Apology [7/23] Emmaline/Nikolai

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"Then that makes two of us, Nikolai. You are not the only one who questions themselves near constantly, or wonders if they put a foot wrong, or lack for witty conversation." For the sake of the openness of the conversation, Emma chose to continue speaking in the Sarkozsy tongue, hoping it would help banish any lingering chances for misunderstanding. "I find myself lacking more confidence than ever over this. Because it made me feel... less. And I will speak candidly. I don't know if I can get over that."

She said it quietly, careful to keep judgment or condemnation from her tone. They were being honest now, and he deserved to know that her perspective now was a less than favorable one. They could try again, but the foundation was flawed, cracked and unsteady.

Glad to change the topic, she blinked at him, then snorted out a laugh. "No, he doesn't. They're friends, but no more."


Prince Nikolai Fyodorov

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

"I understand." He wondered how many people experienced a shaky start to their relationship and whether they glossed over the problems, hoping everything would be all right. The two of them were honest and maybe, if they were lucky, it would weed out the problems before they got any bigger. At least the two of them cleared the air and for that he was grateful. And fair enough, maybe she would never get over it. Emotional damage was everlasting, for the most part.

Nikolai furrowed his brow in confusion. "Are you positive? Yurkov said he saw the two hugging," he said and then shrugged that thought away. "Shame. Speaking of Yurkov…" He reached into the little pouch he kept by his side and pulled out a misshapen blob of glass. Inside was a whole skin that a snake had shed. "He said it was a representation of me and I have no idea what he meant by that."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

She might get over it. She might not. Emma was not going to make a promise to Nikolai that she wasn't sure she could keep. He claimed that how he initially presented himself was not who he really was, yet there was a firm part of her that couldn't help but think there was some sliver of truth. Her eyes cooled with the challenge, but she merely shrugged. Let him believe what he wanted about Sergei and Natalie; she was not interested in engaging in a pointless argument with him if he couldn't accept what she said. If he wanted to know the truth so badly, he could go and ask Sergei himself.

At the mention of the comment, Emma glanced into the glass and observed the shed skin, a faint, humorless smile forming. "I don't think you really want me to explain what he means. It isn't flattering, Your Highness. Very little about a snake can be considered complimentary."


Prince Nikolai Fyodorov