Five Half-Princes and Their Quest for A Kingdom

She laughed lightly, waving a hand. "No, don't worry. I actually was leaning towards you, yes. I just wanted to ask your thoughts on that decision."

“I would adore your company. I’ll inform you on the details of our— Er… my destination first, so you can decide based on that as well.” Damian put on the most bashful smile he could muster. This was a huge deal. He was allocating 1,000 of his 5,000 crowns to his bride. For her personal expenses along with the wedding. She was important. And having a princess he actually liked was completely unexpected.

"I hadn't even thought about the destination." She admitted. "I just enjoyed your company."

“I enjoyed your company as well.” Damian assured her quickly. “I’m unsure if my father told you this upon your arrival, but part of our requirements is to marry the one of the princesses he chose. We have six months to do this, and I understand you’d likely be apart of an arranged marriage sooner or later, but I believe you shouldn’t be caught off guard by this information later on.”

Marriage, huh? Catori nodded gratefully. "I wasn't actually quite sure why I was here. To be honest, I came because I was bored." She chuckled. "We seem to get along well, I'm excited to see how this journey affects us."

Damian smiled in visible, and legitimately honest, relief. “The kingdom I am going to is Sana, in the south. It is the center of our agriculture industry. There are lots of farms, meadows, and I believe a forest. I hope it is where I will be most helpful.”

”I will come!” Copper squawked instantly, and Damian glared at the small magpie.

"Is it alright if she does? I think I've become quite attached to her." Catori smiled brightly at Copper as she stroked her feathers.

((look at those two love birds!))

((birds

(Yep! Now what to do with my child…..)

“Of course.” Damian ignored the triumphant look Copper was giving him. “There should be lots of birds to talk to. Never a dull moment. They like to gossip, don’t they?” He softly scratched Copper’s head with his finger, smiling as she stretched out her wings.

"I don't think I've ever met a bird who didn't like to. I guess nobody ever questions seeing them, and don't think twice about spilling secrets in front of them."

“You should hear what the horses say to each other. It’s rather crass.” Damian genuinely smiled, bright and warm in nature, his eyes lighting up. “It’ll be nice to have someone around that doesn’t think I’m mumbling to myself like some bumbling village idiot.”

Catori smiled in response. "I think it's a rather lucky gift, and must come in handy from time to time."

Damian nodded. “It does, but it also comes back to bite me, quite literally, most of the time. I’m afraid the animals have realized I’m rather easy to bully.” He smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.

(( @thighhighcrocs just so you know you have full control of Copper too in case you’d like her to do or say something!))

((sksksk nice
"You might be able to give yourself somewhat of a fresh start in Sana." She said thoughtfully. "Allow yourself more confidence, or humility, or whatever it is you are lacking the most. Begin anew in a way."

“I have a feeling Copper will gossip and ruin it, but I suppose it’s worth a try, is it not?” Damian stopped stroking Copper’s head, looking around the room at his siblings and the other princesses.

Catori shot a significant look at at Copper before following Damian's gaze, studying the others with interest.

“Have you met any of the other princesses yet?” He asked Catori curiously, trying to see who had paired up with whom for the journey.

"Alexia and Ursule, briefly. I believe Victor and Alexia might be journeying together."

“Ah, yes. Victor. I gave my brother a distasteful look. “He controls fire, quite badly in my opinion. Usually unchecked and dangerous. I hope he goes north so the snow will soften any damages to his people.” I sighed quietly.

Catori looked down at her hand, nodding. "You two don't get along, I take it?"

“I would love to correct you, princess, but unfortunately you are right. None of us get along, and if they say otherwise they are lying to get your favor.” I explained, eyeing each of my brothers with mistrust. “They all have… rather violent powers as well. I am often labelled weakest in that regard.”

Catori looked over at Damian, an eyebrow raised. "Flashier doesn't always mean stronger. In most cases, they would be at a disadvantage."

“You certainly know how to flatter me.” Damian chuckled, shaking his head. Although he was likely going to marry Catori. It wasn’t part of his plan to fall in love with her. In that case she could become a distraction that cost him the kingdom.

"I wouldn't call it flattery, just truth, but I guess you could take it that way." She shrugged, petting Copper.

Damian looked away suddenly, flustered and a bit caught off guard. “Truth, huh?” He muttered, dropping the royal vernacular for a moment. “I think… I think we’re going to get along pretty well.” He added softly, his voice cracking a little.

She smiled warmly at him, nodding. "I hope so."

“Stop that.” Damian waved her off a little, cursing silently as his face grew red. He suddenly seemed very interested in staring at the floor.

Oh my. Catori turned, covering her mouth with a hand in an attempt to hide her smile. "I'm sorry?"