At some point they had both fallen asleep on the ride, curled into each other like two babes. Zeven woke first, when the carriage came to a stop. The feeling of dread washed over him to have to return to the palace.
That place was no home to him, if anything it was his prison cell. And there were many unfortunate memories that arose at the thought of having to return once again. Everytime he had come back was torture, agony as he had to mold himself intot he perfect heir that he had been raised as.
But looking at Chris's sleeping face, soothed the dark feelings. Instead he was filled with determination. His mind was set. No matter what happened, he would protect her. The painful memories he had of this place would not be shared by her. She would leave with a smile. It was the promise he made to himself.
He gently shook her awake. Stopping her before she could rub her eyes like usual. With one fist in each of his hands we smiled at her before bringing them to his lips.
"Shall we go in?"
Stepping out of the carriage Zeven offered his hand to her. Waiting patiently for her to take it and join him.
Chris suddenly felt very naked, a vulnerable feeling. It wasn't like this when she was dressed like this at the house, but the feeling kept her feet frozen to the ground.
In the midst of his own anxiety, when he felt Chris stiffen he managed to push his own thoughts away.
"We're going to be okay. Buck up," he dashed up a few steps in front of her. Using his arms to spread out and gesture, "Would you believe that once, when I was much younger of course, Brennan and I took turns sledding down these steps? Brennan even has a scar on his knee from a particularly bad landing."
It was a happy memory for Zeven, one of the few he had here. But it was enough to make her smile, in turn making him smile. Chris took his arm, intertwining it with her own. Her eyes crinkled in the corners as she looked at him, and he was too busy giving her a history lesson to notice.
Zeven led the way up the stairs. Pointing out all the different memories that he had. Keeping the conversation light.
The corridor was vast. Innumerable doors leading down into forever. She made note of each door as Zeven told her what was behind them.
"It's like a maze."
"It's how they get their staff. People tend to mill about after a party, and if they have nothing better to do they'll get put to work." He winked at her.
They continued walking down the hall until she could hear the roar of the party. She noticed the way Zeven's pace slowed the closer they got to the source of the sound.
His face seemed to age before her eyes, the set of his jaw, the focusing of his eyes. He slicked his hair back, finally taming the stray curl. His smile was gone, instead he wore a neutral expression, unreadable.
There was a man waiting outside the large double doors where they stopped. He nodded to the man, and the man nodded back before opening the doors
"Shall we?" he gestured out with his hand for them to start walking again.
Zeven guided her over to a more secluded corner, taking care to keep her close to him. His eyes scanning the room over and over searching for something.
A warm hand on his face brought him back to the moment.
"Just a question, but… how can I convince people I am deeply in love with you if you keep ushering me away from everyone."
"If they see us together, they should take the hint." He tried to break free of her gaze, but he was no match for her mesmerizing grey eyes.
"Then what was the point of all that time spent learning to be a perfect princess?"
"I'm sure you'll get a chance to use them at some point."
"Just a guess, but it almost sounds like you're jealous. Don't worry too hard, I won't be stolen away from you tonight. You are the only reason I'm here."
His hand clamped over hers, holding it in place. "Say it again."
"Are you okay, you seem really on edge."
"Have you forgotten that your life is on the line? If this fails then that's it. There is no getting back to your country, bet or otherwise."
"I mean… if this is my last night on earth, why not enjoy it?" Chris gave a half smile which melted Zeven's reserves. While he didn't smile, he did release her hand with an affectionate squeeze.
Her hand lingered there for a second longer than it needed to.
It was almost as if trying to avoid people drew them near. Despite his efforts, people began to swarm and enclose around them, flooding into the corner where Zeven tried to hide.
She watched as a change came over him. As soon as he realized avoiding everyone was futile he assumed his princely facade and began to greet those around him. People bowed their heads to him
Chris found herself nodding and smiling in response to all the questions thrown at them. Trying to act the way Gunter had taught her. Laughing daintily, looking at Zeven often, letting him talk for the both of them.
Zeven could feel her grip on his arm tightening as she lost patience. The people surrounding them continued to overlook her and direct questions for her to him instead. He felt conflicted, wanting to show her off and keep her hidden at the same time. A move in either direction would be a betrayal to his feelings and yet he couldn't do anything.