(Good to see ya! Lol)
Cicada was silently grateful for what the prince had been doing keeping them away from everyone else, but it had to come to an end. She spotted the frown on the one nobles lips and refused to outwardly show her own disgust now found from their behavior. She kept her lips tight trying to keep the inward panic that had been building from spilling over.
Another noble gave the pair a flash of a smile before letting a frown and look of concern take over, "Prince Quentin. What are you doing with someone like her?"
Oh, Cicada did not like that other one, one bit.
Quentin's ever-present smirk faded a little at that remark, but for the sake of decency, he tried not to let his annoyance shine through too much. After all, this was a highly-esteemed event. There was no need to make a scene if he could help it.
"Well, last I checked, it was within my rights to attend this celebration with anyone I please," he responded casually. "I'm not questioning your choice of guests, am I?"
One of the other nobles' brow furrowed, their disgust and displeasure almost tangible as they glanced at Cicada.
"Besides," Quentin added sharply, his gaze flickering between the nobles, "There's nothing wrong with a little variety. Just because you disapprove of my guest doesn't mean she's any less welcome."
(Noble: ew why would you bring someone like dis
Quentin: NOBODY ASKED FOR YOUR OPINION KAREN. DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON YOUR UGLY HUSBAND)
(Offended Karen noises)
The first noble looked shocked at Quentin as her hand flew to her chest. How dare he! He may be the prince, but he had no right to say something like that about her poor dear husband. Her eyes narrowed slightly, "How dare you. Your parents will hear about this, young man!" With that, the noblewoman walked away, gracefully, in a huff dragging her husband behind her off towards the king and queen.
Cicada felt her skin crawl as she could feel their gaze on her. She refused to let it show that it made her uncomfortable. Instead, she tools those feelings and twisted them into hostility glaring at the others. Her biggest difficulty was keeping her breathing under control, considering she had been having difficulty before the nobles came.
((I'm literally wheezing XDDD))
Quentin's now-clearly-forced (and somewhat smug) smile faded the second the noble stormed off, and he rolled his eyes. He sighed, turning back to Cicada. "Apologies," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. There were other nobles not far off, still eyeing them like hawks, probably wondering if they dared to swoop in with their own wave of unwelcome questions.
"It's fine," Cicada responded her voice barely making much sound. She was a proud demoness, she wasn't going to let some comments of the enemy noble tear her down. Even if the stares did make her uncomfortable. She took a deep breath in and out as she spotted more nobles approaching, "How long do we have to stay here?"
"Not long," Quentin promised, though he wasn't really sure how long. Long enough to appease his parents and the other guests— and, hopefully make Cicada look halfway decent. After all, the King wasn't too happy about the fact that Quentin had moved her from the dungeon to one of the rooms— even if the Prince was supposed to be trying to get information from her.
“Good,” Cicada responded taking another deep breath. She didn’t have to be here much longer. Soon she could retreat back into the room and away from prying eyes. She was figuring out she only liked attention when she knew it was happening. None of this gossiping rumor stares.
"But first, we must eat." Quentin entertained the thought of taking her hand, but thought better of it. She was liable to tear off his limb and beat him with it right here in the middle of the ballroom, as far as he was concerned, and he didn't want to go out in such an undignified manner. He cleared his throat, before adding in a much quieter voice, "Though, they may expect us to dance."
Cicada started to frown ever so slightly before forcing her face back to neutral. She let out the breath she seemed to be holding and grabbed his hand maybe a little harder than need be. She couldn't exactly help it as her emotions were beginning to get the better of her even if she didn't exactly want to hurt him. At least not at this moment. She took another breath before half hissing, "Of course they will. You're the prince can't you call them to a meal now so that we can finish the night faster?"
