Lucia walked aimlessly through the palace until she was stopped by Bastian.
"Ah, there's the smiled made of sunlight. Oh dove, grant but a simple kiss upon your lily-white hand."
"Hello, Duke Bastian"
"Ever so formal, but never mind that." Bastian said, a smirk forming, "How fares your day, Angel? Has fate decided to favor you on this, most joyous occasion?" The sage asked, his poetic prose perfect as ever.
"Er...sure..." Lucia sighed, she had nothing against the man, but she wasn't much in the mood for his flowery speech. Her mind was wandering elsewhere, flying on hawk's wings, and the Duke's advances were somewhat less than welcome.
"But lo! a glimpse into jewel-like eyes says more than rosy lips. Tell me, oh vision of spring, what troubles you?"
"Nothing, I'm just looking for my brother." said Lucia, desperate for an alibi. She knew he could tell, Bastian was almost scarily intuitive.
"Well," sighed Bastian, "Seek and ye shall find." The calm was interrupted, as if on cue, by the unmistakeable sounds of shouting from the courtyard.
"But Sir! Crimean Royal Knight 5th Platoon Captain Kieran-" the paladin's loud voice echoed around the courtyard.
"Excuse me, Duke Fayre." Lucia said, speeding away down the stairs. Bastian chuckled,
"Good Luck, my vision."
"Please Kieran," Geoffrey pleaded, "Just calm down. Tonight is an important night..."
"I understand that sir but-" Lucia rushed the rescue.
"Geoffrey!" She called out, walking quickly towards her brother. The exasperated Captain gave her a weak smile and the ever familiar look of 'Please-help-me-make-Kieran-shut-up'. Lucia returned it with an 'I'll-do-what-I-can' eye roll.
"Kieran! Just the man I needed!" Lucia lied, "I have an urgent message for General Ike concerning this evenings festivities." She hurriedly pulled out a pen and parchment.
"Geoffrey, might I borrow your back." She said, Geoffrey acquiesced as his sister quickly scribbled down "Ike, keep Kieran busy for a bit, give him to Oscar or something. -Lucia." folded it and handed it to the brunette.
"Don't open it." She said, doing her best to sound professional.
"Never fear Lady Lucia! You can placed your complete confidence in Crimean Royal Knight 5th-"
"Please hurry Kieran..."
"Oh, yes, of course." He bowed and turned on his heel, rushing out of the courtyard. Geoffrey turned to face his sister. She watched him go with something between disbelief and amusement. A common combination when the knight was in the vicinity.
"Thanks Lucia."
"Anytime." She smiled, pulling her brother into one of their rare hugs. "Elincia was worried that you wouldn't like her dress."
"I love everything about her Majesty...in fact..." He looked down at his shoes, suddenly embarrassed. and pulled out a ring. It was cast in gold, clearly excellent craftsmanship, set with a single diamond. "I'm going to ask her tonight..."
"That's wonderful!" Lucia said, smiling.
"Think she will say yes?" Geoffrey asked. Lucia groaned.
"Of course she will."
"Right..." the man composed himself, "I've got to finish the preparations. Happy Birthday Sister."
"Thanks Geoffrey."