#keep your helmet on boreas

[paladinmochi123]

"So Fight Little Wolf!"

Destiny 2 guardian oc!

Boreas-4! Vanguard scout and Thunderwolf. 2nd member of Fireteam Burrito.

And Hermes the Ghost.

[another-star-eyed-kid]

ice and honey - secret songbird 2019

happy holidays !! for my secret songbird i got the wonderful, amazing @dwarnian !! i love hanging out with you on the hadestown discord. you are always infinitely sweet and you always comment on my writing which makes my heart soar. to quote oli, “nothing but respect for my grandpa piss.” love you lots you wonderful human and enjoy a lil modern fluff thing of the kiddos (feat. an oc i hope you don’t mind adhjfhdbfjka)

-Kiz

—⛸—

gods he was so warm. how in hell was that even possible? it was practically thirty degrees out there. yet, here was her poet, warm as the sunlight of spring.

she pressed her face to his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his. the life of the city park was evident in all that was around them. a bike sped by them, undoubtedly almost running over a poor squirrel; a child laughed in the arms of her mother; and her orpheus was smiling at his visible breath in the cold. eurydice reveled in the presence of her lover and the modern magic of the place she called home. how did she ever manage to get so lucky?

“oh my gods, look, love!” orpheus said in a childlike tone, and pointed towards something.

she turned her head to spot a few lamp posts, decked with garlands and red bows for the holidays, all surrounding an ice rink with a few dozen people skating on it. some were unsteady on their feet, slipping and falling to the ground, but most were gliding carefully, chatting while they skated.

“i didn’t know they were setting up earlier this year.” the young man grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the rink. “c’mon we have to go.”

the girl was left baffled for a moment. orpheus had almost tripped over his own feet trying to say hello to her, could he really skate without collapsing? and if he could, she couldn’t. after years of moving from place to place, when would she have found the time— or money— to learn to skate? gods, trying that would be so embarrassing. eurydice watched a small child of about three with a helmet stumble and fall to the ice. great, she had the skating capacity of a three year old. that was a wonderful boost to her confidence.

she stumbled out an excuse, “honey, there’s no way we can afford that right now. skates are like ten dollars, and it’s eight bucks for every hour.”

please, please, please get me out of this.

orpheus turned around and smiled. how could she ever say no to him when he was like that? “i have a solution for that love.”

his grin widened, and he squeezed her hand tighter. then, he ran towards the counter dragging his girlfriend along with him. a small giggle escaped eurydice’s lips. she couldn’t possibly believe what she was about to do for him.

when the reached the counter, a girl roughly eurydice’s age with dyed white hair and a bored expression on her face went on with a speech she had probably been saying all morning, “welcome to boreas’s ice rink, the best place for skating in all the city. do you need skates?”

“well it’s nice to see you too, khione,” the singer said.

seemingly snapped out of her uninterested daze at the sound of her name, the white-haired girl, khione, eurydice assumed, stared at orpheus for a second and let out a small laugh. “look who’s back for his yearly trip?” she laid her gaze on eurydice. “and you’ve brought yourself a girl. about damn time, music man.”

his face reddened, and he scratched the back of his neck. a bubbling of envy found its way into eurydice’s gut. she knew that she didn’t have to feel threatened by what was probably an old friend of orpheus, but that didn’t stop eurydice from reacting her tiptoes and planting a quick kiss on his cheek.

“man, a mighty good one too. mind introducing me, lover boy?”

he let out a nervous laugh and gestured towards his lover. “khione, this is eurydice, my girlfriend. eurydice, this is khione, a childhood friend of mine.”

they reached out to shake each other’s hands and exchanged small greetings.

“hermes used to take him here once a week when we opened for the winter. where is the old geezer anyway?”

“he insisted on keeping the bar open today while we went out.”

“pfft, sounds like him.”

“HEY CAN YOU TWO HURRY UP WE’RE WAITIN’ OVER HERE!”

khione simply rolled her eyes and yelled out at someone else to take over for a bit. she then gestured for the two to come around the little booth and follow her. “dad is teaching a class right now until noon, but i’m sure he will be thrilled to see you when he’s finished.” she handed asked them both for their sizes and handed them the according skates. “you two are on the house. family-friend discount for this idiot.”

“thank you so much, khione. it was awesome to see you again. we should really catch up some other time!” orpheus said, his gleaming white smile an apparent contrast against his frozen red face.

more jealousy at their friendliness infected eurydice. that was her poet, damnit. but she quickly distracted herself by examining the skates in her hand. they were a bright white with a shining silver blade on the bottom. the grayish laces crept up it until they came together in a neat, tidy knot. c’mon she could do this. it’s just walking on ice. it couldn’t be too hard...right?

“speaking of lunch, eurydice,” the sound of her name threw her out of her daze. khione continued to address her, “you are so pretty. i don’t even know how this bumbling idiot-” orpheus’s eyes met the floor “-managed to score someone like you. anyway, this is all to say...do you possibly have a friend of yours you could set me up with...like...a girl friend?”

oh. well, that made things a lot easier.

“oh, uh, yeah! probably. i can give you her number after we finish up. you are absolutely gorgeous also. if it weren’t for my favorite bumbling idiot-” orpheus eyes grew even wider as he continued his staring contest with the floor. “-i would probably end up sweeping you off your feet.”

orpheus piped up, “she-she could definitely do that. she’s done that to me before.”

eurydice let out a small laugh and continued talking, “we will definitely take you up on that lunch thing.”

the white-haired girl smiled at both of them, said a quick goodbye and went back to the ticket booth.

orpheus gripped her hand and started running towards the little seating area where people were putting on their skates. despite the existential dread, seeing her lover so excited for something he used to do in his youth put a smile on eurydice’s face.

“come on ‘rydice. we gotta get on the ice before it’s too crowded.”

they shoved on their skates and wobbled their way to the entrance of the rink. the young girl made sure to never let go of her lover’s hand the entire way there. she wasn’t even on the ice, and she already hated this.

without a trace of thought, orpheus jumped on the ice, letting go of eurydice’s hand in the process, and seemed to glide around like he was flying. for a man who could barely walk without tripping, he was really good at skating. orpheus spun around to look at eurydice, who had the first half of her foot on the ice and her hand gripping the railing so hard, it was turning white. she couldn’t possibly believe she did this with minimal objection.

“isn’t it just a perfect day to skate? the sun- oh, uh, i-i probably should’ve asked if you knew how to skate first, huh?” the young man said with a hand scratching the back of his neck.

“you think?” she retorted, sarcasm blazing. she attempted to put her whole foot on the ice before quickly retracting it again.

nope nope nope nope nope nope nope

“here-” he outstretched his hands “-you can hold onto me until you get the hang of it.”

the young girl ignored his hands and went straight to his upper arms and held on like her life depended on it. which, in fairness, it felt like it did.

after a generous amount of coaxing from orpheus, eurydice managed to put both of her feet on the ice. she stood there, unmoving. orpheus started to skate backwards and, in turn, dragged eurydice along with him. this seemed simple, if he could do it, so could she. it was just walking on ice. she lifted her right foot and started to place it down again. however, the front of the blade got wedged into the ice, and she stumbled, her grip of orpheus getting tighter as she attempted to steady herself again.

orpheus simply smiled apologetically and continued to skate backwards as she kept her feet firmly planted on the floor.

show-off.

they continued like that for another ten minutes or so, eurydice occasionally trying to lift her foot and stumbling again, until the young man’s face seemed to light up. the girl knew that look. she had seen it multiple times whenever he was scribbling songs into his notebook: he had some sort of ingenious idea.

“so, poet, you going to tell me why you got that look on your face or am i gonna have to give you a penny for your thoughts?”

“you know how we dance in the living room sometimes when i sing?” he asked, continuing to round the corner backwards.

“of course.”

“it’s just like that. i’m gonna sing and you just move your feet to the beat.”

she let out a soundless laugh. leave it to her lover to figure out a problem with music and a loving smile. “okay.”

a melody the young girl knew very well escaped orpheus’s lips. his voice was like honey: sweet, smooth, and leaving you wanting more. it ebbed and flowed and overcame her. despite the bitter temperature, eurydice felt a warmth move through her body. the feeling alone was intoxicating, but being there, with orpheus, she felt spring in the ice. la la la la la la la.

picked up her feet and placed them down again to the rhythm of his song in dance-like movements. one foot in front of the other gliding across the floor. what magic her lover could create. it all seemed easy with orpheus. so natural. like all she had been doing throughout her life was this. la la la la la la la.

they continued like this for a while, her grip becoming lax and their movements like children dancing under the glittering of the sun. he continued to sing. slowly, orpheus turned around to face forward, and eurydice’s hand moved from his forearm to a careful grasp of his hand. la la la la la la la.

“see, that wasn’t too hard was it.”

the sudden switch from singing to speaking caught her off-guard, and she quickly felt herself stumbling and reaching for orpheus. this time, however, he was not in front of her, but beside her. the young man, seemingly refusing to let go of their intertwined hands, faltered as well. and together, they fell towards the floor, orpheus the first to make contact with the ice. eurydice followed soon after, although, she had her lover to break some of the fall. carefully pushing herself onto her hands, she examined his tomato of a face. she had him pinned.

“i don’t know, might need a bit more practice,” she said, the breath from her voice visible in the cold.

eurydice reached down and met his mouth with a fiery kiss. his singing wasn’t the only thing about orpheus’s lips that was sickeningly sweet.

[calistapledger]

A Very Nice Prince

[A/N: A Filler Fic because I’m trash and I love exploring Calista’s mind Mentions: @theiahuntley @domschreave @alinaschreave @princeevanschreave @princesscallieschreave @princepercyschreave]

It is true what they say, crying helps you feel so much better. I once read that it is actually an outlet to release feelings because on a technical level, feelings are basically chemicals released from your mind. So when it gets too overwhelming, your body generates tears to secrete the chemicals. I was finally free of the chemicals from the day before.

It was a new day and I intended for it to be a good day. I stretched my arms and made a groan that mimicked a pterodactyl screeching. I opened my eyes to see three shadowy figures looming over me. I blushed when I realised they had witnessed my less-than-ladylike morning ritual. I allowed myself a moment before I sat and gave them my most dazzling smile, as if that was going erase the previous mortifying moment. I became more comfortable when I heard Isla’s soothing voice.

“Miss, these are your other two maids, Paris and Valencia.” “Oh, nice to meet you both.” I shake their hands before turning to Isla, “You know how I feel about the word maid, Isla.” “I meant helpers.” I could hear the smile on her voice. I make a motion to get out of bed when the girls flock me, ready to change me. I wave them away, I was more than capable to changing myself.

“The three of you must always work so hard, I want you to take a break. If I need any assistance, I will call.” I assure them as I go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and change into one of the new dresses provided by the Palace. I checked the time on my shades, it was a little before 8 in the morning. The interviews were to be at 9 and then breakfast is served. I like - well that is a weak word, I’m more obsessed with being on time. With Father and Boreas being the heads of the household, you have been conditioned to always be early on time. I had a little more than an hour before the interview so I decided to explore our floor. Isla offered to accompany me and as tempting it was, I had to get over my fear of getting around in such a huge place. I was making my way down the Hall when I heard a friendly voice called me. I turned to see an shaky figure - courtesy of my eyes - walking towards me.

“Hi, are you Calista? I’m Theia!” She chirped happily, I couldn’t help but smile. She also vaguely smelled of potatoes, this must be the farmer I read about. “Oh hello Theia, it's nice to officially meet you, I know I ran out of the sleepover rather quickly last night.” I smiled sheepishly while trying to suppress the horrid memory. She assured me that she had gone to bed not long after me, that made me feel much better.  I confided in her as to why I ran out.

“Could I tell you a secret? I couldn't up with the girls and that scared me off but I thought it over last night and I'm okay now.” I catch a glimpse of her mouth opening with surprise. Her tone confirms it.

“Really? Well, I guess it can be quite loud and crazy with so many girls together. I've never had a party with so many girls and just girls since I have like three male cousins and a brother.” I let out a little shriek of excitement while grinning wildly. I never thought there would be anyone who understood how I was raised. All the other girls seemed to know how to get along with each other while I was completely lost.

“Ohmygoodness finally someone who understands. I grew up with four brothers and an uncle who might as well be our sibling.” I explained to my newfound friend. “A household full of boys. They can be so annoying haha.” “Tell me about it, although I believe they were more cautious with me and my condition.” I casually slip that into our conversation to see how she would react. She was very lovely but I could never be too cautious.

“Oh yes. I watched your interview. I'm so sorry about your condition. You know you can find me whenever you need an extra pair of eyes.” Her voice was shaky and I suspected that she forgot I had my condition which is good because she viewed me as a normal person. I try to soothe her nerves by assuring her kindly.

“Don't be sorry, it wasn't your fault. While I do have my aiding devices, the Palace is so big that I could get lost -” I couldn’t even finish my sentence when someone came barging into our hall. I knew it wasn't a fellow Selected because I felt and heard heavy footsteps. My guess was a butler or a guard.

“Lady Calista Ledger, you have been summoned by the Royal Captain of Guards.” He boomed, yep definitely a guard. I slid on my shades and fold out my stick as a precaution, I didn't want to lose my way. I nod at him before turning to Theia with wide eyes. I genuinely did not know what I had done wrong but I made light of the situation by stage whispering to her.

“I hope I didn't accidentally commit treason.” It was a horrible defence mechanism to hide my fear under weak humour. I couldn't even tell if I should be laughing or shaking right now. Well if I was to be Queen, I was going to have to push down these feelings and go gracefully. I haven't done anything wrong. I could tell Theia was barely registering what I had said, she was simply staring at the guard with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.

“See you later.” I try to get her attention by waving at her as the guard escorted me away. She finally snaps out of it as I'm leaving the Hall and I only barely hear her soft whimper.

“S-see you! I- I hope you're okay!”

I wasn't even at the Palace for two seconds and I was sought out. I was in for a shock when the escort guided me to the mailroom. With the help of my sunglasses, I was able to assess my surroundings. It was the mailroom but the elephant in the room was the mass of guards surrounding several packages. I was summoned forward by a smooth English voice. It caught me by surprise, I expected all guards to sound gruff. I followed the voice to its owner and stood in front of the blurry silhouette. "Calista Ledger?" "That would be me." He sounded arrogant so I discarded my usual meek demeanor, stood up straighter and kept my voice steady as I stared at him in the general eye area. "Would you care to explain these parcels addressed to you?" I moved over to feel them to confirm that these were the packages I was expecting. He blocked my way. I huff, frustrated. How the hell was I supposed to identify and explain them if I wasn't allowed a feel? I relayed this to him. "I do not want you tampering with evidence. You just going to have to inspect them from here and explain their presence." I could feel my temper boiling over. Was he seriously that incompetent? "I'm blind, you genius!" I exclaimed and I heard him take a step back, alarmed by my harsh tone. I turned my ear slightly to him so that I could identify some of his tells. He was rubbing the back of his neck. He was nervous, probably realising his mistake. "I apologise for misinterpreting your use for the sunglasses. Would it help if I described the items to you?" I simmered down. I nodded curtly and he proceeded to describe the contents of the parcels unsuccessfully. I rolled my eyes behind my shades. "It would be better if I could feel them." I say as I reach for the parcel but the guard pulls it away from my reach roughly. The room grows silent when his careless move results in all the parts of my inventions falling to the floor. I hear a loud crash and bolts rolling around. I hear the other guards holding their breaths as I turn red as I set my jaw. I was going to murder this man. I remember what Notus told me whenever I felt like blowing up. I counted to 10 and in a quiet but threatening voice, I ask him for his name. 

"Captain Alystair Costas." He tried to keep his voice detached but the nerves shook his voice as he choked out his last name. "Well the Prince will be sure to receive a formal complaint from me about you." I get the butler who escorted me to help locate the broken pieces of my inventions as I gather the parcels. Without another word, I walk out with my packages.

I check the time as I deposited the gifts to my work space which was really the study table we were provided but Isla helped me extend it into a work space. I would fix them after my interview. I was going to be late and if I was, I will end the Captain's career. Since I had given my helpers the morning off because I was allegedly busy with the interview and breakfast, they weren't around for me to ask for help. So I turned to my escort and enquired if the helmet was damaged.

“It is perfectly fine, ma'am.” I smiled at him, feeling very fancy after being called a ma’am. I thanked him and asked if he could help me find my way to the Hall where Prince Dom was conducting his interviews. I have the butler quickly wrap up the Prince’s gift for me before we make our way down.

I was very hasty, rushing my way to the Prince, not wanting to be a minute late. Once the butler successfully guided me to the interview room, I thanked him. That was when I realised how disheveled and out of breath I was. I didn't even have time to pat down my mess of curls when I burst into the room.

“I hope I'm not late!” “Hello Lady Calista, are you ready to begin?” We say at the same time. My cheek flame as I navigate my seat across him. I explain my messy appearance. “I had a little trouble with this,” I say as I pass him the gift. “This is for you, a thank you for welcoming me into your home.” 

I hear him unwrapping it and I hear an audible gasp. He liked it, I could feel it but what I didn't expect was for him to be flustered as he thanked me and assured me I was not late. He was really wasn't as cocky as he came across in magazines interviews. I explained how the helmet wasn't just any ordinary helmet but it had in built headphones which are programmed to play all his favourite songs. I hear a squeak from his chair and I realise he's leaning over in interest as I explain. He's close enough for me to catch a whiff of his scent. There were two layers. The usual musky cologne men wore but with my sensitive nose I picked his natural scent that was being covered up by cologne. He smelled of grease and metal, most likely from his motorcycle. I surprisingly enjoyed it and it suited him. After I'm done explaining, he comments how cool it is and I beamed, taking in the praise.

“So, how are you today? Besides out of breath.” He makes polite conversation. I smiled at his joke and proceed to describe how the Palace has been treating me well despite my phobia of big spaces.

“Yes, the Palace is big. It's easy to get lost if you don't know your way around.” “That has happened to me a few times, I don't know where I'd be without the other Selected.” I smile dreamily, thankful for my newfound friends. I hear his chair scrape against the marble floor, I guessed he was leaning forward with interest again. It made me feel more comfortable and prompted me to discard my reserved manner. 

“So the other girls have been helping you? That's nice of them I guess.” “Some, mostly my hallmates they are all really nice girls that sometimes I forget we are competing against each other.” “That's good. I don't really like to think of the Selection as a competition. I just like to think of it as finding the perfect girl.” The soft familiar sound of waves crashing graced my ears. Prince Dom was running his hand through his hair as his voice took a light tone when talking about finding the perfect girl. What a romantic. I didn't peg him to be like that. He was odd how much he reminded me of Eurus with the hands through hair, he kind of felt like home. I felt an odd warmth spread across my chest. I ignored it and continued the conversation. 

“That's nice, I know you've met girls before me so am I allowed to ask if you think you've met her yet?” I wanted to size up the competition but knowing Prince Dom I should have expected his response. “I don't know yet. I think I'd like to play the field a bit first and see all the options first. And of course, my opinions can be changed.” I nodded along. “Ah yes feelings and opinions can be very confusing, I just hope I won't get too caught up in all the glamour and lose sight of who I am.” I suppressed a giggle at my pun. He was silent until I heard heavy breathing. He was shaking with quiet laughter...he caught on as well but didn't comment further so I switched topics. I wanted to try my luck. “Your Highness, I have a rather odd request, could we be friends? I know I came here to fall in love with you but I know for a fact that falling in love with your friend is the best feeling and my parents are a prime example of that.” While my parents used to be the prime example, it was Uncle Ro who told me to fall in love with my best friend. It is logical, who better to be your life long partner than the person who knows you best? “Umm, I mean you can't just start a friendship by saying you'll be friends, but I suppose if you'd rather take things slow…” He ran his fingers through his hair again. He was reluctant but I understood that. So I gave him the straightforward answer.    “I know that I just like to be upfront with my intentions and hope you'll do the same.” “Hmm we'll see.” Cryptic as always and to lighten the mood I made an obvious blind joke. “Well I'd hear about it since I can't see. I giggled and at that moment my shades gave me the time. We had less than a minute left. “Well we're starting to run out of time, is there anything you wanted to ask me?” He asked and I had been cracking my head about this question all morning because he was the Prince after all, his entire life has been displayed for us to observe. There wasn't any typical first date questions I could ask. “Yes and I hope this isn't too political for a first meeting, but once you become King, what would you do first?” I settled on this. I wanted to know how seriously he took being King. “Politically? I don't know yet. Not politically? Throw a party. Alright, well there's the timer. It was lovely talking with you Lady Calista.” Typical Prince Dominic. Calista from a year ago would have rolled her eyes but I was here to experience the Selection to the fullest and that meant letting go of the uptight version of me. “Hahah of course I hope I'll be invited. Thank you for a lovely first meeting, your Highness.” I played along and stood before falling into a deep curtsey.

I had a playful grin on my face as I walked back to my room. 

My irritable mood from earlier returned when I walked back into my room. I remembered how the Captain had manhandled Prince Evan's gift. I sat at my work space and cropped a feel at it, it was definitely damaged but it was nothing I couldn't fix. The engine on the electronic surfboard was busted. I had Isla retrieve my tool kit and I started working to fix the engine. It was going fairly well but I miscalculated where my hand was, and the turbine cut me when I jump started the engine. I could feel the blood gushing out heavily. My blurry hands were smeared red.  I yelled out loud, careful not to swear. I am a lady after all. Paris and Valencia rushed to me with a first aid kit, the supplies rattling violently inside the box. I sat with my knee bouncing impatiently while they fixed up my hand. It hurt to move it, I wanted to maim the Captain for causing this.

There was a knock on the door, as I was cursing him. I didn’t want to deal with anyone so I had Isla answer it as I sat at my work station, trying not to think about the pain as Valencia quickly bandaged my hand. I wanted to scream when I hear his smooth voice coming from the door. Was he here to mock my blindness further?

“Lady Ledger, if you would just allow me to apologise.” He brushed past Isla. I sighed, I would have to make Isla take some self-defense sessions at some point. That way no one could get past her. I dismissed my helpers before I stood slowly from my desk and turned to him, taking my time. I wanted to make him as frustrated as he made me feel.

“I am not interested in anything you have to say to me.” I told him off in a clipped manner. “I brought chocolates.” I saw the blurry box in his hands. I snatch it from his grasp, giving him a taste of his own medicine from earlier. “I'll take those and now you can leave. You're not forgiven by the way.” I push him out of the room and slam the door in his face.

Once the girls was completely sure he was out of shot, they broke down into giggles. My ears perked up at the sound. They were always so meek and shy but other than those two default demeanors, I have never heard them betray any other emotions. So their giggling came as a surprise to me as I gaped at them. They must have caught my stumped expression because they immediately fell silent.

“Oh don't stop on my account. You have such a lovely laughs.” I could only imagine they were blushing furiously. Isla quickly muttered an explanation. “You should have seen his face, Miss. He was pouting like a sad puppy.” “I don't particularly care for puppies, Isla.” I keep my voice levelled as I look down at the box of chocolates. Perhaps I was too harsh? I pushed that thought to the back of my mind. I had to let the feelings stew otherwise I'd do something stupid like I did signing up for the Selection. I sat at my work station and worked through the surfboard despite the hand injury.

Breakfast made me feel better about my hand. Having invited all the girls from my Hall along with Maddie and Emma to have breakfast with us was the best idea I've had. They were all lovely girls and we got on quite nicely. After Breakfast, we all went our separate ways to explore the Palace. I, on the other hand, had to track down the other royals to pass over their gifts. I made a quick stop to my room to pick up all the gifts and put them in a bag so that I wouldn’t look like a fool carrying a folded surf board. Once I made sure all four gifts were secure, I made my way to find the other Royals. The Prince mentioned Princess Alina would be idling around the Great Hall - the Palace’s version of a living room - so I headed there first. I found a figure walking about and my shades identify her to be the Princess and walk up to her, smiling sweetly.

“Hello Princess Alina! Your brother pointed me in your direction. I made gifts for you, your brother and cousins as a gesture of thanks for welcoming me into your home. I hope this phone case comes in handy.” I present her with the case.

“Awww thank you so much, Lady Calista! It's so cute!” She gushed and I couldn’t help my grin wider. I’m so glad all my efforts are being appreciated. I can see why Uncle Ro loves inventing so much. To create and have it appreciated is a feeling no one can bring you don’t from.  You are very welcome, your Highness. Have a good day ahead, I'm going to see if I can track down your cousins. Do you know where I might find them?” I would have loved to chat more but I knew virtually nothing about flowers and was nervous. She was the Princess after all. 

“I haven't seen them all day. Evan's either in his room or out, probably. Not out of his room, out of the palace.” She had a nice laugh and I returned it with a giggle of my own.  “Maybe I could try the library. I assume I can find Prince Percy with Charlotte.” I then enquired about the youngest princess. “What about Princess Callie?”

“There's a chance she's in the gardens, but if you listen carefully enough, you'll hear her screaming eventually.” She supplied helpfully. “Hahaha I shall follow the screams thank you so much Princess Alina. Have a lovely day ahead!” Both of the royal twins were hilarious, being funny must run in the family.   “Of course, you, too!” We waved goodbye before I headed off to the Library which was corridor away and it was getting tired dragging around Prince Evan’s surfboard. I located easily enough, navigating my way through the Palace was becoming easier by the minute. 

I took a deep breath before entering. I was suddenly very nervous, I would never admit it to anyone but I’ve always had the biggest crush on Prince Evan. He was a literary nerd like me, very practical and the way he carried himself was admirable. Of course when I was Selected, I had to supress those feelings because I was competing for Prince Dom. I completely threw away those feelings when I heard whispers of Lady Kat and Lady Cameron going for him. I may not be proper friends with them but it was in the Girl Code not to go after a man who you know other girls are pursuing. I suppose that doesn’t apply to Prince Dom because we knew what we were signing up for. I just hoped Prince Evan and I could be friends. Friends, with that in mind I pushed open the Library door. I see a figure skimming through shelves and could only assume it was him from his heavy steps. 

“Prince Evan, is that you? Princess Alina said you'd be here.” I called out just to be sure and smiled to let him know I didn’t mean any harm.  “Hello.” It was a very short greeting but it caught me off guard. His voice was much more charming in person and he smelled of sea breeze. I felt the old feelings linger before I stuffed them far far away. 

“Hello, I've made gifts for all the Royals and I thought I'd give yours. I'm sorry I took so long it was damaged when being shipped to the Palace and when I tried to fix it I cut myself.” I passed him the surfboard with one hand while hiding my injuried hand. 

“Oh, uh, thank you.” What is up with both cousins being awkward when presented with gifts? They were Princes, aren’t they showered with luxaries everyday? I wasn’t discouraged and kept the conversation going by explaining how the surfboard works. “You're welcome! It's not just any surfboard, it's foldable and electronic so you can keep it just about anywhere and since it electronic you can surf even without waves.” “Huh. I guess I'll have to try it out.” Finally I caught his interest, his voice takes on a certain tone when something interests him. This felt surreal, my childhood crush slash hero was interested in something I made for him. I could faint but I was Lady Calista and I never lose my nerve. So I kept my cool.  “Let me how that works out for you. Oh and Prince Evan, do you remember getting letters from a Fitzgerald Girl? That would be me, I'm a bit of a literary nerd and no one back home understands and it was really fun discussing Shakespeare with you.” I had to tell him at some point if we were to be friends. Although at the rate this conversation was going, that possibility seemed more and more far away. 

“Oh, yes, that was enjoyable.” It didn’t sound like he enjoyed it very much. I give up but was polite anyway and made my quick leave. “I'm glad you think so. You don't talk much do you? *laughs quietly* Well I must be off to find your brother and sister. I have gifts for them too, any idea where I might find them?”  “Find a big group of the Selected and you're sure to find Percy flirting with them. And Callie is probably in the gardens.” This, this is why I used to like him so much. 

“Hahaha and Prince Percy says you're not funny. Thank you I think I'll go find Princess Callie first, I wouldn't want interrupt your brother's flirting.” “Yes, his flirting is a tragedy know one should have to witness.” I laughed loudly, much too loud for a lady and blushed embarassed.  “Thank you for making me laugh, I needed that after the morning I've had. Well see you around Prince Evan I really enjoyed your company. Goodbye.” 

I waved before heading for the gardens. I was rather nervous because grass didn’t quite provide a stable ground for me, making it harder for me to navigate and it messes with my already messed up depth perception. By luck sent from up above, I saw a figure tending to the gardens. I walk up to her and my shades helped me identify her as Princess Callie.

“Hello Princess Callie, I'm Lady Calista! Your brother said I could find you here, I have a present for you. I made it for you on the plane to the Palace. It's thank you gift for letting me and the other girls stay in your home.” I smile kindly as I give her the flower crown. 

“IT’S SO PRETTTYYYYYY!!!!!!” She gasped and started jumping as evident by the tremors I felt. I laughed happily, her reaction was my favourite and I didn’t even have to work the hardest for hers.  “Ahahaha I'm glad you like it! Your cousin Princess Alina said you liked tulips so I used those.” I tell and she hugs it close to her chest. “Yay!!!! I love it!!! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.” 

She truly was an adorable child, what I would give to have a kid like her.  “You're very welcome!! I'm sure everyone tells you this but you really are very adorable. Well I need to go find your middle brother so I hope we'll see each other soon, Princess.”  “Obviously I'm adorable. Good luck with Percy!” She flipped her hair, being funny really does run in the family.  “You really are too cute and thank you. Goodbye! “Bye!” My interaction with the youngest Schreave left me in a good mood. I happily skip off to see Prince Percy. The music box I made for him is one invention I’m most proud of especially its intricate design I made all by myself.

I wander into one of the corridors and hear girls giggling. I peek in and my sunglasses tell me that Prince Percy was in the centre of it all. Prince Evan was right. I was cautious not to do anything so I walked up to him meekly and tap him on the shoulder. He turns to me and I hear his eyebrows raise up questioningly.

“Hello Prince Percy, I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” I looked over in the direction of giggling girls, “but I made you, your siblings and cousins gifts as a thank you for welcoming me into your home. It's a music box shaped as a piano because I know you are quite the pianist I've programmed it to play all the classics.” I explained as I passed it to him.

He barely gave me or the music box a glance. “Cool.” He was curt and that hurt. At least Prince Evan was awkward but not rude. I heard the girls whispering. I felt humiliated but I wasn’t going to give Prince Percy that satisfaction.  “You're welcome.” I say loudly. “Alright.” He turns back to the girls. I never had someone make me so feel insignificant. I don’t know why I even care, he’s just a shallow child who was judging me based on my condition. I’m glad Aricia didn’t end up with him, she deserved so much better. I stormed off angrily. I went from being happy from talking to Princess Callie to my interaction with the intolerable Prince Percy leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Back in my room, I curl up against my bloster. I replay the memories of the day. Bonding with Lady Theia about our brothers, Captain Costas being ignorant, Prince Dom’s interest in the helmet, his metallic scent, Princess Alina’s humming, her smelling of flowers, meeting Prince Evan for the first time, Princess Callie’s excitement, Prince Percy’s dismissal. I hold the good ones close to my heart, protecting me from all the bad memories. 

Why did I care so much what the Royals thought of me?