Mai resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Elizaveta launched into a sermon about the term "old-fashioned" that somehow spiraled into a one-sided discussion about the right to rule. Is she always this pretentious? Mai wondered, though her expression remained unchanged. I have seen my own people slaughtered, their houses burned down and their families ripped apart. Why is she trying to preach to the choir?

Oh, shut up, Mai, she chided herself silently, mentally laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all. Elizaveta seemed nice enough so far (though she knew her cousin would have described her as having "a stick up her ass", as vulgar and inappropriate and altogether inaccurate as that was, but that was just who he was) and besides, Mai agreed with what Elizaveta had said, so why was she trying to discredit the Grand Duchess in her own head?

In any case, Mai needed to formulate a reply. She laughed lightly. "Please do not misunderstand me, Elizaveta," she began. "I am not against being old-fashioned, per se. What I am against is precisely what you described: people who believe that their ancestry or wealth gives the right to rule. In these cases, titles are inherited through blood, and they are all but meaningless. I have seen enough to know that blood and money do not, and cannot, define a ruler. That is an antiquated way of thinking that would do nobody any good in today's world."

She laughed gently once more. "I also agree with the second part of what you said. It would be rather hypocritical of me to criticize others for being courteous or proper, no?" Mai almost included more about her cousin, but decided against it. Let the Grand Duchess puzzle it out herself if she cared so much. It wasn't a very important detail and Mai was not anxious to have the two of them meet. She was sure he'd somehow offend Elizaveta in some obscure way that would end up with her having to resolve the differences.

Elizaveta then turned to greet her betrothed, Prince Nikolai Johanssen of Anduin, and Mai watched with her facial features carefully arranged in an expression of polite interest as the two interacted. Prince Nikolai seemed almost wickedly delighted to plant a chaste kiss against Princess Elizaveta's cheek, grinning like a small child who had stolen a cookie and gotten away with it, but Elizaveta didn't seem to notice at first. Mai mentally arched an eyebrow. None of my business, I know, but is Elizaveta already suspicious of Nikolai? Food for thought, hmm? she contemplated. If Princess Caterina Versini of Svearike was already a source of friction for the two-on their second day here, no less-it would be interesting to watch them over the course of the next three months. Of course, outwardly, the two were the affectionate couple that everybody expected them to be. But Mai had mastered the art of giving people what they wanted to see while hiding a part of her inside years ago, and she considered herself a fairly good judge of when others were doing the same. Liangii politics were all about appearances and what lay beneath the facade. Mai supposed that all politics were like that, to some extent.

Mai smiled serenely at Princess Feora as she returned the compliment. "Thank you very much, Princess Feora," responded Mai. "Really, though, you are too kind. And oh, I am jealous-the Liangii flag incorporates red, that is true, but black is nowhere to be found. Still, black hair is a Liangii trait and black is a wonderfully versatile color. "Mai chuckled. "I do apologize if I am babbling. I just have a rather unnatural penchant for discussing fashion."

Elizaveta murmured something to Nikolai, and Mai turned away to give them privacy. She caught a few of the words due to her close proximity with the couple, but she tried to ignore them. It was truly none of her business.

The next person to enter the room was Prince Leonard Fords of Krieg-Königreich. His kingdom was her betrothed's neighboring kingdom, Mai knew, so she would most likely be seeing him again in the future. He was dressed casually, and Mai quickly took in his outfit with a quick sweep of her chocolate-brown eyes. "Good morning to you too, Prince Leonard. It is quite a pleasure to meet you as well," Mai greeted pleasantly, a small smile forming on her face. "I do not believe that you have shown up late. There are still quite a few people who have not arrived yet," she said in response to his comment about his tardiness.

After Prince Leonard came Princess Sade Magoro of Udawen. The curly-haired princess was dressed rather casually too, though Mai couldn't help but admire her heels. She's a girl after my own heart, Mai thought wryly to herself. "It is an honor to meet you, Princess Sade, Mai responded. "I have to say that I absolutely adore your ensemble today. I always appreciate a good pair of high heels, continued Mai in a sheepish voice, laughing lightly at herself.

Mai idly wondered where Prince Niklas, her betrothed, was. He seemed like the type to be quite punctual. In any case, she had the other royalty to keep her company before he arrived. She discreetly adjusted her gloves and smoothed out the front of her deep crimson dress, pushing a strand of inky black hair away from her face.

Nikolai Johanssen

---

---

Not getting the reaction he had hoped for, the grin on Niko's face faded into a smaller, polite smile. He blinked at Veta's words. Salacious act? How can a simple act of watching a sunrise together be called indecent? Back home, he had always asked Ashleigh, princess of Vale, to watch it with him. He thought of her as a younger sister. And then there was Princess Sinta, Vale's next Queen and wife to Alistair, crown prince of Vale. She didn't seem to mind watching with him either. Several times Alistair himself joined them. To him it was a chance to watch something beautiful with family and friends. And then earlier today with Princess Caterina. She had always been aloof to him despite the peace treaty between their countries. Now, he can confidently say that they were at least in a friendlier platform with each other. Hmmm... Perhaps a difference in cultures? He would have spoken out loud but he chose to just let it go. He listened silently to Veta's conversation with Mai, taking note of his bethroted's dignified voice and gentle smile. He agreed with her point of views but he had to wonder if what Mai said actually offended her.

He turned his attention to the rest of the occupants of the room. He had not been able to speak with most of them. Perhaps later, at an opportune time. He looked towards Prince Leon and Princess Sade, the newest to enter the dining hall. He smiled and greeted them politely the way he greeted the rest.

---

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Raven sat and watched the scene around her, exchanging welcoming's of smiles and nods to each of the other royals. Soon, the food was brought out and Sade and Leon had arrived. She quickly shoved the thoughts of where the other were out of her head. People were just now starting to arrive, really. She sat, hands crossed, her hands in her lap. She couldn't help notice how well the bright red that Mai had chosen to wear went with her pale skin, nor how well the darker shad of green looked on Feora. Nor could she help the fact that her eyes lingered on Prince Nikolai as he came in herself. She tore her eyes away to respond to what was being said around her. "No worries, Sade, dear," she responded to the young woman's apology. And then to her and Leon both. "No need to worry about punctuality until the ball, really. After all, breakfast isn't required upon your stay. Generous of one to show up, however."

She reached forward to take a drink out of the glass in front of her. Before sitting back and clearing her throat. "For all of you lovely ladies, I was thinking of having a slumber party of sorts, just for us girls, if any of you are interested. I was thinking tomorrow, as to not interfere with the plans of the ball?

Feora smiled softly at Mai’s reply. She personally was more of a history and military buff, so she couldn’t exactly relate with Mai in regards to the princess’s fondness for fashion. Nevertheless, she found that she admired the genuine confidence that Mai exuded. The way the princess could talk freely about what she loved was something that Feora also envied. Though she wouldn’t let that fact taint her view of Mai.

Her attention drifted to Prince Leonard of Krieg-Königreich as he entered the room and greeted her and Mai. She gave him a respectful curtsy before speaking, “Good morning. It is nice to meet you as well, Prince Leonard.” She couldn’t help but think that it was odd that her father had not arranged for her to marry someone like Prince Leonard or Prince Niklas of Königreich der Welten considering their strong militaristic kingdoms. What was it that her father saw in Elaniel, a potential conquest to add to the Swinth name? He must have some kind of scheme in mind, and one way or another she would figure it out and put a stop to it.

She let out an audible sigh before her gaze moved aimlessly around the room. She saw Sade enter the room next and noted that several others, including her betrothed Henry, were still absent. Not that she was going to complain about it. She felt that her head was clearer and she was a bit more at ease with his absence. If only she could avoid him for the next three months. She felt her stomach rumble hungrily at the sight of the food finally being brought out.

---

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Elizaveta gave a polite nod towards Mei as she spoke. She wondered if the woman had mistaken her words to mean something other than she had intended but with the incoming of people and the group that was forming she felt it was best to let such a thing go at that time. The two would get a chance to know each other better over the next three months and hopefully in that time they would get a better understanding of each other, which in turn would enable both of them to be able to fully understand the other. "Very true, I hope over these next months we can further discuss the matter. I would adore to be able to pick your brain as it were on the topic as well as many others. I feel you could give me an insight that I am not yet privy to that could help my nation," she said in a kind voice before giving another courteous nod to the princess.

Her eyes turned to her betrothed as he greeted the others as they came into the room and smiled gently before she looked away; though she still meant to speak to him later about what she had seen and ask him about it. Being alone with one that was not their betrothed or a relative in most nations could actually lead to a forced marriage, breaking off other ties, to save face or even the hint of impropriety. An older outlook by many nations but one that Elizaveta still held close to her heart. Her loyalty was to her country first. She would do nothing nor be associated with anything that could cause them embarrassment. Hopefully her betrothed would understand such sentiments. Her nation had fallen far and had a long way to go still before it was whole again and accepted by the rest of the nations fully, she was the lynch pin in assuring her empires future; she would jeopardize it for nothing. She owed her people everything for what they had endured.

Hearing Raven speak her attention was pulled from her thoughts and perked a brow at the suggestion. A slumber party? What was one supposed to do at a slumber party? She doubted it was to sleep. She had never attended one while she was younger, of course she hadn't. Who would she have shared such an evening with? Even though she was close to her employees children even they never felt comfortable enough to spend such time with her outside of the occasional game. There were no slumber parties growing up, no birthday parties, no exchange of gifts, no warm wishes. She spent her time learning the history and ways of her people. Even during holidays she was a figure head that had to lead processionals. The only family she had was her grandmother and the woman was anything but warm and comforting. Gifts were not given, saving the money of the crown and putting it towards the rebuilding of her nation. This was her first true event where real money was spent and it was only to ensure a marriage to help strengthen her nation. Everything revolved around her nation and her people. She did not know how a slumber party could do that but perhaps it would allow her to get to know the other princesses on a more personal level and that could help her nation and her people in the long run.

"I would be most pleased to attend," Elizaveta commented cordially towards their host. Was that how she was supposed to respond the invitation? She hoped so since there was not an RSVP card in which to send. "Should I bring anything?" she asked gently as she stood there. Glancing over towards Sergi, she could see him making a note in his agenda. She hoped he would be able to fill her in on what was expected of her during this event at a later time when they were not surrounded by everyone.

Nikolai Johanssen

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---

Niko quietly watched as the people around him greeted each other and began making small conversations. He really had nothing to contribute and so he settled comfortably into silence. He looked towards Princess Raven when she announced her invitation to a slumber party. A small smile crossed his lips at a particularly fond memory of a slumber party planned by Princess Asheleigh. It was supposed to be attended by her two older sisters and her yet to be sister-in-law but strangely enough both him and Prince Alistair were also invited. He was practically family to them and ended up joining them after a lot of convincing from the youngest princess. He could still imagine the exasperated look on Prince Alistair's face.

He leaned his head towards Elizaveta. "I believe all you really need to bring with you are gossips and stories," he whispered in an amused tone. When he realized how silly he must have sounded answering her question, he shook his head. "Do not misunderstand. I have no habit of attending slumber parties. It was just something I was dragged into when I was younger."

---

Interacting with: Pretty much everyone and @mnkee specifically

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Henry was rather rudely awoken to the sound of a screeching alarm he hadn't set. An irritated look on his face, he stirred from his place in the bed after 30 minutes of debating whether it was worth it to turn the damn thing off. When he came to, the servant his mother had sent with him was standing above him, glaring. If he remembered correctly her name was Judith. She was a rather large woman who could probably crush Henry if she sat on him in just the right way. The thought alone sent shivers down his spine.

"It's past 10, Your Highness." She told him matter of factly.

Henry let out a loud groan and rolled himself back into the sheets. Well, he would have if the fat woman's reflexes weren't so freaking sharp. He flinched as she grabbed onto his ankle. Maybe grab wasn't the right word... Latched? Yes, she latched her hand around his ankle and yanked as hard as she could. Henry's eyes went wide as he felt his body sliding from the bed. Grabbing onto the sheets, he tried his best to stay on the bed but to no avail. Soon, Judith had him splayed out on the floor of the room he'd been lent for this time.

He banged his head against the floor, honestly wishing he was anywhere but here. He could be sleeping right now if it weren't for this woman.

"Go get some breakfast, sir." She spoke again, releasing his ankle from her grip. After a few minutes, Henry managed to will himself to sit up. The next 10 minutes he spent debating whether or not to make another bolt for the bed and the consequences of that. Deciding he didn't want to know what else Judith was capable of, he got to his feet and shuffled his way out of his room, not bothering to change.

He pushed the crud out of his eyes as he walked the hallways. It was so bad this morning that he was having trouble seeing. He kept trying to pull on his eyes to see if he could convince his eyes to focus on anything. His hair was tussled every which way, a royal mess as one would put it. He stumbled his way into the kitchen in time to hear something about a slumber party. Looking up, he saw a slew of people. With a blank, still mostly asleep, face he looked around the room. Ignoring everyone in sight, he shuffled his way towards a coffee pot and found the nearest mug to pour some of the sweet liquid into it. Once he'd done this and took a few sips, he finally realized where he was.

...Shit.

He forced a grin at those in the room. "H-Hello." He stuttered, still half asleep despite the coffee. Maybe it was better he just... leave. He made his way for the door, however, he also spotted his betrothed...

...I still need to talk to her.

Ugh...

Sighing, he grabbed onto Feora's hand and pulled her into the hallway with him. He wasn't much one for talking this early in the morning and he did need to talk to her. However, thinking back on it, this might not have been the best way to go about this. He stopped pulling in the hallway, and moved to say something to her.

"Sor-" He began, before he was interrupted.

Feora caught snippets of the conversations around her, but the only one that really caught her attention was Raven and Elizaveta’s regarding a slumber party. In all honesty, she wasn’t terribly excited about the idea; however, she knew she shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get to know and build relations with the kingdoms’ future rulers. She hoped that the night wouldn’t be filled with conservations solely based on trivial matters but could be steered towards something more meaningful. She would greatly enjoy having an intellectual conversation for a change of pace.

She decided not to pursue starting any new conversations. There would be plenty of time for that later. Right now, she wanted some food. As she started to cross the room, she glanced over at the newest arrival. She did a double take and suddenly stopped in her tracks when she realized it was Henry, her betrothed, who had just entered the room. Her gaze swept over him, and her eyes widened in dismay when she saw that he was still wearing his pajamas. He hadn’t even bothered to brush his hair or make himself even slightly presentable. She quickly turned to where her back was mostly facing him but she could still watch him out of the corner of her eye. He seemed completely out of it. It wasn’t until after he had taken a few sips of his coffee that it finally seemed dawn on him where he was. Oh good Lord, help me, she groaned inwardly.

She wasn’t about to approach him. That would only increase her torture by letting everyone know that she was betrothed to this…fool, royal mess of a prince, walking zombie, I don’t know what I am supposed to call him. She turned her attention away from him entirely and went back to what she had previously been doing: going to get some food. Unfortunately, her “peace” was short lived. What the hell, she thought when someone suddenly tugged on her hand and began to practically drag her across the room. She started to pull away from the person but then stopped doing so when her gaze landed on the source: Henry.

Her face flushed, and she felt a wave of humiliation wash over her. She could almost feel the inevitable stares that this spectacle was likely garnering. Indignation quickly filled her, and when they were out of view, and hopefully earshot, she would let him have it. When Henry finally came to a stop, she ripped her hand from his grasp. Abruptly following that, in one impulsive move, she made to land a solid smack across his cheek. A fieriness that had not been there since the day her father had told her about her arranged marriage ignited itself within her. Out spewed her unfiltered feelings. “Don’t ever do that again. I am not some woman you can just do with as you please. I can only imagine the horrible impression you just made on all of those people. It is one thing to present only yourself as a fool, but my reputation is now linked to yours. I will not have you tarnish my name and my kingdom!” she snapped at him.

Mai smiled politely in response to Elizaveta's words, returning the Grand Duchess's nod as she turned to speak to her betrothed. Then, Princess Raven, their host, proposed a slumber party.

A slumber party? Mai thought incredulously, though her expression remained unchanged. Goodness gracious. Are we a group of thirteen-year-old girls? Is a slumber party not rather...improper, for women of our standing? What would the nobility at court back in Liang say if they learned that I had attended a slumber party? Would they themselves label it improper and use it as a weapon to denounce my uncle's rule?

To an outsider, the thoughts that ran through Mai's head could have been taken as a sign of her haughtiness, but in truth, Mai was very much concerned about how others perceived her. Could her actions-attending or not attending a slumber party, in this case-potentially threaten her uncle's precarious hold on the throne? If I do indeed attend, I will most likely be labeled as 'un-royal' and maybe even unfit to rule. If I do not attend, I am not certain of what the Liangii nobility will think, but I am almost certain that the royalty present in Aciras will think that I feel somehow 'above' or 'superior' to them. That is not what I want to be doing. Mai carefully weighed her options before answering Princess Raven.

"I would love to attend the slumber party, Princess Raven," answered Mai in a pleasant voice, a soft smile gracing lipstick-coated lips. "Please, do provide some more details. I would love to know what time and where we shall be meeting for the slumber party." Mai figured that the slumber party would be as good of a time as any to observe and analyze the other princesses. If both Elizaveta and Caterina were attending as well, perhaps she could properly determine what the relationship in between the two was at this point in time. Maybe the information would come in handy sometime in the future. As much as Mai hoped that nothing would come of the potential conflict in between the two, she could never be sure. If it comes down to Caterina against Elizaveta, who would I side with? Mai wondered. I would most likely remain neutral, but I think that if I were not a princess, I would side with Elizaveta. After all, Prince Nikolai is her betrothed, and Caterina is betrothed to somebody else. In any case, I suppose all I can do is simply hope that nothing happens where I would have to pick a side. That would be a nightmare.

Just then, Prince Henry of Elaniel wandered into the dining room, still in his pajamas. Mai would have gaped at him in disbelief if she was not so used to keeping her face neutral. Oh my heavens. What is he doing? Why is he not...dressed? Mai glanced at Princess Feora of Wulfswinth out of the corner of her eye, gauging the other princess's reaction. She looked...dismayed? Surprised? Maybe just a tiny bit embarrassed? As Mai watched, Princess Feora abruptly turned her back to him. If that was Zhou, I would have done the same. Fortunately, Mai's cousin was not present at the moment to make a fool of himself.

"H-hello," Prince Henry greeted as he passed the knot of people standing near the door. Mai greeted him with a polite smile, though it did not appear like Prince Henry saw. Instead, he headed straight for the food. Mai imperceptibly arched an eyebrow, her expression carefully arranged in one of slight amusement as Prince Henry progressed across the room.

Mai's mild surprise transformed into downright disbelief as he finally noticed what he was doing and grabbed Princess Feora by the hand before dragging her out the door. Goodness gracious. I do not know how Princes Feora will react to that. Not very well, I assume. She doesn't seem like the type to be pushed around by anybody, let alone her future husband.

Mai sighed inwardly and turned back to the other princes and princesses. Many interesting things had already happened, and it was only day two. Who could say what events would transpire over the course of the next few months?

---

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---

Fareeha was, without a doubt, feline in the mornings. For the life of her, she couldn't sit still during the night, twisting and turning in the endless search for the most comfortable, the coolest, the most bestest spot in the whole bed. This didn't spare the bed, at all- every morning, she woke up entangled in sheets and comforter, one pillow on the floor and one nestled underneath her back. One of her legs showed, as well as its opposite arm and shoulder, finding just that perfect balance between the cool of the air and the warmth of the sheets.

And, as usual, completely disregarding those sheets, she immediately stretched upon waking, very much like a cat, stretching out her arms straight above her head, her legs as far down as they can go, toes curling.

Once she was suitably stretched and ready, she snuggled into her sheets for a little bit longer. It was here that her mind really woke up, and began planning out her day in a peaceful, cozy haze of sleep.

It took another ten minutes for her to finally crawl out of bed, which was followed by another luxurious stretch in the cool air. The air conditioning left a slight breeze in the air, which danced across her mostly-bare skin quite giddily. Shivering slightly, she moved to her dresser, throwing it open as she pondered- what is she going to wear?



Now dressed in a pair of snug, black jeans, white tank top, and toted along a shiny, somewhat 'fancy' leather jacket, Fareeha was ready for her first stage of the day: a routine of strengthening poses, a 'dance' of various positions in slow motion to test the endurance and strength of one's muscles. When she first started it, even though she regularly did a variety of demanding physical activities, it would bring her to soak her clothing in sweat- now, she was strong and tough enough to do it somewhat easily. It was part of her routine, and had been for years. A dozen different poses, each lasting about ten minutes with very slow movements on each.

And by the time she was finished, she presumed that the other princesses were just getting up and dressed. A princess who'd rather be known as a soldier always gets up early, earlier than the sun and its dawn. Nonetheless, she applied the usual odor-killing deodorant- she preferred to smell like nothing when working out, not like a princess. After that, she made her way to the garden- those others of her age might be starting to show up for breakfast, but there was a route to be jogged. She ignored her bodyguarding shadows, as per usual, and took her route randomly and in peace, simply exploring the, to her, exotic but plain garden. She jogged only for fifteen minutes- not enough to build up a sweat, or anything more than warm up her muscles.

Having now been prepared for the day, she returned to her rooms to apply one of her more favored scents- of the rare flower growing in remote deserts, the Desert Ghost. A neutral smell, one that wouldn't offend anyone, and yet, has hints to something fantastic to it. She loved it, and used it often. Despite its expense, of course. Properly dressed (she went ahead and threw on her jacket), scented, warmed up, and ready for the day, she threw on her more more civilian 'military' cap and headed back into the palace for her daily dose of political royalty.

On her way, an extremely disheveled Prince Peterson stood outside their designated breakfast space with his betrothed, Princess Isabel. Judging from the red on one cheek, the anger in Feora's face, and the general stance of them both, Feora was tearing into Peterson for whatever reason. She didn't really intrude, other than a flashing smile of white teeth.

"Nice look, Peterson," were her only words to the 'morning' person as she passed by. Either way, it didn't really concern her.

Striding into the great room that was to house their breakfast, she surveyed everyone with a critical, though subtle, eye. Casually, though, she approached one of the empty seats, unoccupied and untouched, and slid into it with assured ease. She glanced towards the farther end of the room- just eyeing one of the servants was enough to get her point across. As the servant went to get her a fresh plate of breakfast- no point in laying out a bunch of breakfast, but better to bring it on demand- Fareeha turned her attention elsewhere.

She glanced at her right hand side, and smiled at the multitude of princesses and princes talking. Not feeling very much like a princess- much rather, a soldier on an off day, as she used to be- she only gave them a single, general greeting.

"Alssalam ealaykum, and good morning to you all. I trust you've all had a fine night's sleep?"

A moment after speaking, she immediately noted the absence of habi, of her snake, of Hadi. In an absent gesture, she wordlessly, subconsciously scratched her wrist, where the python would be curled up if it'd been there.

Liv was, at first, woken by the sound of chirping. She rolled over, brain not quite processing what it was, and was rewarded by a hard peck on her temple. With a muffled cry of "Deum damneris!" The girl sat up, then groaned and fell back over as the world spun around her. And of course after falling back down she was immediately rewarded by another hard peck. In exasperation Liv slowly pushed herself up into a seated position, knocking the small bird that clung to her blankets into her lap. Her tired brain didn't quite process and she was left staring at the sparrow in confusion.

There was a cough from the door and she looked up slowly, still not awake enough to process. Then she finally realized who she was staring at and groaned, flopping back down again. Aeila Hadrianus and Claudia Balbinus. Daughters of some of the oldest families in all of Lusitania, tracing back to the ancients themselves. And Liv's lifelong friends, maids, and confidants.

"Quid? Domina vos accipit?" (What? Did my mother (literally, the empress) send you?)

The taller of the two girls at the door laughed humorlessly. "Your father sent us, and after your little... fumble yesterday, he demands that you use the English tongue for the remainder of your stay, and would like to remind you to mind your manners and your tongue when speaking to your betrothed. We cannot afford to anger the Britannian Empire. Your mother sends her regards, and tells you that the dress you wore for your arrival was exceedingly indecent. Aurelia sends your sparrows, and tells you to never leave your pets at home again or they'll end up as toys for her cat."

Claudia elbowed her companion to silence her. "Liv, are you ready to go to breakfast? The others are starting to convene."

"I must say my prayers and get dressed before then." She said, cursing her fumbling tongue. She carefully lifted the sparrows off of her, ignoring the indignant peeping, and eased out of bed slowly, careful to not stand up too fast. Once she was on her feet she wobbled over to the table that held the small statues representative of her people's gods. She winced slightly as she sank to her knees on the bare wood floor, striking a match and lighting a long candle.

There was a small candle before each of the figurines. Some were far more used than others, out of habit- obviously, she could not pray to all the gods every day, so she would choose only a few per day

First she dipped her candle to light the flame at the feet of the proud god, carved of marble, with a gleaming golden bolt of lightning in his hand. Father, protect my family. Serve them with the diligence that I serve you.

Next she lit the candle before the wooden figure of the kindly god with the copper staff. Healer, give me strength to survive this day so that I may not shame my family.

On and on the reel went, the wizened goddess with an owl on her shoulder, the five dancing goddesses carrying implements of writing or music, the wiry god with mechanical wings, the burly one with a smith's hammer.

At last Liv hesitated before the last two statues. The silver statue of the running maiden, her hand raised clutching her bow and her dogs racing at her feet. And the golden figure of her counterpart, the graceful mother with one hand on her pregnant belly, the other holding a basket laden with fruit, and child clutching at her skirt.

One candle was nearly burned through, the other never touched.

She hesitated for a moment longer, then bowed her head as she touched her candle to the previously unburned one. Mother, give me the strength and grace required to be the best wife that I can be. And... grace my body with your blessings, if you may, so that I shall not disappoint my future husband when he seeks to produce heirs.

She looked up then, taking the small ivory cup and pressing it over each of the candles, extinguishing the flames. Then she stood, wiping her suddenly wet eyes.

Claudia was watching her. She was rather small for a Lusitanian, though still had seven inches on Liv. She was quite pretty, her straight auburn hair falling to her shoulders and framing her alert chestnut eyes, with a smattering of freckles dusting her otherwise rather fair skin.

Claudia shook her head to clear her thoughts, standing in front of Liv and eyeing her with a wry expression. "Which outfit today, Liv?"

"Perhaps the pink long dress would be suitable?"

The maid helped her get dressed, kneeling before her and lacing up the gold sandals around her calves. Then she stood up. "Aelia! Where are you! Lady Liviana needs her makeup done!"

There was a thump and a yell. Liv jumped, racing to the bathroom, where the thump seemed to emanate from. There was a struggle going on inside. Asavi and Aelia were wrestling on the floor.

"AELIA!" Liv squeaked. The maids were startled enough that they both let go of each other, scrabbling on the floor to separate themselves.

Asavi was the first to apologize. "I'm sorry, my lady, but I was not expecting you to have had other servants given that you hadn't arrived with any." Liv then noticed a line of blood on the girl's bare shoulder, and the small blade in Aelia's hand.

"Aelia! What do you have to say for yourself?"

"You could have warned me that you had loaner maids. I thought someone was trying to murder you." The girl shrugged.

Liv sighed, turning faintly pink from exasperation and rage. "Aelia, go. I'll be with you shortly." She then faced the tall Orthan maid, who wouldn't meet her eyes. Carefully she inspected the mark from the blade. "It is just a scratch. You should be alright. I... am sorry for Aelia's vigilance. She is simply overzealous. If... er. I do not expect any individual to put their life in danger to serve me, and with this occurrence I fear it may be. Consider your service to me finished, Asavi. Go with grace and the gods' goodwill." She pressed a gold coin into the girl's hand. The maid looked down at it confusedly, then curtsied deeply to Liv and left the room quickly.

Liv sighed heavily, exiting the bathroom and plopping down on the chair to allow Aelia to work her magic with her hair. Aelia grinned at her, though she had to bend down to see properly, being nearly a foot taller than Liv. Her green eyes were bright from the battle she had just been in, her wavy golden brown hair only slightly mussed. The tall girl worked quickly, braiding the front strands of Liv's hair back and clasping them with a jeweled hair clip in the shape of a laurel branch. She then stepped in front of Liv, brandishing the cosmetics, and went to work with blush, bright gold eyeshadow, thick mascara, and soft pink lipstick.

After this, she settled Liv's wrap around her shoulders. This one was lace woven out of thick cotton thread, rather reminiscent of crocheting. The four sparrows, taking this as a signal, fluttered into the air and settled on Liv's shoulders, setting their feet so as to not pinch her skin. Aelia said, "oh no you don't--" but Liv silenced her.

"Fareeha Amari brought her serpent - coiled around her wrist - to the arrival ceremonies. Why should I not be allowed to bring my sparrows to breakfast?" Liv asked, while reaching to the bird closest to her left shoulder. Lumina was her name, for her pale tan color flecked with white and gold. Next to her was Sylvus, a russet bird with black and dark brown flecks and a few specks of white. On the other side stood Rhea, a nondescript mostly brown bird who had a few flecks of light gold on her wings, mottled shades of brown on her back, and an oddly crown-shaped circle of gold on top of her head, and Romulus, who was such a dark brown that he seemed to have purple undertones, save for a speckling of white on his head and the tips of his wings.

Aelia sighed, but didn't question it. She stood to Liv's left side, Claudia to her right, as they made their way down the hall and down the stairs to breakfast.

Once there, Liv was nearly overwhelmed by the number of people she saw. She scanned the crowd but did not yet see Edwin, so instead she cast around for other familiar faces. The most familiar face she saw was that of Mai Mei of Liang, and so she made her way to join that small congregation of ladies. Claudia and Aelia broke off, likely to go stand somewhere out of sight and observe things as they normally did.

She eased into the group, blushing slightly as she did. "Ave." she said softly, glancing up at the faces that surrounded her. Mai and Elizaveta and Raven. "Is it acceptable if I join you?" She asked. Lumina chirped softly, and Liv squirmed uncomfortably, reaching up to pet the little bird with a finger to quiet her.

---

Leon was about to respond to the others greetings when he was cut off by the entrance of Princess Sade. He bowed his head in greeting as the others sounded off their welcomes. He decided to take a backseat in the conversations as the others spoke towards each other. When Princess Raven brought up the idea of a slumber party for the girls Leon started thinking up an idea for the boys.

Leon was about to speak when someone stumbled into the room. Leon just watched as Prince Henry shuffled over to a coffee pot and began to drink some coffee. Then the man turned and looked at the group who he had ignored. Slowly the groggy Prince made his way over to the group and Leon was about to greet him when the man grabbed his betrothed and rushed out of the room.

Leon watched along with the rest of the group hoping that Prince Henry hadn't just signed his death wish. When the door opened again he expected to see at least one of the two who had just exited, but instead it was Princess Fareeha who entered this time. Then moments later Princess Liviana Joined the ranks of the breakfast goers. Leon stepped over towards Nikolai and jokingly said, "Looks as if we are becoming severely outnumbered here. What do you think we should do?"

---

---

Elizaveta smiled over towards Nikolai and nodded though she was a bit concerned. Gossip and stories? She wasn't one for gossip and she doubted any of her stories of growing up behind the walls of her Empire. Glancing around she noticed that were more coming in and she greeted each one in turn with a smile, a warm welcome, and a nod of greeting with her head. It seemed that others were perhaps still sleeping or maybe they had left in the night, not happy with whom they were betrothed with, either way she wondered if any others would make their appearance to breakfast. Time was passing and the sun was growing in the sky. The night was supposed to be filled with dancing and getting to know each other more. Yet looking around it seemed that the number of men and women was completely one-sided at this time.

As Nikolai walked over to another she made her way over to the food finally and grabbed herself a few small items to nibble on. She was never one to be truly hungry in the morning, it usually took her being up a while and doing various activities before her want of food truly kicked in. Perhaps she should go do something. There was a lot going on and frankly she wasn't used to dealing with so many people she was unacquainted with at once, though she figured she would have to get accustomed to it at one point. Yet, that didn't mean she had to right then. If they were going to have the Gala that evening and a slumber party the following night, it would give her plenty of time, and there was also the next three months. That settled it, it was time to do something and what she wanted to do was get some fresh air.

Turning, she stepped over to Nikolai and smiled as she rested her hand on his arm. "Excuse me for but a moment but I believe I am going to step out for a bit. I feel that a brisk ride this morning would do me wonders," she said in a gracious voice. "Gentlemen, ladies," she said with a tilt of her head before turning and heading out of the breakfast room with Sergi on her heels.

"Leaving without the rest of the guests showing up?" he asked as he escorted her back towards her chambers.

"Yes, I need some fresh air so I concluded that a morning ride would be just the thing," she explained before stepping into her room with him posted outside of the door while she changed. Normally she would have chosen something a bit more formal to ride but the rolling hills of the country she was visiting made her feel a bit more free so she opted for something more comfortable. Once finished she headed down to the stables, Sergi following close behind her as she found a steed that seemed to respond to her before she began to saddle him. The stable hands looking at her oddly as she waved them away and explained that she had this herself.