[center][h2][color=FF0000] Mai Mei of Liang [/color][/h2][/center]

Mai carefully gauged Niklas's reaction to the ornamental sword. Although he didn't let much of it show, Mai could tell that Niklas was touched by the gift, and she smiled inwardly. It had been her uncle's idea to give him the sword, seeing that he was very much involved with the military of his kingdom, but it had been Mai who'd decided on the specifics-the hilt, the scabbard, the blade, even small details like the length-that had all been [i]her[/i]. It had taken a considerable amount of time, in all honesty, considering the fact that Mai had known next to nothing about ornamental swords before that, and to see that Niklas appreciated the effort was extremely gratifying. 

He bowed and took hold of Mai's hand before she drew away completely. She watched with a mixture of wariness and fascination as he (very charmingly) thanked her for the gift and kissed her hand. He smiled brightly at her, and Mai couldn't help but return it, a genuine expression of happiness coming over her face. She studied Niklas as he brought the back of her hand to his lips-he looked like a scholarly, bookish individual, with a love of knowledge and a love for learning. If he hadn't been wearing his military uniform, Mai could honestly say that she would have had a hard time deducing that he was a soldier as well as a prince.

"I very much look forward to getting to know you as well," answered Mai sincerely, or at least, what passed as sincerely to Mai. "It shall be an interesting three months, yes? I do hope that we will have many other opportunities to spend in each other's company," she continued, before flashing him another smile and heading inside, her spiky heels click-clacking against the ground.

Mai had been a touch surprised to find that Niklas was truly as friendly as the reports said. [i]Careful, now. He is very likely putting on a show for the other royalty and any onlookers,[/i] she chided herself as the lingering warmth of Niklas's lips on the back of her hand subsided. [i]I will be able to better judge his character once we spend more time together, although I suppose that he has made a good first impression. That has to count for something, right?[/i]

Zheng's words came back to her. [i]"Ming never would have betrothed you to somebody that he didn't approve of. "[/i] Mai felt slightly reassured, and then guilty for being so distrustful of Niklas after their first meeting. Old habits really did die hard.
Mai strode into the general area that the other princes and princesses had congregated in. She immediately spotted Isobel Martinez of Trèlins, her pink hair a bright flash of color even amongst the royalty from all over the world. Mai wondered where the hell Zhou was. If he was any later, he would miss the official welcoming window. [i]I wouldn't be surprised if he does indeed miss the entire thing,[/i] Mai thought wryly. [i]I suppose I'll try to reach him or Liu in a little while. If either of them will bother to reply to me, that is.[/i] 

Next was Elizaveta Romonava of Noslainia, who was engaged in a conversation with a dark-haired young man whom Mai recognized as Nikolai Johanseen. [i]Oh, right, they're betrothed to each other,[/i] she remembered idly, admiring the way that the Grand Duchess held herself. Her dress was casual but elegant. It reminded Mai of an earlier time in her life, when she was only a princess when nobody was looking. Life was almost simpler back then, and so Mai had dressed in a more simple fashion. Mai sighed. She had been many people in her time, from Xing Xing, the poor daughter of a farmer, to Yueyin, the wealthy niece of an educated businessman. Mai had wholeheartedly embraced her false identities, donning them like clothing as needed. Back when she was younger, when her uncle was merely the presumably dead brother of an oppressive ruler who had been overthrown, Mai had hidden her true identity in order to keep her head on her shoulders. Now, though, she had to prove to the entire world that she was a capable leader for a country that had been torn apart by war less than three decades ago. It was a daunting thought.

Mai eyed the two standing near the sweets table-one was Henry Peterson of Elaniel, the other Cara O'Brien of the Celtic Consortium. [i]Henry and I are almost complete opposites, if the reports were accurate,[/i] Mai mused to herself. As for Cara...Mai [i]had[/i] to admire the green dress she wore, even if she was slightly wary of her. [i]Green is her color, like red and black are mine,[/i] Mai observed. Indeed, the gleaming green was the perfect complement to Cara's fire-infused hair. 

Sade Magoro of Udawen wore a dress made of black fabric with gold embellishments on the top half. There seemed to be a perpetual spring in her step, even as she greeted Raven Willow and Niklas. [i]That one is full of life, isn't she?[/i] Mai thought.

Feora Swinth of Wulfswinth and John Drake of Pelanor had arrived too. Mai surreptitiously watched them, her face arranged in an expression of polite curiosity. Strong, stubborn Feora was accompanied by two bodyguards and dressed in delicate lace. Mai chuckled silently at the irony. Brown-haired John Drake evoked nothing more than a small flicker of interest from Mai before she moved on to some of the newer arrivals. 

Caterina Versini of Svearike came after John Drake. She wore an ensemble that immediately caught Mai's attention due to the black and red. As expected, her entrance was quite dramatic. Mai couldn't help but wonder how many times she had rehearsed it. 

Diminutive Liviana Traianius of the Lusitanian Empire walked in alone, wearing a dark violet dress and a white wrap. Mai mentally arched an eyebrow. [i]She has a good taste in fashion, I'll give her that,[/i] Mai thought, watching her greet the royalty of Aciras in a borderline clumsy manner-well, clumsy for Mai's standards, at least. Nevertheless, Mai would not be the fool to underestimate Liviana, even if she did not come off as much of a threat. [i]I'd be an idiot to judge her by her appearance. After all, isn't that what I count on other people doing with me?[/i] Knights had their chainmail and breastplates and steel gauntlets, and Mai Mei had her lipstick and heels. Mai watched Edwin arrive and approach Liviana. [i]They're betrothed to each other, aren't they?[/i] she wondered, eyeing the obvious difference in height. [i]Hmm. That ought to be interesting.[/i]

Serafina Gray of Norden was clad in all black (as expected), and after her came Fareeha Amari of Mamlakat Alssahra. Mai glanced quickly at the snake wrapped around her wrist. [i]That must be the ball python that the reports were so quick to point out,[/i] she said to herself. In any case, ball python or no ball python, Mai knew that Fareeha was one of the people she would have to tread carefully around. Like Elizaveta, Fareeha reminded Mai of herself-if Mai fought with snake venom instead of bladed fans and rocket launchers instead of daggers disguised as hairpins, that is. 

Mai's gaze flitted from face to face. She scanned over the ones already talking to somebody else, deciding that it would be impolite to interrupt. She instead walked in Feora Wulfswinth's direction. Stopping in front of the brown-haired princess, Mai's red-painted lips curved upwards into a smile. "I do not mean to be rude, but I just wanted to say that your dress is absolutely gorgeous," Mai gushed, gesturing towards the other princess, her eyes sparkling. 

[i]If I am to be around all of these people for the next three months, I might as well learn as much as I can about them.[/i]