Heyo! Sorry it took longer than normal for this update, I'm lacking inspiration but I'll try my best to continue this! Anyway hope you enjoy!

Patton ended up dropping the fact that I was supposed to go with Roman and just focused on his own date. Patton ended up going early which I didn't mind, he needed some time for himself well in my opinion anyway. Me being the Lord I needed to take care of the creatures who wanted to go to the Ball. As we walked/flew/rode through Lionheart we were greeted by lots of people, some more welcoming than others.

Once reaching the castle most of the creatures stuck as close to me as possible, but slowly they went there own ways separating themselves from me. With them gone I couldn't help but feel that I wasn't needed here. My thoughts were interrupted by something/someone colliding with me, spilling something wet down my shirt.

"I'm so so so sorry!!!" to my surprise it was Carol. She was bowing profoundly repeating an apology. I put my hand on her shoulder making her look up at me, "It's okay" my voice was uncharacteristically soft. For some reason I felt sympathetic for her, I had no idea why.

As I lowered my hand from her shoulder she wiped away a stray tear, "Sorry..." she lowered her hands, fiddling with her fingers, looking at the ground. "Everything okay?" she looked at me before quickly averting her gaze to the left, "Y-yeah" my anxiety started to rise, playing all possible scenarios in my head. "I-i'll go get some napkins" with that she left.

I let out a sigh of relief. I never really liked social interaction; it always made me feel anxious. As I stood there I unconsciously tapped my foot on the floor not even realizing that Carol had returned until she spoke, "I-I have the napkins" she pushed the napkins onto my shirt dragging it over the wet spots. I tried to say something or grab the napkins but my anxiety shot me down. I just stood there awkwardly as she tried to get rid of the red drink that covered my shirt. As she scrubbed she hit where Roman had striked me. Out of instinct I grabbed her hand. Her face was one of terror, this sent me back to my time with Deceit. I then realized why I felt sympathy for her, it was because she reminded me of... well me.

I let go of her wrist grabbing the cloth in her hand then taking her hand in mine, leading her to the garden. I sat down on a bench patting the spot next to me. She sat next to me. We sat there in silence for a bit before I decided to take action. I draped my arm around her, "It'll get better" at that she let out a sod burying her face into my shoulder. I turned my body so that she could lay on my chest, as I rubbed circles on her back. "Let it all out..." she let out a choked sob, tightening her grip on my shirt. I just sat there letting her fall asleep, head on my chest and hand loosely grabbing the sides of my shirt.

I wiped the remaining tears from her face before calling for Gareth. You called, m'lord? I nodded my head not wanting to wake Carol. I picked her up bridal style, bringing her to Gareth. Could you take us to Adoren. Yes of course! Thank you. I climbed onto Gareth's back, Carol still in my arms. I made sure that Gareth stayed steady not making any moves that could potentially wake Carol.

I had Gareth drop us off near the market. There was a library that was rarely visited. Once there I sat Carol on one of the couch-like structures placing my hooded cape on her for warmth. I thought about resting a bit myself, but decided to read instead. I found a book named 'Phantomdream, Grimoire of Nightmares'. I knew that a Grimoire was a book of spells or creating talisman, amulets and such. I opened the book and began reading. I had never heard of some of the spells before, making me more intrigued.

I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. I immediately closed my book ready to attack, turns out it was just Carol. She was now awake and was glancing around the library, not noticing me somehow, she looked confused. "You're in Adoren" her attention was immediately on me. I stood walking over to a big red drape tucked inside to cracks in the wall. "How long have I been here?" I yanked the drape down allowing light to enter the room. The sun was just now rising, "All night" to be honest I was shocked. I had stayed up all night reading the Grimoire. I felt a presence beside me, "How did I get here?" I looked out the window, "Gareth" "You mean that manticore from my first visit?!" I nodded my head, "We should probably get you home" she nodded her head.

Word count 847 not including these

What's up! Thank thank you so so so much for 2K! This means so much to me! Okay, I will most likely get another update out today or early morning tomorrow, but things can change so don't count on it. Welp thanks for reading my trash! Until next time you beautiful beans!