Claire smiled at Kaylin's response. "Thank you so much Kaylin! You're a miracle worker"<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>The food was decent, she supposed as she munched away. Not meeting anyone's eyes other than Mark's and her family's. She knew there were suitors in the ballroom, all looking to be King of Gatineau one day especially since her father was getting on in age. That reminded her. She had to marry before then, at least for political stability. In the end she'd probably hold an audition or something.... or choose whoever would be in the best position to be manipulated and yet give her more power.<br/><br/>She sighed and turned to her brother, who at this point was eyeing the breasts of an attractive lady who just tried too hard. "Found some eye-candy eh? Want to trade places? I'll be the prince that doesn't have to worry about who he marries right now and you be the princess with men clamoring all over her" she joked. She stretched. "After the ball we should go down to the training grounds and spar if its not too late. I don't like sitting here and lounging around."<br/><br/>Long after everyone's bellies were filled, the tables were pushed out of the way and a orchestra brought in, everyone took the ballroom floor. She could tell many people were going to ask her so she made a beeline for Mark, at least she could avoid them a bit longer.<br/><br/>"Thank you soooo much for getting me out of this" She told him. Mark was tall and lanky with a mop of curly brown hair. His face, dotted with freckles, became a slight tint of pink.<br/><br/>"Yeah no problem" he replied. He felt awkward. Of course his best friend could see right through him. "Happy Birthday Claire"<br/><br/>"Don't be nervous. Its like how we normally hang out except now we're dancing. How's your apprenticeship coming?"<br/><br/>Mark's eyes lit up. "Its going great!" He went on to ramble about herbs and potions which made Claire's head hurt. Mark was about to loose his nobility, and yet he found something he was passionate about as the court physician. She was happy for him, as she could tell Mark had never taken to swordplay.<br/><br/>They chatted for a while, mostly it was Mark talking about science Claire couldn't understand or Claire dramatically lamenting the fact that she would be have to get married soon.<br/><br/>They parted ways, as it was suspicious to have them dance for too long and others were impatient. So she made a straight beeline for her brother. "May I?"