Nope, Nope, Nope.. No Chance in Hell

It was nearing spring and that meant the social season was just beginning, he hated this kind of thing but he was use to it. It also helped with his families standing, he just hated being a pawn in a bigger game but this was just his life he guessed. What he didn't really understand was why his elder brother and sister didn't have to go through this but he did, it was almost like his family had given up on them when it came to this kind of thing. His brother was a social butterfly of sorts, then again if rumours were to believed when he did do this sort of thing he left more than his fair share of broken hearted and swooning women along the way. He did eventually want to be the one to someone but he wanted it to be his choice not some aristocrat because that was what was expected of him. He sighed as he thought about yet another one of the expectations laid on him, he was to marry a well to do woman who would bring their own prestige and add it to his family. He knew he should care but he really didn't, he just wanted space to breath and right now if it wasn't one thing it was another, he just felt like he was suffocating.

Rubbing the back of his neck he realised he was likely being foolish thinking that Artemis would even be able to take part in the social season, he was in charge of a secret that no one but a select few knew about and even then no one but himself, Lynus, a select few within the family knew it was him. They had given the excuse that Artemis that was busy learning the family business which was believable given he was the heir to the family business. He looked inside the reflective surface of the water of the fountain he was standing at, his sapphire blue eyes looking at the pin he wore in the reflection. 'hmph, the name suits us... nothing but cloaks and daggers to each other nevermind everyone else.' he thought to himself. Apollo was currently wearing a black pair of dress trousers, a white dress shirt, white and red petticoat and a black blazer. In his arms he held a dozen long stem red roses for the girl he was to meet here, his eyes shifted to the architecture of the town around him.

This was the first time that he had been to Hosenka and not had to go right to a ball or a board room, he knew he didn't have to worry about Lynus to much. Then again he knew he was in the town but dealing with 'other' issues and would catch up when he was done, he hoped it would take him all day but he knew deep down that wasn't going to be the case, it never was when it came to that side of things. Lynus was deadly efficient and beyond good at what he done, he guessed it was the reason his grandfather had chosen him to be his bodyguard. He really wish he could put a hit out on his cousin Gabriel but knew that would kinda be looked down and he would get into so much trouble even if the weasel deserved it on so many levels. He didn't understand why his cousin hated him and Artemis so much, it wasn't like they had done anything to deserve it, well unless being born in the main branch was a crime.

He was brought out of his mind as he heard his name being called "O-oh, sorry I was in a world all my own Emily." he apologised holding the roses out to her "These are for you, I heard Yu-chin Florists was your favourite and made a stop along the way." he said softly allowing her to take the flowers and sniff them her cheeks blushing, more so that he placed his hand at his heart as his arm went behind him as he bowed at the waist "I would be most honoured if you would allow me to be your escort for the day." he said in a charming voice. Emily's cheeks became a deep red almost matching the red of her lolita curled hair, she wore a beautifully elegant pale green dress that had been golden thread embroidery and what looked to be a few emeralds here and there just to make it pop a little more. "O-of course Apollo" she said in a sweet voice once again sniffing at the roses she had been given. Standing he offered her arm to her which she happily accepted without a second thought "So Emily, is there anywhere you would like to visit? I'm sure with it being the beginning of the season you have a lot of shopping to do." he said with a charming smile.

The girl nodded "You have no idea how much pressure there is to get the right dresses." she explained as the began walking down the street, he looked to her nodding, to anyone around them they would look like a couple that were in the mists of courting "I can't say I do being male, but, I can say whatever you decide to wear would only add to your natural beauty." he said the compliment making her giggle as they walked "Why don't we start with getting some shoes for your feet?" he suggested this made her blink, it made him feel like he had just said something odd "Y-you want to go clothes and shoe shopping with me?" she asked sheepishly it was as if she was expecting him to say that this was a trick on her "Nothing would make me happier than helping you decide your wardrobe for the season Emily, after all I am to be your escort the entire season." he said not minding that she was hugging his arm her head resting on it as they continued to walk towards the first boutique.

Word Count: 1,017

Ren was continuing walking down the street with Emily, the two stopped every now and then to watch street performers, listen to music or look in the shop windows at the latest fashion for both men and women of standing. This was nothing unusual for the season and it was something that he had grown accustomed to when he done etiquette lessons, as he had to understand what was expected of him in such social situations. He had kept somewhat aware of his surroundings as he had been taught after all Emily's safety was his priority, she was a wealthy heiress of a family of some renown and though their hadn't been any formal announcement of yet he feared that his family were up to something requesting the pairing to the mother of the rose. From what the teen understood was the woman who decided who would debut, who was paired with who, the one in charge of the young ladies etiquette lessons amongst other things. To much information for him to take in but that was of little consequence really as he wasn't the one that had to go through it, he had his own form of torture when it came to such lessons and then he had to make himself available at times she wanted to do this kind of things.

He was smiling and laughing with the young lady that was on his arm seeming like he was genuinely enjoying himself, within reason he was right now. It seemed like he and she were completely forgetting the world they had been born into and just enjoying the time alone without their chaperones. They stopped however when they had been approached by another, he was about to ask if there was something that they could help her with as he looked over how the woman looked. He took over every small detail and blinked more so ans he seen the crown unsure how exactly to take the other for now. Both Ren and Emily noticed the sharp needle like teeth that made Emily uneasy making her hold onto Ren's arm that much tighter "W-we should go..." she whispered looking to Ren, who could only smile a reassuring smile and nodded without a word he took a step forward but stopped as the other woman started to look Emily up and down making the young red headed woman that much more uneasy as she felt like she was being graded like a piece of meat, she really didn't like it.

Ren sensing the young woman's uneasiness moved in front of her protectively "Hello madam." he said his voice warm as he put himself between the two women "We are in fact enjoying our walk, it has been a while since we had done so." he corrected her his voice never losing its warmth, his charming smile never faltering, he sighed a little however as she insulted Emily's sense of style. Emily herself huffed a little hearing it also "At least I'm not wearing clothing from three seasons ago." she said coldly, it was clear she was upset about the others comment "Emily, such insults I wouldn't expect from you." he said looking back to her with a mischievous chuckle only to see her pouting "Well, she started it." she commented "Still, what would the mother of rose say?" he commented making the girl blush realising just what she had done. "Madam..." he said turning his sapphire blue eyes back to the woman with the white hair "I believe that she looks beautiful in her current attire, it brings out her eyes and natural beauty." he said making the young woman he was protecting blush brightly "A-Apollo.." she whispered her voice giggly.

His eyes turned back to Emily for a brief moment and smiled before turning back to Sara and tilted his head "Madam, dear Emily is not a toy she is a young lady and deserves the respect as such." he explained calmly listening to how she introduced herself finally "It is a pleasure to meet you Saraphina, my name is Apollo and this beautiful polished gem behind me is called Emily." he said placing a hand on his chest and his arm behind his back as he bowed towards her in his usual curtious manner. "So please madam Saraphina, if you would allow us to continue on our way. I am Emily's escort for this social season." he explained once again to the other woman "We were going shopping for clothing for the season" Emily almost squee'd hugging his arm from behind him making him chuckle "And I look forward to every moment of it." he said gently with a warmed tone.

Word Count: 784
Total Word Count: 1,801
@Saraphina

Ren watched as the other seemed to play the loose strands of white hair before tucking she tucked it behind her ear once more. He had to admit he had never met anyone with white hair, his guise allowed him white hair but he didn't use that for anything much for many reasons one of them being that his family were proud of their red hair. He had heard one of them threatened to colour theirs once and the aftermath wasn't something he would ever want, then again there was the Dagger who actually done it and their parents shaved her head. He liked his hair exactly where it was and so wasn't even going to dare dye his hair with anything other than illusions which could be undone in an instant. "I must admit madam, I have never met someone with hair as pure as snow the mystery adds to your own beauty." he said complementing her, there was no dishonesty in his voice, he was truly enamoured by the snowy haired maiden. A smile was upon his face when he had complimented her and though his ears were keen he at that point believed that she was just calling to a summon or someone she was travelling with. He had to admit though if this was the case it was a very strange name, no stranger than his own he guessed to many others.

As their back was to the fountain he neither Ren nor Emily had noticed the water bubble that was floating above and behind them. "Please madam Saraphina there is no need to frown, such beauty would be ruined and the world need all the beauty it can get don't you think?" he asked her his voice as charming as ever, he didn't like to see people sad and if a small compliment made her smile he could live with the minor inconvenience on his time. He smiled seeing her half curtsy to him "A proper curtsy requires both sides of the dress to be picked up or didn't your etiquette tutor teach you this?" Emily asked with a slight smirk "or are you a girl from a lower cast playing princess because no one else thinks you important enough to see the special you?" she continued her voice held pity for Sara, Ren blinked looking at Emily not believing that she would say something so catty to another "Emily, please, you are a young lady if the mother of Roses found out then you may have issues this season." he reminded the red headed woman that made her freeze remembering she had to be on her best behaviour for now.

Ren turned his focus back to Sara as she spoke about polished gems being fake and weren't allowed to choose who they ended with. He agreed it was a downside of being born in their world, but it had been this way for a long time and some traditions though beyond archaic in his opinion where followed still because they seemed to work. "Traditions are there to keep bonds strong between families and like dutiful people of our lines we do as is required to keep our family lines continuing." he said her still wore his smile but his eyes told a different story, it was clear this wasn't what he really wanted. He wanted to be with someone he actually cared for, not to be with someone through an agreement because this is what his family wanted or needed. He hated being used in such a way but he was obedient to his families needs regardless on how he felt or just how much weight it put on his young shoulders. "I hope that when my family finally betroths me that my bride to be will be beautiful, kind, cultured and strong." he said his eyes going back to Emily who was hugging into his arm blushing thinking that he was talking about her and he was happy to allow her to believe such a thing as it made her happy.

As she got on her tip toes and turned he took note of her fingers moving but before he could really comprehend what was going on, he heard a splash and turned to notice Emily was now soaked from head to to and fighting back tears. He hadn't looked around to see where the water had come from, instinctively he removed his blazer and wrapped it around the soaked woman's shoulders "We'll get to a store and then get you dried and into some warm dry clothing." his voice showed he was truly concerned for the woman that he was with at current, without another word he picked her up with ease bridal style. Ren right now was paying Sara no attention whatsoever so everything she was saying was falling on deaf ears "Don't cry my sweetest princess, the world around you will weep too and we couldn't deal with so many tears." he said calmly the girl sniffling as she tried to regain her composure nodding "Okay Apollo." she whispered with a small nod he started to head to the closest boutique so the two could gain new close thanks to what had just transpired completely unaware what was coming their way.

Word Count: 881
Total Word Count: 2,682
@Saraphina

Ren couldn't help but smile as he seen the light pinkness on the pale cheeks of Sara "That is the perfect look for one that shines as bright as the moon, not a pout." he explained his voice warm but looked to the one he was meant to be escorting who seemed less than happy that he was complimenting another woman and blinked. In honesty he didn't see that he was doing anything wrong, he knew he was Emily's escort but at the same time he did believe that she was being awful to someone just seemed lonely in his mind. "Apollo, we need to go. I'm sure she could be bothering or stalking some other people." Emily commented, it was obvious the comment had caught him off guard, she was being uncharacteristically catty towards the woman who had introduced herself as Saraphina. He got that fashion was a big thing for a women of status but still her acting in such a manner was putting him off her in more ways than one, to the point that he was thinking about speaking to the mother of roses himself. The problem with that was he didn't know the backlash that would happen to his family or him for ruining her season, he hated politics so damned much and yet he was always caught up in it.

"Emily, I am sure Madam Saraphina is just looking some friends there was no need for that." he said with a strained sigh, he just wanted this day over and done with, he would even deal with his slimy cousin Gabriel over this and that was saying something. "But Apollo..." she said meekly like a scolded child "No. Emily it was very rude. You should be ashamed of yourself, your family have a respectable reputation as philanthropists." he explained making the young red headed woman look down hugging her roses that much closer to her nodding "I'm sorry Sara, I shouldn't have said such mean things to you." she said in a hushed voice still shaking due to being covered in the cold water that fell upon her, she didn't think she done anything wrong but she hated having Apollo angry or disappointed in her, her family was hoping for a union between the two families with a proposal of marriage between their daughter and Apollo. Apollo wasn't really interested in her like that but if he was told by his family that he had to he would abide by it even if he did try oppose it at first. He knew some of his own families secrets and really wish he didn't in all honesty, but when secrets are learned it isn't like the skeletons can go back into the closet and be forgotten about; especially for one like him.

Emily soon turned her attention back to Sara "I've been to Iceberg before and had tea with the royals, as far as I've seen only little girls curtsy in such a manner." this time the comment wasn't meant to be catty, it was just an observation that the red headed woman made when she had last been there. Apollo couldn't have said one way or another because he had never met nobility from the country of Iceberg. "I've never been to Iceberg to tell the truth, I've heard it's beautiful when there's a blanket of fresh white snow." she smiled his eyes closing "Apparently in the sun light the snow sparkles like diamonds, it's something I would honestly want to see." he said his tone showing almost wishful thought "Oh my family are going after the season is over, you could always come with us if you wanted." she said with a slight blush and giggle "I would love to Emily but I may have business to attend to, I will however talk to my mother and father and see what think about your generous offer." his voice was warm, thing is he knew if his parents agreed there would be an alternate motive and if he didn't bring it up her family might and then it would raise questions as to why he didn't, it wasn't like he could say he forgot, they knew he didn't forget anything. It was a blessing and a curse depending on the situation he swore.

Apollo turned his gaze back towards Saraphina as she spoke and it seemed things were getting more than a little heated between the two, this was honestly something he could do without and thought that separating them would indeed be the best thing or he was quite sure one of them was going to be killed. "I hope we meet once again madam Saraphina, until then I have a beautiful flower to take care of before she gets ill." His voice had never changed since he had started speaking to the young woman with hair of snow. He smiled and gave a brief a bow before moving forward before stopping hearing her words when it came to traditions "It isn't so simple madam Seraphina but I do hope my bride will be smart and sweet." to him beauty wasn't a needed thing but it seemed to help in their world to get things needed to survive or push forward, with that he walked on allowing her to continue about her day as he continued doing what he needed to with Emily for the day truly unaware what she was up to.

He went into the boutique and the sales assistants rushed over instantly with some towels and took Emily off to get warm and a change of clothing, Apollo looked around the show room and seen that it wasn't just women's clothing the done, he hadn't realised that he himself would need a change "Mr Dagger..." Apollo turned around "There's no need for formalities. Mr. Dagger is my father, please call me Ren." he said to the young brunette who was holding out a towel for him "Oh, thank you miss..." he said moving to take it "I'm Silvia" she said with a peppy voice "Well it's nice to meet you Silvia" he said starting to dry himself off "I think you should perhaps find a new dry set of clothing." Silvia said making Ren nod and head to have a look at what there was in his own size. It was an odd feeling usually his suits were always tailored to fit like a glove but he would have to make do with what he could get giving the circumstances. He looked over the finely tailored suits but nothing really seemed to grab his attention, it wasn't that he himself was overly fussy about it but he was still a member of the Dagger family and had a reputation to upkeep due to it.

Eventually he settled on a white shirt and royal blue suit, taking it to a changing room he moved to see it it fit. It wasn't perfect but it was good enough, with a few alterations when he got home it would likely pass as a casual suit of his family but he definitely wouldn't be wearing it to board meetings or social occasions. Removing the tags and picking up his wet clothing he moved to pay for his new clothing and have his former ones folded and placed into a bag. Emily had already been standing there in a brand new green dress, with white and baby pink frills. He couldn't say he really liked the dress himself but he smiled "You look beautiful Emily." he said knowing her happiness is what counted right now, the girl blushed and looked to him "Where are my manners? I will be paying for this dress too." he said wondering why the hell he was paying for a dress she could pay for herself but again he knew it wasn't uncommon for escorts to dote on the debutantes they were partnered to. Again the other dress would have been placed into a dress bag. "Please send this to her home here in Hosenka." he said knowing that this was one of Emily's favourite boutiques they would already know her address "Of course Ren." Silvia said writing a tag to put on the bag so it would be send within the hour.

When done Emily was holding onto his arm again and they walked out into the street once more "Where would you like to go?" he asked her as they continued walking stopping briefly as he heard Saraphina's voice talking over jewellery with one of her staff it would seem. He quirked an eyebrow not understanding the conversation "Any idea what they're talking about? Jewellery isn't my forte unless buying it for someone." he said to her, Emily herself shook her head as even if her family was embezzling from others she wasn't privy to that information. "It's a hideous necklace though, even from here I can tell it is cheap and wouldn't suit her at all. I see her as an opal or sapphire type in all honesty." she said with a shrug as she moved on not caring if she was heard by the pair or not. Ren could only blink as he took her word on what gems would suit the pale woman as they headed for the main square.

Word Count: 1,555
Total Word Count: 4,237
@Saraphina

Ren smiled gently seeing the pale woman blushing to his words, the contrast in colour to him was beautiful. To him it was like a delicate rose laying on the freshly fallen snow, it was truly a marvel to see and how he wished he could keep the blush where it was currently, for once he found another use for the memory he was born with the image would remain forever fresh within his mind. It was when she spoke he was brought out of his daydream sighing silently "Please, there is no need for such beautiful roses to show thorns." he said his blue eyes glistening in the sunlight as he looked to the other, his eyes would have almost have looked like two crystal pools of water. "Thorns take from beauty after all as no one can get close enough to enjoy it in all it marvels." he said looking between then, he was hoping that he could defuse the situation as he could see this getting to the point that blood would be spilt and he was more worried about Emily if it came to that as she wasn't a magic user. He suspected this was one of the other reasons that he was picked to be her escort.

He was unsure if the apology or the acceptance of said apology were indeed sincere so could only took them at face value. He already didn't want to be doing this and this was just adding to the stress and internal annoyance he was feeling but remained calm, his smile was ever present no matter what was going on. He knew that image was everything and were Emily may have been fine to disgrace her family he wanted no part of it when it came to his own. He could only imagine the punishment that would come from doing something so stupid, he had seen what came from his brother messing up and how their weasel of a slime ball cousin Gabriel enjoyed it when it happened. He still wondered if putting a hit on him was against the family rules, he was against collateral damage and killing without reason but he would make an exception to that rule when it came to his cousins. They deserved everything that came their way and then some, he still remembered the meeting that happened only a few months ago. How his elder brother Artemis wanted to sock him one and how he had made him squirm under the onslaught of his words for insulting Lynus when he hadn't been their to defend himself.

Did he like being under the ever watchful eye of the man? Of course not. It was like having a second shadow, the elder man had been with him since he was three years old and had been personally picked by his grandfather. This fact alone made him wonder what was going on even now as he knew his grandfather had standards that no one would ever be able to get to, he was a straight A+ student taking advance AP classes, was on the board and had moved to collage by age of ten and quickly moved to university by the age of twelve because nothing seemed to challenging to him. This was be cause of his memory, he only needed to read or hear something once and he remembered freshly when he needed to recall it. He had no idea why he was like this because it caused him nothing but issues, he was fifteen at current but had no real friends because he was never in schools long enough to make them and who wanted to make friends with a kid who should still be in high school and could run rings around them at the best of times.

Emily looked to Ren as if begging him to believe her claim about meeting royalty of Iceberg, in honesty he had no reason to doubt her as she seemed quite well travelled, that was until Sara spoke about it being impossible due to death following anyone who came into the kings presence. "Perhaps it wasn't the king but a noble of the same line." he said trying to find the middle ground, he knew Emily was a few years older than himself so didn't really want to insult her but knew that many royal lines had more than one child and the current sovereign would always try have an heir so the family line would continue. He knew this as his own family worked in a similar way. Emily tapped her bottom lip for a moment "Maybe, I was only four at the time." she said with a thoughtful tone, she soon was smiling and giggling again which made him happy as he didn't want her to return back to her chaperone upset in anyway, it would look bad on him. It saddened him that no matter what he was doing there was always strings and etiquette to follow but these were the things that came with his name, as much as he would love to just run off and forget it he knew that he would always be found in the end. His little trip to the old Black Rose guild hall proved that to him.

Ren looked at the fake gaudy necklace that had been shown and remained silent on the matter, he honestly didn't think it suited her, it was to bulky and the cheapness was easy to see but some people seen such things as fashionable he guessed. In general he didn't know much about fashion trends be it clothing or accessories, he was a teenager after all, he knew what he liked that wouldn't make his family hide him like he was a disgrace they never wanted to mention. As for jewellery he knew what to pick out for gifts for people like his mother but if he was to pick something out for a woman he didn't know that much about he would fail epicly, because of this he made a mental note that he would have to take a course on such things at a later date. He was about to step away when he heard a male's voice talk to Sara and seen the elegant necklace within his hand, he had to admit it was unlike the pearl necklace that she herself had picked up it was exquisite to look at, even from this distance he could tell it would suit her far better as like her it seemed delicate and yet held a boldness to it that just couldn't be ignored. He had to admit, he liked it.

Seeing that she was starting to do the same he had done the same knowing that it was likely already paid for or like with many businesses or nobles a invoice would be sent to the place or residence or business to be paid at a later date. He had to deal with the woman he was escorting at the moment, which he now done quickly as they headed towards the next store Emily wanted to look at, he had no idea why one person needed so much clothing, more so because it would likely only be worn once and then never used again. He was starting to believe that rich women believed their clothing were like wedding dresses with how they acted. Hearing a familiar voice asking for them to pardon them, he stepped aside bring Emily with him so she didn't get in the way "Hello again." he said politely, Emily on the other hand just grumbled she was getting sick of the white haired mage always being around, in her mind she was ruining what was suppose to be a perfectly good day in more ways than one.

"Apollo..." Emily finally said with a happy smile on her face mimicking her tone "Yes Emily?" he as with a confused tone wondering what she wanted now. The red headed woman pointed to a high end restaurant "Could we go there? I'm kind of hungry." she asked him sweetly, his eyes used her hand as a guide as to see what she wanted. He seen the name and knew it wasn't exactly a cheep place to eat but nodded, he had already been told the do's and don'ts and this was manageable "Yes, of course Emily." he said walking with her into the place, he looked around and it looked like a fusion of the Midi culture with a Fiorian twist, it wasn't quite his taste but it was still eye pleasing with the hand painted pictures on the wall and the bright colours "Do you have a reservation?" a female wearing what looked like an elegant pale blue, royal blue and white three layer kimono with a white and royal blue obi. Apollo shook his head "No, we do not. Do you have a table however?" he asked the woman who checked her book nodding "Yes, of course please follow me." she said guiding them deep into the building having them seat at a table for two before handing them a menu "Is there anything you would like to drink?" she asked with a warm tone "Jasmine pearl tea with honey please" he replied "I'll have a glass of red wine." Emily said with a smile the woman bowed to get what they had requested.

Apollo picked up his menu and started reading "Do you think it was wise to order wine?" he asked looking over the lip of the menu, watching how Emily seemingly was struggling with what was on it "I'll be fine, I normally drink wine with a meal." she said with a big smile, all he could do was shake his head a little as he let out a silent sigh of disapproval. He wasn't against people having a drink but it was a little off putting she was ordering alcohol so early in the day, especially on their first meeting. He honestly didn't care at this point, he would be reporting everything to the Mother of Roses as to him Emily wasn't the type of woman who should be coming out when there were likely better candidates. He had also decided that if she wasn't removed then he would remove himself as an escort this season, more so if he was unable to be switch who he was to escort. He knew he had choice in this matter, well as much choice as his family would allow him but could already tell that Emily would be bad news thanks to everything he had witnessed since they had met. She was rude to people, she was catty, she drank, she was willing to accuse without evidence, she was demanding, she drank when it wasn't appropriate. In honesty he just wanted this 'date' over and done with as quickly as possible, he sure as hell wasn't going to take her on a shopping spree, if she wanted shoes, dresses, accessories and the like he would escort her like he was suppose to but he was sure as hell not covering the bill.

Word count: 1,859
Total Word Count: 6,069
@Saraphina

Ren closed his eyes letting out a silent sigh, the longer he was with Emily the more he was getting irritated with the entire situation. He would report back to the mother of roses because he wasn't putting up with this for an entire social season, he would end up killing her before the end of the season at this rate. He wasn't a violent person in the least but she was definatly stirring up emotions that where along those lines and he really wasn't enjoying it, it did however make him wonder if he was feeling them over what had been happening today if this was truly him, it really did seem like such a trifle that he could normally ignore in all honesty. Then again this could be the side effect of his new reality or even that she was being catty to a woman neither of them knew, to him it just seemed like the lady in white they had met that day near the water feature in the middle of town was looking to enjoy herself and find true love. It seemed harmless enough to him but then he hadn't been the butt of her actions where Emily had, even if he had there would be no guarentee that either of them would have known unless she came out and said it, and lets be serious no one is really going to admit when they had done something against another... well no one sane and a law abiding citizen more to the point.

He placed a hand near Saraphina carefully not to startle her a charming smile ever on his face as he gently took her cheek in his cupped hand, his thumb stroking her warm soft cheek. "Come now, flowers with such beauty shouldn't pout, I fear that it takes from their natural power, grace and charm making them so much weaker and thus wilt faster. I couldn't imagine such a fate for a flower such as yourself. A graceful and delicate lotus that sits at peace upon the waters of life." he said his words quite, gentle and very much sincere to the maiden of snow. "So please my lady Saraphina, allow me to witness that sweet smile you wore when we first met once more. It suits you so much more than such a dreadful pout." he said removing his hand from her cheek and taking one of her hands gently in his bringing it up to his lips he leaned forward and kissed it lightly, it would be as if he was trained on how to deal with nobility especially women of some influence. He knew that he was Emily's escort but for now his full focus was fully on the exotic and somewhat entoxicating royal in front of him trying to smooth things over between her and the increasingly annoying Emily.

It was then Ren and Emily listened intently to what the young 'queen' had to say, Ren himself was willing to let certain details lie after all he had never been to the land of Iceberg so didn't know one way or other what the truth was, but he made a mental note to read up upon such subject when he returned home, he thought it wouldn't take more than a few weeks but that would all depend on his schedule at the end of the day. Emily on the other hand wasn't about to let anything lie, she after all had just been called a liar and so wanted a bit of revenge, more so due to the fact that her escord was paying attention to some random, dilusional hussy that likely hadn't been let out of her parents basement her entire life going by the tone of her skin. "You claim to be from Iceberg and you claim to be a royal if memory serves me correctly..." she began a small wicked smile on her face as she believed that she had the upper hand in this occassion. "If this is the case then surely not only what I said previously would be true as you yourself are apparently a royal, but you would have also made your own argument mute as you said no one knows what your king looks like, not only that you said that no one can get close and those who do well they are never seen again." she said the smirk never leaving her lips "And while we're on the subject, how can you be a queen if the king is still alive and you are not married to him? This shows just how much of a dilusional little girl you are." her tone mocking Saraphina.

Ren looked less than impressed but as he opened his mouth the verbal onslaught started once more "Oh! I get it! You're 'special' and these two apparent servants you have are actually your caretakers for when you're around normal pe-""Emily! Enough! You are being cruel and I will not put up with it a second longer!" he interupted unable to hold his tongue any longer, he hated people who abused their privilage believing it gave them some sort of unwritten power over those who didn't. He didn't care one way or the other if Saraphina was a royal, noble or just a regular person she deserved to be treated with respect regardless. "You have went way to far over the line and I will not have it any longer, after this escorting is over I will be declining to be your escort for the rest of the season, in fact I am informing the mother of your attitude so you will not debut this season. I hope this will be a lesson for you in the future to treat all those you come across with the same respect you expect to recieve in return." he scolded her, she was definatly not the type of person her family liked to associate with well at least out in the open as far as he could tell but he was still new to that truth of his families 'business' so couldn't really be sure at current, that was something experience would tell him he was sure.

He was glad to see that the male servant she had brought with her had some taste finding a necklace that suited her far more than the female one had picked out for her. He felt his cheek flush a little for the first time in a long while, he resisted the urge to hide them with his hands but turned away a little. 'So this is why the snow is so desirable? Beautiful' he thought to himself seeing her moving her fingers in a wave he lifted his own hand and wave back, Emily on the other hand was pouty that this day had been ruined by such a horrid woman, in her mind everything would be perfect if it hadn't been for her but now she had to find some way to appease her escort before their time together came to an end. She could see that their was a problem in the fact that Apollo seemed to becoming more and more enticed by Saraphina's beauty and personality the longer they remained near each other, so that would have to come to an end, she was about to say something when she noticed that Saraphina skipped off with her servants in toe. 'Good riddence to bad rubbish' she thought to herself unable to prevent the huff that escaped her lips "You can't be serious about telling the mother because of someone like her making me act out of the ordinary. I'm not normally like this and your father wouldn't like it if you turned down being my escort, it would look bad after all." she said with a sickly sweet voice "I have every intention of telling the mother of roses and I also will not be your escort if she decides to allow you to debut, my family will understand and there are a town full of witnesses and can give my memories into truth lacrima to prove everything I will say is in fact the truth so no harm will be done to my families reputation or my own, so lets get this 'date' over and done with so we can go our separate ways." he wasn't mixing his words, nor was he sugar coating them like he normally would, he was just fed up about this entire situation and wanted to go home but couldn't until her chaperone turned up.

He looked to where Saraphina and her female attendant had went for a long moment, to be honest he would rather have joined them at the cafe. It was a beautiful day so sitting outside having a cup of tea and a snack sounded like a dream especially with someone who wasn't the thorny Emily, alas he was stuck with the one person in the entire world he would rather kill than be near a second longer. Little did he know that the winds of fate were deciding to change and in his favour thanks to the jealous nature of Saraphina, had he known he likely would have bought her a giant bouquet of roses or snow lotus for the assistance but that at current wasn't the case as he was not privy to the conversation that the queen of snow and her attendants were having or the plot they had been inacting since their first meeting with himself and Emily. Emily looked beautiful, acted sweet, kind and considerate everything a man would look for in his partner but in truth she was little more than a weed that seemed to destroy everything in the garden it could wrap its roots around, he was happy enough to cut those ties but still he knew it wouldn't come til later in the day when the others chaperon came and that would be a few hours yet. Oh how he was counting the seconds nevermind the minutes as he wanted this done as soon as possible, if it got to much then he would end up demanding someone be sent then and there or he'd be leaving her in a hotel and going home. He was in actuality debating on contracting his guilds to wipe her out so no man was stuck with her, his hand went to his head as he closed his eyes 'No, that's not me... I support... I don't murder, kill or harm unless needed. What the hell is going on with these thought I've been having recently?' he thought to himself, Emily had been to wrapped up in herself and what she wanted to do, eat and drink to notice that he was no longer by his side but trailing more than a dozen steps behind her. After a long moment, she let out a "Hmph! You're not even paying attention to me are you Apollo?! You're the worst escort ever, I bet Artemis would have been so much better!" she complained crossing her arms and tapping her foot.

Ren now wanted her dead just for how much of a self entitled, spoilt little bitch she was being, he wanted to call her out for her behavoir but if he dared then he would be as much if not more at fault as her, at least in his families eyes so took a deep breath and sighed bringing his hand down from his head "I'm sorry Emily, the warm weather... I was feeling light headed for a moment, I'm sure that when we get inside and I have had something to drink I will feel better." he said lying expertly through his teeth, then again this was second nature to him given that he had been raised in a board room filled with sharks, then there was the fact that one wrong move or step could spell disaster for not only his own reputation but his entire families. He already knew that many in the family seen his elder brother as a disappointment due to the whole Black Rose situation and his actions while he was a guild mage. It made him wonder if that is why he was named the guild master of the families 'secret', forcing such a thing would mean his mind would always be focused on something so he couldn't be himself. He feared his brothers wings had once again been clipped and this time for good, he could only help him as far as the side of the business everyone seen so he wouldn't have to worry about it. Then again he knew his brother had a sharper mind than many within the family gave him credit for but he just didn't have desire for lack of a better word to deal with the rubbing elbows side of the business unless he was forced to. Not that he could blame his elder brother, he didn't want to deal with it but alas there was no escape for him, the poverbial collar and leash were tight and short on him and his every movement it felt watched carefully and documented. He swore even now he could feel the peircing eyes of 'Phantom' on him, he knew that Lynus took his tasks both for the guild and for his safety seriously and was never to far away just in case the worst should happen. To the world he was his personal butler but in truth he cared for Lynus more than that, almost as much as Artemis in all truth though he didn't know how the elder man would take to him saying such a peculiur thing to him so he just remained quiet about his thoughts on the matter.

Walking into the resteraunt he had no idea what was happening in the outside world or how that would effect his already lousy day. Then again he himself had no idea that she was in a serious relationship, after all it wasn't uncommon to have an escort from a well to do family that wasn't the person you wanted to do with, it was all for apperances after all. It was a common unspoken rule however between debutants and their escorts, that they would be open if they were indeed in a relationship so they could report back to their families and any possible political marriage could be avoided. It worked most of the time however there were a few families that beat out others to have their ideal match, Emily had yet again failed in this ettiquette as he would soon find out. For the moment however they had been seeted in the wonderfully vibrant coloured dinning room, the music was beautiful and relaxing allowing a true atmosphere to enjoy ones self, the sweet smell of incence blocking out the food also helped relax those within it. It was the first time he had been inside a midian resteraunt like this so he would enjoy it even if he wasn't enjoying the company. Soon enough his tea and Emily's red wine was delivered. "Do you know what you want to order?" the woman whom seemed like the matron asked "I am still looking, forgive me." Ren said not really knowing what he wanted because he wasn't really in the mood for midian food. "That's fine young sir please take your time." the elderly woman said politely, her tone warm to Ren could easily tell that she was a warm woman likely that dotted on her children and grandchildren, this made him so happy. Emily on the other hand had ordered quite a few things, this had taken Ren by surprise because she would likely not even get through a quarter of it and he would be expected to cover the bill regardless. He sighed silently before looking to the matron "Dim sum, wonton soup, duck pancakes and a sweet bun please." he knew that he would be able to finish this it was barely a fraction of what the woman sitting at the table had ordered. "Of course, I'll bring your order as soon as it is ready." she said bowing and walking off, he wasn't happy about the entire situation but he wasn't going to let the bad outweight the good that he was experiencing at current.

He watched as Emily took her glass of wine and started to drink it, his innerself groaning and wondering what he had done to deserve this punishment. "Is something wrong Apollo?" Emily asked bringing the red headed mage out of his mind smiling and shaking his head "No, why Emily?" he asked truely curious if he had caused some concern "You just seemed deep in thought, I was worried." she said in return, he highly doubted she was worried but apperances were everything "Not at all, I was just enjoying the atmosphere, I must bring my mother here I believe she may indeed enjoy it." he said his warm tone overshadowing everything else at the moment. He took the teapot and poured the jasmine pearl tea into his cup "Why did you ask for honey?" she asked sounding confused. "Green tea is more bitter than red and so honey helps sweeten it that bit more, it doesn't taste right with sugar if you ask me." he said picking up his spoon and scooping some of the honey before putting them both into the cup and stiring "I thought someone whom would have travelled as much as you have done to know the reason why honey is used with certain teas." he said his tone not mocking her in anyway "I guess I was a fool to make such an assumption, perhaps your family hasn't went to Midi that often or that you partake in the alcoholic beverages so much you haven't had much time to experience the tea the culture offers. I would suggest trying, after all families with standings such as our own want to marry their children into other families of sophistication and culture." he explained taking a very subtle dig at her ignorance and manners before taking a sip of his tea, over the lip of his cup he watched as she just put her glass down and pushed it away from her almost as if he had shamed her for what she had done.

Neither Emily nor Ren had noticed the group of four enter the resteraunt, even if Ren had to him there would be nothing wrong after all he didn't know the fact Emily was in a relationship, but even if he had he wouldn't have treated her any differently, this was the way all escorts treated the debutaunts they were partnered with. Debutunts were treated like princesses, to be honest this irked them because they were already pretty much royalty as normal girls tended to wanted to be like them, each party of the season could be thousands of jewel and the end of season party when they where escorted and revealed to the world so to speak. He didn't understand why these things where needed but alas those with wealth and power often liked to live in decadence it had been like that since the beginning of time he supposed, it was a world he enjoyed for some reasons and hated for reasons such as these. He took another sip of his tea watching her just sit there, he could see she wanted to drink more of the wine but the look in her eyes were that of a scolded child it was like she was afraid of his sharp tongue being used against her once more. Soon their food was brought to their table, Ren had to resist the urge to roll his eyes 'She is such a glutton, I have to wonder how she is so slender.' he thought to himself as he knew just looking at the sheer amount of food she had ordered there was no way she was finishing a fraction of it. It was such a waste of good food, perhaps when it was taken back it could be given to the less fortunate or at least he was hoping. As the waitresses were about to leave Emily looked at one causing her to pause "Is there something else you would like?" the woman would ask "Could I have a pitcher of iced lemon tea please." she asked the woman nodding heading into the kitchen to get what was ordered. It caught the youth off guard but he said nothing quickly saying a prayer before he started to eat, she herself had started eating without another word, in honesty it seemed awkward in his opinion but soon her chaperone would turn up and he would be free of this infernal woman once and for all.

Soon enough he noticed a male that he believed was going to just pass their table but he seemed to have stopped, the fight of flight reflexes instantly kicking in just in case he had to defend Emily as was his duty at the moment he supposed. It was another surprise that this man seemed to know her on some level "Emily, who is this man?" he asked a clear confusion seen on his face which echoed in the tone he used "Um.. well..." she stuttered putting down her fork, he would of noted just how useless she was to come into such a resteraunt and not use the utensils of the culture but this was something that he had noted to be quite common, but then she always liked to boast that she was well travelled so surely she had been to Midi and while there learned to use chopsticks. Her family must have been so disappointed in having such a uncultured girl, he himself couldn't care less about such things personally but he knew how those of his station and higher normally looked at such things and knew she was likely a failure in her parents eyes but being their sole heir there was nothing that they could do in the hopes she would eventually have an heir they could be proud of. "Well Emily, who is this man?" ren asked again watching as Emily figited in her seat uncomfortably. "He's my boyfriend, his name is Johnathan." she said looking down at the food in front of her "He likely thinks I am cheating on him because I'm with you but that isn't the case, I was paired with you for debuting, I thought that he would have been paired with someone too but it seems that wasn't the case." she said quietly almost as if she had been caught in a lie. Ren sat there quietly listening to absolutely everything that had been told to him unable to believe what the hell he was hearing. "Why didn't you tell him you were debuting this season and why didn't you let me know that you were dating someone!" he kept calm but it was clear by his undertone he was far from happy on the matter. "You are inconsiderate not just to me but to the man you claim to love and I would be surprised if he even wants to speak to you after this mess because I sure as hell wouldn't, in truth the only time I will be interacting with you after this meeting is at formal affairs and even then I will be trying to avoid you like the plague." he said standing up not even bothering to finish his food placing more than enough to cover everthing that had been ordered on the table, he was about to leave a tip before he remembered what culture this resteraunt was of and covered the meal alone. "You are a vile, spoilt and pampered little girl who is so use to being told she is pretty and never hearing no from anyone so let me make this especially clear. No, I will not be your escort. No, I will not be paying for any of your little trinkets or dresses, in fact when I return home I will be sending a letter and an invoice for everything I spent on you today. I'll be surprised if your family doesn't disown you for shaming them but you would have deserved it you inconsiderate brat." he wasn't mincing words with her as he looked over his shoulder "Stay here until your chaperone turns up to collect you, I will sent a message to my butler to let her know." he instructed heading towards the door to wait outside, emily would be left in her seat sobbing at the fact she may have lost absolutely everything in one day.

Word Count: 4,128
Total Word Count: 10,197
~~Word Count Complete~~
@Saraphina