Amelia frowned, and cleared her throat. "Actually, going back to the topic of 'stretching my legs,' how exactly am I supposed to that when i can't leave this castle. I've known every person in this room since I was able to cognitively process faces and commit them to memory. I have never stepped foot outside of this castle, so everyone in this room are the only people I know in this world. My choice pool is 30 people out there, who all have one goal in mind, marrying up, so please, do not try to lecture me on this when I've been told to pick from people I'd never pick," she said, setting her glass down.

"Especially given the fact that if I ever brought home the child of a rebel leader who wanted Father's head on a pike, they'd be murdered where they stood and I'd be locked away in a tower for the rest of my life, so thanks for flaunting your freedom and privilege over me," Amelia stated quietly, so as not to cause a scene, but her words were bitter. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go back to forgetting what being 18 actually means, so thanks, again." She turned and walked away, back into the crowd of nobles.

Before Eric or Kira could do anything to draw attention to the situation, Will inserted himself into the space Amelia had occupied prior. "Excuse me, Prince, Lady Kira, I implore you to think and act accordingly in this moment," he said quietly, holding up a subtle hand.

"I'm glad to hear it," Ryker said, smiling. "What's your name, sir?"