264 Overwhelmed

Feeling out of place in such a large room of people seemed to be Raina's fate this evening. She could feel the eyes scrutinizing every movement she made. Focusing on her manners whenever she spoke with so many women and men judging her was exhausting. With her father having walked away, the magnifying glass seemed to beam down on her little back. Whispers suddenly felt as though they were critiques and lists of complaints even though she could only hear the soft murmurs. So many people…. All she wanted was to go home to her room and shut the door tight against this horde. Princess Raina's chest started to feel tight and her breathing felt awkward even as she struggled to keep herself calm. Her eyes searched the crowd desperately for her solace in this sea of faces. Even her grandmother at her side didn't ease the tension.

"Grandma, Please excuse me. I… I need some air." Raina whispered tensely. Empress Evelyn saw the look in her grandchild's eyes and frowned. The sense of terror there was worrying. THe child had seemed so quiet and sure of herself only moments before. The whispers of the crowd had gotten louder perhaps but she couldn't bring herself to tell the child no.

"Yes of course, Princess. Please come back quickly. You there, go with her." The Empress pointed at a guard but Raina looked at him and shook her head. She reached instead for the guard a few feet away. She was familiar with him and the wolfish smile met her eyes. "Okay you then." He nodded instantly and came to stand at the Princess's side. She stood up, smiling tensely as she made her way to the south exit, Lazren only a step behind her. She needed fresh air, she couldn't' take it anymore.

Prince Clovis was returning with the other two women close behind as He noticed Raina moving away from her grandmother, a guard at her back. COncern found itself a home in his eyes as he watched her moving quickly toward the door. The whispers of approval that seemed to fill the air as he passed made him worry more. Had she heard he was with Ramira? Did she get the wrong idea? He wondered as he nodded at the ladies to stay put. "I need to handle something. Please make your way to the Empress I will be there shortly."

"Is it the Princess? I am sure she is just stepping out for some air. Don't worry so much Clovis. The child is not made for such large groups. She's never been much of a social princess." Ramira reminded him with a soft smile.

"Not much of a Heir to the throne. Crown Princess and can't handle this little crowd." Lady Chay added with a bit of a frown. Ramira gave her a disbelieving look but Clovis' dark scowl was enough to freeze both their hearts. He turned to follow his daughter toward the door only to be frozen in his tracks as his breath was stolen away.