was his wife, he should be right there at her side. Why did he feel as though it suddenly wasn't his place? "The morning, then," he managed to speak lowly in case his voice betrayed him while he tried to seem calm. Inwardly, he was not. Pain-filled eyes turned to Cassandra and Orin, silently requesting one of them to help Alexandria out of there...because he probably shouldn't do it.

[CASSANDRA] She swallowed a lump in her throat, feeling so bad about all of this. It was horrible and devastating. And as much as she felt for Aric, silently understood how much he was struggling...she also understood Eoin in a horribly strange way. Being unable to go to the one you cared for. When Aric looked over, she met his eyes with heavy concern in her own. He was going to lose it the moment he had a chance to, she knew it. Edward had been the tip of the iceberg but something he could handle. Now this? Still, she nodded to him and quietly approached Alexandria. "How about we get you to bed, hm?" she said softly, drawing an arm around the woman's shoulders to try and lead her out. It should have been Aric she left with...but there would be none of that tonight, it seemed.

[ALEXANDRIA] When Aric spoke, suggesting they revisit this in the morning, she felt thankful and relieved. If she stayed in that room any longer, she would surely break. From the corner of her eye, she saw Aric take a step towards her but suddenly stopped. He was hesitating going to her, and she didn't know why. Was he mad at her? Was he afraid of what her feelings were? She turned to look at him, her eyes nearly pleading with him for something. But Cassandra was pulling at her, urging her to leave with her. She didn't move, still, hesitating. This was not how this night was supposed to end. Her leaving without her husband. She cried out to him, then. "Aric..." She could nearly sense the anger coming from him, and she didn't know what would happen if he stayed there. If he truly believed that she would just disregard, discard that he was now her husband... Well, that thought truly hurt her. She didn't know what to say, but she wasn't sure how to convince Aric to come with her. Maybe he didn't want to, or simply couldn't. But they needed to talk about this. Alone.

[NEMERIS] She stood there, silently. Wondering what to do. This whole situation was awful and she could feel the tension and unease in the room. When the queen stated she couldn't handle it anymore, and Eoin suggested he leave, but then hesitated, as if not knowing where to go. She stepped towards him. "You could stay at my manor for now." It would probably be best to get him out of the castle.

[ORIN] He didn't want to be in this room anymore. The pain on his sister's face, he couldn't handle it. And Aric was just standing there, as if she wasn't his wife. He quietly moved towards him as Cassandra moved to take Alexandria out of the room. He leaned towards Aric and whispered to him. "What the fuck are you doing? Take your wife out of here yourself... She needs you" He wanted to shake him, knock some sense into him.

[EOIN] The tension was high, so thick that he could cut the air with a knife. He couldn't help but look to Alexandria again as she refused to leave...refused to leave him. Aric. He almost didn't realize Nemeris had approached him, offering him a place to stay. Nodding, he had to force his eyes away from the queen to glance at her, a look of gratitude in his eyes. Eoin wanted to apologize to everyone again, but thought it best to simply turn away and leave the library without another word. He thought his world had crumbled around when he suffered in that dungeon...but he had been wrong. This was far worse.

[ARIC] He didn't know what he was doing. Orin should have knocked some sense into him. Aric was breaking because this just felt like fate. A horrible fate. The man's whispered words only snapped him out of it a little; dark eyes looking sidelong to him with a mix of worry and anger. He didn't know how to explain how this felt somehow wrong, like he was once again the stranger in these lands. He was being foolish, he was blind-sided by all of this and didn't know how to handle it.

[CASSANDRA] She didn't try to push Alexandria any further when she refused to go. She wanted Aric- anyone could hear and see it. Green eyes flickered towards Eoin to watch him leave before she moved from the queen and approached the other two. Cassandra saw the conflict in her cousin's eyes, and he wasn't going to budge easily...so she was grabbing Orin by the arm. "Come on..." she whispered. They could leave, thus leaving the two alone in the soon-to-be empty library to deal with...whatever this was. She prayed they resolved it.

[NEMERIS] She placed a hand on Eoin's shoulder and led him out of the room, quietly. They all needed to sleep on this and figure things out in the morning. Eoin surely felt isolated right now, and she understood that feeling all too well. If he wanted to talk, she'd be there for him. If not, she at least would offer him the place to stay until he figured out what he was going to do.

[ORIN] His words didn't seem to get through to Aric, and he frowned. Was he truly that insecure about his relationship with Alexandria? He sighed, looking to Cassandra as she grabbed his arm and urged him to leave with her. Well, if Aric wasn't going to take Alexandria out, then yes, they'd be left alone together to resolve whatever laid between them currently. He glanced to his sister for a moment, not knowing what to say to her right now. So he just turned and left with Cassandra, hoping they'd figure it out.