Re: { Tag yourself in. }
The only other time she had seen him anything but immaculate was that night she had disappeared from the Palace only to turn up at his door. If he had turned her away that night, they may not be here at all now. Or perhaps it would be a different Queen on his arm. Even so, he was not the disheveled mess of finery he had been in his own study that evening, whilst he dwelt on the unsavory tasks which were becoming so clear before him. He had paid little enough attention to Calmcacil, as the man’s presence usually signified Avalynn’s own, and that was where Mikino’s interest would wander without fail. Of course, his choice tonight had much to do with Ava’s apparent preferences, which made the similarity to Nye sensible enough. The two were much alike. Mostly the goal was change. It was what these Galas tended to be about and he had always been one to get into the spirit of such festivities.
He took the possessive she favored as a show of dominance, in some sense. She was far from overbearing, but it did well enough for her to let the world know that these powerful figures were hers to command. Her Justice, her Generals, and so on. When Avalynn had suggested that the still unnamed Princess may take an interest in claiming him as anything more than a servant within her court, he had laughed outright. That door had been slammed firmly in his face the second time the two met. It was a wonder they had even come to be friends. Of course, tonight was proof enough that time changed things. Avalynn had refused him more times than he could count.
She had to have more than a passing knowledge of those ridiculous dreams to utilize them so, and he teased her for it when he found the chance. Mikino would not deny the same, but he also claimed those ideals had perished some seven years ago for him. “Do you think your mother would speak to me at all, after the embarrassment you caused her on my behalf? You’ve reason enough for the gown tonight. It is your prerogative where you choose to remain. I have never been fond of being trapped in one place for hours on end while a party endures around me, but if that is your preference, I will be sure to send the occasional glass of wine your way. The colors are an… Unusual touch. If it is a statement for me, I fear you are making it too subtly. Perhaps my meddling in what you wear is too similar to someone else, hm?”
Not a thought he relished, but he wasn't about to back down either. He seemed as if he was just checking to see if it was his move.