"Say, when was the last time you whined and cried about something, Rui?”

Both boys curiously fixed their sights on the werewolf. “When I was a small child who didn't know any better." The two each had their own moment of learning the difference between boys and men at a young age. They each had their moment of learning that men don’t cry. For Ikaris, that moment came after an accident while helping his mother cook at 6. Needless to say verbal cruelty is still cruelty, and a tear of guilt earned Ikaris such cruelty. Instead of learning crying doesn’t get your way, Ikaris learned crying earns you the treatment given to cowards. The treatment the weak deserve. And Enzo? That story will have its place later.

"Thanks. Makes me a great dancer."

Ikaris gave a chuckle to express his agreement. “So it does.” He responded, but the additive of the kicks definitely contributed to the liveliness of the dance. Remarkably not once has she stepped on his feet! Most women can hardly keep up the pace of such spontaneous movements. Let alone without stepping on him. Or complaining about his rhythm. Pfft, women. By whatever grace, however, Thaola was actually fun to keep pace with. Not only that, but she was smiling and having just as much fun as he was. Ikaris glanced up to judge the distance of the other couples around them. Wouldn’t it be fun to watch the dominoes stumble? Ikaris thought so. After another round of twirling Thaola out, once he brought her in, he bent down slightly to be able to raise Thaola up bridal style while spinning them both around a short distance on the dance floor. Just as Ikaris had projected, they came close to knocking into other couples, and they tried to stumble out of both his and Thaola’s way. Not gracefully if Ikaris might add, which made it all the more funny.

Once Ikaris set her down again, he stood up back to his full height with a smirk. “I guess you could say this bird swept you off your feet.” Ikaris winked flirtatiously. “One could also say we make the purrr-fect dancing pair.” Ikaris chuckled, obviously playing on the fact that she’s a cat. Would he stop with the puns? Not likely, there are just too many opportunities he’s given that he can’t pass up. Would it get annoying? More than likely, but his specialty is squeezing puns out of any situation. Some are more socially accepted than others. For example, Ikaris attended a funeral two years ago. It was brought to his attention that the individual had died in the living room of their home. ‘It’s not really a living room anymore, is it?’ Ikaris had shot off with a chuckle. In front of the individual's entire family. Tragedy plus time equals comedy, right? Maybe he made the joke a little too soon though. Oh well.

“My father loves the sound of his voice, no matter who he's talking to or what it's about. He just loves the sound of his voice. While my mother… My mother doesn't have a mean streak, not really. She is tough and doesn't take shit from anyone, and she's probably the reason I am who I am today."

Enzo moved his head to the side slightly as he listened. A father’s self-indulgence of their voice he could understand. A child embracing what their mother has made them? Not so much. Queen Annika preached and instilled an independent and intellectual mindset into her son, a mindset not prejudiced by sympathy or empathy, and a mindset that understood how to not only strengthen but lead a kingdom. Arguably the lessons of independence birthed his sense of rebelliousness. “Who you are today should be envied by all women, for what it’s worth. If all mothers were half the person your own is, I would say the next generation of daughters in every kingdom will be promising. Unfortunately, I foresee many more Amber's being raised in the coming years.” Enzo spoke, though his tone was actually light. Casual even.

"Mhmm, lucky."

Enzo gave a light huff of amusement. “Define lucky. Apparently I have bad taste in picking who to dance with. Toe steppers, palm sweaters, oh and don’t even get me started on the stutterers.” Enzo smiled as he listed the general types of partners he’s come across. They’re not all tens. "What? Am I considered one of those insignificant girls that you dance with?” Enzo flashed a quick look that said ‘I’m getting there’, before he responded. “Speaking of Amber.” That’s the only part in the sentence Enzo clearly heard before he turned to see if he could spot the werefox. His gaze carefully dissected the room, but the trouble with knowing someone inside and out for years is knowing how to evade them. And Amber knew how to evade Enzo’s eyes. Even in an outfit like hers. Simple; she placed herself behind a gathering of men. Amber is practically always seen with her flock of female friends, and hardly ever males. Of course the werefox could still make him and Ruina out, but she was still coveted by the masses at the drink table.

Enzo looked back to Ruina with almost a skeptical gaze. “Crazy is as crazy does when it comes to Amber. If she did see us, I wouldn’t be surprised if she stormed out and-” Enzo’s expression turned angrily thoughtful. “She’s cut up a few of my shirts before during her last temper tantrum. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s stabbing holes in my shoes right now honestly. Crazy bitch.” Enzo muttered the last part, but yeah, Amber’s that crazily possessive. If she feels wronged, and if she doesn’t think a lecture will get through, her ‘punishments’ get personal. The goal was to get Enzo to repent. Funny how that’s never worked. Enzo’s lips upturned into an almost victorious smile. “Jokes on her, I’m currently wearing my favorite shoes. Plus, the bonus of her freak outs mean I get to spoil myself with shopping.” There’s a reason he keeps most of his favorite things in Ikaris’ room. If Amber wasn’t here though, a part of him wanted to see if he could catch Amber in the act of being crazy in his room. Maybe he could return the favor of shredding a dress of hers one of these days too. If she is here… is it possible she didn’t even notice him and Ruina? The slower waltz began to transition into a new kind of dance, and while it was still calmly paced, it was nowhere near as slow as the previous dance. “You paid your dues for a dance, think that’ll satisfy Thaola?” Enzo smiled.

“I suppose you did."

Ikaris’ shared a cocky expression to the werelioness' action of winking back. His own eyes scanned the immediate area, his smirk expressing his lack of remorse for what he and Thaola had just done. Rubbing his hands together, Ikaris’ flare of villainy began to trickle back into his mindset. “Now, we could be average schmucks and walk our way to the drink table, or…” Ikaris trailed off as he eyed up the perfect interception of drinks not far from them. “Excuse me.” Ikaris threw to Thaola before he started walking towards another gentleman carrying two drinks. A swift grab on Ikaris’ part scored him the drinks, but not without the male giving him a nasty look as Ikaris already shifted on his feet to start walking back towards Thaola. “Are you serious? Are you too lazy to walk a few more steps to the drink table, buddy?” The wereanimal spit venomously. Ikaris paused to shift his body half towards the male. “I’m not your buddy, pal,” Ikaris quickly smiled, “And I’m afraid the answer is yes to both questions. I’m terribly serious, as well as suffer from the crippling disease of lack of basic inertia.” The males’s face crossed with evident confusion, so Ikaris’ tone turned mocking. “Or in simple terms, laziness. Surely you understand my dilemma?” Ikaris flashed a fakely apologetic smile to the male before finishing his walk to Thaola and passing her a drink. “Not many intellectual giants in the room. It’s hard to use big words when most people’s vocabulary is so minuscule.” Ikaris remarked loud enough for the people around them to hear.

Contrary to his otherwise arrogant, egotistical, and dare be said borderline emotionally unstable persona; Ikaris is highly intelligent. How else do you think he manages to pass with flying colors in class without showing up for most of the lectures? Of course, his shows of intelligence are usually demonstrated with a condescending or mocking attitude. The intelligent side is a mask only usually worn when he’s making the statement of ‘I’m better than you in brains, bronze, and looks’. It wouldn’t be Ikaris if he wasn’t showing off. “Time to ruin some clothes,” Ikaris said with a wild smile, “I think our little additive challenge will be to not walk to the drink table for refills. We’ll take our drinks straight from the hands of others, think you can handle that challenge?” Ikaris tilted his head slightly to see if Thaola would accept. Accepting is half the battle, but if she went through with nabbing drinks for the next little while, it would definitely delight the wereeagle. Any joy that manages to reach that small, small heart somewhere buried under his ego is sure to be felt. And a partner in crime delivers such a kind of joy.

"Stutterers, huh? We- we- were they n- n-n nervous?"

That response actually got the wereleopard to share a genuine laugh. “That’s a spot on reenactment.” Enzo grinned. He can’t be the only one that finds stutterers annoying, right? It makes every conversation take forty years to get through, and by the time the stutterer is half way through, Enzo has already forgotten the point of the conversation. In dance, he pretends he’s not there; only nodding his head from time to time. If he’s not trying to be polite, Enzo will just straight up walk away without a word. A lot of kinder people probably suffer through that kind of conversational torture, but Enzo doesn’t care to offend when he knows his time is being wasted.

“Wow." Enzo nodded with a neutral expression. "Well, I suppose there is always a bright side to the not so bright side." Enzo gave an amused scoff, “Always is a little too optimistic for my taste,” Enzo chuckled lightly, “Ikaris says my pessimism is rather charming, agree or disagree?” He asked in a joking fashion. On good days Enzo could consider himself a realistic optimist, every other day he’s pretty… well, humorously pessimistic. Definitely a glass half empty kind of guy. On occasion there are people capable of swaying his pessimistic mindset, and those rare breeds of people tend to intrigue the wereleopard.

Enzo removed his contact from Ruina as she removed herself from him as well, but he didn’t see the point of stepping back if she already did. “I suppose it will, and if it doesn't, oh well." Enzo gave a half smile. “At least you have a very credible witness to your dancing.” He said while gesturing to himself. “Well, hopefully, I fulfilled your request of making Amber mad. I'm going to head to the snack bar, I had fun dancing." Enzo’s own gaze traveled the room for a second before it settled back on Ruina. “I’m hoping for the same thing,” Enzo raised crossed fingers before he lowered his hand, “I had fun too, enjoy the snacks.” Enzo spoke before he watched Ruina start to walk away. The wereleopard looked back to the crowd for Ikaris… who seemed to be accomplishing what he came here for. “Nice tie, it really brings out the overbearing instructor in your eyes.” Enzo smiled at one of the teachers passing by before chuckling to himself and walking the other way. Hey, he gets to make fun of people after all. Although, he was also thinking about the actually enjoyable dance he just had as well.

Amber watched with eyes of scrutiny as Ruina departed and began walking her way towards the tables. The werefox’s gaze didn’t stray once from Ruina as the girl grabbed a drink and began sipping. Moving out of her coveted pocket to go for a drink as well, Amber’s eyes shot a glance at Ruina. “Having fun?” Amber asked before she began to delicately raise the cup to her lips. Turning to look back towards the crowd, while still staying in very close proximity to Ruina, Amber opened her mouth once more. “Tell me, Ruina, is it customary of all Truhan’s to dance with taken partners, or are you the exception to polite formalities?” Amber asked with a coldly neutral tone. The werefox is sly when it comes to baiting people into walking into verbal traps. Most are too stupid to figure it out before Amber cracks the whip on them, and then tears them apart verbally. This is only the beginning, but Amber was trying to assess just how threatening her sword crafted of words would need to be to ensure whatever happened on the dance floor never happens again with Enzo and Ruina.

"I think I can handle that."

Ikaris tapped his forefinger against the drink in his hand. “I think we’re about to find out.” Flashing a grin expressive of his mischievous actions to come, his blue gaze swept over the masses. The best part about any of these gatherings is getting under the skin of the children of the highborns. Especially with Ikaris’ less than noble bloodline, it adds insult to injury to ‘dare play shenanigans' on someone further up the food chain. In terms of bloodline that is. While he may not be of any kind of respected line, he did fully intend to become the King’s deputy once Enzo ascends to the throne. Being the King’s right hand man seemed fit for a best friend, and it is a title the two have discussed numerously, especially recently. While Ikaris was still learning the ropes of Ritha’s political systems, Enzo knew it all by heart. Until Ikaris holds a title worth truly respecting though, he’s free to douse the sons and daughters of highborns as he pleases.

“You’re going for that eye sore,” Ikaris smiled to Thaola before moving his gaze to a brunette in a stunning light blue gown, “I hold a grudge against the horse-faced brat, and she would see my mischief coming a mile away. But you, my lovely lioness friend, could do my bidding.” While the wereeagle didn’t think Thaola of all people would care to ruin the night of a Duke’s daughter, his tone alone was laced with suave want to get his point across. “In return, if you want to see any particular men -or women I haven’t scorned already- doused, then I will humbly be at your disposal. Otherwise, after your task, consider it a free for all!” Ikaris beamed as he raised his cup excitedly. People with power? Entertaining to watch weep over their lavish garments. However, no one is exempt from Ikaris’ desire to incite a little bit of chaos.

"Well, I've definitely have had my experiences with stutterers."

Enzo’s chuckle was enough of a response to that. Sometimes he considered it one of the many curses of being a royal brought him; people who suddenly lose the ability to speak correctly in his presence. Within school, with the exception of school crushes and what not, students he’s at least been around for quite some time have grown desensitized to nervous speech. It’s a good thing and a bad thing in Enzo’s eyes. On one hand, it made discussions far more tolerable and they get to the point quicker. On the other hand, anyone who gets too comfortable with speaking to a royal can easily forget that they are still beneath the royal. No matter how much he may like certain people when he is King one day, he will be spoken to as their King. Private audience is really his only exception with that.

Being treated as less than a King in any way will reflect poorly on him. As the sole heir to his throne he’s set to take on soon enough, and him having no intention of marrying or providing an heir to Ritha for a very considerable amount of time, it will cause unease in his kingdom. Because there will be uncertainty. Should anything happen to Enzo in his solo rule, there will be great civil unrest when they scramble to seat someone the entire kingdom can reign in as a respected ruler. Of course Enzo could appoint someone while he’s alive in case something were to happen, but people will play dirty at the chance of being a King, so he doubted an appointment would be honored. Amber was in the same situation, which is why their arrangement was more than just securing allies. If the marriage were to proceed, they would be joint equal rulers of Iprihan and Ritha. Two kingdoms, under one rule. The pressure would be on to secure heirs from them to hold their larger seats to power as well. When Enzo denounces the marriage, regardless, there will be unrest. He was already predicting Amber to retaliate when the day comes. As potential lone rulers, they will still both be open to anyone power hungry enough to knock them off the throne during their squabble and seize it for themselves. Even for his age, the young prince still has plenty of stress and threat looming over him. There is peace now, but if the past has taught him anything, some people just can’t resist the temptation of stealing power if the opportunity shall arise. Peace never lasts. It has lasted far too long for Enzo’s liking to begin with, and he knew something was bound to happen much sooner than later. Perhaps he’s paranoid, but a King going in with no illusion of unfortunate possibilities that are possible is a King that will reign long. Long live the King.

“Ooh, that's a hard decision."

A bit of a smirk pushed at Enzo’s lips at Ruina’s response. More because he enjoyed that she was willing to go along playfully with him. Sure, he knew a great deal about the kind of person Ruina was just by being in the same friend group for so long. But in a time where Enzo is starting to feel he absolutely needs to know where his friends truly are, it’s safe to say he was regarding Ruina as one of those true friends.

“It is customary to be polite and not turn down a dance when asked so."

Amber would have clenched her jaw if she weren’t trying to actively retain a poised expression. “So it is.” She smoothly responded. Of course Enzo would ask, to spite her obviously. He’s walking a dangerous line of embarrassing and damaging both of their reputations. Whether Enzo was willing to risk his namesake just to spite her is something Amber was getting ready to find out. But is Ruina willing to risk hers? No that she could sully the name of someone so low on the line of succession. She’s probably not even worth Amber wasting her energy on, however, Amber will not back down from someone messing with what’s hers.

At the princess of Truhan’s laughter to herself, Amber’s gaze snapped to the girl with a look of judgment. We’ll see how long you’ll be laughing. If being direct with Ruina didn’t work, or if Ruina truly bugged her, after tonight there would be laughter… stemming from gossip. "If you are so jealous that I danced with your boyfriend, perhaps you should have asked him first." A truly wistful laugh graced the werefox, as if Ruina had told a genuinely funny joke. “You think I would be jealous of you dancing with him? You seem to flatter yourself.” Amber commented with a smile before she continued. “Truth be told I’d be jealous if he would have danced with someone his type. Well, you would be his secondary type, and that I am not jealous of. It starts with charming his way into using a girl, then fixating on that new toy, and just when the pitiful girl falls too deep into his grasp, he throws them away.” A thoughtful look crossed Amber’s face as she tilted her head slightly to the side after that. “Now that you've satisfied his ego by giving into being his tool, he’ll be in a much better mood for me. I would avoid his attention from now on though, for your sake, before you’re used as his object of dishing spite again. That kind of a label on a princess isn’t a good look, especially for warrior type individuals, such as yourself. It makes you look all bronze sweetheart, with little brains to guide you out of falling prey to a man’s smile.” Amber finished with a triumphant expression. If she were to directly throw a jealous claim over Enzo to Ruina… she read that Ruina would not be moved by it. So, a new angle.

Sprinkling truths into the lies she’s just told about Enzo will do her good, so she projects. It’s impossible to tell which part of what she said was true or false though. Besides, targeting the girl's Truhan warrior image would be the first thing Amber would tear down. Unfortunately, it is no secret that Enzo is a charmer. And for him to have succeeded in charming a warrior princess? That will blow up. Whether people take the dance out of proportion or not, Amber can’t control. Well, she may fan the flames a little. Plus, she had the means to influence what could be said about tonight as well. Maybe the crown prince snuck a more than willing kiss from Ruina. Amber hasn’t decided what she could get her gossipers to spill. People will remember their dance, so naturally they’ll just assume they missed the kiss… and therefore go with the rumor. Amber was looking for embarrassment, so if she had to play victim to the princesses' insistence on a taken man, well that would make Ruina unpopular among females. Not to mention the grotesque act in itself of liking, let alone engaging, with someone who belongs to another. Questions of loyalty, respectability, and other things will be raised by Amber’s hand if she has to. Ruina is still a princess, and one that may never see a throne, but one that should still be regarded as a being worth respecting. This is everything Amber was mulling over. Whether she could bury Ruina so deep in rumor, and scandal, that it would tarnish Ruina’s name in her home too. Their kingdoms have no alliance, so Amber would be relentless in the shadows. To get rumors to leave school would be a lot of work, but it depends on how much Ruina pushes Amber to be motivated enough to make them spread. Unfortunately, these rumors would cost Enzo as well, but Amber was making a point to him as well to not cross her. Enzo is hers. And if she has to use Ruina as an example of what happens to women who even look at what’s hers, then so be it.

"Really? I've got to go ruin a pretty dress because you are holding a grudge?"

Ikaris’ cheeky smile expressed enough about what would be coming out of his mouth next. “Especially because I’m holding a grudge.” It’s fairly easy to become an individual that Ikaris may hold a grudge against. Although, there are varying levels of his grudge holding. Horse face should have thought twice before thinking she was entitled to call upon him when she was looking for a good time. That’s not how it works. Fun is on Ikaris’ terms at all times. Otherwise it just isn’t really that fun, is it?

“Aw, someone you haven't scorned already? I don't really hold grudges, birdie. Except for one." As tempting as it is to aggravate people who he’s already burned his bridges with, he knew himself better than to start poking around and pushing. He wouldn’t relent, and things would be taken too far… and he’ll be kicked out prematurely. It’s hard enough to refrain from not spilling a drink on the guys from earlier, but he’s trying to be a decent bird. He was curious about the kind of person Thaola would hold a grudge against though. “Amber. But, alas, you've already scorned her. So, I suppose. It shall be a free for all." Ikaris was no longer curious. “I would love nothing more than to ruin Amber’s night, but I’ll only be subjecting my best friend to being in the middle of Amber’s tantrums. I wouldn’t even wish Amber on my worst enemy.” Ikaris muttered the last part. If Ikaris is the King of petty then that made Amber the Queen, but if ruining Amber’s night just so he can have a laugh meant ruining Enzo’s, then Ikaris would take the higher road. Which is very rare for a person like him to do. "Well, ta-ta. Watch how it's done, bird.” Ikaris got comfortable from where he was standing as he watched Thaola sweep her way to the duchess. A more than pleased smile remained on his lips as he watched Thaola’s encounter, which impressed him with how effortless her acting was.

Ikaris chuckled as the encounter came to an end, and he met Thaola with his own small smirk. “Ah. I will admit, I kind of feel bad ruining such a lovely dress. But, oh, she deserved it. And that is how it is done." Another quieter chuckle is what Ikaris started with. “Well done, kitty. If it helps, you were saving the dress from being worn by an ugly body. So you did the garments a favor.” Flashing a quick smile, his eyes went adrift once more amid the sea of wereanimals. The son of a Baroness caught his eye. What a poor night to wear a marble colored button up. “Good luck securing another drink, Thaola, I have a baron to upset.” Throwing her a wink, Ikaris began his stride towards the baron and his small entourage. The only thing significant about Ikaris’ last words to Thaola was that he used her name, rather than a pet name. His pet names are his way of being playful, most of the time, but Ikaris is a person who will call the people he’s more fond of by name.

Ikaris’ blue gaze remained on his target as he stayed along the outskirts of the small group, waiting for an opportunity. Perhaps it’s his more bird of prey nature, but he enjoys being an opportunistic predator. As the baron began to talk primarily with his hands in some dramatic tangent, he started stepping back, nearly clipping a couple as he did so. Perfect. Taking a slow saunter behind the baron werelynx, Ikaris “tripped” over the foot the baron had just stuck out to move back with. Turning enough for the liquid Ikaris thrusted a little sideways to splatter along the side and back of the baron, Ikaris managed to “catch his fall”. Just as the werelynx turned to no doubt dramatically complain, Ikaris straightened himself with a scowl. “Do you mind? I understand poor posture leads to poor balance, but if you could try to not stumble and flail into everyone who passes behind you, that would be great.” Ikaris spoke with a tone nothing short of deep vexation as the baron looked a little shocked to see this situation turn into being his fault. “You have the audacity to blame-” The werelynx started before Ikaris cut him off with a sharply spoken response. “I have the audacity to blame the moron of the room, yes,” Ikaris glanced away from the baron as if he were embarrassed to be near him. “Do your friends a favor and go get cleaned up. I’m sure they already take no delight in being around someone so shameless about their gross hunchback.” Ikaris finished before walking away, his smirk returning to his face as he left the humiliated werelynx behind.

"It's funny that you think I'm a pitiful girl who's just falling into his grasp. He asked for a dance. I accepted. Trust me, sweetie, I've danced with my fair share. And none of them meant a damn thing. So, it's funny that you think that dance meant anything. And, it's funny how you think I give a rat's ass about my label. Unlike you, people don't have to wonder about who I am and what kind of person I am. I'm not a piece of shit who's friends hate her. And the only other friends are more pieces of shit."

Amber’s eyes had turned into a heated stare, but her expression otherwise remained neutral. Even though that reflected nothing about how internally enraged she was growing with Ruina. "Bronze, gold, or silver. I don't give a shit. And I sure as hell am not naive or stupid enough to fall in love with someone's smile. And I sure am hell am not the kind of girl who's ego is so fragile she has to go around trying to discourage girls away from her man. So, I'm sorry your ego is fragile, and I'm sorry that Enzo doesn't give two shits about you. But you sure as hell don't need to be taking it out of me. Because, your little tricks they don't work on me.” Amber only caught a moment, to which she quietly responded. “Tricks are child’s play, you’ll be wishing soon enough that I’m just capable of tricks.” Amber said before her eyes briefly moved to Tarron. It was an obvious thinly veiled threat that she made to Ruina, and one she was hoping would sting the Truhan later. “Rui, what's up.” Amber remained silent, raising her cup to her lips. “Oh nothing. Just having a friendly conversation." The werefox gave a fake smile as she lowered her cup while her eyes didn’t divert from the werewolves. She ignored whatever comment Ruina made to Tarron, and only then did her eyes move to start looking for the next person who would intercept her rage. "I hope the rest of your evening goes well." Amber quickly shot a dagger. I hope you enjoy your moment while it lasts. She couldn’t immediately see Enzo. So fine. The werefox turned to stalk off towards her circle of friends.

Enzo was actually enjoying himself. Outside of his usual friend group, that isn’t a common occurrence. Being around a few wereanimals of Ritha, of high class or not, he enjoyed being able to relate to others about his kingdom. The only times he’s able to get away to Ritha is when he's called upon for his duty to oversee important aspects of the prisons. The royal dungeon is what usually requires his attention, since Enzo was at least able to have appointed someone of a respected rank to oversee the common dungeons. Despite his distaste for his parents, he was loyal and loved the kingdom he was set to rule. Suddenly a spine tingling wave of doom crept up on him though during his conversation. Amber. With how long he’s known her, he might as well have radar for when she’s being a bitch, or is in a bitchy mood. That was enough for him to break away from his circle before looking for the werefox with his eyes. What have you done this time Amber?

"Especially because I'm holding a grudge." That comment alone got a smile to flash across Thaola's face. She did not blame him. Though she did not typically hold grudges, when she did, damn, she had a grudge. And it was obvious. She would be salty as hell and do just about thing and everything she could to piss off the said person. She's spread rumors and toss insults and sometimes if it got physical, she'd whip someone's butt. She would admit that some of her worst moments had been because of a grudge, but she would not go into details. No matter how much someone bribed or begged or pleaded.

"I would love nothing more than to ruin Amber's night, but I'll only be subjecting my best friend to being in the middle of Amber's tantrums. I wouldn't even wish Amber on my worst enemy." Thaola inclines her head in agreement, yeah she could see that. Enzo definitely deserved better than Amber. Yet it was so tempting to ruin Amber's night. The little werefox needed something to help put her in her place. She wasn't high and mighty just because she was a princess as well as the future queen. She was just spoiled.

"Well done, kitty. If it helps, you were saving the dress from being worn by an ugly body. So you did the garments a favor." Thaola laughs,"I suppose I did." She fakes a sympathetic sigh,"Poor girl. She thought she was safe from any mischief just because she's the daughter of some duke." A small smirk flickers across her face, she was not one to pull out the honary royal family member card, but there were a few cases where it had been needed. She'd pissed off a few werelions who'd cornered her and she had to remind them what would happen if they dared messed with her. She would whip their butt, then Ruina and Tarron would.

“Good luck securing another drink, Thaola, I have a baron to upset.”

Thaola laughs, she would get another drink in a moment, first she wanted to watch this. Her gaze tracks the wereeagle over to a baron. Watching as Ikaris acted perfectly to throw the drink on the werelynx's outfit. As expected the werelynx was furious and yet it seemed Ikaris seemed to shake him off, before the wereeagle came walking back, a smirk on his face. Thaola laughs, shaking her head. "Hmm, I think you left him worse off than I left that werehorse." Her voice was full of amusement.

“Tricks are child’s play, you’ll be wishing soon enough that I’m just capable of tricks.”

Ruina laughs at that. Was it suppose to be a threat? She wanted to say, aw what are you going to do? Tell your mommy and daddy? Truhan could handle Iprihan without issue. Especially if it was over something as little and petty as a princess getting her little feelings hurt. Did Amber even realize that? Did the werefox realize she was not that big of a threat that she seemed to think herself of. The werefox obviously didn't really know how to fight and she liked to try and swoop low to knock someone over, but what she didn't realize is not everyone was a wimp like she was or like the people she probably normally targeted.

Even if Amber turned her attention on Tarron or Thaola to try and hurt Ruina, the two were just as capable of defending themselves from the werefox. They all grew up together, they were all basically alike. Well, at least when it came to people trying to insult them and tear them down. They weren't the kind to get offended at the smallest things and go running to their mommy and daddy and cry about it. Or be offended by something as simple as a dance. That just wasn't in their blood, they hadn't been raised that way. Perhaps it was because they had all been raised together as well as alongside the two royal twins, Ruina's brothers. Revalor and Ayduin.

If anyone asked, Ruina would admit she did not like tearing people down. She was raised better than that. Besides, despite her otherwise cool social attitude, she actually kind of liked other people. She wasn't a huge social butterfly, but she could get along with people if needed. She did have some friends outside of the group she always ran with. But she preferred to stay with the group, and so she didn't really talk to her other friends she made. And they were okay with it, because they had their own friend groups. Tearing people down had never benefited Ruina or anyone she knew who did such a thing.

Tarron frowns,"Rui...." Ruina ignores her cousin as she tugs him through the crowd, she had just spotted Enzo. Who was searching the crowd, she couldn't tell who he was looking for though. The older werewolf follows, with a heavy sigh, he knew better than to press Ruina for an answer. Finally the two managed to reach Enzo's side. Ruina greets,"Hey Enzo." Tarron nods,"Hey." Ruina grimaces,"I just came to warn you, Amber's in a bad mood. I figured you'd want a warning before having to actually deal with her." If it was Ruina in Enzo's place, she would want a warning, though perhaps Enzo was just so use to it and didn't care anymore. Or maybe he knew. Maybe that was why he had been searching the crowd. Maybe he knew Amber was pissed.

"I suppose I did. Poor girl. She thought she was safe from any mischief just because she's the daughter of some duke." Ikaris’ brows raised together slightly to signify his amusement of Thaola’s answer, as well as his agreement. “Poor, poor girl.” He mocked before letting a quieter laugh ring out. Title does not mean untouchable, especially to Ikaris. It seemed for Thaola too. Not that Ikaris minded, since Enzo usually strays from directly launching an unaggravated mischievous game plan at highborns. Ikaris understood though, Enzo had more to think about when it pertains to the future. But Ikaris had no such aspirations! Except for a few things, but messing with people is his greatest pleasure.

"Hmm, I think you left him worse off than I left that werehorse."

Ikaris playfully dismissed Thaola’s words. “No, no, I did him a favor by teaching him an important lesson. Humility is a virtue,” he preached, as if truly believing he did the baron a great service. “I also taught him to keep a look over his shoulders… not everyone has his back covered like I do.” Ikaris chuckled. Is he lying? Ikaris’ drink has got the baron’s back covered quite well at the moment. That humor is something Ikaris found far too amusing for his own good.

Looking at his empty cup, a thoughtful smile was next to envelop Ikaris’ features. “I think I’m going to disgust someone enough to give up their drink.” Coughing much harshly then he needs to will serve him well. Maybe next time he’ll just walk up and spit into someone’s drink, that’ll be easy enough. “Your angle?” He asked, curious as to whether she was going in with a plan, or if she was going on impulse. Each option appealed to the wereeagle equally; sometimes he likes planning, sometimes he likes jumping in with both feet and seeing what happens.

Enzo lazily slid a hand into his pocket as his gaze traveled over each face. A few more seconds is all he was given before he realized there were even presences coming to his side. "Hey Enzo." Giving a nod of acknowledgment to Ruina, he moved his sight to Tarron as he gave his own, “Hey”. “Hello.” Enzo responded, with his tone questioning as to why they were here. Ruina; Enzo decided he wouldn’t have minded her company. But Tarron accompanying her? Enzo could guess there was some kind of issue judging by the aura radiating off of them. "I just came to warn you, Amber's in a bad mood. I figured you'd want a warning before having to actually deal with her.” A slight shake of his head is what he first gave in response. “I knew I sensed the levels of bitchiness rising in the room,” he spoke before giving a small smile. “I appreciate the warning Ruina. Were you a witness to this bad mood?” He asked more jokingly, before another thought enveloped him. “Or were you a survivor?” That question was to ask whether Ruina was the person Amber deflected on. Visibly it made the wereleopard far more upset to mull over than Amber just being in a bad mood.

Their own back and forths, as exhausting as they are, he can still keep up. Because he knows he wears her down too. When the werefox starts bringing in other people, or expelling her anger out on others that Enzo cares for to some degree, then that’s another issue. Even if their relationship was perfect, and healthy for the both of them, the deal breaker would still be Amber dragging out problems to her friends for their advice. Airing out personal dirty laundry is just ridiculous to him. Plus, the jealousy. It’s just an ugly trait. Maybe a little bit of jealousy is normal if it stems from being with a person worth wanting to fight for and keep, but not to the point that jealousy becomes toxic to everyone around them. While Enzo may have never been in a long term healthy relationship, he knew how one should be.

Amber was already gossiping about the rumors she intended to in the first place. Anything in her arsenal to hurt Ruina, even just a little bit, is what she was after. And the next step? Well, running to mommy and daddy. Just like any brat would do. Not to enact revenge on Ruina, but to be able to ensure Enzo was hers. Her claim is and will forever be staked on him. Her mommy and daddy would have no pull over the new arrangement agreements Amber sought, but if she went through with what she was planning to, Enzo’s parents would also make it impossible for him to decline. The only thing Enzo cares more about than his friends is his crown, and Amber was going to use that against him for sure. It would make the perfect rift between Enzo and any other girl, and Amber can get everything she wants. A great win for the fox if she succeeds. And with this… she will.