I can't give up, I can't give in

@ FallenHope95

The soiree was going quite well. Nikolai was enjoying himself and was rather pleased to have the opportunity to relax and speak with the men around him. Though, he had not been expecting Nova to come down to the party. And Nikolai especially would not have expected for her request. Even with the surprise, Nikolai was able to keep the warm smile on his face as he walked over to the princess. "Yes, we can." The prince placed a hand against the small of her back as he nodded to the men who he had been speaking to. "Excuse me, gentlemen."

With that, Nikolai turned his attention to Nova as he led her away from the party and deeper into the gardens. Once they were out of the sight of others, the smile on his face dropped completely. But it still took a few moments until Nikola had walked far enough that he was sure no one else would overhear them unless they were purposely trying to eavesdrop. His hand dropped from her waist though he continued to walk through the gardens, making his way to the hedge maze.

"Princess," Nikolai said softly as he nodded to her, ensuring that he spoke to the young woman properly as she had already made it clear she did not want them to be informal. "What do you wish to speak about?" While there was no joy on Nikolai's face, there was also no anger. The prince was not happy about what had occurred the day before, but he was still hoping for the opportunity to build a relationship with his future wife. Even with what happened the day before, their engagement had not changed.

Nikolai glanced over at her for a moment, looking over Nova's face for any kind of clue as to what kind of discussion this would be. But he was not able to pull any clues from that attempt. So, instead, he looked forward as he waited for Nova to make her intentions clear.

@ BearGirl
It was a small sense of relief for Nova as the Prince agreed to speak to her. It caused the inkling in the back of her mind about the Prince being overly mad at her to lessen ever so slightly. Although, her breath did hitch as she felt his hand on her back. The feeling foreign to her and her instant response was to flinch away, but it took everything in her to not do so. No, she didn't want to make a fool of either of them in front of his friends.

"Gentleman," Nova said as her goodbye as she kept her gaze lowered and followed the Prince towards the garden. Her eyes shifting to take in the well-decorated area instead of looking up towards the Prince. Anything that could distract her from the inevitable was a welcome distraction.

Although, it seemed that the world had fast-forwarded on her as the Prince removed his hand from the small of her back. Resulting in Nova slowing her pace ever so slightly until she stopped walking and glanced up towards Nikolai's face. A bold move for anyone who was not close to the royals. Her arms moved to wrap around her stomach, a move she often did when she was anxious. Her stomach did twists as the man spoke. His tone not giving her any indication that he was mad at her or not.

"I-I just want to apologize for the other day." She said quietly, her gaze shifting downwards as she fidgeted slightly in her spot. "I'm, I'm not very good at interacting with people. So I-I tend to spurt out things that could ultimately get me away from people." She lied, her words the other day were the truth, but if Nikolai didn't want to believe his father was a horrible man, then she'll have to play off that. Even if she knew she'll be hurt in the long run. Nova knew this was another sort of dark game for the King, but she couldn't let on that she knew. Not yet. "I'm sorry for my behavior. Please forgive my impudence, your grace. I was out of line and I-" She was starting to ramble now, Nova knew it.

"Can we, can we please start over?" Nova raised her head and glanced towards the Prince, her anxiety showing in her expression as she nibbled on her bottom lip slightly.

@ FallenHope95

Surprise moved over Nikolai's face. This was not what he was expecting from her. It seemed that Nova had the ability to surprise him. Though eventually, a light smile came over Nikolai's and he gave her a small nod. "I accept your apology, princess Nova." Nikolai told her, matching the softness of her voice with his own. He was beginning to believe that Nova was a rather skittish girl. Exactly like how one wrong move easily frightened a cat and cause it to run away.

"I would also like to start over." His eyes softened even more as he looked the young woman over. It was clear to him that she was nervous, maybe even a little afraid. Nikolai hoped that he would be able to navigate which seemed to be tricky waters. He was serious about having a good relationship with his fiancee, but he didn't know how to get there. Normally, a woman would throw themselves at him, but now Nikolai needed to figure out how to woo a woman that was afraid of him. Very difficult and unusual indeed.

Nikolai hesitated for a moment before he reached over and took Nova's hand into his. He then leaned down and pressed a light kiss against the back of her hand. When he came up, Nikolai gently let go of the princess before speaking again. "I truly would like to have a good relationship with you, Princess Nova. I will move at whatever pace you are most comfortable at."

Moving his hand back to his side, he looked over at the young woman curiously. "But in order to do that, we do need to get to know each other. Would you be willing to have dinner with me tomorrow, princess?"

@ BearGirl
It felt like a boulder was being lifted off of his shoulders as Nikolai accepted her apology and agreed that he'd like to start over. Nova had been so scared, not sure rather or not he wanted to even have anything to do with her after that disaster of a lunch they had. So, with her shoulders relaxing, Nova slowly looked up at the Prince and offered a small smile, doing her best to show that she was pleased with his responses.

"Oh," Nova mumbled quietly as she felt Nikolai grasp her hand and lean down to kiss it. Her eyes widening slightly, and her cheeks turning a bright pink color. Pure embarrassment radiating from the young Princess. "Uh," She didn't seem to be able to make coherent sentences now because of the Prince throwing her into over drive. The wheels in her mind turning at a million miles a second.

Finally, once he released her hand, Nova paused bring it back for a moment before slowly clasping her hands together and looking away from the Prince. Wanting desperately to hide how red she was sure her face was turning. "Y-yes your grace." Nova stuttered out quietly. "I-I would love to join you for dinner tomorrow." Closing her bright green eyes, Nova winced slightly. Did she say she'd love to join him? What was she? A fangirl? No, she wasn't one of his fawning fans, she was a prisoner trapped in this castle to be a punching bag for the King. Ugh, the Prince was probably inwardly laughing at her now.

"I-I think we should rejoin the party, your grace." Nova slowly raised her gaze to look at the Prince. "We wouldn't want any rumors developing." Nova lowered her gaze from the Prince's once more, this time out of respect for the man of a higher status, and a little less on the fact that she was inwardly freaking out about getting to know the Prince more.

@ FallenHope95

The prince glanced over Nova's face. He could see how it grew red in embarrassment from his action. In truth, this surprised the prince. Surely, a lady of her standing has had her hand kissed many times before? And it was not improper either. Though, still, Nikolai smiled at her reaction. Even though he was confused by it, he found it rather cute. Nova will be difficult to understand but maybe he'll have fun doing it.

At this point, Nikolai was not sure how much rumors really mattered. They were engaged to be married, after all. And anything rumor that would be considered scandalous would not matter once they were united in front of his country. But still, Nikolai knew that the women of his court tended to be more affected about the rumors that would circle them. So, he offered Nova his arm before escorting her back to the party, despite whether or not she took it.

Soon enough, they were back at the small garden party. A few heads turned to the both of them, mostly focusing on the prince now that he was back. Though it was not long until they were moving back to their own conversations, knowing better than to not rush the prince.

Nikolai turned his attention back to Nova, smiling softly at her as he did so. "Would you like to stay for a little while?" He asked, not wanting to pressure her but wanting to give the princess the option. Nikolai was fine with either decision, as now he had a private dinner with her the next evening.

@ BearGirl
As the prince offered Nova his arm, she couldn't help but to hesitate. She knew that the gesture was of the Prince trying to be nice to her, but. For some odd reason, it caused her stomach to drop. She didn't like how kind he was being to her. No one's ever been so nice to her, especially when they wanted something from her. A rough hand or a shout was all that she knew, it was the only thing that she knew how to react to.

Still though, with hesitance, Nova accepted the man's arm. Leaning ever so slightly into his side. Her gaze lowered as she stared at the ground as they walked. The soft sound of the gravel under there feet being the only sound that filled the silence between the two newly engaged young adults. The mere presence of the Prince next to her, so close, touching her, his natural smell wafering towards her nose. It made Nova's head swim. Never, had she imagined being so close to the older boy who usually walked the other way when he saw her.

Hearing the voices of the party-goers as they exited the garden, Nova raised her gaze ever so slightly. Looking around shyly, and unconsciously taking a small step towards the Prince as she felt the eyes on her. Judging her, probably not wishing anything good to happen to her. She shouldn't be here, the Prince was way above her status. She should run, hide in her room, or the library, where the eyes couldn't reach her. Where she could be alone.

"Huh?" Nova mumbled ever so quietly as she glanced up towards the tall Prince. Her lips parting ever so slightly as she realized what he had asked her and then slowly pursed her lips. She didn't know how to respond. Did she want to stay? Not, but, wouldn't that be a sign that she wasn't interested in the Prince? She's already been disciplined by his father for the other day, and she didn't want to go through that again so soon.

So, lowering her gaze once more. Nova looked around nervously before looking back towards Nikolai. "Is it alright if I stay?" She asked quietly. "You looked like you were having fun talking to your friends, I don't want to take up more of your time." She told him, her lips tilting into a frown ever so slightly.

@ FallenHope95

"Yes, it is okay if you stay," Nikolai assured her, offering a gentle smile to Nova. "And I was having fun with my friends, but I know that they would be happy to meet you. We can all enjoy the night together." Of course, he wasn't going to spend all of his time at the gathering focusing on Nova. He would speak and laugh with his friends, but he wanted Nova to be at his side as he did so. The prince had hoped that she would begin to relax if the situation was less intense.

Reaching up, he pressed a light hand into her arm as he looked over Nova's face. "Please, come join us. If only for a little while, princess." Nikolai whispered to her.

@ BearGirl
A strange tingling feeling started to flutter in Nova's stomach as she listened to Nikolai, but she couldn't place what it was. It made her feel sick and giddy at the exact same time. Still though, just listening to him, caused her worried to slightly lessen. As well as a small blush to dust her cheeks at being called Princess.

So, tightening her hold on Nikolai's arm ever so slightly. Nova gave a small nod of her head. "Alright, I'll stay." She replied quietly, her bright green eyes examining Nikolai's as she replied. "Just for a little bit though." She added as an afterthought, her lips twitching ever so slightly into a smile before returning to a neutral state. As in truth, she was scared shitless at meeting his friends, but. She wanted to be on his good side more, so Nova will need to put her discomfort to the side if she is to gain the Prince's trust and show him the darkness that resides in his father.

@ BearGirl
A strange tingling feeling started to flutter in Nova's stomach as she listened to Nikolai, but she couldn't place what it was. It made her feel sick and giddy at the exact same time. Still though, just listening to him, caused her worried to slightly lessen. As well as a small blush to dust her cheeks at being called Princess.

So, tightening her hold on Nikolai's arm ever so slightly. Nova gave a small nod of her head. "Alright, I'll stay." She replied quietly, her bright green eyes examining Nikolai's as she replied. "Just for a little bit though." She added as an afterthought, her lips twitching ever so slightly into a smile before returning to a neutral state. As in truth, she was scared shitless at meeting his friends, but. She wanted to be on his good side more, so Nova will need to put her discomfort to the side if she is to gain the Prince's trust and show him the darkness that resides in his father.

@ FallenHope95

"I am glad that you will stay, even if it is only for a little while. Though, when you wish to go, you do not need to hesitate. I will understand if you grow tired." Nikolai smiled at her softly before beginning to lead the princess further into the party. When they were first off to the side, the other nobles knew to keep their distance. But now that they were entering the area, others started to come towards the two.

Within moments, there were two lords and a lady standing in front of both of them. Despite this being a friendly gathering, they still bowed and curtsied as is expected of them. Once formalities were out of the way, Nikolai started to introduce them to Nova. "This is Lord Julien," Nikolai said as he motioned to a red-headed, taller man. "Lord Bastion," Nikolai motioned to the slightly older blonde man before finally turning to the brunette lady. "And Lady Mary."

@ BearGirl
With a small nod of her head, Nova followed Nikolai as he led her into the party. The eyes on her causing a small chill to run her spine. An instinctively, Nova moved closer towards Nikolai as he led her through the people. Seeking any sort of comfort that she could get.

Then, as they stopped walking and starting to converse with a couple of nobles, Nova suddenly felt even shyer as they showed such high respect and bowed and curtsied to them. Of course, Nova did her best to offer them all a small smile as they were introduced, but she was doing all she could to not faint from having such high anxiety with all of the eyes on her. Thankfully though, it seemed that Lady Mary was great at reading moods and instantly smiled at Nova. "Ah, I love your dress! It's so pretty!" The woman exclaimed excitedly, which surprised Nova a little bit. "Oh, um. Thank you." Nova said quietly as she looked at the dress she was wearing today. "Is it one of Tibalt Furoni's new pieces? Ah, I love all of his work." The woman exclaimed, starting to talk to Nova about some famous dressmaker in the city she never heard of.

@ FallenHope95

Nova listened in to their conversation for a few moments before turning to the other two noblemen and starting a conversation with them. It seemed that Nova would be fine, especially with how energetic Lady Mary could be. Overall, it was not very often that he had to hear about the dressmakers in town but he suddenly felt like Lady Mary was an expert on this subject.

Nikolai started a conversation with Lord Julien and Lord Bastion concerning going out hunting in the morning. It was the right time of year to find some deer running through the forest for them to take. Though after a couple of minutes, Nikolai looked back to Nova, noticing that Lady Mary had barely taken a breath since she had walked up to them. Nikolai turned to the two women, a smile coming along his face as he turned to the lady. "Lady Mary, perhaps you would like to tell Princess Nova about your trip this summer?"

@ BearGirl
As Lady Mary continued to run her mouth, Nova felt like her mind was spinning. She had no idea what the woman was talking about. She hadn't learned about stitching, types of fabric's or this so-called layering technique that this man seemed to be amazing at doing. Nova only knew what she was allowed to know, read, write, the customs of the Vateron and to not disrespect the royal family. Those had been her main learnings while in the Palace.

Hearing Nikolai's voice, Nova glanced up at him. Silently sending him a help look, then looked back towards the Lady Mary as she spoke about the trip she recently wend on. "Ah yes!" Lady Mary exclaimed excitedly as she glanced from Prince Nikolai and then looked towards Nova.

"I recently visited the Kingdom Neopan." Lady Mary exclaimed, which brought about a look of surprise to the young Nova. Neopan had been a enemy of her homeland, and hadn't quite heard of all of the places that the Vareron's could travel if they pleased. "The land there is so beautiful, they have some of the whitest beaches you'll ever see, and the water's crystal clear, and ah the culture of the place is just magnificent." Mary exclaimed. Which in turned caused Nova's eyes to twinkle slightly with interest. She always loved the water, and was intrigued to learn about the beaches there. "Sounds beautiful." Nova said quietly. Lady Mary grinned at Nova and nodded her head. "It is, I highly recommend going there. Especially since it's warm all year round it'll be amazing to stay in winter." A small sigh escaped from Lady Mary as she imagined her past vacation to one of the supposed most beautiful Kingdoms.

"It's also quite a romantic place, maybe you could suggest it to the Prince." Lady Mary said quietly as she leaned a little bit closer to Nova, then offered her a small wink. The woman wasn't as quiet or as subtle as she would seem though and that brought a small blush to Nova's cheeks. She had an idea of what the woman was referring to, but she didn't want to go along with it. Nor did she have the guts to look towards Nikolai at the moment now that her cheeks were a obvious pink color.

Then, Lady Mary slowly stood up straight and looked as innocent as she could. "In fact, if you guys did go during the winter seasons, I think they have a beautiful festival they hold every year in the capital. Filled with food, and dancing, at least, that's what I've heard." Once again, Lady Mary grinned at Nova and winked. "That, does sound fun." Nova said quietly, finally giving in to the lady's whims. "I think going in the winter would be really interesting, it'll definitely be nice to get away from the bitter cold we experience here."

@ FallenHope95

Some time passed during their conversation with Nikolai's friends. Though, as it was starting to wind down to an end, the prince glanced out over the party before his eyes caught another noblewoman motioning him to head over. Nikolai was hesitated for a moment before turning to the group. "Excuse me for one moment, I have some matters of state I need to attend to. Please escort Princess Nova while I am gone."

Nikolai looked to Nova, giving her a sorry smile before letting go of her arm. "I will only be gone for a moment." He assured her before heading over to the noblewoman and disappearing within the gardens. Only a few minutes passed before Nikolai and the woman headed out. A bit of a smirk was over her face as she headed away from the garden, but Nikolai, on the other hand, seemed displeased.

Though as his eyes shifted back to Princess Nova, the smile came over his face again before he headed to the group again. Once again, Nikolai offered his arm to Nova. "Thank you," He then looked down at the princess before beginning to lead her away from them. "There is one more person that I would like to introduce you to. Is that okay, princess?" Nikolai looked down at Nova expectedly, hoping that she would agree to stay for a little longer. He was worried she was growing wary of the party after her conversation with Lady Mary.

@ BearGirl
Hearing Nikolai saying he was going to leave to attend to something, caused Nova to stiffen ever so slightly. She frowned as she looked up at the man and then watched as he walked away from her. A small frown appearing on her lips as she saw that the Prince was moving away to speak with some woman that she didn't know. Then again, Nova didn't know anyone who was at the party anyways.

Trying to not let things seem so uneasy for her, Nova turned back towards Mary and listened as she started to speak about other party's that were going on. Asking if Nova would be attending, and also inviting her to come to visit her for some tea. It was like Mary was trying to be friends with Nova, but, from experience, Nova was a little too apprehensive to accept the kindness of the woman. She wasn't sure what she'd do if she was ridiculed once more by those who she thought wanted to be her friends.

A couple of moments later, Nova couldn't help but to slightly jump as she heard Nikolai's voice as he approached. She accepted his arms almost instantly once it was offered, needing to feel like she wasn't going to faint from having so many eyes on her and seeking someone she could lean on. "One more?" She asked, looking up at Nikolai warily as she followed him through the party.

No other words escaped from Nova as she followed Nikolai. Her eyes lowering as she glanced around. Curious as to who she would be meeting next since the whole party was filled with powerful families.

@ FallenHope95

Nikolai nodded to her as he led her through the party towards the other side of it. At first, it was unclear where the two of them were going to see but, in time, a black-haired, green-eyed man came into view. He was a rather muscular individual and tall, about only an inch or less shorter than the prince himself. Once they were only a few feet away from the man, he smiled widely and walked up to Nikolai. Unlike the others, he did not bow but instead wrapped the man in a tight hug.

"Nikolai!" The man exclaimed as he pulled the man in close to him. "It is good to see you. It's been a couple months, hasn't it?" The man said, causing the prince to laugh as he hugged the man back. "You mean it has been half a year." He said as he pulled back and patted the man on the back. "But it is good to have you back at court. There is someone that I want you to meet."

Turning back to his princess, Nikolai introduced them. "Princess Nova, this is Lord Francis. He has been my dear friend since we were children." Nikolai then looked to Francis and continued on. "I am not sure if you have heard the news yet, but this is my fiancee." Nikolai then gave the man a stern look. "So best keep your dirty mouth in check."

"Yes, of course, of course," Francis assured Nikolai with a smile on his face. "I would never insult your bride to be by using ungentlemen like words in her presence." Francis then turned to Princess Nova and bowed respectfully to her. "It is an honor to meet you, princess. And I assure you, that I will be nothing less than perfect in your presence. So do not let the prince's words frighten you, as he is being a bit dramatic." He glanced back at Francis with a smirk.

@ BearGirl
The thought of meeting one more person shouldn't mean anything to Nova, but it did. It meant one more person who would keep their gaze on her as she moved about the castle. It would mean another person to spread rumors that might fire back and bite her in the ass. If someone so much as says she said something they didn't like, then she shall be in trouble with the King. Coming to this damn party was a bad idea. She should have just left after agreeing to go to the dinner with the Prince tomorrow.

Blinking from her thoughts, Nova watched the odd greeting between the two men. Her lips moving into a slight frown as she tilted her eyes ever so slightly. The breath she was breathing in freezing as she took in the man before her. The instinctive green eyes of the Drandid people looked back at her whenever this man, Lord Francis, looked her way. It was like daggers sticking into her chest each time his almost identical green eyes looked towards her. A blast from a past that she barely remembered now. Had they met as kids, she wouldn't remember, because blood and death dominated her memories.

As the man then turned to speak to her, Nova's shoulders tensed ever so slightly. Then, she nervously glanced towards Nikolai as his friend said he'd be nothing but a gentleman, but. For some reason, those words sent a chill down her spine. As if he was hiding something from her that he didn't want her to know about.

Doing her best, Nova forced a smile to appear on her lips as she gathered up her skirts and curtsied back towards the man who was so obviously a descendant of a people massacred years before like her. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. Lord Francis." Nova said quietly, keeping her gaze lowered as her shy persona slowly started to creep back into place. Her thoughts were running wild on ideas of why this man wasn't dead, and how he could have her people's signature feature while still being a noble in Vateron.

@ FallenHope95

Lord Francis smiled softly at the woman as she curtsied back to him. He could tell that something did not seem right, but he knew it was not his place to ask or question the princess. Nor should he try to dig into it more without asking outright. Although Nikola may be his friend, he was not a friend of Nova. And that was a line that Lord Francis was going to have to respect, mostly for the sake of the prince. "I hope we become good friends, Princess." The lord said gently before turning his attention back to Nikolai.

"And you are right, it has been a while since we've seen each other. But I am back in the country now and we must do something together." Lord Francis said with a hearty laugh. "Perhaps we can go hunting one day?" He asked, a smirk growing onto his face as he said so.

"Ah, yes, and by hunting you mean drinking the day away with crossbows in our hands." Prince Nikolai joked as he lightly shoved his friend by the shoulder. "I think my father grows more and more suspicious each time we come back with nothing from our hunt. He might catch onto your definition of hunting, dear friend."

"Well, you were never that good with a crossbow, were you? He is probably just concerned with his heir's ability to shoot something!" Lord Francis joked back. "Besides, we bring back something every time we go out. What is there to be suspicious about anyways?"

Nikolai shook his head with a huge smile on his face. "A squirrel and a rabbit doesn't really inspire much confidence in our hunting, now does it?"

Lord Francis brushed the words aside with his hands before he glanced at Princess Nova. "Princess, do you enjoy hunting?"

"You mean drinking." The prince said, which caused Lord Francis to lightly shove his friend back.

"No, I mean hunting." He said as he turned his attention back to Nova. "Or, perhaps a ride through the woods?"

@ BearGirl
Intruding on these two's reunion and listening in on a private conversation didn't sit well with Nova. Sure, this man, Lord Francis seemed like a nice enough guy but. He just made her feel on edge like he was hiding something that could eventually come back and bite her in the ass.

Maybe he was a spy that was put into the Prince's life to keep an eye on him and now that she was introduced he'll look into her as well? Maybe he's not a friend of Prince Nikolai's and they're setting her up to torment her? Or, maybe he's just a normal guy and is indeed the Prince's closest friend and doesn't mean any harm to her? That last one was a little hard for Nova to believe, but it was possible.

"Huh?" Nova mumbled quietly as she looked up as her given name was spoken. "I-I." Nova stuttered as she looked between the two taller men. She hadn't been listening in on their conversation, but this seemed like a test to her. With them looking so intently on her, Nova couldn't help but to slightly step behind the Prince as she decided to answer their questions.

"I've never done either before, so I wouldn't know." Nova's words were quiet as she spoke, looking unsurely between the two men. Her fingers fidgeted ever so slightly in front of herself as she waited for them to snort and hallor about how sad that sounded or that it was unusual for a lady of her stature to have never participated in such things. It was true though, at least, from what Nova could remember. She might have gone of those sorts of things when she was a child, before the massacre, but since she's come to this land. Nova's been locked in the castle, she hadn't even been out into the city that's surrounded the castle. Only getting a glimpse of it from her window.

@ FallenHope95

The smile on Lord Francis's face dropped for a moment as he watched Nova begin to hide behind Nikolai. He glanced up at his friend for a moment and gave him a small nod before turning back to the princess. "Well, perhaps Nikolai here will have to fix that." The lord told her softly. "Though, for now, I should let the both of you go." The man reached out and patted Nikolai's shoulder before stepping back. "We will talk later."

With that, Lord Francis turned away and made his way deeper into the party, meeting up with a few other lords and ladies.

Once the lord had walked away from the both of them, Nikolai turned back to the princess. There was a soft worried look in his eyes as he glanced over Nova. He found her actions strange and worrisome. She seemed so uncomfortable from just one normal interaction. Plus, the fact that she hadn't gone riding through the woods seemed strange to him. But that would be an issue for later. He would try to take her out sometime if she wanted.

"Are you not feeling well, Princess?" The prince asked her softly. He glanced over her face slowly, trying to figure out if that was the reason as to why she was acting so strangely. "If so, would you like me to esort you to your room?"