Ruina couldn't help but wonder that if they lasted long enough, where did she fit into Enzo's life as a king? She was a warrior princess and what she knew of queen's, they sat on the throne and sometimes helped make decisions for the kingdom. Would Ritha truly accept a warrior queen? Would Ruina be able to leave her kingdom? Her family? And what of Thaola and Tarron? Would they follow her to Ritha? Or would they choose to stay in Truhan? And worse of all if the two kingdoms ended up in battle, or All-Father forbid, war where would that leave Ruina's loyalties? She would have to choose a side, and choosing could tear her relationship apart. She would forever have loyalty to Truhan, she grew up there, that was where her family was.

And yet... If she and Enzo got that far, and she was to be crowned Queen, she would have new loyalties. The werewolf could only hope that if something like that ever happened, that she would be able to talk her brother down. Revalor was about to be crowned king within months, the coronation had been a big topic when the Truhan's had left for school. Revalor spent every waking second beside the king, learning whatever else he can before he is to be crowned king. Revalor is also a very level headed prince, and would make a great king. Hopefully that meant that if worse came to worse, Ruina could talk both sides down. If Enzo was to be her king, then perhaps that would sway him. And being Truhan's former princess and sister of the king, well... Hopefully that would sway things as well. She would hate to see war between Ritha and Truhan.

If only they were not royals, then perhaps there would not be as many issues that could come up. Of course, perhaps if they had not been royals, they never would have ended up together. The way they had led their lives as royals had led them to each other. What kind of life would they have lived if they had never been royals? What was the possibility they would have actually met being simple commonfolk? And yet, Ruina was willing to face whatever came to challenge. She felt confident that their love could conquer anything. She loved Enzo and that was enough for her. Would she fight her own kingdom for her love? Yes. Even if it meant she was denounced, if she was no longer a Truhan, or a Agarvran. The idea hurt Ruina's heart, but she would. She would choose if she had to, no matter how much it hurt. She could only hope that Enzo would choose her as well.

Warmth spread through Ruina when Enzo grasps her hand back. She fought the urge to shy away as his eyes studied her face, she was not use to being studied so closely not in such a way. She had been studied so closely before, but that had been during war parties, when an enemy was trying to frighten her. This... This was different. Enzo was not studying her as an enemy. "I swear I'll do neither." Relief floods Ruina, those words were exactly what she wanted to hear. And what would top it off, would the promises being kept. She hated people who could not keep a promise. Ruina was always careful to never make a promise she could not keep, and she wished everyone could do that. Broken promises hurt people more than some could ever know. From what she knew of Enzo, he seemed to be the kind of person to keep his promises though. Which made Ruina very relieved, she would hate to wake up and find out it had all been changed.

"You're not dreaming." Those words, it helped reassure Ruina, if someone was dreaming would the dream really confirm the dream was not real? Ruina's head hurt even thinking about that. Her eyes flutter slightly when the wereleopard pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You'll see when you wake up in the morning." She truly hoped so. It would hurt like hell if she did wake up alone. And yet, she felt very reassured that she would not wake up alone the next morning. That everything that had just occurred was not a dream, that it was real. Now that she had been laying down for a bit, she was beginning to get sleepy. And she truly wanted to curl against Enzo and fall asleep. Especially because once morning came, well, then things would get interesting. How would their friends react? How would the school react? How would Amber react? What kind of fresh hell would the werefox want to plan to target Ruina?

Ruina shifts closer to Enzo, resisting the urge to snuggle against the wereleopard. She didn't think they were quite ready for that yet, or maybe they were, and she was just scared. She didn't know. She holds his gaze, feeling herself falling deeper into those pools of amber. Finally Enzo shifts to face upward, and Ruina sort of ducks her head towards herself, settling against the pillow. She gently squeezes his hand as if reassuring herself that he was real. "Goodnight Ruina." Those words were barely caught even with the werewolf's sharp hearing and Ruina replies just as quietly. "Goodnight Enzo." And even though Enzo fell silent and still pretty quick, Ruina did not. She was still worried.

There were still grave issues in Truhan, if the citizens kept disappearing there would be no more Truhan. Perhaps next thing to happen would be the ocean rising to devour Truhan. Ruina feared next time she visited home, there would be no more Truhan, simply ocean. Would Revalor send messages of help before that happened? Or would it happen too quickly for pleads of help to be sent? Ruina had to fight the urge to toss and turn, aware of the sleeping wereleopard beside her. As tired as she felt, she could not sleep. Her mind racing, perhaps she should take off soon and return home. She needed to see the damage for herself. She wanted to examine the sea, talk with those who kept an eye on it. See for herself that the ocean would not be a threat.

A plan spinning in her head, the werewolf finally began to relax a little. She would return home soon, perhaps bring Tarron and Thaola with her, and see what Truhan had been reduced to. And so, as the sun started to appear on the horizon, its rays slowly starting to light up the earth. The werewolf finally managed to drift off into sleep, her hand still clutching Enzo's

If Enzo is being completely truthful, then there was a rather lengthy period of time he fancied the idea of ruling Ritha alone one day. Both before and during the set arrangement between him and Amber, Enzo just envisioned himself being more of a lone King. He didn’t mind this, and it wasn’t about claiming a strong hand of power for himself either. Rather Enzo just didn’t truly believe he would find someone worth considering an equal. If push came to shove, then he would have even considered a loveless political marriage for the sake of his kingdom. If he was lucky though, just maybe, he and Ruina would get far enough for her to be not only his other half, but also his Queen. If this were to be the case one day, then Enzo already had a fairly good idea of what would come in Ritha.

Like most kingdoms he presumed, the people of Ritha would wait to see what good comes of an ‘outsider’ as their Queen. Enzo had no doubt, even despite the aspects of a warrior Ruina possesses, that things would run smoothly. After all, if he’s to have a Queen, wouldn’t Ruina make a great overseer of the military of Ritha? Of course, there would be those named as top generals, and the master of war, but Ruina was better suited to be the primary overseer of things of that nature. Enzo has always had a knack for politics and the business side of being a royal, and he could not see Ruina enjoying looking over such things. And so, should they both be the ruling pair of Ritha, Enzo could already envision the two working hand in hand to provide a system of balance. Responsibility would be split so neither was overwhelmed or unhappy, and they would still be able to discuss both matters with one another. Plus, Enzo was watching what Revalor would do once he was crowned as well, and more specifically, who he was picking to surround himself with. Should Ruina one day follow Enzo into Ritha, then he wouldn’t allow her to be the lone Truhan. So, if Revalor didn’t take advantage of Tarron and Thaola’s abilities, then Enzo would. Not that he would force high ranking positions on them in Ritha, but if Ruina was with him, then he wanted to give the two other Truhan’s the chance to still be with Ruina while also benefiting in another kingdom.

And much more than that, as a ruler, Enzo was already observing and judging a multitude of characters. Both Tarron and Thaola are friends to him, but that wouldn’t quite be the reason Enzo would bestow titles to them should they want to accept. Tarron is a leader, a calmer and level headed one at that, and Enzo would want an individual with that talent very close to him. Enzo trusts Tarron as well, with the werewolf not being someone Enzo would ever have to contemplate stabbing him in the back one way or another. And as a King, being able to trust people is very important. As for Thaola, she was a warrior, just as Ruina. Thaola was also a skilled warrior at that, and someone capable of careful thought as well. There is always a high position available for a capable and intelligent warrior, and one would be given to Thaola should the future align just right. Even better, if Thaola did have such a position, Ruina would be the one she can report to directly. Ikaris already has his promised position as the King’s Deputy, and that’s about the highest rank Enzo would give Ikaris. Enzo loves the wereeagle like a brother, but everyone has their skills. And for example, Ikaris would not make a great adviser when his mindset is more geared towards promoting violence. So instead, Ikaris will be more suited to be an enforcer with varying responsibilities. Overall, should the future play out in this way, everyone had a place to Enzo… if they accepted. None of this would be forced, and Enzo would keep backup individuals in mind, but in this way Enzo, Ruina, his kingdom, and his friends would all benefit from how the wereleopard is setting up to rule.

As Enzo laid there, for the first time in a very long time, his thoughts began to fall silent. The wereleopard had felt Ruina squeeze his hand, and lightly he returned it before his grip loosened, but he would not let go. “Goodnight Enzo." It was the last thing, other than quiet breathing, that Enzo was able to listen to and register before he fell into a silent slumber. Not his thoughts, dreams, or anything disturbed him. Instead, he found himself enveloped in a peaceful oblivion. Somewhere in his subconscious he was aware that Ruina was beside him, and that it was more than likely the comfort of her being there that allowed him to completely relax. But the dark void was still, colorless, and ultimately calming. Compared to how loud his thoughts get, ones that even manage to plague his dreams, what he was experiencing now was pure bliss. Scarily enough, Enzo craved this kind of darkness. Nothingness. Being on the border of not even existing. Should a void like this ever tempt him in the waking world, he may just willingly walk towards it.

As the sun’s rays rose higher and began to trickle into the room, in order to defy the light, Enzo ended up turning onto his side, facing Ruina as he curled slightly. As he did this, he gripped Ruina’s hand a little tighter as he pulled it closer to him. Not necessarily in a possessive manner, but more so because Ruina was currently the only link between living nightmares, and a peaceful sleep. A short distance away though, as soon as light hit his window, Ikaris was wide awake. Ironically he’s more of a rooster that rises with the sun to deliver a morning wake up call, despite his deep loathing of all chickens and things associated with them. Of course, Ikaris doesn’t just wake up and directly bother Enzo. Instead, the wereeagle does enjoy a brief solitude that involves humming to himself as he completes his morning routine. Ikaris is very reliant on his few routines though, and if he can’t complete them, he will have a small freak out. It’s the same with his things being moved out of the exact places he sets them in, and not even Enzo tempts the bird’s rage by moving his things for a prank.

As soon as Ikaris began to hear surrounding doors opening and closing, and people beginning to move around as the sun rose higher, then he knew it was time to rouse his friend from sleep. And honestly, it is the highlight of most mornings in Ikaris’ world. Exiting his room and letting his hand hit door handles as he walked, eventually Ikaris made it just outside of Enzo’s room. Quietly turning the handle so the door silently and just barely opened, Ikaris took a half-step back. And then, kicked the door in with enough power for it to swing open and hit the wall behind it. “Morning motherfucker!” The wereeagle shouted into the room before stepping in and immediately seeing something… he didn’t expect. With a more villainous sounding chuckle, Ikaris dramatically closed the room’s door behind him before he began taking slow, theatrical steps towards the window. “Well, well, well, do my eyes deceive me? Or is that a werewolf in my best friend’s bed?” Ikaris mused, an entertained glint in his eyes as he pulled the blinds open. A growl escaped Enzo, though he buried his face into his pillow to avoid the light. “Get. Out. Bird.” The wereleopard spoke in a rather rageful, half asleep, tone into the pillow. But it didn’t deter Ikaris.

“Leave? Now? Not likely!” Ikaris proclaimed in a cheerful tone, sitting in a chair near the window now as his smile swept over both Ruina and Enzo. “So, you two kids, hm? Interesting.” Obviously, the wereeagle wanted an explanation. He loved drama after all! And this… Ikaris could smell the drama that enveloped this situation. And he loved it. Now, he knew Enzo had fancied Ruina, but did the werewolf really reciprocate? Ikaris is intelligent enough to know nothing apparently transpired here other than sleeping, mostly because he knows what an eventful night looks like in the morning. This room did not have that kind of glow to it. Ikaris couldn’t help the light tint of skepticism to his gaze that moved to Ruina though, but even with the werewolf, Ikaris would look out for his best friend first. The wereeagle is certainly biased with females though, so naturally he’s one to assume there’s some kind of ulterior motive to nearly everything they do. Blame his mother, Amber, or every other prissy twit, but Ikaris is careful with women. Even Ruina, although he wasn’t sensing malice here, and Ikaris of all people knew what that kind of atmosphere felt like.

Ruina had no doubt that Revalor would want only what was best for his kingdom. He would keep his siblings around him and no doubt the advisers already at hand. There was a large chance that a few advisers would be replaced, however most of them were on Revalor's good side. Ruina's only worry was that if she ended up as Ritha's Queen, Tarron and Thaola would not follow. Would she end up alone? What loyalty would hold stronger? Their loyalty to Truhan or their loyalty to Ruina? Ruina felt that Tarron would follow, as she had been his biggest supporter when his mother had died. While Thaola... Well, it depended on the factors. There was a large chance that the werelioness would go, but things would change between now and then.

The werewolf wasn't quite sure she would be willing to lose her two best friends over the title of Queen. She did not want to lose Enzo either, however, being alone in a rival kingdom? Would Ritha except an outsider as their Queen? One who did not bow to the throne like most did. One who did what was right and not what was law. Someone who was not afraid to break the law if it came to it. She did not know. Yet another reason why Ruina had been expecting a life of a mere warrior. She never expected falling in love or anything. The path ahead was slippery and sketchy, and yet, Ruina felt confident in it. As long as she had Enzo, nothing could go wrong. Right? Their love would conquer anything. She felt it in her heart and her mind. And she just hoped neither were lying to her.

Tarron loved his home in Truhan, it was the only home he ever knew. Once he had been born, his mother had already run away from his father. So the only home he had ever known was Truhan. When his mother had brought him to the castle to plead help from her sister, the Queen, he met the two people who would become his very best friends. Thaola and Ruina. The two had been beside him for years. They were three peas in a pod. They were often called siblings as well. They often fought like siblings and yet if anyone else dared to mess with any of them, they would deliver hell on wheels. The werewolf would no doubt follow Ruina to Ritha, regardless of Revalor's say.

Thaola too would no doubt follow Ruina to Ritha. The two had been best friends for years. Ruina had been the reason Thaola had received a home and a family. Her loyalty to her best friend was unwavering and her mind would be made too if Tarron was going. They were literally three peas in a pod. Thaola highly doubted anything could break the three of them up. Their bond was too strong. Not to mention they were a lot alike as well.

Ruina wished she could slip into a deep sleep, but alas she couldn't. She did something of a doze, laying there beside Enzo. The room was quiet and yet peaceful. For the first time in a long time, Ruina never wanted to get up. Laying beside Enzo made her feel incredibly relaxed. And yet, she dozed for who knows how long. She didn't keep track of time, her eyes squeezed shut as she dozed. Desperately hoping to fall into a deep sleep. To get at least some sleep before she had to get up. Or before someone came and woke them up. Ruina had no doubt someone would barge in. Would it be Amber? Trying to get Enzo to change his mind? Would it be Ikaris? The wereeagle known for barging in at random times. Would it be Tarron and/or Thaola? Looking for the werewolf who had left no note that she was not going to be in her own room that night? There was no telling.

As the sun began to rise, Ruina finally managed to slip into a deep sleep. Her body finally fully relaxing and her breathing completely steadying. There were no dreams, no nightmares, just nothingness. Which was completely fine with the werewolf. In her opinion that was the best way to sleep. No dreams. Just pure bliss and silence. Her thought was after long days of constant thinking, sleeping and thinking of nothing was a great way to recharge. Alas, she rarely got those kinds of sleeps. She often dreamed, and not all of them were nice dreams either.

Thaola hums as she moves, she'd been awake for a while, but knowing how her friends were she hadn't gone to bother them yet. Tarron would wake up five minutes before it was time to report to class and Ruina would be up soon. For about an hour Thaola just moved around her room, just fiddling with things. And finally, the werelioness decided it was time to bother Ruina. They were neighbors so it took like five seconds for Thaola to reach Ruina's door where the werelioness knocks before flinging the door open. "Ruina! Good--" Thaola gaps at the obviously empty bed. Where was the werewolf? Thaola glances at the bathroom and closet, nope, empty. The werelioness spins around, exiting the room as she slams the door shut behind her.

The next hall was Tarron's hall and she storms down there, this time not even knocking as she flings the door open. A low growl echoes from the bed,"I swear to go, Thaola--" The werelioness cuts him off,"Ruina's not in her room." Suddenly a figure pops up, it was Tarron,"You're kidding." Thaola shakes her head,"Nope." Tarron sighs,"Alright. Let me get dressed." Thaola curtly nods before she exits Tarron's room, closing the door behind her. The werelioness paces the hall back and forth as she waits. Where the hell did the werewolf go? She never left her room without a note or without telling one of them. Especially in the morning. It was their routine. Thaola came and got Ruina and they went to get Tarron and then they went to breakfast. That was how it went.

Suddenly Ruina was rudely awoken out of her slumber. She heard the door slam into the wall and then a shout. "Morning motherfucker!" Ruina's eyes flash open and she was absolutely pissed. She'd gone to bed very late and he just came barging in. With as much fury flooding her body, she just barley heard the villainous chuckle. "Well, well, well, do my eyes deceive me? Or is that a werewolf in my best friend's bed?" Then the fucking wereeagle opened the blinds. "Get. Out. Bird." Ruina couldn't help it, next thing she knew an angry growl rippled from her chest and she was sitting up. It was almost like instinct as she grabbed for whatever she could get first from the night stand beside her. She didn't even look at what she grabbed, she just threw it as hard as she could at the wereeagle. "Get the fuck out!"

"Leave? Now? Not likely!" Ruina snarls, she was exhausted and pissed. With another glare at the wereeagle she simply flops back down, burying herself under the pillows. Squeezing her eyes shut and pretending to ignore everything even though she could still hear Ikaris. "So, you two kids, hm? Interesting." Interesting? If he kept bugging them she'd show him interesting. A foot up his ass. Maybe getting thrown in the hallway. She hadn't decided yet. At least he had tried to joke they actually slept together. It had been a rather uneventful night in terms of that. But it had been eventful and she had had very little sleep. Oh yeah, the werewolf was absolutely livid at the wereeagle.

There was a knock on the door and then five seconds later it is flung open. Thaola rambling,"Enzo. Have you seen Ruina? She's not in her-- Oh my..." The werelioness trails off as she sees Ruina's figure on the bed. A low growl echoes from the werewolf,"Get the fuck out and let me get some fucking sleep." Thaola and Tarron were standing there, stunned. They never expected this, this was a curveball for them. Ruina had never said anything about that. Thaola and Tarron glance at each other,"Um." Ruina sighs, she wasn't going to be able to get anymore sleep was she? They were going to be incredibly nosy and incredibly annoying.

Enzo, even now, is a meticulous being where it’s needed. It’s a skill he’ll surely practice more in the future than now, but he does what he believes is right. Him and Ruina are similar in that way. Enzo will defy, perhaps even change laws where they need to be adjusted, in order to accommodate better to what is right. The wereleopard even bends the rule on stealing… that will surely change when he’s not a playful school bound boy, but Enzo bends for the right reasons when it comes to just about everything. While he could not and would not speak for or even try to manipulate anyone into doing anything, Enzo may try to sway. If that had to be Ruina one day, then he would plead his case as to why she should stay with him, despite potential hardships and complications, and he would leave her to ultimately decide what was best for her. Depending on how things turn out, Enzo may do the same with Tarron and Thaola.

Enzo does not believe he knows what is best for everyone. This will make him a rather open minded ruler though. The things he decides affect the entire kingdom, so shouldn’t they have some say in it all? To a certain degree Enzo believed the people deserved a say, and a voice. And he will give it to them. If Ruina is the one to be crowned as Ritha’s future Queen, then Enzo will allow the people’s vocalizations about her to be heard. ‘She’s not one of our people’, ‘How do we know she won’t choose Truhan over Ritha with loyalty?’, ‘She’s nothing like Annika’. All things likely to be heard, among vast other things. Enzo would be prepared, though he has a fairly cool, charismatic essence to him that allows none of that to bother him. It shouldn’t bother Ruina either. If the worst thing about Ruina is that she’s from another kingdom, if it’s that she fights for what she’s loyal to, and if she sees things in a unique perspective, is that really so bad?

Ritha may not immediately bow to a Truhan at first, but Enzo really does have a way with words. It’s a gift, and one he plans to use wisely. Besides, Ruina would shine to the people in ways Enzo will specifically highlight. Enzo may be more of a typical leader, but he is not like previous rulers of Ritha either. He envisions change, he will make changes, and that is regardless of who stands beside him. The future for Enzo was complicated regardless, so why not power through with someone he loves beside him? Having Ruina is the best he can hope for, and if she or maybe even Tarron and Thaola require certain accommodations, Enzo will do whatever ultimately leads to Ruina’s happiness. Or at least he’ll try to do everything in his power to make her happy. Enzo knew he wouldn’t be enough if she chose him and a rival kingdom, she may say he is enough, but he knew he wouldn’t be. Ruina still loves her family, her kingdom, Tarron, and Thaola. If she was separated from it all, then she would not be as happy as possible. And Enzo would hate himself for that; knowing that who he is and what they are is what stands between her being happy overall. So in that way, if Enzo can’t deliver the happiness he believes she both needs and deserves, then he could very well push Ruina away from him. Because he loves her that much. If Enzo believes he is what stands in the way of Ruina’s happiness, then what other choice would he have then to remove himself if he can’t provide it?

That’s a form of tragic love to Enzo, but nonetheless real. It would kill him inside, absolutely destroy him, but he wouldn’t let him wanting her come between Ruina’s kingdom, her family, or her friends. He didn’t want her to be alone in Ritha just at his side, surrounded by strangers. That’s not fair to Ruina. And that is how Enzo would see it. For the greater good he’ll break his own heart and hers, with the hopes her heart will heal surrounded by everything she loves, and he will be a lonely, heartbroken ruler. This he will accept though before he ever lets Ruina become unhappy at his side. The things Enzo would do for Ruina she may not understand, she may never even know just how deep his love for her runs, but that love is what will flow through his veins forever and always. No matter the future.

Ikaris though, in terms of Ruina’s growl and current unhappiness, was unphased. Until he looked over just to an object getting hurled at him, to which he moved enough for it to just hit his shoulder. Of course the first place Ikaris went to protect was his face, but with a face like his, can you blame the guy? "Get the fuck out!" Instead of a sensible reaction, Ikaris merely chuckled, in a delighted fashion at that. Two for one angry wereanimals this morning, score! His shoulder took the brunt of his current joy, but his shoulder would be fine. This was worth it.

While Ikaris turned his head curiously towards the sound of a knock at the door, Enzo was not thrilled while hiding his face in his pillow. Not with Ikaris, and not with whoever was at the door. "Enzo. Have you seen Ruina? She's not in her-- Oh my…” Enzo only turned his head with a sigh to lightly glare in Thaola’s direction because he heard his name. Ikaris leaned forward to chuckle as he looked at the two other Truhan’s and then back to the beings on the bed. Oh this is shaping up to be a lovely morning for Ikaris. "Get the fuck out and let me get some fucking sleep.” Spoken exactly what’s on Enzo’s mind, though he already made peace with the fact he would not be left alone. Definitely not right now. His room is a free for all apparently, good to see he’s so respected. Not. “Um.” At this point, Enzo sat up with a light scowl while running his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry about this.” The wereleopard spoke quietly to Ruina, though he was apologizing for the entire situation.

Removing himself from bed and standing up, the wereleopard had a mellow, but still lingering angry expression. “I understand this is not what any of you expected, but could you do the damn courtesy of closing the door? I don’t care what side of it you’re on, but I don’t need the whole school leaning into my door frame to get a glimpse of this scene. So please, and thank you, shut it.” Enzo said with a smile that showed just how passive aggressive he was being. Making an irritated noise, the wereleopard walked into his bathroom and slammed the door behind him. He already had clothes in there, so why not change now? Ikaris stayed quiet as his fuming friend walked by. “Does Amber know about… whatever this is?” Ikaris asked in a louder tone so Enzo could hear the question. “No!” Enzo shouted back in an irritated manner. “Can I tell her?” Ikaris proceeded to ask. “No!” An angry shout came again from Enzo. “Well what can I do then?” Ikaris asked in a childish tone of complaining, and Enzo was quick to reply. “Shut the fuck up, and get the hell out of my room!” That shout was accompanied by a growl Ikaris could practically feel from his chair.

Exiting the bathroom a moment later in a white T-shirt and black jeans, Enzo walked to his closet to lazily thumb through his jackets. “I broke up with Amber yesterday afternoon.” Enzo spoke in a calmer tone as he settled on a black hoodie. Ikaris furrowed his brows in slight disbelief, before that disappeared and he smirked. “So my boy ditched a bitch and picked up on another princess in less than a day? Nice.” Ikaris stood up to give Enzo a high five, but as a guy, that’s an accomplishment. The wereleopard did not return the high five, and instead left that information to sit as he walked back into the bathroom to mess with his hair, though he kept the door open this time to be able to still keep a conversation.

As much as it would pain Enzo to admit, circumstance would also determine what Enzo may choose in any given moment. The wereleopard wanted it to always be Ruina, and for the most part it would be, but at the end of the day… when he’s a King, Ritha will need him to be one. To act like one. To choose his kingdom like one. Of course, what his kingdom would require of him would vary, and still, slight upsets at who his Queen may be won’t be enough to sway Enzo from not choosing Ruina. But if his people were greatly put in harm's way, if their lives were in jeopardy, whether it be because of who he chooses to love -or some other unfortunate thing- his people will come first. They rely on him, and it is not in Enzo’s blood to let an entire kingdom down. He can’t do that.

Regardless, through the likely scenarios of Ritha being hesitant to accept Ruina should she be their Queen one day, Enzo would still stand beside her. Suspicions and doubts were things he alone could conquer, and if he couldn’t, the only force Enzo was willing to accept that was greater than him, is love. So what he can’t defeat, surely love will conquer. And as long as he has love to believe in, and a love to fight for, then his devotion will be unwavering and nothing short of relentless. Everything would be fine as long as he had Ruina, and even when things go wrong, he fully believed Ruina would make any dark days to come just a little brighter than they would be without her.

Ikaris still found this to be a lovely morning. It truly delighted him to be the nuisance to both Enzo and Ruina, and what better way to start their first morning off together then with a morning audience? Would this happen every school morning? The two in love wereanimals inhabiting Enzo’s room, and as soon as morning rolls around… obnoxious wake up call! Both Ikaris and Enzo were entangled in a bet though that involved the morning routine, and the wereeagle was not losing. The bet being that due to Ikaris’ sheer disregard of commitments, that if he failed to be Enzo’s alarm every school morning, then he would wear the most horrid, womanly clothes Enzo can find for the entirety of the last week of school. And if Enzo refused to get up and attend class after Ikaris’ wake up call, then he would be the one suffering at the hands of whatever kind of clothing Ikaris found for the wereleopard to wear for the last week of school. So neither boy was keen on losing, thus the game continues.

"You have class." Ikaris sent a sharp look Enzo’s way after Thaola spoke. "They can kiss my ass." A haughty huff came from Enzo, as if that were his own words spoken. "Seriously? If you wanted sleep, you would have gotten some." Ikaris bit his bottom lip slightly in order to refrain from snickering at Ruina as the werewolf unburied her head with an anger filled look. "Get the fuck out." The wereeagle couldn’t help but allow a small noise of amusement to escape him, moving his hand in front of his mouth to block any more noise and to conceal his smile, though his eyes greatly glinted with amusement. Ikaris has a tendency to laugh at people when they’re angry, it usually never helps the situation, but he just can’t help himself. Enzo had sent a brief glare to Ikaris, though just as quickly his eyes softened when they settled back to Ruina. "It's not your fault." Enzo sighed in response, but he felt just as internally defeated as she sounded.

"Did you guys do anything last night? Where were you last night? How long has this been going on? Isn't Enzo still with Amber?" Ikaris pretty much disregarded Thaola’s voice before he desired answers to his own questions, which he had directed at Enzo. The poor wereleopard’s room certainly was filled with much more noise, and voices, than usual. Enzo could only imagine how thrilled his neighbors were with him right now. "No, we didn't do anything last night. I was wandering the halls last night and ran into Enzo, we got to talking, and we ended up here. It's been going on since last night.” As Ruina finished, Ikaris’ gaze moved to the werewolf. “We need a hall monitor.” Ikaris muttered, but more thoughtfully. If he managed to land a position like that, and if he did catch someone like Ruina out at night, perhaps he could make deals. Favors in exchange for his silence on their rule breaking.

“You think you guys could leave? It's not like we won't be seeing each other again shortly.” Ikaris chuckled before throwing in a quick response towards Thaola and Tarron. “Yeah guys, damn, anything more than three is a crowd.” Tsking his tongue with a shake of his head, Ikaris refused to take the request to leave as being directed towards him in any way, but Enzo’s glare towards the wereeagle said otherwise. “So angry." Ikaris nodded in steadfast agreement. "You would be too if you got barely any sleep and then was rudely awoken by an obnoxiously loud wereeagle." A dramatic gasp escaped Ikaris as he sat forward, blue eyes trained on Ruina. “I’ll take that as a compliment, thank you very much. And don’t be so pissy, I’m just doing my job. If you don’t like your slumber so obnoxiously interrupted in Enzo’s room in the morning, then tell your boy toy to call off our bet.” The wereeagle huffed, crossing his arms before sitting back. “Not going to happen.” Enzo muttered, back handing Ikaris as he walked by the wereeagle. The two boys were seconds away form a physical scuffle, only Ikaris relenting from standing up to hit back at the sound of Ruina’s voice. "I'm skipping class." Ikaris’ attention turned back to the Truhan’s. "Seriously?”

“She wants to stay behind to dream about cuddling with her new boyfriend.” Ikaris mused with a laugh in Ruina’s direction. “Jealous no one wants to cuddle with you, birdie?” Enzo retorted, with Ikaris scoffing. “I would choose cuddling with myself over anyone else any day.” The wereeagle replied proudly. “I need sleep, Thaola. And I don't think anyone wants to deal with a pissed off werewolf." The boys both looked back to Ruina. “She's not wrong, Thaola." Ikaris was quick to interject. “I beg to differ. If I piss her off enough now, I’ll just point her in Amber’s direction later. It’ll make today even better than it already is.” The wereeagle beamed, while Enzo shook his head. “If Ruina mauls you instead, I’m not intervening. She has my full support.” Enzo said to his friend, though at this point Enzo was close to mauling the bird himself.

"Fine. But don't think you've escaped the questions, I've still got plenty for you." Ikaris figured he wouldn’t have to ask Enzo many questions to get the story out of the wereleopard, so for now he wouldn’t pester. The wereeagle threw a smile back to Thaola before he watched the two Truhan’s exit, which left the three amigos alone once more! “You too, out.” Enzo sharply spoke, to which Ikaris deflated. “Whatever,” he muttered while dramatically standing up, flicking one of Enzo’s plant’s leaves as he walked by. “I bet you didn’t know all of his plants have names. You picked a real weirdo to have the hots for.” Ikaris smirked towards Ruina, briskly exiting before Enzo had the chance to throw something at him. The wereleopard growled, giving a defensive type scowl to Ruina. “I don’t name them.” He grumbled… which was a lie. But do you think he’s keen on sharing all of his quirks with Ruina right now? No. “If you want some time to yourself, I can meet you in the cafeteria. Or first period, whichever you show up to first.” Enzo spoke, fidgeting with his jacket sleeves as he watched Ruina.

It’s not the morning either wanted, and while they were both currently in his room, he didn’t mind leaving her alone so she could have a few minutes before gathering herself to go back to her own room. Enzo would still try and nab a small breakfast, maybe get a head start in intercepting Amber, or her squad of minions. Would Amber have even told anyone they weren’t official anymore yet? Enzo supposed he would find out once he steps through the threshold of his room. Still, he felt nearly obligated to stay in closer proximity to Ruina, as if he could be the living shield from what lies beyond the door for her. Of course he knew the werewolf could handle herself, with rumors or more, but it wouldn’t stop Enzo from feeling the need to be protective.

Ruina was so incredibly close to strangling whichever wereanimal came closest to her, besides Enzo. However she bit back her temper, she knew this would probably be something she'd have to get use to. Especially if the two started sharing a room. The werewolf simply leaned back against the pillow, her grey eyes stormy with annoyance. She just wanted a little bit more sleep. She was exhausted and if she were to make a trip to Truhan soon, she'd need a decent amount of sleep. Although her temper was not improved after she just barely caught the small noise of amusement from Ikaris. And even though the wereeagle hid his smile, she knew he was amused. Which would have pissed Ruina off more, but she was starting to get to the point of not caring.

The room felt so... full. Ruina had only been inside it once, well and now, but she prefered it how it was. Quiet and peaceful and yet it was being invaded. She felt like it was her fault. No doubt Ikaris would have already left by now to allow Enzo to get ready and neither Thaola or Tarron had any reason to come to Enzo's except for the fact they were looking for Ruina. "We need a hall monitor." Ruina rolls her eyes,"What? Are we little kids? We're fucking adults, we don't need a babysitter. We can do as we please." The idea of a hall monitor did not sit well with Ruina, she did not like that. They were all adults, not little kids who needed someone to keep an eye on them every second of the day and night. Hall monitors were useless to the werewolf.

"Yeah guys, damn, anything more than three is a crowd." The look Thaola threw Ikaris was hardly amused, yet the werelioness had no room to say anything as Ruina couldn't help the low growl that escaped her lips. At that moment in time, anything more than two was a crowd. She just wanted them all to leave. Her eyes swing towards the wereeagle as he gasps. "I'll take that as a compliment, thank you very much. And don't be so pissy, I'm just doing my job. If you don't like your slumber so obnoxiously interrupted in Enzo's room in the morning, then tell your boy toy to call of our bet." An angry growl started to rise at the back of her throat, but the werewolf fought it back, resisting the urge to do anything. She was about damn ready to snap and shove Ikaris out the door.

"Not going to happen." Ruina glances back at Ikaris as he starts speaking,"She wants to stay behind to dream about cuddling with her new boyfriend." Yet another time Ruina simply bit her tongue, she wasn't going to rise to the bait. Though her expression softened with amusement at Enzo's retort. "Jealous no one wants to cuddle with you, birdie?" And yet, the wereeagle had a answer to fire back, as usual. "I would choose cuddling with myself over anyone else any day." This time Ruina couldn't hold it in, but she did mutter it under her breath. "Oh, do you fondle yourself too?" The sarcasm in her voice was heavy and it was cleared she was teetering on the line of losing it. Of course, she wasn't exactly sure if anyone actually heard what she had say.

"I beg to differ. If I piss her off enough now, I'll just point her in Amber's direction later. It'll make today even better than it already is." Ruina snaps,"For you. Unlike you, I don't always turn to violence. Although I'm starting to rethink that policy if you don't get the fuck out." "If Ruina mauls you instead, I'm not intervening. She has my full support." Ruina couldn't help but bare her teeth to show she was real real close to doing exactly that. Mauling the shit out of the wereeagle. If it got him to shut up, she would do it. She was in no mood for Ikaris that morning. Perhaps any other time, she'd simply laugh along or make jokes as well, but not that morning. She was tired and now in a pissy mood. Not a good combination.

Thaola returns the smile. Her and Tarron were headed for the cafeteria. They'd snag some food before they went to their first hour. Of course, even if it didn't show, they were intrigued to see how first hour went. Especially if Enzo and Amber had broken up and Enzo made it clear to the werefox him and Ruina were together. It would be a cold blow, but worth it. Amber would be pissed no doubt, having been trying to bully Ruina only to get her ass kicked. And then now her ex-boyfriend, who she was no doubt still head over heels for, just got together with the wereanimal who kicked her ass and humiliated her.

"You too, out." Ruina glares at Ikaris, hoping that helped get the wereeagle out. "Whatever." The wereeagle started for the door. "I bet you didn't know all of his plants have names. You picked a real weirdo to have the hots for." Ruina rolls her eyes after the wereeagle, so what he named his plants? There was nothing wrong with that. But she wouldn't miss the chance to tease Enzo about it. What could she say? It would be funny, and of course, she wouldn't mean it. She'd make that clear, that she didn't mean to insult him or his plants before she ever started teasing him about it. "I don't name them." Ruina couldn't help the smile, chuckling slightly. Now that everyone had left, she'd relaxed a little. She was still tired and pissy, but not as bad anymore.

"If you want some time to yourself, I can meet you in the cafeteria. Or first period, whichever you show up to first." Ruina yawns as she slips out of bed,"It's whatever you want. I don't mind at all. You're welcome to come with me to my room and wait there while I change and get ready really quick, or yes, I can meet you in first hour." She'd miss breakfast, she knew that much. But she'd survive to lunch. Wouldn't be the first, nor the last, time she'd skipped a meal. And perhaps a part of her wanted Enzo to go with her. She'd seen his room and now she kind of wanted him to see hers. It wasn't really that interesting, her room was plain, but still... But she wasn't going to have him go to her room if he didn't want to.

There was also the issue of Amber. There was no way in hell that Ruina was scared of Amber, but the werewolf was in no mood to deal with the werefox. If news got back to the werefox that Enzo and Ruina were together, unofficially, officially, whatever you want to call it, it would become a living hell for Ruina. And Ruina was more than happy to put the werefox back in her place, but she didn't really want to. She'd already done it once, and Ruina almost went to far. She didn't want to risk it again. If Ruina was scared of anything, it would be that if there was a next time, she wouldn't be able to pull back. She was a warrior, not a monster.

Ruina couldn't help but wonder if Amber would just randomly pop up. Barging in, maybe hoping to catch Enzo alone and try to convince him that it wasn't right to break up. Or whatever the werefox would want to do. Because no doubt she was heartbroken that Enzo had broken up with her. Everyone could tell that Amber had been head over heels obsessed with the wereleopard. Of course, the Truhan's always found it weird and slightly creepy how obsessed Amber had been with Enzo. But none really said anything, they barely tolerated Amber, and now all were glad that she was pretty much gone out of the group. Since Enzo had broken up with her, that was basically her last tie to the group.

"Please, most of us are mentally twelve here. Me included! Thus I vote hall monitor, and I volunteer myself for such a position." Ruina rolls her eyes, she would quite literally kick the wereeagle's ass if he ended up as hall monitor. Mainly because she enjoyed roaming the halls at night, it gave her time to think, and she wasn't going to let anyone take that away from her. "You give yourself too much credit, we all know you're mentally six. Maybe seven on a good day." Ruina chuckles, she could agree with that. She honestly wondered if somehow Ikaris just never actually grew up. If only the physical aspects of the wereeagle grew up, and not the mental parts.

The werewolf was really fighting to keep her temper cool, which would be a lot easier if she had some more sleep under her belt. And of course, Ikaris could be incredibly annoying. The wereeagle seemed to be trying to push her past her snapping point. However, for the most part, her temper had cooled pretty well. She was just annoyed now, waiting for Ikaris to finally get out. "Only in front of a mirror." Ruina's nose wrinkles in disgust, she didn't really want an answer, and she didn't want to know. Was it a surprise? Knowing Ikaris? No. But still, disgusting.

"I'm right here." In response Ruina flicks her claws out. Though she makes no move, she wasn't really going to do anything. She'd gotten a pretty decent control on her temper. Though the anger was still in her grey eyes as she allows her paw and claws to turn back into a normal human hand. She also figured since it was Enzo's room, she better not tear it up. If it were her own, or even Ikaris', she probably would have launched herself at the wereeagle just to teach him a lesson. Well, at least attempt to.

"I'd love to accompany you to your room, my lady." Ruina's smile grows slightly as Enzo sweeps into a bow. She shakes her head, he didn't need to bow. She never liked it when people bowed to her anyway. "Or Your Highness? Your Grace? Your... Warriorness?" She was use to all kinds of titles. My Lady. Your Highness. Wolf Princess. Warrior of Truhan. She'd heard them all... except for Your Warriorness. That was a new one. She shakes her head again, amusement clear in her eyes,"Your Warriorness? That's a new one." It did feel odd that Enzo had addressed her as something besides Ruina, or werewolf. She'd gotten use to Enzo, and Ikaris, just calling her by her name.

Ruina follows Enzo to the door, hesitating slightly, what was on the other side? If word had spread, no doubt wereanimals would want to see. They'd want confirmation, and they'd get word back to Amber quickly, if it hadn't already gotten to the werefox. She wasn't looking forward to all the attention. The whole situation would have the school talking. Especially after Ruina had just kicked Enzo's ex's butt... In the middle of class. And how would Enzo take it? Would more rumors start up? Would Amber start all her antics again? Ruina honestly didn't know, but she figured they could handle it all. Ruina was no sissy princess who couldn't take care of herself, and everyone was well aware of that.

She was kind of nervous of Enzo seeing her room, it was plain and empty, and boring. Would he judge? Would he wonder why it was so empty? Ruina had always thought of adding some color and decoration to her room, but she hardly spent any time in there, so she just never got around to doing it. She figured there was truly no point either. She was a warrior, not a decorator. Not that she had no care in the world what things looked like. But, no one was ever in her room anyways, at the school or at Truhan. Enzo was the first one to even see her room, besides Tarron and Thaola. But then again, Tarron and Thaola's rooms were pretty damn plain as well.

Speaking of which, Ruina reminded herself to talk to Tarron and Thaola about returning to Truhan soon. They needed to visit and see what was happening. It did bug Ruina a little that her father hadn't requested them home. She also had heard no word from any of her family since Revalor had visited. Which meant everything was smoothing over and citizens were no longer disappearing. Or that everyone had disappeared and there was no more Truhan. That scared Ruina, because she had no idea what was devouring the citizens of Truhan. Whatever it was, it could move on to the rest of the continent soon.

Enzo certainly was praying that a teary eyed, dramatic Amber wouldn’t come waltzing through his door. Judging by the state she was in yesterday afternoon, quite honestly Enzo would be surprised if she even attended class today. Let alone leave her room for any reason. However if it wasn’t Amber storming through the halls, no doubt her gossiping posse would get back to her sooner or later about Enzo and Ruina. And Amber very much has the potential to fly into an absolute bat shit crazy mood over hearing about Enzo moving on so quickly.

In response to Ruina flicking her claws out to Ikaris’ challenge, the wereeagle’s smile was enough to express that he knew she wouldn’t go any further. It would delight him if she did, but he also doubted Enzo would let a spar break out in his room. Especially since the wereleopard had shuffled a small side step closer to his vase as he observed Ruina. It’s definitely safe to say that Ikaris -in a sense- is truly mentally stunted in a forever childish hold as well. Of course he can be serious, maybe even a little wiser beyond his years in some aspects, but those moments are few and far between.

Enzo didn’t think much of the title he had made up to address Ruina by, not until he saw the amusement in her eyes. “Your Warriorness? That's a new one." Chuckling in response while running a quick hand through his hair, Enzo then gave a light shrug. “It sounded better in my head, it sounds kind of clunky out loud though.” He smiled, though to Enzo it just didn’t have the same ring out loud as it did in his head. It was meant to be endearing… although he feels he may have fallen short a bit. There’s a fairly large gap between Enzo as a friend and Enzo as a romantic partner though. For sure he’s the King of trying too hard and overthinking when it comes to the realm of romance. The wereleopard is very big on grand gestures as well, such as for dates. Such as a sunset trail ride in the woodlands of Ritha, the trail ending at a clearing where candles and a dinner would be set up beneath an elegant weeping willow. Enzo would encourage Ruina to join him for a dance beneath the tree, ending the dance just to face her in the direction of where a custom firework show would begin just for her. There were already many visions he had of what he could do for Ruina. Perhaps he could even get her to be Ritha’s honorary guest for the week-long festival to celebrate the summer solstice. It would be nice to finally have a date he actually enjoyed spending time with during that event too.

Opening the door to allow Ruina passage out, Enzo waited for her to pass through the threshold before he followed suit and closed the door behind him. There weren’t many eyes on them… at first. That didn’t start until Enzo joined Ruina’s side as they started walking, which was enough to subtly suggest he was closer to Ruina, but not enough to confirm nor deny a relationship past friendship. But whispers did begin, rumors would spread, but that was just the nature of things like this. Enzo could live with rumors, but now that he was meeting the eyes of some of the other wereanimals in the halls… it was other males he was carefully watching. Call him a tad possessive, maybe a smidge jealous, but if he feels another male is after Ruina’s attention even in the slightest, he will shamelessly make clear that she’s already got a suitor. And one that will not play nice in the face of other male competition.

Enzo primarily allowed Ruina to lead the way to her room, while his amber eyes briefly flickered over various faces until they made it to her room. Naturally he had put a hand out to open the door for her, but he pulled back. “Sorry, I suppose you can open the door to your own room for yourself.” He smiled, clasping his hands in front of him. Enzo didn’t want to be viewed as trying to take things over, though he guessed some of his over helping could be easily viewed as trying to be a control freak. Casting a glance to a small group of wereanimals passing them, their snickers and stares as they passed was enough to get Enzo to clench his jaw, but ultimately he looked away to ignore them. It begins so soon? The young adults here really don’t miss any chance at gossip. It spreads far faster than any wildfire apparently as well. But for now he had Ruina to focus on, and her room. There’s only been two feminine rooms Enzo has ever entered before prior to this; his mother’s chambers and Amber’s room here. To each their own, and he assumed Ruina’s room would look nothing like the glam filled rooms of the other women in his life. Well, the one other woman in his life, with Amber out of the picture now.