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As cruel as he knew it was to say, yes. If she was human, he wouldn't have given two hoots about it. But, he didn't think he had to answer it. It wasn't a question; it was a statement. She knew what she said was true. "Garden it is then." He just hoped it wasn't too crowded. It'd defeat the purpose if it was. Aoeros was going to lead the way, but before he knew it, Valerie had a firm grip on his hand. They were soon sprinting rather unnecessarily to the garden, but Valerie didn't stay in her current form for long. She ended up shifting rather quickly. He laughed a bit before following her example, and the two were a black and white pair of cats by the time they reached the garden. He scouted out a part of the garden that was secluded enough for them before taking a seat and looking at her. "Will this do?"

The lioness relaxed once she was in the garden and looked to the black cat next to her before settling down and purring slightly. "Yes, this is much better. Crowds annoy me and they certainly dont settle my nerves." She said before moving a bit closer to the male beside her and nuzzling against him. Was this because she was in her natural form and next to a strong alpha that she was comfortable near him? She really didnt know, but at the moment she certainly seemed more confident in herself. Looking the male beside her over for a moment she purred and pounced on him showing that she wanted to play.

The princess watched as the servant paled before her small smirk on her face before she looked away from Jasper to the man he was with. "Oh I think you mistake my intentions. I just want to make sure that both sides are aware that he should get his rest. As for the whole wife situation, it would be very dangerous for a married man to arrive at a ball without a wedding ring dont you think? It would certainly send the wrong impression. Not to mention, I can actually smell you came here alone. So unless you left your dear wife somewhere else and came to a ball for a romp I doubt there would be any issue in stating a fact Jasper shouldnt be accepting company if he is rather fatigued."

Looking back at Jasper she gave a little laugh. "You forget my nose has been able to pick up things the others here cant. I can also hear how your heart used to race when my brother Tamlen was around. Its clear what gender you prefer Jasper, well to me it is. However, who or what you like is of no concern to me. I merely dont want any other scenes to occur to cause issues for Bya. This is after all his night to shine, and I dont want anyone to get in the way of that."

As she watched the two men for a moment she noticed that the lioness and the shifter male had vanished. Damnit. She would have to figure out where they went and how to get closer. Why was there a shifter in the ballroom anyways and just what was his plan?

❆ •☾•• Allister laughed a bit at Sakura's mention of the war's origin. "Wouldn't we all. Believe me, I've looked. I have read every book I could find on the history of Lacasia, and I have found no recollections that speak of the war's origin. It almost feels like such transcripts were intentionally removed, or maybe never even written." He looked up at her with a bit of worry in his eyes. "Oh, please think nothing of me laughing. I don't mean to laugh at you, it was just that I wondered the same thing and searched the entire library for the answer. Of course, I haven't read every book in the library. Not even close. But I have even asked wise elders and temple workers that very question. No one knows how this war began. But we all know a great deal of people who want to end it. All for their own reasons, of course. The purest of reasons come from the royal family actually. Prince Tamlen is a close friend of mine, and he wishes the bloodshed to end in peace. I am told Crown Prince Byakuya also feels the same. And the youngest of the four siblings, Princess Rinalia." He smiled. "Well, let's just say I doubt you will ever meet someone with a purer heart. She still believes that people are generally good at heart, and that war can be stopped by merely talking things out until an agreement is made. I would like to believe the same. My father was taken from me in this fighting. So I am another who simply wants the war to not. I may know how to use a sword, but I am a man of words. I am no fighter, nor do I want to be. I play my part by sharing knowledge. For me, that is a true strength." He smiled at her. "Princess Sakura, I would like to extend an invitation. You may come to the library anytime you wish, for any reason. You may even stay as long as you like. I hope to share all the knowledge of the library with you, that is the least I can offer. Though, I will say that I will be busy tomorrow assisting another friend I met tonight. If I am not there, you can simply tell the other librarians I invited you. The library is my home, and the others would welcome your thirst for knowledge just as I do." He told her. ••☽• ❆

'Well there goes a good piece of my dignity. Or maybe my pride. Or possibly both.' At this point, Jasper was too humiliated to even blush. No wonder Princess Ishtar remembered his name if she knew of hid old, brief, crush. He was certain the princess hated him, though he wasn't sure why. Though he was thankful she didn't seem to care about his sexuality, which meant there was a less likely chance this conversation would reach his uncle's ears.

What Jasper would do about the handsome man behind him was another thing entirely. The servant felt too embarrassed about this whole thing to ever want to speak to Kass again. 'No that won't do.' He thought with mild determination. 'I have to speak to him at least once again to make sure there is no misunderstanding over the royal family's kindness. After all, Princess Ishtar could just be in a bad mood and needed someone to take it out. She must just be stressed about being around so many people.' He rationalized probably irrationally. Loyalty did strange things but he was determined not to see the princess in a bad light. Though directly serving her might not be something he could do anytime soon, though.

"If you will excuse me them Princess, I will see myself off. If you have any needs that need attending, please ask another servant and I'm sure they will be happy to help. Have a pleasant evening." He said to her with as much dignity he could muster and another bow. He sucked in a breath and turned to Kass. "It was nice to meet you sir. Good night." Jasper used a bow and his bangs to hide his face. He also didn't meet the other man's eyes before turning around and leaving before the other Kass could say anything. It was a shame, at the very least he had wanted to make a friend.

On his way out of the ballroom Jasper noticed two other servants being knocked around by a guest. 'Not the oaf who hit me.' He observed. Maybe this was a bad night for servants all around. With that, Jasper headed for the exit.

Byakuya had to wonder where Tasha's father was. Had he walked out on them? Died? Maybe his mother's the one that left. Whatever the case, he felt pity for the younger noble. Not knowing what to say to Tasha, Byakuya decided to focus on the dance rather than the topic about his parents. There'd be plenty of time for that curiosity later. "I can assure you that the feeling is mutual." He couldn't really speak for anyone else, but Byakuya was enjoying his night. He'd been prepared for a night of pointless mingling. The prince continued to dance, ignoring the knowing and hopeful gaze of his own scheming mother, and kept his most of his attention on his companion; while also making sure they didn't dance right into another pair of dancers. Before he knew it, he was completely lost in their dance and in the heat of the moment, he leaned down to place a soft, swift kiss to Tasha's lips. He hadn't even realized he'd done it until it was over with and when he did realize it, his face turned lobster red and he averted his gaze as he wrapped his mind around what had just happened.

Aoeros could relate to that, though it was really only because being around so many humans made his skin crawl and fur stand on end. If it had been a room full of shifters, he'd have been right at home. Valerie suddenly shifted closer to him, her purring causing one of his ears to flick and he puffed out his chest when she nuzzled him; something he did naturally because what male didn't enjoy getting affection? He also felt she was showing a bit of the confidence she had in her and he couldn't help but feel that was his doing, so Aoeros was naturally proud of the small bit of progress made. Valerie suddenly jumped on him and he let out a soft "oof" in surprise at being attacked by a grown lioness, but Aoeros didn't mind all that much. "You're acting like a playful kitten that's finally learned to walk." He chuckled a bit before rolling to get out from under her, though it was only to jump her in return and bite playfully at her ear.