With the crowd having grown since she’d started her dance with the prince, Blaine wouldn’t be surprised if it took Andion a bit of extra time to get back to her. She would, however, still like for him to get back quickly. It would just save her the energy of worrying.
Andion was back in a few moments, chewing something and holding a pastry in one hand some fruit in the other. He wasn't going to lie, he had been more hungry then he had been letting on. At least he had food and something in his stomach now.
Blaine glanced over at Andion when he came back. She chuckled quietly when she noticed all the food in his hands and nudged him.
“How’s the food?”
He rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he swallowed what he had in his mouth, "Hey, you told me to get something to eat and I did. And for your information it is very delicious."
Blaine smiled and shook her head. “Good. You see, I do know what’s good for you sometimes.”
"Yeah yeah I know. Just let me believe that I know what I'm doing for once." He mumbled, taking a bite into the pastry.
“Aw, but where’s the fun in that?” Blaine chuckled, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek.
Andion would have kissed her back, had his mouth not been full of food that prevented him from talking until he finished. He simply shook his head in return, turning his gaze to the ballroom.
Blaine smiled and turned to glance around the room. Everything seemed fine so far, but there was always a chance that something could change.
The night dragged on. There were no mishaps and the prince and the royal family seemed fine. Eventually, as it dragged close to the middle of the night, did the party finally start to disperse.
“Are we ready to go meet with the royals?” Blaine asked quietly, nibbling on her… fifth cookie? She’d slowly eaten quite a few during the evening, as well as had three glasses of champagne. At least her alcohol tolerance was good from growing up near the pub.
Andion had taken to biting at his lip during the time they had waited, tasting the coppery tang of blood in his mouth. Probably a mistake but the only sign of his nerves, "Just wait until the prince gives us the go ahead."
Blaine nodded, glancing around the room once more before drawing her gaze up to Andion’s face. Her eyes flickered to his mouth, and she noticed him chewing on it. With a silent sigh through her nose, she reached up and tapped his mouth with a finger.
“Stop that,” she murmured.
Andion blinked a couple times then went a very light red, "Sorry…" He mumbled.
The last few people in the room scattered. Some headed up to their rooms in the castle, probably other royals or noblemen who were staying for a few days before heading back home. The prince finally looked back towards the two assassins and beckoned them over.
Blaine almost chuckled at the sight of her ex-assassin boyfriend blushing. That was a sight to behold. And a very cute one, as well.
As soon as the prince waved them over, she glanced up at Andion again before they made their way over.
The prince waited by the throne, standing at the bottom of the podium with his arms crossed over his chest. The appearance of everything being well was gone as soon as the last person left the room and it was just the three of them. He was tense, cautious, as he should be.
Once they were close enough, he spoke, "Do we need a more private room to talk?"
Blaine glanced around the room. It was empty, but it was rather large. For now, it would be fine, but she did feel as if they should talk elsewhere. She looked to Andion, silently asking for his opinion.
"Private," Andion replied. One could never take too many chances, "Just in case of any listening ears."
The prince nodded, albeit reluctantly, and led them out of the hall. The castle was as big on the inside as it was on the out. Runes and symbols lined most doors, carved into the wood. As well as the stone ceilings. They were hidden int he tapestries and grand glass windows. It was a miracle, with Maradova being a mostly magic-free place, the royals hadn't been killed for the use of them.
The assassins were led up to the princes private chambers, his study attached to the side. They followed him in and seated across from the royal, who made himself comfortable on the other side of the dark oak desk.
Blaine’s eyes flicked around the halls as they walked down them, memorizing the turns they made in case they needed to get out suddenly. Once they were in the room with the prince, she folded her hands in front of herself, standing behind a chair instead of sitting. Another safety precaution, more for her peace of mind this time.
“I suppose we should explain ourselves,” she mused, breaking the silence and glancing over at Andion before her gaze settled on the prince again.
The prince tilted his head, clearly slightly amused, "I'd assume that would be the best place to start. What was your real purpose for coming to the ball? I assume it wasn't to dance."
Blaine shook her head. “No, it wasn’t. Even if it was a nice addition.” She sighed and glanced at Andion again, wondering how to bring it up, then looked at the prince again. “We’re here to warn you. Someone wants you dead.”
He raised a brow, "Who? Why?" He asked, leaning forwards to brace himself against the table, "Were you sent here to give me the message? If so how did you find out?"
Well, shoot. How were they supposed to tell him that they were the ones who were supposed to kill him?
Blaine eyed Andion, silently asking for him to explain. One wrong move and they would be easily beheaded.
"We have sources, back on our home continent," Andion said after a moment, rubbing at his chin, "People who know the crime leaders and their plans," He shrugged, "That's how we found out. Dunno if they're still alive or not back home." He glanced to Blaine, hoping she'd go along with the story.
Blaine nodded, facing the prince again. “They got to us just in time to tell us before they were caught. We barely got away ourselves.” That was certainly true… They’d barely gotten out, after all.