He left the palace during another reception in honor of his younger brother's birthday.

Without even looking at her, he muttered curtly, "You're wasting your time." He paused, the corner of his mouth quirking into a bitter smile before continuing, "Or are you hoping to get my attention by being the last one to try tonight?" She was nothing special, just another fool who didn't realize they had no place near him. He wondered how many others there were in the palace that believed otherwise. Shaking his head, he resumed his walk towards the exit.

"Then I suggest you leave me be," he said, already halfway across the room as he spoke. He didn't have the patience for this kind of idiocy tonight. Better to just get back to his chambers where at least no one would try to pretend they cared about him or his troubles.

With every step, he fought against the urge to tell her in no uncertain terms that she was beneath him and never should have been allowed anywhere near him in the first place. But he knew if he did, it would only make things worse for both of them, however satisfying it might feel at the time.

Calisto stopped at the sound of her voice and turned slowly to face her. Her pleading expression momentarily threw him off guard, but he quickly composed himself. "You misunderstand," he said coldly. "I am not someone who can help you find your way out." He paused, narrowing his eyes as he took in her tear-streaked face. "Leave me alone."

And with that, he resumed his path towards the exit. He had more important matters to attend to than dealing with the foolishness of lowborn girls who didn't know their place. As he reached the edge of the gathering, he glanced back once more at her, wondering if she'd have the sense to take his advice and disappear from his sight.

He turned back to face her once more. Something in his chest twisted uncomfortably as he saw the desperation in her eyes. With a sigh, he moved closer, reaching out to gently cup her cheek in his palm. "Very well," he said reluctantly. "Come with me." Leading her away from prying ears and eyes, he took her to a quiet corner of the palace garden where they could speak privately. He sat down on a nearby bench, motioning for her to do the same.

"Now, tell me why you're here," he demanded, his tone harsh despite the concern etched into his features. "And don't waste my time with platitudes or falsehoods."

"Hmm," Calisto murmured under his breath, more to himself than her. "You're rather far from home if that was the case." He stood and began pacing in front of her, taking long strides as he mulled over what she'd said. Finally, he stopped and turned back to face her. "You should have stayed there until you could find a way out safely."

He paused, watching as she seemed to shrink under his critical gaze. For a moment, the anger that usually burned within him flickered like a candle in the wind, replaced by something else. Something he hadn't felt for a long time. Perhaps... pity?

"I can help you get back," he offered reluctantly. "But do not think this means we are friends or anything of the sort." His voice hardened as he spoke these words, reminding her of his true nature and where they stood in relation