forum Love? You think this is out of love?

Started February 19, 2021 by @Festive_Fenrir

tune

"ah so they are also in the south? I wonder how far they are from Carniel." He mused with a small grin. "I may have to visit this cousin of yours once springtime arrives." The chance of seeing feilds of his late father's favored flowers made Abrose's heart swell with excitement and nostalgia.
He tilted his head but didn't look up at Malachi, already recognizing g the slight tone in his voice that indicated the prince wasn't as pleased as he would like everyone to think, despite it only being hours of knowing each other.
"I never took you as a non-traditionalist, your highness. But I'm certainly not apposed to changes made. Were there any colors schemes you had in mind for the wedding?" He asked, finally looking up at Malachi.

"I believe Evoyia doesn't get any snow or chilly weather at all. So perhaps a little further below your's," He said. Quickly gazing down, he noticed his fiancé's little smile. "Oh I am sure you will meet her at the wedding."

Malachi cleared his throat as they kept walking. His fingers kept curling into his palm in hopes of getting some warmth. If only he thought of keeping another pair hidden in a pocket or something. A shiver went down his spine, but he managed to ignore it.

"Well, we are royals, and we make our own traditions," He responded. "I am not sure, as long as it fits with my red military uniform and it's elegant, I suppose. That's something we'll have to discuss with the royal wedding planners. No white though, no matter what we go with."

Feeling Abrose's eyes on him, he decided to gaze back into them. He tried to relax his posture as he stopped. His feet came together. "If I may be honest, I have no idea when it comes to wedding planning. I never expected anyone to marry me."

Abrose gently took one of Malachi's hands into his own, loosely holding it in both of his. He meant no advancement, he knew their relationship wouldn't go anywhere in one night, but he did feel guilty about having his gloves so the least he could do was offer warmth when possible.
"That is very true, my prince. I'm sure we'll find something that will match your outfit and be eleventh. And yes, no white." He reassured, gently patting Malachi's arm.
He slowed to a stop, and tilted his head curiously, smile toy praying that this wasn't one of Malachi's sudden shows of power or violence ce as he had done before in the library.
He huffed a small laugh, "don't worry, neither did I. I have no skill whatsoever when it comes to planning anything. Not even my own outfit. Usually Lili helps with that." He admitted, a blush that stemmed from something other than the cold rose on his cheeks. "Shire's usually the one plans the big events that occur in the kingdom."

For a second, he could feel his body become rigid. His shoulders tensed up at sensing Abrose taking his hand. Malachi gazed down at their hands. The urge to pull away was present, but he forced himself to let his hand be held. Though it took a couple moments, he eventually became relaxed.

No white. What a relief. A small breath left from his lips. Thank the gods he did not have to defend himself to get the point across. The patting caused him to jump a little, but he cleared his throat and pretended that his reaction never happened. Softly, he hummed in response and nodded.

When he noticed they came to a stop, he turned his head to look over at Abrose. His brows rose as there was a small gap between his lips. He wasn't sure if he was more confused over the hand holding, laughing, or the blush he noitced on his fiancé.

"Ah, I see," Malachi nodded, licking his lips as he glanced away for a second. "It's alright, we both have something to learn. I was more trained on politics and military tactics. No one really taught me anything on weddings or anything related to that. Sohan and Tiffany knew more about those things than me."

Abrose nodded slowly "we most definately do. It'll be new to all of us." He smiled softly before nodding g back towards the castle. "Shall we go back inside? It's getting a bit cold. Besides I'm sure your guests are wondering where their host is by now."
Abrose took one last glance around the gardens. If they looked this beautiful so close to winter, he wondered how beautiful they looked in the spring and summer.
He slowly let go of Malachi's hand, feeling as if there were far too many y eyes on them, even if it was just them in the gardens and the windows of the castle were too far for the guests I side to see. He let out a breath, watching as It formed a cloud in the air. "I hope that whatever this marriage turns out to be, neither of us look back on the decisions made and regret it." He muttered softly before starting to walk again, following the path that lead to the fountain

"I suppose we should," He agreed as he looked around. The moon hung high in the sky, it must be getting pretty late at this point. He wondered if anyone was curious about their whereabouts, yet he did not really mind being out and away from everyone odd enough.

For a second, he stared down at his right hand after Abrose let it go. His fingers curled into his palm while a brow rose up in curiosity. It still felt bleak, but on the other hand, it felt strange. He was not sure how to put it; must just be the cold weather in the evening.

Malachi managed to catch what his fiancé had muttered. "And I as well," He mumbled, holding his hands behind his back. Whatever their marriage is going to hold for the both of them, all he hoped was that it was for the better. Even he couldn't tell what it may be like yet all he could do, as they walked back, was hope.

Abrose took in the ballroom for a moment, blinking at the odd lighting that had changed in the room since they had last been in there. A spot light came down from a place Abrose could not see while the rest of the wall candleabras had been snuffed out, leaving the center of the ball room warmly illuminated.
He smiled softly as he watched those who had decided to dance finish, all taking a bow to their respected partners. He noticed they had all donned black silk masks that covered hand their faces, obscuring their features.
Abrose was delighted when they called for more people to join, this time a group dance where the participants were in a circle. He found the maids giving out masks and smiled gratefully before joining the throng of partygoers, finding a spot next to a young woman in a deep green dress and a nobleman clad in grey and white.

When reaching the ballroom, he looked around at what was going on. The dimming of the lights and the guests wearing the black silk masks, he was surprised to see that him and Abrose were outside long enough to miss the beginning of the masquerade dance.

Malachi stood off to the side, watching as the dance progressed to its second part. A maid had walked over offering him a mask, but he smiled while gently declining. Even if he wanted to participate in the dance, people would still be able to tell that it's him one way or another.

This was the exact same thing that happened at Sohan's engagement ball; he can remember it like it was yesterday. Sohan and his fiancée happily joining in while Edwin practically begged for him to take part in the dancing. Malachi smiled, reminiscing as he looked at the guests. Just like the dance all those years ago, it still is fun even if he is only watching from the side.

It took Abrose a few moments to get the hang of the dance, at first confused when he noticed the men when doing a different dance to the women. He ultamatpy decided to follow the lady's dance, finding it much more fun then the gentlemen's. He curtsied to an invisible partner and and raised his sash as of it were a skirt, twisting back and forth so it flared out. He fell in step with the dancers, dancing on light toes as the music took on a melodic tune, slightly sounding like a drum song with far more instruments.
It was when the circle of dancers started moving around the ballroom that the dance really started to get intense, more turning and trading places than before. Never once did any of the dancers bump into one another, thankfully neither did Abrose. The circle spun out to the outer most parts of the ballroom, all clapping in unison. Abrose smiled proudly before gently looking arms with a young man, most likely a child of a noble family that had dragged the poor lady along. He nodded encouragingly to the young man but didn't speak as the dance started again, this time with clapping and spinning.

An exhausted sigh left his lips as he let his attention wander as the dance progressed. His foot tapped in time to the music. Amongst all the dancers in the crowd, his eyes landed on someone. Unlike the first time, he knew right away that it was Abrose.

What a fascinating sight to see. He could not recall the last time he has ever seen someone smile like that; it must have been years. Appears that his fiancé is having a wonderful time dancing. "Would you ever be that joyful around me?" He mumbled to himself. "Or will this be the only time I see….I see…I see you beam like this?"

Malachi paused as he stumbled a little, talking a step back to prevent himself from falling. A sudden hit of feeling light had overcome him, but it gradually faded away. He must be tired after a long day of dealing with the council then having this ball and proposing.

He turned to a servant, who was standing nearby, and asked for a glass of wine. The servant gave a simple nod with a beam then disappeared into the darkness. Pulling out his handkerchief, he began to lightly dab it against his forehead. As his eyes flickered over to the crowd of dancers again, he put on a small grin.

The young man Abrose had first pulled into the crowd had now found a young lady to dance with, timid at first from what Abrose could observe but nonetheless trying his best to woo the girl
Abrose had managed to pull in a few more Lord's and ladies, most joining him, some shooing him away playfully. It seemed that he had u destinated the crowd today, initially finding them drab and boring, when he had first arrived. He was delighted to find now that was not the case. The dance finished with the ladies kneeling down, their dresses flowing around them and their heads turned away as the gentlemen bowed low as if to reach out to them. Abrose followed the ladies, kneeling to no one in particular and glancing over his shoulder, his red swag of material curling around him for a moment before he stood to begin the third dance.
He scanned the crowed of onlookers for a moment, his gaze finally coming to rest on Malachi, who had tucked himself away in the corner of the ballroom. With a shake of his head and a sweet smile, Abrose made his way towards him.
"Now I know it's traditional for the gentleman to ask the lady to dance but, frankly, I've never really followed any sort of tradition." He winked and offered his hand, bowing slightly at the waist. "Care to dance, your highness?"

Thankfully it wasn't long for the servant to return. Malachi motioned for the other to come closer so he could reach the glass. Within a few seconds, the glass was empty and the other took it away from his hand.

Eventually his eyes lingered down towards the floor. All the dancers spinning across the dance floor was making the feeling worse. It was an unfamiliar one, he knows it very well. Maybe he can hold it together till the end of the ball. Nodding to himself, he looked back up among the crowd. After dabbing his forehead with the handkerchief, his eyes widened.

Abrose is making his way over to him. Oh gods above no. He probably looks terrible right now without a doubt. Malachi took a deep breath and began to mumble to himself. "A crown prince isn't weak. A crown prince isn't weak. A crown prince isn't-"

The footsteps from his fiancé came closer and closer. He stopped himself then gazed up. Forcing his body to tense up, he made himself chuckle. A dance? Now? For a second his gaze wandered around, making sure no one else was paying attention to them.

"Ah well….I am not fond of the third dance; the tempo is too fast," He said, forcing a smile. Another deep exhale left his lips. "Perhaps….perhaps…maybe we should wait till the fifth one. The tempo is much slower and the movements are steady. How about that?"

Abrose's smile falter slightly and he found himself akwardly withdrawing his hand for the second time that night. He nodded slightly and straightened, "of course, perhaps another dance then."
He regained his easy smile and plucked a glass of Champaign from a passing waitor "a fast tempo always promises a lively dance." He glanced around, watching as dancers took a bit of break between the dancing to refresh themselves on food and drinks
"it's nice seeing them having a good time, not caring about formalities or appearances for a short time." He commented, finishing off his glass and setting it down on another passing tray with a thankful nod to the maid.
"I eagerly await our dance, your highness." Abrose bowed and walked off back towards the center of the ballroom, this time finding a small group of ladies and gentlemen and beginging the dance with them, following along to the other dancers around them

His weight kept shifting back and forth on his feet. Still he kept himself rigid, pretending to be normal as usual. The smile softened as he watched the prince straighten himself then nod.

Instead of taking much, he just kept nodding along to what Abrose was saying. In order to maintain his balance, he tightened his core by holding his breath. The idea ended up being foolish as he had to hold up his head. But thankfully, he was able to grin momentarily. "Have fun, Abrose," He said, "Till then."

General Maeda strolled over and held out a slightly dampened cloth. Malachi took it with a little grateful smile then began to use it. The two of them did not say a word to each other for a while. They both had their eyes on Abrose, closely watching him having fun from afar.

"When did it start?" Maeda asked. His eyes flickered over to the prince. Malachi didn't bother turning to face him, he already picture the look of concern on the general.

"Just a few moments ago," He responded. "It's probably all the worry. I was thinking about the wedding, Abrose, his family, Sohan, those Valenians, work, and my father. It hit me again."

Maeda took a deep exhale through his nostrils. "Hold on a little longer and go dance with His Highness when he comes back," The general advised, putting his hand on the prince's back. "Just think in the moment, do not worry."

The group had broken off into pairs but remained close to each other for now. Abrose had found himself dancing with the same woman as before, clad in an emreld green that beautifully complemented her smooth ebony skin. "I take it you're enjoying the party?" He asked with a small smile, this time following the gentleman's dance.
"I am, your grace." She replied with a thick accent.
Abrose tilted his head curiously as he spun her and curtsied "you are not from here? The Eastern continent I take?" He asked, brows creasing in worry as the woman glanced around her.
"I'm afraid if I reveal that answer to you, your highness, I put my life at risk." She replied softly.
Abrose nodded slightly "I understand." He whispered in her common tongue.
Her eyes widened in surprise "you understand Haruian?"
Abrose nodded "yes, my father taught it to me when young. It is not perfect but I try and speak as best I can."
The woman's eyes softened "your father was a great Ally to us. The king of of the Southern kingdom of Carniel . He was a wonderful friend to both our king and to our people. He is greatly missed."
Abrose drew in a wavering breath "he certainly is." He offered a sad smile as they went through the steps.
"My name is Nao." She said softly as the dance came to an end.
"and are you staying long here, Nao." Abrose asked as they started another dance together
She nodded with a sly smile "as a court lady. They all think I'm from Parillia or some other place." She laughed and shook her head
"Ah I see. The poor council. I hear they are not too fond of other land's influence perhaps you can change that."
"Perhaps we both can." She agreed

The dizzy feeling still lingered despite his efforts in pretending that it wasn't even there to begin with. He felt exhausted while a headache was starting to form. Nevertheless, he isn't going to let himself faint or collapse while being in the ballroom. Anywhere but here.

He placed the cloth on his forehead, taking multiple deep breaths. Once he felt somewhat cool, he took it off then took a glimpse at Abrose, but his attention was caught by the woman dancing with him instead. So did her smirk.

"Maeda, do you see the woman dancing with Prince Abrose over there?" He asked, tilting his head to the right. "Have we seen her before? Is she the consular of Parillia's daughter?"

The general paused then turned his head to look over. His eyes squinted while he hummed. "I do not believe so, Your Highness, but I feel like we might have. It's hard for me to tell from here."

Malachi bit his bottom lip. While he could just be suspecting or reeling in the effects of feeling lightheaded, something doesn't feel right. "Her dress is gorgeous. It must be made out of fabrics from the Zhang Dynasty, they make the finest quality for dresses like hers," He smirked, "How unforgettable."

For a while the two of them didn't say anything again. They both just kept gazing around. The prince looked over at Edwin, who was dancing with his wife. Edwin gazed back momentarily, giving him a nod then mouthed the word 'tomorrow'.

General Maeda noticed the exchange between the prince and ambassador. A regretful sigh left his lips. "Your Highness, about your meeting tomorrow-"

"I know wedding planning will start, but you are aware that I had planned this before finding about getting engaged to Prince Abrose," Malachi stated. His eyes lingered back to his fiancé, a tiny grin swept across his face. "I do not want a snake in our garden to bite him, it'd be terrible for all of us. I want my wonderful fiancé to be safe and happy."

"I must admit, I didn't expect the princess of Valenian's capital to come tonight. A bit risky no?" Abrose asked, concern flashing in his green eyes.
Nao tilted her head thoughtfully "it is. But what better way to gain perspective than come to the enemy territory?"
Abrose arched an eyebrow "and infiltrate their coucil, giving them more reason to go against your people?" He countered, turning her a few dipping slightly
"I have no desire for war, your highness, please understand that. But this is the only way my voice, the voice of a woman from the Eastern continent will be heard and taken seriously. Do you honestly think I don't understand the risk I am putting my life at, coming here, right where dozens of soldiers and your prince are waiting to kill me?" She asked in a hushed whisper, her accent thickening slightly, making it difficult for Abrose to understand.
Abrose sighed softly "I don't understand your situation, not personally. All I've known was from what my father told me and those were when Valenia was thriving and happy. I know not of the hardship your country and people have gone through in the past years." He replied honestly, looking away slightly in shame for not becoming aware of other countries.
Nao gently cupped his cheek, forcing him to look into her caramel eyes, rimmed in gold eyeliner. "Do not feel bad, Abrose. You've been through your own haedships. I find great comfort in knowing a friend will always be in the south."
Abrose gently took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. "Always your grace. In the south and soon in the North." He promised.
"In the North as well? Are you staying long?" She asked curiously
Abrose nodded "I am to marry the Crown Prince in the next few months."
"Ah so I was not far off calling him yours. I saw you both walking in the gardens from the windows. You two seemed close." She mused with a gentle nudge to Abrose's shoulder.
He laughed and blushed "I didn't say that close. Or close at all. I'm honestly not sure. He is a confusing man."
She chuckled lightly and glanced over at Malachi before focusing back on Abrose "I'm sure a bit of warmth from the south is exactly what his majesty needs to warm his cold heart."

"Safe and happy?" General Maeda repeated, with a concerned expression. "I know that look on your face, Your Highness. You have to remember that we are in no position to do anything….yet."

With his arms crossed, Malachi let out a swift sigh. He let his gaze wander up to ceiling, taking a break from looking at the two on the dancefloor. "Of course, you are right," He hummed, "But that's why I'm having a meeting with Moon and a good old friend. To plan something ahead of time."

Malachi maintained his nonchalant look even though he felt the urge in his lips to frown. What else could he do right now? Walking up to Prince Abrose and the woman would be absolutely foolish. Same with walking out with Edwin or taking a moment to relax. The best thing for him was to stay still, and so he did.

"Maeda, do you want to know why I finally gave in to everyone's demands to marry Prince Abrose?" He questioned, turning his head to look at the older man. "It is more than just providing aid and solidifying an alliance between Atrovia and Carniel. I am interested in seeing what else the marriage will bring."

Suddenly he stumbled back. He lost his balance for a moment before Maeda, luckily, managed to catch him in time. Malachi muttered a thanks then handed the cloth back. The general still kept his hand on the prince.

Running his index and middle finger, he brushed through the off-white strands of his hair. There were a few dark brown strands, but he paid no attention to them. A soft smile swept across his face as he patted the general's back.

"Are you sure you will be fine?" Maeda questioned. He had a smile of his own on him, but Malachi could still see the worry lingering in the general's eyes. It's the same kind his own father gives him.

Despite having a light sensation, he gave an affirmed nod. His eyes lit up with determination. "Well of course," The prince assured, "I am descended from the greatest rulers of Atrovia and Maehwa. I always will be fine, I won't let myself go down very easily."

They stopped for a second, and looked at each other. Malachi's shoulders lightly bounced as he chuckled. Maeda couldn't help but laugh a little himself, "Of course, and this is your engagement ball after all. You should be strong in front of Prince Abrose."

Abrose chuckled lightly "I do hope you are right." He took a step back from Nao and bowed deeply as the dance came to final end.
"I'm rarely wrong." Nao winked and curtsied at Abrose. As she straightened, she caught the eye of on of the councilmen beconning her over to a group he was talking with. Her lips pressed into a thin line, sighing through her nose. "Think it's too late to ignoring them?" She asked softly.
Abrose shook his head and gently squeezed her hand "unfortunately no. I can go with you if you'd like." He offered, glancing over his shoulder at the group of councilmen.
Nao shook her head "I'll be alright, besides, you need to refresh yourself before the next dance." She winked as she strode off towards the men, head held high and silky green dress owing behind her as she approached them with the confidence of a queen. Abrose could learn a thing or two from Nao.
With a small sigh, he walked over to the refreshments table, taking a few pastries and glass of some mystery cocktail. He had always been a light drinker, usually never drinking anything stronger than Champaign or wine. He took a tentative sip of the drink and shrugged, not finding too bad. He downed a bit more, needing to clear his head and relax. After everything that had just happened that night, he wasn't sure how mumch ore he could take. He braced himself against the table and closed his eyes momentarily. He was a prince. He knew what he was doing. He was going to be fine

As much as Malachi liked hosting events such like this, he hated it at the same time. A ball is just a sophisticated version of a secret club owned by a gang; it's better to be at the side and watch everything rather than being part of it. Extravagant dresses and suits are used as covers while people go around doing their dirty work.

And so does he, in his own way of course. That's why he is off to the side with General Maeda. They've been doing the same thing for the last four balls or so. The general did tell him to enjoy this one, yet it seems as of old habits die hard.

Maeda tapped the prince's shoulder then motioned over at the woman in the green dress. "Looks like Emerald is making her way over to Councilman Eszes and the others, I'll keep an eye on them," The general assured, as his eyes squinted, staring at the group. "Your Grace, you should check on His Highness."

Malachi clenched his jaw as he watched the woman. As of now, he does not know much, but he has a bad feeling about her and whatever is going on. And yet, he forced himself to calm down. He had to remind himself that he still felt unwell and this is his engagement ball after all.

He patted Maeda then stepped away. After a step, he stopped then turned to face the general. "I need the list of the attendees and where all the invites were sent to me by nine tomorrow, " He said, "Also I'm going to write letters to Ambassador Jiang, tailors, and seamstresses in the capital, please deliver them yourself. Also, check on your daughter and Edwin."

Once he got a nod from the general, he finally did leave. The air around him felt cool now as he held his chin up and made his way across the ballroom. In the corner of his eye, he caught some guests bowing as he passed by. Lightly, he smiled while giving them a head bow.

When he made his way to Abrose, he tilted his head. Is something wrong? The poor prince does look a little exhausted. He let out a sigh, but still kept on his smile. "Oh dear, you must be having so much fun since you look so tired," He chuckled, "Are you feeling alright, Prince Abrose?"

Abrose glanced over his shoulder, and offered a tight smile "yes, I'm alright everything that has happened today apparently caught up to me in the moment. I'm just a bit overwhelmed , but l'll be alright, thank you Your Highness." He reassured, nudging away the cocktail. It was best that he didn't drink now, God knows how he'd act in from the prince whilst inebriated.
He took a steadying breath and tilted his head at Malachi. "Finally decided to join the festivities?" He chuckled lightly, flicking his gaze around the ballroom. "I must admit, I didn't expect the ball to be of such entertainment. I'm glad I was proven wrong."
He returned his gaze to Malachi's, brows creasing in worry as he spotted sweat on the prince's brow. "Are you alright?" He asked softly, not wanting others to hear in case there was something wrong with their prince.

Malachi held his hands behind his back while his head lightly tilted to the left. Although he noticed the strain in the prince's face, he did his best to maintain his nonchalant look. Poor prince, it must have been a long few hours. Should he mention it or should he just pretend to ignore for now?

"I suppose it is time that I do, but if you are feeling a little uneasy at the moment, we could always dance some other time," He offered, "Are you planning to stay in Atrovia after the ball? I could have a room arranged for you if needed."

His eyes lingered at the prince as he had a puzzled look on his face. Malachi took note of Abrose's expression, wondering why the other was concerned. Personally, he thought that he was looking alright; maybe he wasn't able to hide his own drained expression very well.

Pushing up the corners of his lips, he let out a small laugh. "Of course, but I suppose I am just a little tired," He answered. Reaching under into his coat pocket, he took out his handkerchief and lightly brushedit against his forehead. "A long day proceeds with a long evening after all."

Abrose laughed softly "trying to get out of our little agreement, your highness?" He questioned with a smirk, "don't worry, I'd be happy to dance any time, even if it's not today.
He took a deep breath and shook his head "no, no. That won't be necessary but thank you. I promised Shire I'd be back home after the ball." He glanced out the window, taking a deep breath. He had always been fond of night time, though there was something about being alone, in a carriage, in the late hours in the night that made him very uneasy.
"Speaking of Shire, it's going to be quite fun explaining the engagement to him." He murmured, more to himself than to Malachi. "I might change my mind about your offer to stay just to avoid him a little longer." He chuckled lightly and glanced over at Nao, smiling softly at the dumbfounded expressions the councilmen around her tried to hide.
"a long evening indeed, but one I'm glad I spent here." He offered a smile and returned his attention to Malachi, "after the ball I presume you're going to rest for a while before returning to your duties? It has been a long night." He mused

"Don't worry, I am not," He laughed, "I am just concerned about you right now. You do appear to be a little tired and I am fond of seeing others in such a state. I'll keep our promise for another time."

Out of instinct, his hand reached out to call for a servant, but soon let it drop. The gap between his lips shut. Maybe the travel from here to Carniel isn't that far, although he does wonder if it would be better to travel back rather than just staying here. He shrugged off the idea, watching as Abrose looked out the window before his eyes did the same.

Right, Prince Shire probably won't be anywhere near joyful about the engagement. Oh heavens, he can already hear the doors opening following with the Carniel prince's yelling. "It definitely will be interesting to say the least," Malachi mumbled. Soon after, he let his smile return briefly. "Perfect. Then I will have someone prepare a room for you; it'll be ready by the time the ball ends."

Malachi gazed over at the mysterious woman for a quick second. His eyes narrowed as he did before looking down at the floor. For a brief moment, he turned a little in a direction for General Maeda to see and rubbed his left eye.

"There is no need to be concerned about me. Of course I will rest for a bit afterwards." Facing Abrose, he kept his arms behind his back. Though his expression was mellow, he attempted a warm look. "It sure has been. Time does tend to fly by though, I'll be up before anyone knows."

Abrose pressed his lips into a thin line, keeping down an argument, knowing better than to decline Malachi's offer twice. He bowed his head slightly in acceptance. "If you insist, it is greatly appreciated your highness." He replied softly. Admittedly, it was an immense relief to Abrose, knowing that he'd have a safe place to stay for the night. When he went back to Carniel, he'd deal with Shire. He couldn't imagine his brother arguing the prolonged stay to be a bad thing, especially if it was for Abrose's own safety. Then he'd casually slip in the part about the engagement while spirits were high.
He glanced up at Malachi and bunched his lips to the side in thought for a moment as Malachi spoke. Abrose agreed with him time had gone by unervingly quickly at the ball. It only seemed like an hour or so since he had accepted the prince's proposal and walked through the gardens with him though he knew the danced had lasted much longer than that.
"If I may so bold to ask," he began carefully, his hands fidgeting with the hem of the swath of red fabric, "to ask abour Valenia and the continent's people? Why are you on the verge of a war with them?"