Darkmyth University

Chapter Seventeen

Hephaestus Institute, Greece

Lucas's POV

I walked over to Crystal before going into the ballroom that they were holding the soiree' in and said, "I want to apologize for my behavior on the jet. I just want you to know that you mean a lot to all of us. You have been a good friend and companion. You have made Quinten see that he can do more, just by being around him Crystal. I appreciate you taking the time that you have with Quinten. I think that Brody and Michael have received the brunt of this."

"Thank you for coming to speak to me. Brody and Michael have also apologized for their behavior. Quinten did not realize that he was losing the three of you by spending all of his time with me. Quinten's heart is in the right place he just has to learn how to balance his time."

"I agree with you. I will see you inside." I watched Crystal nod as she returned to look at her reflection in the mirror.

Quinten's POV

I walk into the hallway outside of the ballroom in Hephaestus Institute and froze when I saw Crystal. Crystal was wearing this lilac gown that had one, one-inch shoulder strap which allowed the mark on her right shoulder to be seen by all. The gown was floor-length, showed off her curves, and her strawberry blonde hair was gorgeous in an elegant up-do. I said coming to stand behind Crystal, "You, my angel look amazing."

Crystal smiled at me in the mirror and said, "You are quite handsome yourself my prince. Why did we have to get ready separately?"

"My mother wanted me to be surprised by the way you look which, I am. How are you feeling?"

"I am just fine my prince. I need to thank your mother for the gown it is lovely."

"There is no need for that Crystal," Vanessa said gracefully walking into the alcove where Crystal and I were waiting.

"Crystal may I present my mother, Queen Vanessa," I say letting Crystal have her hand back.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty," Crystal says with a deep curtsy.

"There is no need for all of the formality Crystal. Please call me Vanessa. You are after all a part of the royal family. Quinten has not stopped talking about you. It is finally nice to meet." Vanessa says with a soft smile, "My husband should be here momentarily."

Crystal's POV

Vanessa was a vision in a claret-colored strapless dress. It was cutting edge with these black patterns across the massive skirt and bodice. Vanessa's blond hair fell in soft ringlets down her back. King Nicholas entered the room with a smile on his face. King Nicholas said, "Crystal it is so nice to finally meet you."

I curtsy again and say, "You as well, Your Majesty."

King Nicholas chuckles softly and says, "You are very proper but, there is no need for that Crystal. You can just call me Nicholas. You are a part of our family now. We shall continue this conversation inside. You and Quinten will go in first."

I nod, take Quinten's arm, and smile up at him as we enter the ballroom. Quinten guides us over to where Brody, Michael, and Lucas are standing. They are conversing with a man much older than themselves. Quinten says, "Dean Xavier I would like you to meet Princess Crystal."

Dean Xavier turns toward me with a smile on his face and says, "How nice to meet you, Your Highness." He motions for a woman to join us when she arrives he says, "I would like you to meet my daughter Clarisse. Clarisse this is Prince Quinten and Princess Crystal."

Clarisse bobs a curtsy saying, "We are so pleased that you have joined us for your holiday. I hope that we can become good friends Princess Crystal."

I grip Quinten's arm not used to all of this attention. I say with a smile, "It is nice to meet you, Clarisse. Maybe you and I can do something after the soiree'. Prince Quinten seems to have plans with his friends so I am free."

"That would be great. Would you like me to introduce you to some of my friends?"

"That would be wonderful. If you gentlemen would excuse me." I say turning my attention to the group. They all bow except Quinten who kisses my hand before watching me walk over to a group of women. Before we get to the group I say, "Clarisse please introduce me as Crystal. I am not quite used to my title yet."

"As you wish, Crystal. I hear that you just met Quinten."

"We met about two months ago when school started. Do you have a mate?"

"I am afraid that I have not met my mate yet. I am hopeful though."

"As you should be," I say as we join her group of friends. The next thirty minutes pass with us talking about school, clothing, and places to go tonight.

Quinten's POV

I was happy to see Crystal making friends. Crystal has such a good and open heart. My father joins us as our conversation continues. I would make sure to send the guards with Crystal tonight. I felt confident in Crystal's abilities and the training we have been doing but, I was still not comfortable with her being out without me yet. Nicholas asked, "Has Crystal made some new acquaintances?"

"I believe so father. Clarisse has introduced her to her friends. I will join them in a moment to meet all of them. Clarisse is going to take Crystal out tonight."

"I assume that you will be sending the guards with her tonight." My father said softly.

"Indeed I will be." I say softly smiling at him, "I am still not comfortable with Crystal being without me."

"I can understand that. Sometimes I even have guards when your mother and I are supposed to be alone." Nicholas says with a wink. "Have a good time with your friends but, no later than two in the morning. Please bring Crystal over so that we can get to know her better." I nod and watch him rejoin my mother.

I walk over to Crystal, put my arms around her middle, pull her close, and ask in a whisper, "Will you allow me the pleasure of dancing with you?"

Crystal nods and says, "Ladies please excuse me. I shall see you all in a little while." They all wave as I guide Crystal to the floor. I ask as I guide Crystal into a slow dance, "Did you like Clarisse?"

"Very much. Clarisse and her friends seem very nice. I cannot wait until tonight. They even want to have a slumber party Thursday night." Crystal says while laughing.

"What is so funny about that?"

"I just have not been to a slumber party in a very long time. They were telling me about all of these crazy games they play."

"Maybe I and the guys should join you," I say while winking. "I do have something to discuss with you."

"What is it, my prince?"

"Did you still want to join the sorority this semester?"

"I have not even thought about it. I wanted to join with Stephanie but, all of the women that I have met this semester have become really good friends of mine as well. I think I want to wait to do it with Stephanie though."

"Then I will ask Ursula to move you to the next semester's pledge group. I do not think that Ursula will mind. I will tell Ursula that Stephanie and you just decided to work on school this semester."

"Thank you, Quinten. Why were calling Ursula anyway?"

"To talk to her about the Christmas ball that we are throwing. We will be doing it with the University of Cartinag Los Angeles (UCLA) and I need to inform Ursula of that. There will be lots of things that we need to prepare for."

"That is a big undertaking. I will help you if you would like me too."

"Of course, I would love for you to help my angel. Come, my parents want to get to know you."

"I do not know if I am ready for all of that."

"I know that you are. You have handled yourself perfectly tonight." I said stroking Crystal's face, "Besides I will be right by your side the whole time."