11 A knight

"I am perfectly fine, you did not need to get involved. Her opinion of me is rather understandable given my reputation." These sorts of scenes are not a terribly uncommon occurrence, though usually the women had more sense than to strike me. Much less in the middle of a royal ball in front of dozens of high-ranking nobles. 

His concern lessens but is replaced with conviction, "You do not deserve to be insulted in such a way, and certainly not struck, because of something so flimsy as reputation. You were nothing but polite even after she began to insult you, far longer than most would have been in your place. Whatever reputation you have that would insight such behavior is clearly untrue." 

"That is quite the speech for a man who does not know me." Really what else am I supposed to say, 'I am a villain in this endless story and therefore have the reputation of one'? (that he's going to agree with her one day soon and probably plot my death if not kill me himself?)

"I may not know you but that does not make my words any less true." Conviction still laces his tone, I can practically feel the sense of righteous justice pouring off of him in waves (it makes me feel vaguely ill), "However, I suppose I have been rather lacking in manners, my name is Parthenius second son to baron of redhaven, but everyone just calls me Parth." 

I return his greeting, giving my own name in return (I am mildly surprised he shows no reaction to my name). Internally welling with dread because he seems rather intent on being chatty and does not seem like he will go away any time soon. So much for my plan to enjoy a sweet in peace.

I am still unwilling to be outright rude to any of the main characters, but especially him. That would likely only escalate my problems, it is also the memory of what he did to me during the life where I was intentionally cruel (I had always thought the others more capable of cruelty, but that was the slowest and most painful death I have had). There is good reason I had only tried that strategy once. Better to be blandly polite. The bare minimum.

Deciding it would likely be best to at least thank the guy I spoke again, "I suppose I have also been remiss with my manners, thank you for stopping the lady from striking me." 

He beams at me, "You are quite welcome. I am always happy to help out a pretty lady. Though you realize you are only further proving my point about you being undeserving of such a negative reputation."

I feel a bubble of amusement in my chest. It is so very rare that someone other than Anne ever tries to defend me. It is not enough to reach my face and crack my mask, but it is enough for me to continue humoring him.

"I suppose my reputation is partly jealousy. My father is likely second only to the royal family as far as noble hierarchy goes. I have also been told it is because I am too cold, and never smile. However, I do not know what in particular started it. This is just the way things have always been."

"Well, I for one believe you to be a rather lovely lady. So just know that at least one person in the crowds of nobles knows the truth, even if I am only one person." Good Gods, he really is just so nice. It feels like I have just had a bucket of cold water thrown in my face.

This really is the only time I have been offered any kind of support from anyone other that Anne. A shame it is not going to last long. Especially once he reunites with his good friend Eve and finds out I made her cry earlier (and I still don't even know what I actually said to set her off).

Still I am rendered speechless for a moment. I can do polite small talk and veiled insults all day, but how am I supposed to respond to so much sincerity. What does a person say after being told something like that?

After a long moment, spent staring in bewilderment, I finally force myself to say something, "That is very kind of you Sir Redhaven." I pull my mask back tighter to my face, clear your expression, his words don't truly matter because even if he means them now that will never last. Be polite, the bare minimum. "Though I do not recommend going around proclaiming such things. No need to drag your own reputation down with mine." 

"See? You cannot truly be such a bad person if even now you are concerned about my own reputation?" Sounding almost smug now, as though having proved his point.

"You truly are on a warpath to convince me I am a good person, aren't you." I can feel my mask slipping once more. The smallest of smiles touching the corner of my mouth. Truly though, how is one supposed to resist such charisma. 

He opens his mouth once more, blue eyes twinkling, before being cut off.

"Madeleine," my fathers unmistakable voice sounds from beside me. The smile slides off my face immediately (I pray he did not see it), I turn to where he is standing behind me and curtsy. 

"Hello father." My mask firmly locked in place once more.

"Come with me, I want to introduce you to someone." A command, not a question.

I turn back to Parthenius, with a twinge of actual regret, "I apologize for cutting our conversation short, sir Redhaven. I hope you have a good rest of your evening."

Before he can actually reply I am turning once more and following after my father into the crowd.