Is there any Delphine and Callixtus interactions?
Callixtus walked the halls after doing an odd job for Caldur. He stopped and turned around when he heard a familiar voice calling him.
“Good morning, Callixtus.”
He smiled at her, a more genuine one than normal. “Why, if it isn’t the lovely princess. What can I do for you?”
“I was wondering if you would like to hear the speech I prepared. I have been wanting to practice more as you suggested.” Delphine asked.
“Now Delphine, while I’m honored that you took my suggestion to improve your public speaking skills, I know your father and brother have made it clear to you that they didn’t want you alone with me.”
Delphine lips twisted in anger at the thought. “They don’t control me. What I do to improve myself as Queen doesn’t concern them.”
Callixtus chuckled. “If you insist. You are quite the rebellious princess aren’t you? Well, I’m quite busy this week working for my mother and also for Master Caldur, but how about tomorrow at 11?”
“Oh, that’s me and Daddy’s brunch time…” The princess mumbled. “I’m sure Daddy won’t mind if I tell him I was just busy studying.”
Callixtus smirked. Now he had to slip up and mention this meeting to Turq. He was sure he would get quite the reaction out of him and the King.
The princess had recently decided she wanted more of an active role with organizing events in the kingdom. She usually gave her Daddy a vague idea and he handled the rest. But she wanted to plan the whole thing and presented it to him. She realized it was a bit tricky at first so she naturally asked for Callixtus’s help.
“Are you sure about this, Delphine? It’s a good start, but your proposal could use some refining. How about you share some more of your ideas with me and we can brainstorm together.” Stated Callixtus as he looked upon the papers Princess Delphine gave him.
Delphine was taken aback for a moment. ‘Oh…”
She wasn’t used to that kind of response. Usually her Daddy would praise most of her ideas and go through with it. Even for the particularly wild ideas he would at least consider it before waving it off with an excuse. This was the first she was properly critiqued when it came with dealing with the kingdom. Plus the fact she was actually being included in brainstorming new ideas and fixing her bad ones. It was… refreshing. It made her really feel like she was being respected as the future queen.
She regained her composure and continued. “I appreciate you telling me this, Callixtus. I admit I don’t know much about this topic. I’m so glad you’re here to help me. I would have embarrassed myself if I presented this to everyone.”
“Of course, my princess. I would do anything in my power to assist you,” replied Callixtus as he lightly placed a hand on her shoulder.
Delphine blushed a little. She was now even determined to make Callixtus her advisor when she became queen.
“I’m sorry for bothering you so much Callixtus. You probably think of me as a pest,” said Delphine with her head lowered.
“Not at all, Delphine. It just seems like you seek a certain guidance and not everyone can provide it to you. I’m honestly quite flattered that it just happened to be my guidance you seek.”
“You have taught quite a lot and I’m very thankful for it,” Delphine replied while blushing and playing with her fingers. “Well, let me stop bothering you and go now.”
Callixtus watched her run off before sighing and getting back to his work. There was a conflict stirring within him. At first, engaging and gaining the trust of the Princess was just like any other job that he was assigned. With the main goal of extracting information from her to dethrone King Hody. But he was honestly growing fond of her besides that.
Most women only showed lust toward him so it was easy to use that against them to manipulate information out of them. But it was different with Delphine. Firstly because she was still a child and doing what he did to other women would be highly inappropriate (though the little crush she had on him was quite obvious). And secondly, she was actually interested in his intellect and views. That was actually rare. He was so used to using others and others using him, that it felt strange to have an actual companion that admire him for him. He had to admit, it would pain him a bit to hurt her, but if Mother requested it. It had to be done.
