Damian trying to be edgy and Catori shutting him down is my new favorite thing lmao))
“Hmph…” Damian didn’t seem ready to let the conversation drop, but was also too tired to fight about it.
((she ain't got time for that shit
"So grumpy. Isn't a nice nap supposed to have the opposite effect?"
Damian pushed himself into a sitting position, scowling. “I’m not fond of sleeping.” He rubbed at his bleary eyes.
Catori chuckled. "Didn't seem that way when you were sleeping. It's good to see that you've regained some of your energy though."
Damian scooted over to the far side of the cushion, realizing he was practically on top of Catori. “I apologize for the… lack of space you were given while I was unconscious.” He replied stiffly, peering out the window to regain his bearings.
Catori almost missed the close proximity, but brushed it off. "It's no big deal. There wasn't much room for you to lay down in any other way."
Damian spotted the chest and sighed, getting to his feet and walking over to grab it. He grabbed a pouch as well, mumbling something to himself. He fished a key out of his pocket, unlocking the chest to reveal the golden crowns.
Catori watched curiously, pulling her knees up to her chest and tucking them under her chin. Jasper was right about him being grumpy after waking up.
Damian sighed through the chest, coughing silently as he sorted some of the coins into the pouch. After about five minutes, he finished, tying the pouch shut and locking up the chest. He turned to Catori, dropping the pouch next to her. “That’s your 1,000 for the wedding and personal expenses. You didn’t kill me in my sleep so I believe I can entrust you with it now.”
"I prefer not to murder people while they sleep. That seems a bit cowardly, does it not?" Her tone was light, and she only glanced at the pouch before looking back up at him.
“Most would leap at the chance to behead me. The coins would only be an added bonus.” Damian snorted bitterly, looking back out the window. Almost every muscle in his body was rigid and tense.
""I guess I'm not most then." Catori shrugged, studying him. Did I do something wrong, or is he just prone to mood swings?
Damian didn’t respond right away, almost obsessively smoothing out his hair right where Catori had run her hands through it. He was defensive and perhaps a closer look would reveal some of the fear in his expression.
"Damian." Catori's voice was soft. "Are you alright?"
“I assure you, I am fine.” Damian didn’t turn around, stiff as a board. He stared out the window unflinchingly.
Catori sighed, letting her hair fall into her face as she stared at the floor of the carriage, deep in thought. Mood swings, it would seem.
Damian was lost in thought as well. The prince was almost frantic that he’d allowed himself to cuddling up with a princess he hardly knew. It was a weakness, and he had to toughen himself up against it. She was here because he needed someone to marry. That was it.
Catori's mind swirled with plans, ideas, and memories, and she was unaware of the lullaby she was humming softly in an attempt to calm her mind. Getting Damian to realize he could trust her would be harder than she thought, but she wasn't going to give up over one hiccup.
Damian listened to the lullaby, Catori’s soft hum soothing him a bit. He arched his back to stretch, resting his head against the window. He was still tired, yes, but he would deal with that at nightfall. He opened his mouth to compliment Catori, but shut it again. It was better to avoid saying anything to remain objective.
Catori started to feel drowsy herself, leaning against the other side of the carriage. It had been quite the day, but she couldn't sleep just yet. You can't just fall asleep. You should talk to him…
Damian sighed, trying to gather himself. He still did have to marry her, and while he didn’t want himself to fall for her, she still needed to fall for him. “I’m sorry.” He spoke up, leaning back a bit.
Her humming stopped and she looked over at him, trying to blink the tiredness from her eyes. "Um, for what?"
Damian merely shrugged, unsure of how to justify himself. “You look tired. You should rest.” He replied, his tone starting to soften
"It's hypocritical to say, but I really shouldn't." Catori shook her head slowly.
“Please, Tori?” Damian went as far as to pout a bit.
You can't give in just because he pouts. You have more resolve than that. "There are so many things that make that a bad idea." She stated, even as her resolve was weakening.
“I’ll wake you up if something happens.” Damian assured her, starting to settle and become more comfortable around her again.
Fletcher walked in through the gates and went to the tavern. As he went inside he sat at the bar trying not to put a disgusted face at the alcohol being served. He hated drinking, but he had to come here as the bar guy always has the information.
"It's…not just that…." Catori trailed off, biting her lip. You could just tell him.
“Is everything alright, Tori?” Damian tilted his head to the side, well aware he was using his looks to try and get his way.
