babyprinxessoctavia

[babyprinxessoctavia]

Going anywhere since the attack had been a hassle as her security had been increased and her fiancee worried a whole lot. Yet Octavia often felt too cooped up if she spent more than a few days in a row at the palace. The freedom that had come with moving to the island, where they were living openly and in peace, had allowed her to move about much more freely with only her two guards. After the attack though, it was clear that their peaceful island was no longer as safe as it had been believed to be. Trying to ignore the small pack of guards tailing her, Octavia lifted her long skirt and slipped out of her flats so she could walk in the shoreline, the water spilling over her feet. Almost walking into an unfamiliar male made the princess halt though. When he stripped off his shirt, she couldn’t help but arch an eyebrow, finding it a bit unexpected. “I guess most of us do because we have to. It would be kind of inappropriate to walk around half naked all day.” she could not help but teasingly rebut. 

status: Open to All location: anywhere suitable @paradisusstart​​

Being on the surface meant there was some things that West had to get used to. Like clothes. He had wore some before but that was so many years ago. Fashion had changed in the last hundred years but that didn’t change his opinion. Pants were easy to get used to. They felt like his tail but shirts were a different situation. He had been given clothes when he arrived on the island however West wasn’t too fond of actually wearing them. Out on this hot summer day, the constriction of shirt was just too much for the merman. With a swift pull over his head, West slipped off his shirt. “I couldn’t deal with this thing anymore.” He saw the other person watching him. “That’s much better.”  West tossed the shirt on the ground. “ I don’t know how someone can wear this all day long.”

[babyprinxessoctavia]

“Yes, make sure it is distributed to the ex human vampires please, they are the ones in most need right now. The nobles can wait.” she said, re-directing her blood supply, not for the first time in the last weeks. While supply to the royals were ensured first, she knew that others needed it more badly than her. Then again, the burning stare she could feel against her back, belonging to her hungry and concerned fiancee, told Octavia she was risking another fight over this pretty soon. “Don’t look at me like that Cy. I’m fine.” she said with as much conviction as she could muster. Sure she felt light headed a lot, sometimes a bit dizzy and weak, but it wasn’t that bad. “Its not fair that we should get more blood and you know others need it more.” 

@cyrus-alzahid

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

“Well your father didn’t even need a week trial for the island.” That was the advantages of being the king, but he was happy with the results, and the fact that he didn’t even needed to be in the hotel and his rules kept working did made him happy.  “I’m truly glad you liked it.” He said squeezing her hand gently. “My room is at the top, would that be okay with you, or you would prefer something more in the first floor?” He asked, after all he truly wanted her to enjoy this trip, to enjoy the place they would grow old together.

At her question, he moved his head. “Do you want to meet my family?” He returned the question, he didn’t wanted to push her, she would be on the spot and his father, well, would be his father. He didn’t wanted her to be in a difficult situation if she didn’t think she was ready, so like everything in this trip, it was up to what she wanted to do.

Guiding her to one of the stores, he took her to one he normally shopped in when he was around. “It is lovely to see you again, your grace.” The sell’s woman said to them. “And your grace.” She said looking at Octavia. “I’m not here for me today.” Cyrus replied, he didn’t needed to introduce Octavia, everyone around  knew who she was since the second their engagement got announced. “We need a few clothes, something simple for the day, and something elegant for the night.” He said, he didn’t exactly cared about what she was wearing, but if they went to a few restaurants, she needed to be dresses properly, and he knew she wanted to make a good impression. The woman smiled and walked toward a private room, there was a sofa for Cyrus to sit, and another room for Octavia to change to give her full privacy. “The clothes will be in the changing room.” She said before walking. There was a table with some refreshing tea by the sofa that he served himself. “I will wait here.” He told Octavia before giving the top of her head. Once Octavia was inside the changing room, it had plenty of space to leave her clothes, a mirror for every angle, and a small elevator that would being the clothes to her, after all, having someone opening the door and seeing her before she was ready would be inadequate. 

Octavia shrugged a bit. “Thats the beauty of being king.” she replied with a small shrug, trying not to feel too much about her fathers seemingly limitless powers and authority. Still she didn’t want to dip into thoughts that would drag her spirits down right now. “Everything you’ve made amazes me.” she replied softly, squeezing his hand back. “The top floor is great Cy.” It was not lost on her how he was making sure every little thing about this trip was just right for her. Which was incredibly heart warming. He wanted her to feel like this could be her home. 

Still feeling a bit like a deer in the headlights, Octavia was oddly relieved with Cyrus taking charge and guiding her around. Seeing everything for the first time, she was a bit like a distracted toddler, caught up in each new space they found themselves in, thus rendered a little dazed and speechless. Her eyes snapping to the sales woman when she was addressed, giving her a polite smile, yet leaving Cyrus in charge as she had to admit she wasn’t entirely sure of what they would be doing on this trip, thus not knowing fully what she might need in terms of clothes. Being given a private room and told the clothes would somehow appear in the changing room, Octavia couldn’t help the mild confusion on her features. “Ahm okay.” she gave a soft nod and slipped into the changing room, surprised when with some buzzing a built in elevator in the wall descended and opened, revealing an assortment of clothing fitting with what Cyrus had asked for. Now that was awfully efficient.

Trying out a few outfits, she didn’t have to send any of them back, surprised most fit her petite frame perfectly. The turtlenecks were what she truly had to get used to, though since she wasn’t very good at wearing scarves and didn’t know if she wanted to try a hijab, she had to agree it would be a good way to cover up her neckline. One of the teal blue dresses she tried on was so great and fun she couldn’t help but slip out of the changing room to show Cyrus. “I love this one.” 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

@babyprinxessoctavia

Dubai trip

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

Cyrus didn’t know what else to do, he tried to give her a logical explanation, but of course that had no effect, he tried to fight her and get in her way to make her stop and realize what she was putting herself into, finally he was out of options, the idea of her running toward danger and hurting herself, was enough to make him feel sick, it would be easier to just place her on his shoulder and ran with her toward the palace, she would be angry at him, but alive, however he promised her he would try to be a little more open and show her how he was truly feeling instead of running away, so he did,  his knees kissing the grass as he allowed himself to show on the outside what he was feeling on the inside, helpless. He was looking at nothing and was surprise when he felt her arms around her, he immediately hugged her back, after all having her in his arms was the only thing he wanted. He was happy that she finally agreed with him, but it was hard to shove it all back inside and look strong again, so he stayed with her in his arms, placing his face against her neck, taking her smell in and trying to focus on that moment just for a little longer until he was finally able to stand up again. “Thank you.” He said, he knew she still wanted to stay and help, that she was compromising and going because it was what he wanted, so he decided to compromise as well. “Let’s help out in the lap, I’m sure they need help trying to save as much blood as they can.” He suggested, there would be a quieter place, fewer people around and it would make it easier for him to protect her.

Octavia always found it harrowing when Cyrus showed his more vulnerable sides. She knew how unnatural it was for him to be vulnerable in front of anyone, even her, which made it impossible for her to dismiss him in any way when he did show her that side. Sometimes though it was hard not to wonder if he did do it on purpose, knowing she would give in when he did. At the same time she truly wanted him to know that she would listen and take his concerns and emotions seriously when he was able to express them. Despite the mix of emotions she was feeling, a bit of desperation to be helpful, fear for everyone but herself, concern about how this would effect the rest of the island going forward.. there was so much happening. Too much really to stay fully level headed. But at least she had Cy by her side to keep her more level headed, even if it was a bit more than she would like. Nodding in response to his words, she exhaled softly, glancing one last time back at the fires rising from the fair, her stomach churning at the thought of just walking away. His suggestion made her pause a bit. “Yeah? Alright, then we’ll go there.” she agreed with a small nod, reaching to take his hand so they could run there together. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

He couldn’t blame her for not understanding, and it would be pointless to try to explain, he knew those hunters would still be around because, yes, they were stupid enough to attack the island, no plane left, and the docs were gone, so they were probably stuck there with them, and it wasn’t like he thought that she was weak as a human, but those hunters were trained to study supernatural weakness and kill them, the last thing he wanted was to find her decapitated somewhere. When she started to move forward,  Cyrus tried to stay his ground, letting the blade cut her shirt, however the second he saw the blade scratched her skin he dropped the sword on the floor, he couldn’t hurt her, not even to save her own life, with the sword he also dropped to his knees, he didn’t truly have the options she was telling him, he could never have used it against her, and going with her, if something happened, and he wasn’t fast enough or strong enough, the idea of her getting hurt brought tears to his eyes.” please stop. I can’t lose you.”

She did understand to some degree. No one had seen this attack coming, and the uncertainty together with learning the island’s peace could be shattered was more than enough to make him plenty worried. And as much as she wanted to pretend it didn’t matter that she had no self defense training, the lack of it did mean that she would depend on others to ensure her own safety, and he would probably have reacted differently if that wasn’t the case. Looking squarely at him, Octavia expected him to drop the sword, but she hadn’t expected he’d go to his knees in front of her. The sight alone made her steely resolve waver as she exhaled deeply, pressing her lips together in a mix of frustration and regret. He was scared for her and she couldn’t dismiss that even if she’d wanted to. And seeing his eyes so blank made her heart twist, knowing she would give in simply because she couldn’t stand to see him like this. Squatting down she hugged him, her lips automatically going to his neck, his jaw, chin, before finding his lips. “Okay..” she said quietly, stroking some of his hair out of his face. “We’ll go back home.” Trying to convince him he would never loose her was pretty futile. She’d tried it before and gotten nowhere. Continuing to argue was just not worth it, and neither was pushing on when he was like this. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

“You can be that presence, as I said, we can go to the palace to gather supplies  and meet people where they are being healed, but you’re not running around.” It was dangerous, people that planned this attack would still be around, and they wouldn’t think twice to kill her. “You think the people that made this attack are playing by your rules?!?” She needed to understand this. When she turned her back on him, Cyrus used the sword to smack her ass, she knew he wasn’t going to stab her, but she was just proving his point, she wouldn’t be able to defend herself, so she wasn’t going. He easily moved to block her way again. “I mean it. Don’t make me hurt you.” he said, placing the sword against her chest and pressing just enough to make her feel the blade but not cut her.

“I’m not some defenseless human girl Cyrus. And the fact that you keep insinuating I am is so damn infuriating! And its not always your way or the damn highway.” she could not help but be aggravated. Despite knowing he was only being this overprotective because he loved her and wasn’t going to compromise her safety. But she wanted to be able to make her own decisions, perhaps especially when it came to being a good princess for as long as they were here, in her fathers kingdom. On the island she called her home. “No I don’t. But only fools would stick around for long after this! The entire royal guard will be out hunting for them.” She wasn’t interested in continuing this pointless argument. The only way he was going to keep her from going was by forcibly removing her and it was clear that he had second thoughts about that. Which was a clear change she would try to remember to praise him for later, when she didn’t want to bite his head off.. The smack against her ass forced a small squeak out of her, making her blush with both embarrassment and annoyance. But then he was purposefully blocking her way. Stubborn ass.. Feeling the blade agains her sternum, Octavia met his gaze head on as she inched forward. Unless he dropped the damn sword, it would cut into her. “We both know you won’t.” She said, though her eyes were sparkling with a certain challenge. “You really only have two choices Cy. Put it down and come with me, or use it to stop me. But I’m warning you, forcing me back to the palace is not going to change my mind.”

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

Cyrus put her down. “Exactly, your people need you! How much help you think you’re going to be running toward a fire?” He asked, that first instinct of her truly sucked it, he knew he was being harder than he should, but he doubted she ever saw an attack before, dealing with one wasn’t easy. He could try to explain to her all the things that needed to be done in a crisis, but he doubted she was going to listen, there was only one way to keep her safe, even if she was going to hate him for it. Grabbing a sword for one of the guards, he raised the weapon against her. “Show me you can defend yourself, and I let you go.” He said waiting for her to do the first move, which was obvious to him, but maybe not so much to her.

Octavia could not help but huff with annoyance. “Its not as if the flames will do much to me, but I wasn’t planning on running into it.. People are going to be hurt! They need to be gathered and seen to. The witches will help heal them and I can be a reassuring presence in the meantime.” she replied, more than a little convinced that she was going to be able to be of help. She wasn’t a fighter, that she knew only too well. But there was other things she could do. She was about to step away when he pulled a sword of a guard, making her do a double take. Was he being serious? For a second she considered doing the same thing, but just the thought of holding a weapon had her shifting uncomfortably where she stood. “My kingdom, my rules. Violence is not the answer here Cy. And you don’t get to make decisions for me. So I’m going.” she replied before turning around and jogging towards the fire. It was not as if he’d actually use that sword on her. And yeah he would be pissed that she wasn’t listening but she couldn’t put their good streak ahead of the islands well being. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

Cyrus took a deep breath, he didn’t want to fight with her, specially when things were so good, but she wasn’t giving him any choice. “You’re not ready for this.” he said, knowing that his words would be hard on her. “Instead of having 5 guards on your shadow, they can do more helping.” he said, trying to explain. “Besides, there are other ways to help, you can stay in the palace and gather the donations, bandages and medicines for humans, clothes, food, everything that people are going to need in a few hours when the fires are gone.”

His words made her freeze momentarily, unable not to feel the mix of hurt and anger at them. What the hell? So because she couldn’t fight, she automatically couldn’t help? What nonsense was this? “Like hell I am! I said put me down!” This time, her words were full of force, eyes sparkling with stubbornness and anger. Feeling his grip falter for just one moment, she managed to get back on the ground, stepping back from him. “My people need me now. I’m not debating this with you Cyrus. I’m going and my guards will go with me. You either come or you go back alone.” Her words coming out harder than she had intended them to, but there was really no time to try and soften the blow. She could do that later when there wasn’t an ongoing crisis. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

The second Cyrus heard a noise, his instincts were to hug Octavia and try to protect her from whatever was happening, the sounded seemed to come to different spots, which meant there was more than one explosion. When Octavia tried to move toward the flames, Cyrus held her in place. “I’m getting you to a safe place.” he said, his priority would always be her. Grabbing her and placing her on his arms he ran with her getting away from all the fire.

Octavia felt utterly numb, just the sight of buildings burning made her chest tighten painfully. At the same time she felt determination course trough her veins. These were her people. She would do what she could for them. Be the princess they deserved. Feeling Cy’s hold on her though, she had a feeling she would have to argue for it. “Cyrus, we can’t just run off. They need our help!” she objected. Being hoisted up, she tried to wiggle free at once. “Put me down!” she demanded, instantly shoving against his chest and trying to get out of his arms. “We have guards! My people need me, I’m not just leaving.” 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

callme-jacksoncassidy​:

“ Yes. It’s definitely for you. I have no more space on my bed” He joked, knowing full well that his own bed was bare not filled with bears.  He needed to also save a bit of face when it came to the fact he had just one after giving admittedly a pretty cocky speech.  “ Oh God, did I accidentally trash talk someone who has nothing but good intentions, cause that was not what I was trying to do” Jackson replied shaking his head. He was so used to the old way things were done with prizes that he hadn’t expected someone let alone someone with the title of Lady had been behind it. “ I’ll tell you this much though I am always wrong about most things. So this is pretty on brand for me. Jackson.” He added holding out his hand 

“Thats so sweet of you! Thank you.” she said, though fully aware that the last part was a joke. Most guys didn’t do stuffed bears on their bed, and at this point in her life Octavia didn’t either. But she had a nephew that wouldn’t mind a new toy so it would at least be used. “Its okay. You couldn’t have known so don’t worry about it.” she said with a small wave of her hand. It was clear he had based his words on assumptions and she was not the type to verbally arrest him for that or make a big deal out of it. Everyone had different views on events like this. “Really? What other things are you wrong about?” she softly teased. “Octavia.” she added, taking his hand and giving it a soft shake. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

“Damn girl you slay!” she could not help but exclaim, after having silently watched Xiu play a game at one of the booths, not wanting to interrupt her friend until she was entirely done with her round. It was so great to have her on the island now. With Xiu back, Octavia had the notorious Liu sisters back, the trinity that had made her take some risks, break some rules and feel like an actual girl most of her life. As opposed to being locked in to the role as a princess. “Tell me you’ve played this before or something.” she added teasingly. 

@xiu-an​​

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

“I know cupcake.” He said, calling her  by the nickname he gave her, that suited her with her love for sweets. There wasn’t any macarons around, he did walk the entire festival looking for them, so cotton candy was the next best thing, and he was happy that she liked it. At her question, he shook his head. “I will follow you.” He said, Cyrus liked rides with adrenaline, roller coaster and anything like that, but he wasn’t here searching for adventure, he was here to be with her, so he was happy to go in the slow carousel, if he could hold her tight and kiss her along the way, it was the best ride.

Octavia couldn’t help but grin at him, still feeling like a lovesick teenager when they were together. No matter how many hours, places or who else was around, she always felt stupidly in love with him. Pulling a piece from the cotton candy she put it in her mouth, visibly perking up even more at the taste. As a pureblood she would never die from a sugar coma or find herself morbidly obese, so she could in theory eat as much sugar and sweets as she wanted without ramifications. Then again she would always rely on blood to survive. “Then ferris wheel here we come.” she announced excitedly, slipping her arm into the crook of his elbow and tugging him with her towards the big wheel. 

----- sometimes later ----- 

The sudden, ear deafening sound hit Octavia so hard from out of nowhere that had she not been holding Cy’s hand, she might have had to take a few steps back. Smoke and flame rising had her blinking. What just happened? As the sight of flames caught her eye, her instinct was to rush forward, pulling on her fiancee as well. “Oh my god its burning! We need to get people out.” she said, more to herself than anyone else. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

Octavia wasn’t much for playing, but she loved to watch others play. She’d rather cheer for them than feel the pressure of doing well while watched herself. So she had ended up stopping in front of one of the booths to watch the male that was playing. When he won she cheered loudly with a wide smile. Though to be handed the bear he had won had her a little stunned. “What? For me?” she could not help but ask, wanting to make sure that he really wanted to give it away. “Ahm sure! Thank you. Lady Flores set a lot of this up and I know she is all for honest games so I’m fairly sure you could win more. Even if just to be proven wrong.” she added that last part with a teasing tone. 

@paradisusstart​

Jackson was surprised as soon as he was handed the stuffed bear. He had only played the game to prove a point that all carnival games were set up for failure. The fact that he had just won only proved in the end that he was wrong and he wasn’t sure what to do with that information. “ Uh- well this is awkward” Jackson replied before reaching out and holding it to the person next to him. “ Would you like this? I kind of didn’t expect so much honesty in game play around here.  I hadn’t anticipated winning something and now I kind of look dumb with my speech about thing’s being rigged from before.. “

[babyprinxessoctavia]

Octavia had always loved carnivals and fairs set up on the island. It was such a stark contrast to what she had grown up with. As purebloods her family had always been cautious, even with a spare princess. Heavy guard, few trips outside, no human crowds.. which was why the island had felt like liberation on a massive plane. Though she had to admit that it was a bit weird still being back after a month abroad. When she was grabbed, even if she knew who it was, she could not help but squeal a little. The dip had her stomach fluttering, thought the kiss set fire to everything, her lips eagerly returning pressure. Being able to kiss Cy in public again was great. She had missed it more than she’d like to admit while in Dubai. Once back on her feet and presented with the cotton candy, Octavia giggled a little. “Why thank you! Of course I do. You know I love sweets.” she said, quick to pick off a piece with her fingers and put it in her mouth. “Any rides you want to try?” 

@babyprinxessoctavia​

After his talk with David about surprising his wife and giving her a gift for no reason, Cyrus decided to get Octavia some cotton candy, it was colorful, and he thought she might like it, it wasn’t exactly a big gift, but it was a sweet gesture, something that told her she was on his mind even when they were apart. Grabbing a mix of blue and pink, he made his way toward her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him, spinning her around in the process, and after a small dip kissing her, he had missed kissing her in public, they had to be very discrete at his home, but he didn’t have to worry about this anymore. After letting her stand again, he offered her the cotton candy. “I hope you like it.”

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

“When the hotel first opened, I had to hire a lot of security to reinforce the rule.” he said, remembering those days, they needed to have 3 or 4 securities in every room, and they were always busy and taking someone out. “After the first week of people getting kicked out, everyone seemed to understand and respect the rule.” Besides being taken away by the security, and with people outside the hotel taking pictures, that wasn’t exactly a photo most people would want to have of them. “Now we still have security, but one in more than enough, and the rest were relocated to other sectors and not fired of course.” he hated firing people, unless the person truly screw up.

“Yes I did.” He said with a proud smile on his face. “This is what I consider my home.” he said, he didn’t exactly consider the house he grew up his home, it was a place he was raised and taught how to be a prince, but it wasn’t a home, the room he shared at the palace with Octavia, had more decoration and personality than the one he grew up with, after all decoration was considered distraction, which was why his hotel was filled with breathtaking details.

He chuckled. “My father would replace me for her in a heartbeat.” But he could notice how Octavia moved away that he said something wrong, he wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but he moved closer to her and placed his hand on her face for her to look at him. “For me, you’re the perfect one.” He said kissing the top of her head, which was true, the only thing Cyrus felt for Kate was gratitude for her not kicking him out permanently, he only had eyes for Octavia, and he didn’t want her to feel less.

Once inside the hotel, he took a deep breath, it was nice to be home again, they didn’t need to check in, after all his staff already made sure his room was reserved, and he already had the key card, as they passed the reception, it was revealed a small mall, a lot of stores around and a font in the center, the water danced with the music, and as they looked up the hotel rooms were around them. “Room or stores?” He asked her.

Tilting her head, she listened, not surprised at what he was sharing. Dubai was a tourist city after all. Most tourists didn’t show the same kind of respect and understanding for cultural norms that citizens or people who lived on the same continent did. Just a week? Huh, that was impressive. “That was fast. Guess being kicked out didn’t sit well with most.” she noted, nodding a bit. She had been able to tell, from pretty early on, that he wasn’t prone to firing unless he had to. Which she thought was a good quality. Staff loyalty was inspired because you were fair and understanding with employees or servants. It was how she’d ended up feeling like the ones she had assigned to her was more like family than help. 

It was incredible, the sheer size and grandeur of the building. She couldn’t quite wrap her head around all the planning and organizing and hard work that went into creating a place like this. In comparison the music venue they were opening at the island had to seem very small and like no challenge at all to him. “Its marvelous. Can’t say I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.” she admitted, squeezing his hand a bit. It was sad that he’d had to leave and build his own home to get one. And yet she could understand. Her childhood home, the residences her parents had lived in with their children before her father created the island, had not been her home either. Not like the palace and the island itself was. 

Pursing her lips somewhat, she wasn’t fully able to see the humor in it that he did. “Mine too, he’d definitely rather have two Kate’s. Everyone would rather have a Kate.” her tone matter of fact, yet with some petulance in it. Staring out the window, she had to fight the discontent she was feeling. When he turned her face, she didn’t try to hide the brooding there. His words made her exhale a little though, not entirely wanting to admit that it was in sheer relief. She knew it was stupid. He loved her. He wanted her. And yet she needed him to keep reminding her sometimes. “That mean we’re meeting your family on this trip?” she couldn’t help but ask, though she settled back against him like before. 

The inside was no less spectacular than the outside, and despite herself Octavia couldn’t help but move her head quite a lot to look around, her eyes wide as she tried to take it all in. Yet everything was on such a large scale that it wasn’t really possible for her to. Chewing her bottom lip just a little at the question, she felt torn between wanting to be alone with him and knowing they needed to get her more clothes that she could wear. “A few stores, just so I can get something for the new few days.” she replied after a brief pause. 

[babyprinxessoctavia]

cyrus-alzahid​:

Cyrus smiled, her worry was something to be expected. “The hotel is known for their privacy, is the best hotel in Dubai, so they get a lot of celebrities, if you take a photo even with your phone you will be kicked out.” He pointed out, he was the one that came up with that idea after all, he wanted a place where people could fully relax and not worry all the time, at least while they were inside no one would bother them, even the people that worked on the stores knew how to be polite and respectful, asking for an autograph or a photo would cause them to lose their jobs.

He nodded it. “It was a very nice conversation, actually.” He could understand why she was the favorite daughter, his father would trade both of his sons for her in a heart beat, which made Cyrus a little more concern about Octavia meeting his father, they weren’t the same person and Cyrus didn’t want her to be like her sister, he wanted her to be herself. Katherine was strict but reasonable, she talked with friendly tone, but he knew it was an order and not something to take it light. “We talked about my trajectory since I arrived at the island, attacking a human, the slap at her wedding, our visit to the dungeon, the lost, and my recent talk with her daughter.” He said. “She was very understandable, beginnings can be hard, she thought it would be good for us if we spend some time at my place, and hopefully when we return, I will be able to control my emotions better, it is okay to have fights, but we shouldn’t let be the talk of the island.”

He pointed out, when they arrived at the hotel he opened the door and offered his hand for her, there were a few people taking photos, but not as many when they got out of the plane. He guided her toward the door of the hotel and inside as he promised it was calm, some people looked at them and whispered something, but most of them minded their own business, and no photos were taken.

He really seemed very much at ease, which well wasn’t entirely new but she supposed their roles had to some degree been reversed. Back home, she was the one knowing all the trade secrets and how the island worked. Here he was the one with all the knowledge, while she had none. “And how do they enforce that?” she asked, wanting to be sure that all the trust wasn’t put in some poor guy stuck staring at surveillance tapes all day long. “Did you build the one we’re staying at?” was her follow up question, more than a little curious given that she knew he had built a lot of places in this city. It was after all one of the main reasons, at least he’d told her so, he considered the city his home. Unlike the big palace his parents ruled from. 

Octavia nodded, glad that her sister had taken a professional and calm route when speaking to him, though noticing the slight look of awe as he spoke about her, she couldn’t help the pang of jealousy. Somehow, Kate always managed to impress anyone she came into contact with. And Octavia knew she’d had centuries of practice and a really different, probably at times difficult childhood because she was the heir to their fathers throne. She also knew her sister wasn’t perfect, and that she was simply doing her best.. and yet she had no doubt that even Cy was making comparisons between them. “Bet your father would have loved to replace Kate with me..” she could not help but note, shifting slightly away from him where she sat, curling her legs up and hugging them. She would never be out of her sisters shadow. Never be able to reach the high pedestal Kate had ended up on. It was a vicious cycle she had no idea how to get out of or cope well with. “I’m glad you guys had a good talk. And we shouldn’t..” she agreed with a small nod. 

As the car came to a stop, Octavia tried to pull herself together. While she was in no rush to meet Cyrus’s parents, she wondered if he’d even considered it when deciding on this trip. Part of her wanted to ask, and part of her didn’t want to know at all. Because if the answer was no, then that would hurt.. another reminder of how she wasn’t good enough or reliable.. not like Kate. Somehow she managed to rearrange her face into a curious and smiling one, taking his hand and letting him guide her inside the building. Like promised, it was rather calm and quiet. A few whispers, but no flashes, no phones pointed at them.