[attr="class","top"]

[attr="class","main"]
[break][break]

Being suddenly thrust into the role of a Queen is something Luka was ill prepared for. In the beginning she had been completely overwhelmed, but had held herself together for the sake of those who had put their misguided faith in her. The burden of hope had fallen on her shoulders and if she had to become a symbol to uphold it, then so be it.[break][break]

Now, she does her best to conduct herself formally. Her back is straighter, her head held high. On the outside she looks perfect, the storybook ideal of a princess. On the inside, she's terrified that any slip-up might make the entire facade come crashing down.[break][break]

But on a night like tonight, she allows herself a bit of respite. Smiles flow as easily as wine into her glass and her laughter is a little freer, more honest and open. She's always been the monarch closest to the people, more personable and friendly than jayden cross and Rhydia Ver, but her new responsibilities have required her to build a wall around herself.[break][break]

Tonight, she’d like to let the castle walls crumble a bit— so long as the knight assigned to her allows it.[break][break]

"Thank you, Sir Gallagher." His name flows off the tongue so easily, as though he was meant to be a knight. "You look very nice as well."[break][break]

She smiles, eyes lingering perhaps a moment too long on his handsome face. "But gosh, there’s no need to be so formal! You can just call me Luka, if you’d like."[break][break]

There’s a pause, and then she remembers herself. "Sorry," she continues quickly, a giggle threatening to push past strawberry tinted lips, "To be honest, I'm still trying to get used to it. This whole..." Delicate hands gesture vaguely, as though a quick flutter of fingers might be enough to convey the multitude of her feelings.[break][break]

"All of this. You know?"[break][break]

Maybe he does and maybe he doesn't. It does seem that some have settled into their new lives far more easily than others. Although Luka can't say she knows Felix all that well, she's never heard him complain— but then, she's never really heard him say much of anything at length.[break][break]

Perhaps that could change. If he's going to serve as her guard for the evening, the least they can do is talk.[break][break]

"Are you enjoying the festivities?" she asks, which is a banal way to start a conversation but the only thing she can think to ask of someone she doesn’t know at all. "Everything came together so well," her chatter continues, while a hand fidgets with the folds of her gown. "It’s really quite amazing."

---

[attr="class","bottom"]