Naveen

Talon:

"Too each their own. I know nothing about you, and you don't seem to want to let me get to know you. So I can only guess and let you do what you want." I cursed quietly and pulled her closer. We no longer looked like a servant and lady, but a young couple, enjoying time alone. I had a hand lightly at the small of her back, a few inches separating our chests. Right behind her the man was moving with his own lady, bringing her towards a table.

Rina:

I coughed softly trying to look down rather than at his face. I buried the unfathomable urge to put my arms around his neck. I was very aware of what he was doing and little else. I let out a soft breath trying to clear my head of dizziness.

The danger still there, but passed made me focus on her instead. I looked at her confused, my lips parted a little in an unspoken question. My gaze was equal parts curiosity, trust, and worry.

Rina:

I found myself staring at his chest to avoid looking at his face. If I lowered my gaze any more I’d be staring down my own dress, which was much lower cut that my usual attire. “Is he gone?” I whispered.

My eyes flicked in his direction only to have me stiffen and unconsciously bring her closer, as if she was a shield. My eyes now reflected vulnerability. I could do little else, but hide behind her. The only other option was to let him capture me again...and then the tortures would resume.

Rina:

I let out another breath trying to breath in as little of his captivating scent as possible.

I simply stopped moving completely, my eyes closed, my lips moving a little in a silent prayer. The man was talking to a servant right behind Rina.

Rina:

I glanced up at him slowly my eyes trailing over his face before I peeked over his shoulder the pillar a few paces behind him. “Move back.” I whispered to him.

I opened my eyes a little bit, looking into hers with half-lidded eyes before moving backwards at her command. My eyes and face still showed how vulnerable I was.

Rina:

I was pulled along with him but once we reached the pillar that shielded him from view I broke away from him and let my head clear. I was furious, I decided, at having been used and made to be so close to him. It was only barely restrained fury that had muddled my mind.

I leaned against the pillars, shaking a little. It became too much and I did the only thing I knew would calm me down. One hand pulled a hidden knife out, the other hand went between my teeth. I was shielded from everyones view by Rina and the pillar, and so...I stabbed my leg. In one thrust the knife went all the way to the hilt, and my teeth broke the skin on my hand as I bit down. I shook for a few seconds before all the worry and fear drained away. Drowned out by the pain.

Rina:

I gasped and covered my mouth with my hands. I checked around us to make sure no one had been watching. “What do you think you’re doing?!” I asked after I had composed myself, but my voice was shriller than I had meant it to be.

I ripped the knife out and let out a shaky breath I hadn't known I had been holding. I slowly released my other hand from my mouth, as I closed my eyes and leaned fully against the pillar. Her words didn't even register in my head.

Rina:

“Good lord.” I looked around again nervously. “We should get out of here. Now.” I told him but I had the feeling he wasn’t paying attention.

I closed my eyes, letting my magic stitch my skin slowly back together. It worked from the inside out, and I had most of my focus on the leg injury. So as it was, that healed fully, but I still had imprints on my hand.

Rina:

“Talon please. Get it together.” I hissed. I took a step back from him and looked around. I had the feeling that someone was watching but I couldn’t spot them.

My eyes snapped up to her, before I straightened and said in my most submissive of voices, "Yes mistress, I am sorry, but I seem to have slipped and cut myself. Do I have your leave to tend to this shortly?"

Rina:

I blinked and my eyes widened a little at the thought of being left alone. “Ah, yes.” I said with a nod. I couldn’t very well deny him, a few people were watching now after all.

Talon:

I gave her a low bow, my eyes flashing with a single emotion once. The emotion was simple, she had gone too far in her words. "I will send one of the men to assist you should you need it." I said formally before pretending to limp away. No one tried to stop me.

Rina:

I turned to watch him go with my hands folded in front of me. I felt suddenly very alone and out of place. It was ironic how the lack of his presence made me so unsure.

Talon:

Once I was out of view of prying eyes I took off running, keeping to the shadows and out of sight. It wouldn't do me any good to be caught now.

Rina:

I was very aware of all the eyes on me, it prickled my skin. I kept my gaze on the floor as I made my way through the hall towards the exit. Conversation picked up and I was pushed towards the dance floor as more people came to the edge. I looked up to see what they were all talking about, the prince had finally vacated his seat and was moving through the people in search of a dance partner. I a nasty feeling grew in my stomach with every step closer to me her took. Although my eyes were averted, and many girls were doing his best to draw his attention, he still stopped in front of me. He held his hand out to me as someone whispered my name in his ear. “Lady Sage, may I have this dance?” He asked and gave me a charming smile. My hands were glued together in front of me. I shook my head with wide eyes. I heard a few gasps, no one had ever turned down the prince before. He was known to have a wicked temper and a spiteful attitude. His smile twitched in annoyance. “Oh please, my lady.” He said fluttering his dark eyelashes at me. I was repulsed. “No.” I said firmly, gave a half curtsy, and hurried past him through the crowd of people glaring at me. I broke through the first door I found.

Talon:

I signaled to my men and two of them went off to gather up Rina. Two more came to me and escorted me out, with out a word or a comment. They knew better than to ask why I had abandoned an assignment like this. They knew that it was something grave for me to be pushed this far. And so they wisely kept their mouths shut.

Rina:

I turned left down the hallway trying to find my way out of this place, putting everything else out of my mind.

Talon:

I was placed in the garden by my men, before they moved back, leaving me alone. They would collect Rina and then come get me once more. As it was, I was practically catatonic.