No Place for You! [ 4/8, Riordan/Julia, OPEN ]

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Court had gotten off to a riproaring start and that meant Julia was already prepared to bury her head in the sand. Her father being such a sociable, polite creature, of course, had managed to put their name on the lips of every court gossip for miles with his little confrontation. Exasperated and frustrated in equal parts, Julia agreed to chaperon her sisters on a trip down into the marketplace for new ribbons, silk thread and whatever else they couldn't live without. Hopefully, she'd find something to put herself in a better mood, especially after that night.

Moving down the road towards the large square not too far from the castle with her sisters giggling and talking, she stayed quiet, paying no real attention to what was being said. While she didn't want to necessarily dismiss her father's vassal out of hand, something wasn't right now that she had time to think about the situation. Trevelyan had been panicked, frantic in his demand for action on the part of his liege lord, but.. why? What could be so wrong?

Consequently, she wasn't paying close attention to her surroundings as she trailed the trio of younger girls and the knight assigned to keep up with them as they walked. It wasn't until she collided with something solid that she finally looked up with a gasp.

Oh, this was not going to be good...

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Just like everyone else, Riordan needed his own time away from the castle. The pressure of behaving just so in Court was starting to become just a little overbearing. It was sadly amusing. Riordan just wanted to be himself, but he wasn't even certain who he was anymore. For instance, he knew that he wanted to be charming, but he couldn't be too charming, otherwise he had a tendency to land himself in a world of trouble. Enjoying the company of a woman was something that simply came naturally to him. There was so much to enjoy. Their beauty, their eyes, the sound of their voice, the quality of their laugh, and lately, as he had come to realize, the quality of conversation.

Selena had been most enjoyable in that regard, and so had Marisa. They were, however, vastly different women. If only he were the Pasha of a far away kingdom where it was accepted to have a harem of women so he wouldn't have to worry about limiting himself. However, dreams of that sort were just that. And what of his encounter with the Lady Julia the other night? It was worth pondering over, that much was certain... but just how tightly did his father cling to tradition?

Distracted by his thoughts, he collided with someone of a distinctly softer physique. Whomever it was, they smelled far too nice to be a man. Upon further inspect, he realized that it was, indeed, not a man in the slightest. "Ah, Lady Julia. I see you've wanted to escape the confines of the castle, as well. How do you fare this day?"

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Of all the persons to collide with in the market, naturally it was the worst conceivable possibility. The Crown Prince. She had not exactly hoped to escape or elude him during this journey into the market, but Julia privately admitted to herself that she'd wanted a brief respite from the intricacies and pitfalls of court. Here, in the person of Riordan, was everything she wanted to escape. Still, she had the presence of mind to quickly curtsy and recover her wits. "Good day, Your Highness. I fare quite well, thank you, enjoying a lovely spring day and the markets of Triadon."

She glanced past him to see his entourage, glad that it was not she who was required to travel with so many. And that her sisters were nowhere in sight. Julia was not ready for her sisters to gush and preen and prance before the Prince yet. "And yourself?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

The Lady Julia was an enigma to Riordan. The Crown Prince had a good bead on Lady Selena and Lady Marisa, but Lady Julia was very much a mystery. Riordan couldn't recall the last time he had seen such a carefully crafted mask within the Court. It made him wonder. True, a noble lady was wise to keep a firm control of her emotions and to keep her agenda in check, but what secrets were lurking beneath her visage and within her mind? He couldn't deny the woman held a certain amount of fascination to him. Was she so completely immune to his charms?

Only one way to find out.

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking," and with that, he turned an assessing gaze on the markets themselves. "Do you mind if I ask just what has caught your eye thus far?" He was referring to the various wares and baubles being hawked and displayed.

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Did he really think himself so charming that every woman instantly swooned at his feet, rendered to a mere quivering mass? Julia had little patience or tolerance for men who believed themselves so irresistible, though her father's sharp words of caution rang in her mind. Rather than delivering the sharp dismissal she wanted to give, she schooled herself to a quiet, calm response. "I have not yet found anything to catch my eye, Your Highness, but then I am only just arriving and have not yet had the opportunity to make a thorough perusal."

She followed his gaze to where the merchants stood, eagerly awaiting the arrival of fresh, wealthy blood and open purses, her own narrowing slightly. "Where would you suggest I begin?" If Julia was to be saddled with his presence, she intended to make use of him accordingly!

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Oh, Riordan wasn't quite that bad. He knew Julia was a woman that needed to be worked on, but who know, perhaps Riordan would appreciate the challenge. However, Riordan was also of the opinion that Julia needed to learn to relax just enough to have a good time, but not so much that she became careless. There was a balance in all things in life. Riordan was still trying to find his.

The suggestion made him smile, and he offered his arm to her, "Perhaps we should start with what you are most interested in. Fine cloth? That man is your answer, but if you're looking for a new pair of earrings, I know a very fine jeweler. How about a new scent in your life? I've recently learned of a perfumer that is attempting to use some spices in his works."

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Julia St. Claire refused to be typical in nearly any respect, least of all in her shopping. Fine cloth, ribbons and fripperies were all well and good for her younger sisters, but he tickled her interest with the mention of spices in scents. Trying not to betray that sudden surge of intrigue, she pursed her lips thoughtfully, allowing her gaze to drift over the assorted merchants and street-sellers. "This perfumer. You are acquainted with his wares and recommend him? Or is it a she?"

She looked back to Riordan curiously; while the prospect of the jeweler certainly tempted her, she did not want to be too much her father's daughter when it came to the sparkle and shine of well-crafted jewels. That was a lowering of the guard she was not yet prepared to give as yet. "If you would be so kind as to guide me there, or perhaps dispense directions for me, Your Highness, please?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"I am acquainted with her wares, yes," he gave a nod along with a smile. This woman was doing a rather good job of controlling herself, that much was for certain. It made Riordan wonder all the more what she was like when she let it all go. No doubt, she could be a truly passionate woman in such circumstances. But alas, that would be a fantasy for another time.

"I wold be delighted to escort you if you'd permit me. She is just down the way," he indicated with one hand while offering his other. While Riordan may have the well deserved reputation of being a rake, he was still going to be a gentleman regardless of such.

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

At least her father would be proud of her. Julia was behaving appropriately, responding politely, even with a measure of warmth to her words as the Prince spoke. A nod indicated he could play escort as she gingerly accepted his arm and fell into step beside him. "It has been some time since I last paid a visit to Triadon and the marketplace. Thank you for guiding me. Are there other shops or merchants you might recommend?"

It was very small talk, but she was playing nice with the Crown Prince, who was thankfully playing nice right back. Her sisters were long gone, followed by a pair of the St. Claire knights, leaving her free of that worry. Determined to make the best of the unexpected encounter, Julia reminded herself that perhaps this was a chance to test who Riordan Carlisle truly was. "If I may be so forward as to inquire your favorite aspect, that is?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Life in Twinport keeping you busy lately?" It was a natural question in face of the confession that she had not been to Triadon in several years. "Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I've been to Twinport in a great many years myself. Or ... any of the other cities," the thought made him frown. Indeed, when had Sedrick himself visited the major cities of the realm in a King's Progress? Would that be one of his first acts of King of Demeria after calling the Lords to swear fealty? It was certainly worth something to consider.

"Of the markets?" He asked by way of clarification, and then went on, "Believe it or not, it is not actually the wares, though some of them are very interesting and enticing. I can't deny that I enjoy watching a good blacksmith at work. No," he shook his head, "It is actually the people of the market that truly catch my eye. I enjoy watching them, interacting, seeing what they are thinking and how they are feeling. The city of Triadon has several pulses. The Marketplace is the pulse of the economy, the city square, inns and taverns are the pulse of the people. It's just a challenge to watch them without being noticed. People behave differently when they know I am watching them, which is understandable."

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Julia wasn't surprised to hear how rare it was for the Crown Prince to leave Triadon, but was it wise to be so insular? She didn't immediately comment on that or on what he added about the markets. His words had her mind working over ideas and thoughts, hopes and plans for the future. One main point continued to ring true in his words - he had the same sort of problem in being Crown Prince that she did in being Daven's daughter. People felt the need to protect and insulate them from the real world around them.

Coming to a halt, she grasped his sleeve to make him stop as well, frowning. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but when's the last time you were just... Riordan? Not the Prince, not the King's son, or even a Carlisle, but just... you? Doesn't it drive you mad that all most people see - sadly, myself included at first - is a crown and a title?" Julia was mildly astonished at herself for the way she was talking, but the question surely had some merit. She just hoped she hadn't mortally offended him. Her father would never forgive her.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Julia surprised him twice in a few short moments. The first surprise came as she gripped his arm to make him stop, and there was a brief flare of worry that he had offended her in some manner. However, a quick recall of his words made him realize that this was not exactly possible. He had been in no way offensive with his language, simply honest. It turned out that Julia surprised him again, instead.

Fortunately for her, he was not offended by her words. Why would he be? It was refreshing to see her being honest and open. "I don't know," he stated bluntly. "I don't know that I've ever been allowed to do so thanks to those three qualifiers you just mentioned; I'm a Carlisle by blood, the Crown Prince by title and the King's son by birth. I cannot escape it." Riordan frowned, as if suddenly realizing something and spoke without thinking, "I wonder if that's what I've been running away from."

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Realizing her inappropriate touch, she eased her hand away before he took offense, for once truly listening to what he said. She'd been somewhat unfair, Julia suddenly understood, in judging Riordan so harshly. Hadn't she her own means and methods of escape? Granted, it didn't involve debauchery, but to each their own. That didn't mean she was any more inclined to marry him, but at least now Julia didn't view the Prince as an enemy on the field of battle either.

Thankfully, he took her words seriously, instead of as an affront. Tilting her head to the side, her blue eyes sharpened on his face. "You are who you were born to be, Your Highness, but did running do you any real good? And now that you are thinking about it, what will you do from here?"

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Do what I should have been doing all along," he stated, not shying way from that strangely piercing gaze. There was something powerful about it that he couldn't quite place. "Since running away didn't do me any good, and that I am still here..." he shrugged, but then continued. "The future of the realm is going to be in hands, and is it fair that these people should be punished for my inaction or immaturity?" A gesture indicated those moving through the markets, going about their daily business.

"It's not right that they should receive a Prince that'd rather run away, so now I must be the Prince that stands. I know much will be expected of me, and I can't say that I'll be perfect every step of the way, but I shan't quail."

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Well, well, well. Julia stood back a little and took a longer, better look at this side of the Prince. "It seems I owe you an apology, Your Highness. I have to admit, I heard plenty of your... exploits and methods of running away. I thought it defined you but you've amply proven me wrong. It's not easy for me to admit that," she smiled dryly, "St. Claire pride being what it is. The question I have now though is, how long is this new-found resolve and manliness in you going to last?"

It was a bold, direct and audacious question, no question of that, but he'd handled it well enough so far. Julia saw no reason to don the kid gloves again when they'd been removed once. "I say this because I have to admit, I rather like this Riordan. You should keep him." Adding a sly grin then, she waited for his reaction.