?I think I understand. Most of the people I would tell already know, except for?? He wasn?t going to say the name out loud, though he did wonder how Addie was doing in that moment. Nick followed her into the room, it may have been the size of his entire place back in Rhydin, (excluding the shop downstairs). He was still wearing a smile at her blush, talking dirty was a new aspect to their relationship. Something that was brought home to him when she darkened the windows and turned his comment around on him. ?I? am not even sure they?ve stocked the place with tea. I might just have to find something else to warm you up inside.?

The door lock was turned, just in case this was one of those places where people were okay with just walking in. It also gave him a chance to recover from the color that threatened to fill his own face. How long did it take until he could rattle those things off like her brother and not have it touch him? Did he even want that? With the door locked, the windows set against anyone looking in, he closed the distance between them and pulled Averia against him. ?You might just have to settle for whatever is close at hand.? Leaning over, he kissed her and lifted her from the floor, locking his hands beneath her and making himself the closest thing at hand. This was something he would never get enough of.

They had days, but he was sure that it would seem like much less. He was just as sure that the reason would be that word of their arrival would spread and people would be looking to occupy the twins time. For now, they were hidden perhaps well enough to give them time for whatever came to mind. Nick set Averia on the back of a couch, and let his hands slip beneath her skirt to pull at the panties beneath. ?How long before they hunt you down??

?You?re pretty creative in your methods, I?m sure you?ll think of something.? She answered coyly, refusing to touch the subject of just who didn?t know about them yet. There were several important names on the list and Averia didn?t wish to think about it lest it ruin the trip. His hands on her and his body so close as he lifted her made it hard to think, hard to banter, and really hard to answer. The last thing she wanted to do was think about how little time she likely had. She groaned softly against his mouth and reluctantly drew back to look up at him. Even on the couch back, she still lacked the height needed to see eye to eye with him.

?We might have a little time before they want to pull us away for dinner and what not.? She mumbled, her hands grazing down his chest until they reached his belt. The fumbling was minimal, coming easier with practice, and she didn?t even have to look down to do it. Her mouth was still intent on his, grazing the corner of her lips and along his jaw. Nimble ministrations undid his belt and then his jeans. Her fingers pinched at his zipper, tugging it slowly downwards as she grinned against his skin.

Bang, bang, bang! A heavy pounding on the door put the kibosh on that. Averia nearly fell back off the couch but caught herself with a leg around Nick and whipped a look toward the door, her eyes wide. A moment later a muffled voice called through the door. ?Ayo Nick! You up here yet??

Dammit Alex.

A little time was all they?d need, right? Nick?s fingers had already begun to bunch the fabric of the back of her shirt. He turned toward her mouth, looking to claim the sweetness of her kisses, and return them with his own. Her mouth had gone, though he was content with the direction they?d traveled. He inhaled the lavender scent of her hair, making room for her on his neck and letting a sly smile slip across his mouth as the tug on his zipper began. It was short lived ecstasy, the banging on the door had been expected, just not quite this soon. He managed to aid Avy in staying on the couch, his hand on her back as quickly as her leg surrounded him.

?Uh? Yeah! I?m up here?? Nick called out to Alex, shoving something lacey into the pocket of his jeans and reluctantly closing them back up.

?I guess I?ll have to see if there actually is some tea in here somewhere.? He kissed Avy?s neck before setting her on the floor again. His hand went to his groin and adjusted himself to a position that was a bit more comfortable. ?You get the door, I need a minute to? settle down I guess.? He gave her backside a groping swat before heading for the kitchen area of the sweet, and rummaging through doors until he found something. His eyes looked at her over his shoulder, a half grin on his face at almost being caught again. He did like to live dangerously sometimes.

?Course Alex will probably want something stronger.? He?d see if there was anything that would be considered that. He did his best to flatten the front of his pants, that included the bunched up underthings he?d stolen from her. ?We?ll pick up there later.? It wasn?t a question, he?d simply said it as though it would be fact.

?Should be some stocked in the bottom cabinet.? She murmured with a soft sigh. Murder was strongly considered for a few moments and she wondered how long it would take them to miss Alex if she did. As he set her back down, she adjusted her skirt and tried not to blush too deeply at the additional airiness thanks to her lacking undergarments. Smoothing out her hair, she gave him one last lingering look and headed for the front door. Averia did her best to smooth her exasperation as she flipped the lock and tugged open the door. Tempted as she was to only crack it, she flung it wide as if they had nothing to hide.

?Hey Al. I was just showing Nick his room.? It wasn?t as though Alex had asked but still she felt the need to supply an answer. Her brother quirked a brow and looked past her before striding into the room with a hesitant grin for his friend.

?Pretty sweet digs right? What?re you looking for in there?? He asked. Behind him Avy glared daggers at her brother?s back, likely only enough that Nick could tell. Alex didn?t wait long enough to give Nick a chance to respond before adding on his true reason for coming up to begin with. ?They just started construction on this new high rise a few blocks away. The site?s closed for now but dude, can you imagine the climb? We could probably make it up and back before dinner if you wanna go. Oh, and Avy, they?re looking for you downstairs. Something about blah blah blah, I didn?t listen.?

?Mmm, sweet.? Nick was about to answer about what he was looking for when his hand fell on a bottle and just produced it. It was set atop the counter, as he listened to Alex?s proposal. ?How tall we talking? Like, get a picture that makes people sick from just looking?? He rose, turned to face them both, hiding the bottle from view. ?Though, if we?re going climbing, we might not want to have any of this?? He already knew the answer before he?d asked the question. It did give him a reason for the look on his face though.

?That?d be pretty epic, especially if they?ve got one of those cranes attached to the top.? He pulled down three glasses and put a couple fingers worth of the dark liquid in each. ?One drink, then we?ll all go do what needs doing.? He thought that Averia might just need one as well before dealing with whatever they wanted her for. Nick was pretty sure that no one outside of that room would approve of what he and Alex were planning to do. Avy, she might approve but be upset that she couldn?t go along too. ?Can we get something to eat on the way? I?m suddenly starving.? The glasses were handed over, he lifted his own to theirs and slammed it quickly.

?I didn?t count or anything but probably thirty or forty stories so far. It?ll be a hotel eventually.? Alex shrugged a shoulder and reached for the filled glass. It wasn?t as though he needed it before such a trek but never was the wild child one to turn down a stiff drink. He tipped it back in quick order, swallowing down its contents before slamming the upended glass down on the counter. ?Wooo, how ?bout one more before we go scale that baby? And get you food or whatever.?

Averia was positively dour as she took up her glass. Unlike the boys, she didn?t shoot it. It wasn?t as though she couldn?t, it just wasn?t particularly dignified to guzzle it like they had. Already she was trying to step back into a demeanor more befitting a princess, her posture stiff even as she lifted the glass to her lip. A purse of her mouth came before she tipped it back slowly, drinking it down and cringing only slightly at the burn. When it was empty, she set it down and sighed. ?Have fun guys? I?ll see you later or whatever.?

Parting ways made the walk back down to the Citadel?s public meeting area a lonely one. A single set of steps echoing in the high arching halls as she approached a set of double doors that surely spelled doom. Averia paused outside of them, one hand set to the left door. There were at least a dozen people beyond. It made her head such a loud place and in the moment, all she wanted was to find the boys and go climb dangerous buildings. Not as though she could have considering she was in a skirt and her boyfriend had stolen her underthings.

That was exactly what she didn?t need to be thinking about as she pressed the door open, but red cheeks and all, she pushed it open and stepped inside. Within three steps she was flanked on either side by men that towered over the little princess.

?Vel. Titus. How?re you both?? She asked softly, her stride refusing to falter despite their positioning beside her. The hall was great and in the middle of the room sat a long stretched table. It would likely be moved as soon as their meeting was concluded so that they could decorate for the Trinity Ball. Averia was no stranger to these briefings but that didn?t make them any less exhausting. On either side of the table sat an even row of Lucian Councilmembers. Almost all of them were significantly older than she was and it was impossible not to feel their eyes upon her as the two men led her to the head of the table. Often it was where her father sat but he wasn?t here and the meeting wasn?t for him anyways.

?Well enough and yourself?? The shorter of the two men asked, offering her over a thin transparent tablet that included most, if not all, of the information she needed. If they could streamline everything into that, Averia didn?t understand why they still felt the need to assert their influence in person. She took it into her grasp and watched it light up under her fingers.

?Hoping this goes quickly. I?ve much to do.? Though she said it with authority, Avy could only hope that they didn?t read the meaning behind her words.

?Of course. We?ve laid out a streamlined itinerary for your visit that should help with that.? Vel said, leaning over to flip a screen on the tablet. Meanwhile Titus pulled out the high backed chair at the head of the table. The flush of red touched her cheeks against as she conscientiously swept a hand down the back of her skirt as she sat, neatly crossing one leg over the other as the chair was scooted in beneath her. Looking down at the schedule in front of her, she tried not to frown. All she wanted to do was hang out with Nick and Alex and see her father. Instead?

?The Altissian delegates are getting in early?? She remarked quietly, pinning the inside of her cheek with her teeth. Vel and Titus took seats to either side of her, prompting Averia to look up. Twelve pairs of eyes were upon her, waiting for her to speak. ?Gentlemen, I hope the evening finds you well. I?m sure you?re all most intent upon returning to your families as Yule approaches so in the interest of accomplishing that, shall we begin??

What followed was a give and take, but mostly give, of various reports on the upcoming events. Why they thought she was at all interested in the ball she didn?t know. It had began twenty years ago as a symbol of an alliance forged between the three pieces of the Trinity that it was named after. Lucis, Valhalla, Nosgoth. Valhalla?s influence was muted by her mother?s express direction that their interference be minimal at best. In the meantime, Nosgoth had crumbled and Lucis had stood by, unable to help. Yet the parties to celebrate continued on. Most in Lucis, Averia guessed, hadn?t the slightest idea of what it meant and just what had happened to Nosgoth. It made her angry and her patience short. By the end of the briefing, Averia was exhausted. She was the first to rise as always and both Vel and Titus accompanied her out through the hall?s rear exit.

?I?ll be fine, I assure you. You know the trip from Rhydin is always tiring. I?ll likely head to dinner and then retire for the evening. Thank you gentlemen.? Averia waited in the back hall until the advisors had gone and then and only then did she allow herself to relax. Turning the opposite way they had gone, she was quick to get away from the King?s Hall. Muscle memory hurried her down the labyrinthine corridors until she could finally breathe again without fear of Council judgment. The Citadel was a hub of activity the further she got from the Hall and for once the introvert savored the hustle and bustle. It was easy to get lost in and so she did, weaving through the crowd with little notice until she could reach the grand entry?s towering windows. Unlike the ones up in the Citadel?s private quarters, these ones were not tinted and instead streamed the day?s dying light across the black marble under her feet. She slipped a hand into her pocket to retrieve her phone, pouting only a little bit at the slew of selfies the boys had sent her while she was tied up. They had made it to the top and the angle they caught was dizzying. Averia could almost feel the lurch in her stomach and the subsequent rush of adrenaline that came from such feats. But she wasn?t there, she was here with her feet on the ground. They were on their way back at the very least or so said a message a handful of minutes prior.

Beautiful, there she is. She heard it before she felt it, the strong arms slipping her waist from behind. It made her jump slightly before a small smile worked its way across her mouth, her cheeks flushing. Surely Nick knew better than to so publicly wrap her up. As the thought registered, her smile faltered and she twisted around in the firm and only slightly familiar loop of masculine arms. She didn?t have to look up nearly as far as she would have to meet Nick?s gaze but that was only because it wasn?t Nikolai with his arms around her.

?Marcus?! Let me go!? She hissed, wriggling her arms up in between them in preparation to get away from him. He crushed her slight frame against him though, unwilling to give up so easily. In her squirming she felt his mouth press to her forehead which was exactly when she got her left arm free. No sooner had he kissed her did her fingers flex into a tight fist aimed at his mouth as she pulled back. The connection was solid and he let her go, his hands coming up to his mouth. Her knuckles stung but the trickle of red between his fingers said he assuredly hurt worse. ?What in the goddess? name is your problem?!?

?I should be asking you that very question.? His muffled words came from behind his hand as he pressed at his mouth. The Prince of Altissia?s gaze was hard, furious as he looked down at her. Averia was undaunted by such a thing. After all, she was the daughter of Claire Caelum. Very little could intimidate her.

?You?ve no right to ask me a damn thing. I told you this summer that it wasn?t going to work. That doesn?t mean you get to touch me.? Keeping her voice low as if it would avoid a scene, it did little to hold off the stares in the wake of her neat jab to the man?s face. Dainty princess she was not, even if she sucked back the desire to cry as she turned on her heel and ran.

Nick didn?t look ashamed of his actions. To the contrary, he looked both defiant, and ready to continue to take Marcus apart regardless of the guards that were keeping them separated. His entire body was tense, if Alex let up one bit Nick would have been free and likely in chains right now. He had a lot to be thankful to his friend for, though it wouldn?t come from him until he managed to settle down. There were too many words going back and forth between Alex and everyone else. Alex didn?t give him words, expression was enough to let him know that it was time for him to go. He fixed Marcus with a last look, a strange little smile that he couldn?t recall ever wearing before though it felt familiar to him.

He headed away from the pair of princes and their full house of guards. Alex had the advantage here as his hand was Ignis high, especially with the bloody knuckled assailant leaving the area. Averia, where had she gone? Nick moved down the corridor, affecting that official hurry pace that he and Alex had through the lower levels of the Citadel. He was in a hurry, the why shouldn?t matter to anyone, though Nick?s dishevelled look would be a focal point for some. ?Avy?? Had he done the wrong thing? He wasn?t sure anymore, all he knew was that she?d gone, and he was, much as he had begun, still searching for her. He wasn?t sorry, not about the damage to Marcus at least. Even now he knew he?d have done nothing different on that note. He understood that Avy was capable of having done it too. That would have changed things, but she hadn?t moved, or was it that he hadn?t given her time?

Avy, he was still calling for her. If she couldn?t hear his voice, maybe something more intimate? He didn?t know what wasn?t possible, so he looked at it as though anything could be. This wasn?t Rhydin, maybe those rules didn?t apply here? That wouldn?t stop him from trying. ?Avy? slow down and wait for me.?

Averia knew better than to try and traverse the main entry, instead slipping down a side corridor in a roundabout way to try and get back to her room. Much like baseball, there was no crying in the public eye so she quickly found a half shaded wall to hold up as she tried to compose herself. Sinking as her back slid down the cool wall, she set her head against her knees, one hand held to the hemline of her skirt since it was most certainly not the most dignified of poses. It was quieter there and she could finally hear herself think. She could also hear her name on Nick?s lips, calling for her though for a moment she wasn?t sure if her mind was playing tricks on her or if she heard him in stereo both mentally and auditorily.

?Nick?? She answered softly. In the silent hall if he came close enough her voice may carry. Avy lifted her head to look down the dim corridor to the way she had come from. Beyond, far beyond, it was still a mess of voices and thoughts and she tried not to push her conscious too far lest she give herself a headache sifting through them to find him. What had he been thinking? This wasn?t Rhydin, he couldn?t just beat down whoever he wanted. There were rules and laws and? the politics. Ugh, the fallout. Just the thought alone made her groan and set her forehead back down on her knees.

Averia?s form against the wall was spotted easily as Nick finally closed the distance between them. For a moment he had to go back in his memory to see if he recalled anything happening to her. He didn?t remember making contact when he put what Charlie called an aerial tea bag on Marcus. Was there something else he?d missed? Quietly he knelt down next to her, his eyes on her alone. ?Avy, are you okay? He didn?t? we didn?t hurt you did we?? He needed to include himself in there. Everything was a blur at the moment, he barely remembered hearing the voice of Alex sending her away.

Reaching for her was easy, and there could have been an ironic though in his head at how it had taken this long to realize it. Nick?s knuckles showed the evidence of his crime in blood and abrasions. He lifted her chin with his fingers to make her see him. ?I **** up, didn?t I?? The reactions of everyone told him that was true. He couldn?t say he wouldn?t do it again given the choice. He honestly never made a choice, he just acted becoming a tool of impulse and chaos in doing so. ?I?m sorry I upset you, them, everyone? well almost. I told you once though, no one will disrespect you where I can hear it.? Not without feeling it the next day, or maybe two in this case? Mr. Perfect was up, and communicating, it couldn?t be all that bad. Not like it would have been if Alex hadn?t intervened.

?I?m fine. I?m fine.? She mumbled, lifting her chin as he knelt beside her. Sniffing, she dragged the back of her hand across her eyes. It smeared her mascara and left her to follow up with a swipe of her fingers to clean it up. The touch of his bloodied hands didn?t make her cringe away but it did send a ripple of tension through her jaw. What had been meant as a fun, relaxing trip was fast turning into a disaster. The urge to run had never been worse. She could have quite easily done so, losing Nick in the halls as her muscle memory spirited her away through the maze of halls and rooms in the Citadel.

?I punched him first. He came up behind me? I thought? I thought it was you.? For some reason that limned her words with the shame she had felt. Averia should have known the difference without turning around. For all of the fire that the little royal had, it seemed to sputter out with a quiver of her bottom lip. It was a sad testament to the expectations that had been set upon her shoulders. Sit down, be quiet, do what you?re told, never bat a lash, don?t speak up, and most definitely never lash out. She was supposed to be the picture of perfect composure and today she had been anything but. ?I just want to go? anywhere but here. Come with me??

Go with her, Nick agreed without knowing or caring where that would be. He kissed her temple before rising, doing his best to understand how it must have felt for her to be tricked by her own want for it to have been him. ?Of course, why would you think anything different?? His hand went out to her, a solid connection to him that she could use to pull herself upright. ?I doubt anyone else would have dared to?? He didn?t blame her for punching Marcus. She certainly hadn?t asked for him to get so bold. He looked over his shoulder feeling a twinge of guilt at the voices he could barely hear in Alex?s direction.

?You lead. I?ll just end up getting lost, then you?ll have to send search parties out for the villain that knocked the prince on his ass.? Nick tried to lighten the mood, though he was probably doing a poor job of it. He reverted back to the thing that he knew best, fixing her with the ?I?m adorable? grin hoping that she hadn?t figured out yet that it meant he didn?t know what else to do or say. He didn?t follow her, he took up a place next to her and simply let her determine their direction and speed. ?They gonna make me go home, or?? Nick?s shoulder went up in a shrug as he tried to pass off something worse as not really an option. ?...lock me in the dungeon?? Did the Citadel have a dungeon? He could only think it did. Places like this had dungeons, or towers or some other dark hole they stuck people in and forgot about them, right?

?You knocked Alex on his ass? Because that? that? other twat doesn?t deserve his title.? Her frown was dismayed but still she slipped her hand into his for leverage as she got back to her feet awkwardly. If there was anyone that could handle the onslaught of questioning smooth everything over, it would be Alex. Averia understood why some thought he was preferable to her when it came to succeeding their father. He was charming and diplomatic and handsome and she? she was just Avy. She brushed her free hand over her skirt to smooth it before leading him down the dim hallway. It was a seldom used corridor and it was Averia?s hope that they would see exactly zero people on the way back to the access stairwell hidden away in one of those clever spots that allowed the staff to move efficiently through the massive building.

?Dungeon? The Crownsguard has a substation just outside of the Citadel? but if they wanted to be assholes, they?d just take you out of the city before nightfall and see how you fare with the daemons.? She shrugged gently. Surely she was kidding, right? Her expression said she wasn?t, her brow furrowed and her mouth pale from how tight her lips pressed one another. ?Alex?ll handle it? it?ll be fine. Walk me back to my room in the meantime??

It would still be worth it so far as Nick was concerned. He snorted at her comment about Alex and Marcus. Would he ever get used to the titles? He?d do his best. ?I?m sorry that I wasn?t here when you needed me to be. He?d have had to find a way to take my spot if I had been.? Not that Nick would have been quite that informal with her. Not yet anyway, their relationship was still relatively unknown on the Rhydin side. Here it might be barely a rumor, now.

No matter how hard he tried to memorize their progress, Nick missed things. A turn here or there lost because he couldn?t help but have his attention drawn to the girl at his side. He might need to know sometime, now there didn?t seem to be a huge press for him to. ?So, that thing that they needed you for? was it important?? He had noticed a lack of people on their route, something he hadn?t thought possible, but his idea of what it was like living here was just what his imagination fed him. ?They won?t, say, be looking for you again in ten minutes will they?? He was used to her time being limited, but this felt more extreme than what he knew.

?It?s not your fault. You can?t be with me constantly, definitely not while we?re here?? It was the deliverance of an unfortunate fact. Things in Lucis were simply different than they were in Rhydin. Her teeth chewed at the inside of her cheek as she pondered that thought. If he was in it for the long haul, he would have to get used to such things. Maybe it would make him change his mind? she didn?t know. No, she couldn?t think like that. Nick had come back to her after going almost two decades into the past at her behest, going so far as to arrange his own death in an effort to make it back to Averia. The strangeness of Lucis was nothing in comparison.

?Just the Council reminding me that they run my life when I?m here. I was? supposed to meet the Altissian delegation before dinner but evidently that happened a little earlier than expected. I?ve got six things to do tomorrow and then we can leave for Duscae sometime in the afternoon if all goes well. They want me back a few days before the Ball? I figure Alex?ll get fitted then, you can too.? Soon it dawned on her that he wasn?t exactly asking about the overall but rather the short term and she was again reminded of the missing lace he had tucked into his pocket. ?You and Alex ate while you were out, right? So? if we skipped dinner so I could tend to your hands and you can? um? comfort me? they would forgive our absence?? Sure they?d likely still get called to dinner but it was a nice thought.

?It would be nice if I could be there all the time, I?m not sure it would help anything much if you were trying to get things done.? He didn?t say how, but some part of him figured she would already know. ?I suppose that means you?ll have to deal with not so charming Marcus at some point too? Maybe he figured out what no means?? Nick could hope, but some part of him knew that this would possibly make matters worse. There was a reason he?d preferred to duel in armed combat, and hadn?t made any attempt in unarmed. He relied on his hands too much for other things. His knuckles hurt, not that he?d never banged them up this way before. He and Alex seemed to attract this kind of thing from others. There seemed to be two types of people where they were concerned. Those who loved them, and those who did not. A great deal of where they fell depended upon how interested the girls they were with became in Alex.

Another, and perhaps newer reason had to do with Averia. That thought sent a slight flush to his face, or at least the thought of what he needed his hands for did. ?Comforting you might take a while. You?re quite distraught after all.? He smiled at her and bumped his side against her shoulder. He had eaten, that of course didn?t mean he wouldn?t eat again, but for the opportunity to spend more time with her, Nick would gladly forgo another meal. They did eventually exit the maze of corridors, stopping at a door that made his look plain by comparison. ?So? what happens when you get older? Will you still be running back and forth between Rhydin, or spending most of your time here?? He had no hope that she?d manage to spend more time with her mother. Alex might be able to pull that off, but not her.

?I can?t even think straight when you?re around so I think I?d never get anything of import done.? It sounded like a bad thing but it still had her mouth curling in a private sort of smile that put a glimmer of mischief in her eyes as she snuck a glance aside at him. Her hand kept a loose hold on his, careful not to grip too tightly and further exacerbate his damaged knuckles. She supposed he likely would have played tough if she had and as cute as that was, it wasn?t quite worth the pain. If there was anything she didn?t want to do to Nick, it was hurt him in any way. She didn?t pause long at the grandiose double doors the served as the entrance to her bedroom, pushing both open to allow their entry. The winged skull motif set into the doors split right down the middle, permitting the little princess and her guest access to what could have only been described as a palatial bedroom within. Averia shut the doors behind them, a press of her palm to a panel beside them locking them with a series of clicks.

?I?? She began then bit at her own tongue. The answer wasn?t one she wanted to say aloud, something that she had dwelled on for many an hour especially now that she and Nick were properly dating. Stepping further into the room, she kicked out of her shoes and ran both hands back through her hair. Less a room and more a full functioning apartment within the Citadel, her quarters were separated into a thick L-shape. A sitting area offered plush furniture and a wide blank panel on the wall that was easily assumed to be a television or something close judging by the inset speakers that flanked it on either side. Beyond that, a partially partitioned section gave a glimpse of her sleeping area, at the center of which sat a four poster bed with a canopy of navy and gold that seemed to mimic the sky beyond the city?s horizon. Around the L?s corner, two doors led to only gods? knew where, both shut for the time being. ?Come here first.?

Avy led him through it all, turning to catch the lefthand door to open it. The trek gave her time to consider how to answer as they stepped into an equally ridiculous bathroom drenched in rose gold shades and soft lighting. At a pedestal sink, she set the water running and sifted through a cabinet for the miscellaneous things she might need for his fists. ?When my grandfather died, Da moved to Insomnia full time? he had been splitting his time between Lucis and Rhydin about seventy-five, twenty-five. By then he and mom were only just technically together, you know, for reasons or whatever? but mom couldn?t come with full time. That?s when Alex and I started splitting our time between the two evenly. Until he was coronated, he had some leeway? I would too? but if something happens to him and it?s my turn? I?d have to come back to the Citadel full time.?

Whatever Nick was expecting, and after seeing his space it was a lot, this was even grander than he?d imagined. ?And I thought your room at the manor was huge. You could cut this out of the building, and set it down anywhere.? He wasn?t diverting the conversation, he?d asked the question he wanted the answer to. Following her into the bathroom, he made for the sink to clean the semi-dried blood from his hands and better assess the damage done.

?So, things would stay the same for a while at least. It?s not like your dad is old or anything.? His knuckles were split in places, but nothing that wouldn?t heal over time. Bruising was already settling in around them. He let the warm water flow over them, the initial sting giving way after a minute or two. Once he was satisfied that no new bleeding was happening Nick offered his hands to Averia. ?That?s a good thing, part of me was afraid that you?d turn nineteen and be expected to live here full time.? He looked up to indicate the building itself. ?I?m not sure I could take being away from you like that.? He was sure that he couldn?t, even if he wasn?t so sure what he?d do about it. ?Think they?d let me come here to visit you?? Strange plots pushed themselves to the front of his mind. ?I mean if I promise not to start another international incident?? He wanted to smile at the words, but only managed to look at her with that half awed, half hungry expression.

?Should I ever need more rooms, they?ve offered to expand this area into the adjoining quarters. Hypothetically speaking, I could have the whole floor to myself if I wanted? but I?ve never really had a reason for that so? this is it. Alex is a few floors up. He wanted a better view.? She tipped her gaze toward the ceiling wondering if her brother had made it back to his room yet or if he was still being interrogated about what had happened downstairs. To ward off the frown, she nodded at his understanding of the state of things. ?So long as the peace holds. Peacetime Kings last far longer since they don?t have to do as much to protect? things.?

Turning his hands over in hers, she pursed her lips at the sight of the sorry state they were in. Unscrewing the cap of an opaque jar, she dipped a finger in to scoop out a goopy salve that she applied to the splits in his skin. It would sting but it would also cut the healing time in half if not more while also preventing infections. Smoothing it over his broken flesh, she grazed her thumb over the back of his hand and sighed. ?Thankfully that day shouldn?t come for awhile. Until then, I can come and go as I please? and um, bring whomever I wish. So? you can come see me here if you want. I don?t care what anyone says.?

Nick bit at his lip, acting tough while she applied the ointment to his hands. ?You could have an entire family up here and still never see them.? The place was huge after all, though he was sure that wasn?t what she?d meant by telling him that. He might have been a bit upset with himself now for having injured himself, if only because this was the most time they?d had alone together since they?d arrived and she was spending it fixing him instead of doing other things. He watched her wrap his hands, the anticipation had been driving him near madness.

He moved quickly once she was done, putting his hands on her waist and lifting her to his lips. She would have to get used to that from him, though at least he did wait until they were alone once more. ?Bedroom?? It was not really a question, more of a demand for her to tell him where because that is where he was taking her.

?Could? that?s sort of the point though. The floors can act independently as standalone residences for whomever they allow to live in the Citadel. Me, Alex, Mom at one point. You too eventually maybe?? She looked up at him, her gaze unreadable for a brief flicker. With his hands wrapped, she capped the salve in time for him to lift her for a kiss. It was a balm all of its own, soothing her worries with the mere touch of his lips. Averia gave him a soft nod in response. They had passed her bedroom area on the way to the bathroom so it was only a matter of doubling back until they could get themselves tangled up beneath the canopy of artificial stars.

(To the player behind Averia, thank you so much for your time and effort on this! <3)

Concern laced its way through Nick?s face as he watched Alex?s departure. He?d find time later for just the two of them, after the novelty of a new face in the place had worn off. That hadn?t taken too long. Luna?s inquiries were light hearted and not overly probing. They?d allowed him to glance over his recent loss with the usual condolences, as well as the strange similarity in his relationship with his siblings to that of Alex and Averia. He spoke very little all told, sending looks at Alex to try and read his friend while accidentally brushing his leg against Avy?s often enough for it to be more than chance. He was more than ready for the affair to come to a close when it finally did.

The familiar twine of her fingers into his was welcomed after having been forced apart for so long. ?I?d like that, especially if it?s something that would be hard to explain tomorrow.? There were, in Nick?s mind, any number of things that she could give him that would have him at a loss for how to talk about without revealing things she wasn?t ready for. There were for him to give her as well, but that wasn?t going to be the case. ?Is he okay?? There was still that concern for Alex who wasn?t acting at all like he should have been.

Slowly as they?d been moving, it didn?t stop them from reaching the top of the stairwell, or the place where they?d inevitably need to depart one another. Nick paused in the corridor between their rooms, looking to Averia with unspoken wishes and a real curiosity for whatever she planned to give him tonight. ?You?ll still have to wait until tomorrow for yours though.? A teasing grin for her despite the way it felt to know she?d be just across the hall and still as out of reach as if he were back in Rhydin and she were here.

?It? it wouldn?t be hard to explain to them, but rather I?d like a chance to explain it to you instead.? She said softly, almost unsure in her tone as she led him to her room. It seemed just the opposite of what he might expect, keeping him out of the loop while everyone else that could have looked on knew what was going on. As they passed by Alex?s room, she tipped an ear toward his door but hearing nothing continued on until they reached her door. It wasn?t nearly as far as Nick?s, if only by a few feet. Her hand curled around the handle to twist it carefully, leaning against the door to keep it from announcing their arrival as she bumped into the room, gesturing for him to follow. Once they were both inside, she shut it behind them, slow and gentle to avoid the telltale click of it closing.

?He?ll be fine by the morning. He and Da sorta got into it last time we were here? they haven?t really been speaking much since.? As if to signal the casualness of his visit to her room, she didn?t lock the door, instead turning to face him with a smile. ?I guess I can wait until tomorrow. So long as it isn?t anything embarrassing. Because Alex has done that before and I don?t think I?ve ever forgiven him for it.? She was just teasing though and so she crossed the room, an expanse that while still elegant, was a fraction of the size of her suite in the Citadel. It was more comparable to her room in Rhydin, a fact that had always put Averia at ease in Duscae. In the depths of a blue and gold bag, she found what she was looking for, a small parcel wrapped in snowflake patterned paper and topped with a tiny bow. ?Unless you?d rather wait til tomorrow too??

Nick could move quietly, that wasn?t the same as skulking to avoid notice. He moved into Averia?s room with her, watching her close the door and not lock it. ?Tonight?s as good as tomorrow, and probably better really. It?ll let me thank you in ways that I won?t be able to then.? He put out his hand for the gift, unwrapping it carefully when he received it. Small was probably a good thing, it meant concealable and that could become carryable on him at all times. He could use the reminder, much like he?d had the day they arrived except that had been taken by him.

He took the paper from the little jewelry box, thinking for a moment that it might be something which would have been very hard to explain. He was actually a bit nervous as he opened it, the hinges resisting his pull, and then popping open once it reached the halfway point. He hadn?t looked at it yet, keeping his eyes on Avy. Nick licked his lips, and gave her a quick smile before peeling his eyes from her and looking down to see what the box contained. Whatever he?d expected, it wasn?t the gem residing within. It was unmounted, a high clarity crystal with a vaguely purplish hue to it. He looked at it for several moments before pulling it free. ?I don?t think I?ve ever seen anything like this. What is it?? He held it up to the light and peered into its depths curious to see how the light would be refracted in its facets.

?That was kind of my thought too?? She tried not to blush at the thought of just how many ways Nick could thank her that weren?t appropriate for others? viewing. After a moment she cleared her throat and watched him unwrap the present. Its shape was misleading, easily mistaken for a ring box. In truth they were identical in size but rather than contain a ring, the loose gem was nestled safely inside. Her gaze was intent as he plucked it free. No bigger than his thumbnail, it still contained a number of contours that seemed to darken the color of the gem until at its very depths it seemed almost black. One could easily be mistaken to think that the center was shifting with the motion of the gem for how the color changed. ?It?s, um, it?s a Chaos gem. It?s got a little sliver of what makes Valhalla a part of the Unseen realm. Kinda like Alex and I.?

There was more though she hesitated to spit it out, chewing the words over for a few moments as she watched him before finally adding on. ?And it can keep me out of your head? because you deserve that sort of privacy, you know??

Nick looked at Averia as she named the fractal marvel he held. He watched her through the entire description of what it was and what it would do for him. He?d learned something about chaos, though it wasn?t exactly helpful here since what he?d learned was that her mother and his father both used the term differently. That somehow it still fit both descriptions was probably a testament to the word itself. The effect of the gem was something else entirely. He thought he knew where the need came from. It was endearing, the way she sought to protect him from herself. He wouldn?t say no to that protection, even though they both knew something else. ?I don?t know how best to thank you.? He did know perhaps, and that was by taking advantage of the tools he?d been given. He closed the space between them and kissed her fiercely.

?I think I have an idea what to do with it, but you do realize there are times I want you in my head, and times I need it as well. Will this stop that? Will you have to remember to take it off of me the next time I am struggling with myself?? He meant with the fire of course. Knowing how to use it or stop using it might be important later. Nick hoped her assistance wouldn?t be needed again, but he also knew he couldn?t count on it being the case. He pushed the chaos gem back into its place inside the box and closed the lid down, sliding that into his pocket. His fingers brushed her cheek, had it really been hours since he?d been allowed to do that, or days? It always felt like longer.

?If I really, really had to, I could get through it. But it?ll also make it easier to pick you out in a crowd too.? She brought up the upside instead of thinking about the implications of being unable to tap into her talents to reach him at his worst. His kiss stole her breath, leaving Averia to lean her cheek into his touch, her eyes closing with the contact. It really had felt like it had been too long. If she could have, she?d have his hands on her constantly but such a thing wasn?t conducive to this sort of trip. She would have to settle for the stolen moments in the privacy of bedrooms and dark corners of the Citadel. Their return to Rhydin couldn?t come soon enough.

?You?ll read like static unless I try really hard to get around it. It makes it really easy to pick out when everything else is so? loud. Peace, quiet in the middle of it all.? She said softly, her cheeks pinking as her gaze lowered. ?And then I?ll never let myself be caught off guard by someone else coming up behind me and thinking it might be you. Is that dumb??

?It?s not dumb, it?s smart and it?s sweet. You make it harder to get to me, but easier to find me.? An understanding filed its way through him. He followed along that path aware that it was the same logic that Avy had always given. He was only beginning to see what it must have been like for her, strong as she was and relying on her own abilities, to be caught of guard so easily. It made him wish he?d hit Mr. Perfect a few more times.

?Who else knows about this? Alex, anyone?? It probably wouldn?t hurt if Alex knew, but the fewer who did the better in his opinion. What she?d given him, for the briefest of moments, had been processed by thoughts similar to another Allen. This tool is most useful if kept in the darkness. Had Avy already thought about that? Nick would only ever think she had, because of who she was. Averia, much like her mother, always seemed to be two steps ahead.

?Mom, she?s the one who helped me get it. It?s a really volatile material and it?s not very easy to put it into a stable crystal form like that.? She explained quietly, one hand catching on the edge of his pocket to anchor herself to him. He simultaneously put her head in the clouds, threatening to make her float away with each little flutter he induced, but at the same time he managed to keep her grounded. Now was such a time so Avy smiled sheepishly, shrugging one shoulder. ?A few people have something similar? Mom, Da, Alex. It isn?t particularly advertised, with good reason, you know??

?They?ll recognize it when they see it. That?s okay, but I agree that it shouldn?t be advertised. People would try to turn it around, or maybe find a way around the defense. For now, let?s just keep it to you and me and your mom. The rest will know when they do see it. I doubt I?ll say anything, unless I?m asked directly, and really when would that come up in a conversation. So? Nikolai, do you have some kind of protection from?? Nick altered his voice and accent to be something akin to Ignis. Not because he was making fun, rather he wanted to demonstrate the absurdity of the question simply happening. Why would he be questioned, he was just Nick and not so important to anything.

?Now, I want to thank you far more properly? How much time do you think we have?? Nick slowly backed her up to the bed, the look in his eyes probably gave away almost as much as if she?d actually decided now was a good time to read his mind.

?Something like that, yeah. But it doesn?t have to be visible for it to be effective.? She said with a quiet giggle at his impression. He hadn?t meant to make fun but it sounded funny coming from him and so her mouth curved upwards into the private sort of smile she reserved just for him. As Nick backed her up, she nipped at her bottom lip with a hesitant look toward the door. She hadn?t locked it, mostly because she knew they likely wouldn?t get away with anything. When her calves bumped the footboard, she stopped them, lifting her chin to press a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth.

?Not much, I?m afraid? I haven?t yet told my father about us, I don?t know how he?d react to find us, um? yeah.? She flushed and slipped her arms around him to hug him instead. ?I?m gonna tell him though, don?t worry. Tomorrow, maybe, if the timing is right. And, um, I should probably send you back to your room before someone notices. But? if you keep the crystal in the box? we can talk, if you want??

He had known the answer, even before he?d asked the question. Sometimes it made him feel good to know that her heart was beating a little faster, and her mind was at odds with itself. ?Yeah, kind of thought that might be the case. There?s no hurry to tell your dad. Maybe after the ball would be better.? He knew he had to leave her, but he certainly wasn?t moving. Nick had her trapped between him and the bed. ?I still want you to know exactly how much I appreciate it.? He leaned in and kissed her demandingly. ?Just give me about half an hour. I need to see if Alex is up. There?s something I need to talk to him about.?

The tips of his fingers brushed at her thigh just below the hem of her skirt. He gave Averia a look almost as hot as the fire within him, accessorised by a very wicked grin. He lingered for just a moment and then stepped away. ?Talk to you soon, Av?.?

(Written with the incomparable player behind Averia. <3!!!)