Henri waited until Gen was out of sight to dig into his pocket and pull out a slim stainless steel cigarette case. He pulled out one of them and held it between his lips as he lit it. After a few long drags and letting the nicotine set, he was finally able to think clearly. The whole ordeal with Raiden had been such a mess. Just thinking about it was making him even more stressed, no matter how many puffs of smoke he took in. So he stopped thinking about it altogether. He could pretend it hadn't happened. Pretend it had just been some stupid thing his mind had made up and go on with the ball as nothing had happened.

"I'm just going crazy..." Henri let out an exasperated sigh as he watched the smoke of his cigarette drift off into the wind. He could always sneak away and go to his room. Elias wouldn't notice, not now that he was probably drunk and flirting with some random princess. Henri hadn't even greeted his betrothed, and he was already planning to escape the ball. How classy and considerate of him, like always.

After lighting another cigarette, Henri began to walk around the edges of the garden in hopes of avoiding any other wondering royals that sneaked out. Of course, he didn't notice the familiar figure a few feet away from him as he stared off into space.

With his stop-Arabelle-from-starting-a-war mission deemed a success, the Mediterranean Prince descended on the crudites, the tzatziki, and houmous a small home comfort - although obviously not a patch on Hellenican produce. He’d then completed a lap of introductions and well-wishing, checking specific political targets off a mental list for his father.

Feeling accomplished, he watched the confusing body language of Alejandro and Philip from across the room as he waited at the bar. Well, that might explain some things if true. But Phillip? He wasn’t sure. Nonetheless, there were all his supposed ‘friends,’ Ali, Raiden, Rhys, before him, and they had all seemingly dropped off the face of the Earth if his phone were evidenced. Surrounded by so many peers, yet here he stood alone at the bar. He felt the discomfort settle; his heart pick up a beat and lump rise in the back of his throat. Mind fogged, his eyes lost focus middle-distance as he stared across the ice in his crystal tumbler.

An enthusiastic toast from a loud, buxom Duchess snapped him out of his pit as quick as he’d fallen in. He swallowed his feelings and washed them further down with a large ‘sip’ of his cocktail. He plastered a smile on his face once more as he blinked away some moisture. How ridiculous. He was a prince for God’s sake. A good looking, world-famous, well-loved royal with hundreds of thousands of followers. How could he be lonely?

Caipirinha in hand, he toasted the older statespeople beside him and slipped out a side door, hurrying to find some fresh air. He promptly found the gardens and stepped outside to fill his lungs with fresh air. After a long exhale, he opened his eyes and was startled to see Henri only a few yards away, Chris having obviously stepped out into his path. Fuck.

“Henri,” he nodded with a peevish smile. “You really ought to stop with those cancer sticks, you know…” he continued with a pursed-lip and furrowed brow. Yeah, he was pissed off at the bespectacled blonde before him, but he didn’t want his childhood friend to go the same way as both his grandfathers.

"Chris." Henri had halted in his tracks when he heard the familiar voice of the Hellenican prince. He hadn't expected anyone to be in the gardens yet, let alone be the man who he had abandoned. Henri's heart gave a harsh tug when he remembered that detail of their estranged relationship. He opened his mouth to give him a snide reply, but he fell short on the words to say to Chris. The evening had already turned sour, and he wasn't about to exacerbate his reunion with Chris with some offhand comments.

Instead, Henri took one last drag from his cigarette and threw it on the stoned path, extinguishing it with his foot. "You're right," He walked over to the man, hands fiddling with one of the adorned buttons on his blazer. He could feel all the previous thoughts rushing back as he stared at Chris in front of him. He'd miss him. Henri had missed their late-night conversations, their unexpected trips to the wilderness, and their shared love for games.

"Guess I haven't changed." Henri stopped in front of Chris, fingers tugging at the button. "Chris-" He wanted to apologize, but he didn't even know where to start. Henri never did well in confrontation, be it of any kind. He must look pathetic in front of his friend. Were they even friends anymore?

Chris was unusually lost for words. He’d at least expected some cutting sarcasm or dry wit from his old friend. Henri must be feeling guilty. Good. Okay, so maybe he wouldn’t have slept with Henri if he’d have known this was going to be his reaction. But was one drunken night really worth throwing away a childhood friendship and sullying a myriad of teenage memories…?

But at his friend’s awkward approach, Chris’ righteous indignation melted away. The awkward button fumble that he’d mocked that very night in London. The tousled blonde locks. The faint whiff of expensive cigarette smoke. But he still had to know… ”Why Henri?” he couldn’t help but ask. His knuckles whitened as they tightened around his glass. ”Just answer me that.”

Henri knew that question was coming. He had avoided answering that for so long, and now he couldn't run away. Not again. That night Henri had taken off without a word. He hadn't texted or called Chris. He'd simply left the hotel after Chris had and headed back home, all the while cursing himself. Henri knew what he had done had been wrong and utterly idiotic of him. He thought he could buy himself time to think, to really think about what he felt for Chris, but by the time he had finally figured it out, it had been months already.

"I was scared." Henri started, eyes drifting away from Chris' face to the glass he held in his hand. He could see the white forming on his knuckles. He took a deep breath. "I- I needed time. Time to think. I couldn't confront you because I was afraid you were you going to tell me it had meant nothing." Henri's voice cracked on the last word. He knew it was selfish. He knew he hadn't considered Chris, and for that, he felt the guilt weighing down on him. He had so desperately wanted it to mean something that he was so afraid to face Chris again.

And there it was. Chris’ heartstrings well and truly plucked. Of course, Henri had been scared. They’d been childhood family friends and then slept together. Chris was still unsure about Henri’s sexuality as a whole and whether or not he’d been his first… And he couldn’t blame Henri for thinking that he’d just been another notch on the bedpost. Chris didn’t think he’d ever ‘loved’ someone romantically, but his connection with Henri and the passion of that one night had been the closest he’d come to the possibility of love growing and also feeling as though the relationship would actually be accepted by his family. If only Henri had replied to Chris’ messages though, they could have sorted all of this out months ago.

Chris reached out with his free hand to hold Henri’s, his thumb tracing circles on the back. ”How could anything I do with you mean nothing?” he asked. “What can I say to get ‘us’ back?”

Hearing those words lifted up something in Henri's chest. He compelled his eyes to look back at Chris when he felt the warmth of his hand on his own. Henri was really an idiot. The biggest idiot of them all. Chris was really asking him what he could do to make things better? Henri shook his head, his fingers tightening around Chris'.

"I should be the one saying that," Henri glanced down at their hands and let a small smile slip into his lips. "You didn't do anything wrong, I-" He hadn't expected this reaction from Chris, and Henri couldn't get his thoughts straight. His voice was still cracking, and his vision was starting to blur. "I'm sorry- I'm an idiot. I don't know how to make you believe me that I truly am sorry for abandoning you." Would his apology even be worth anything now?

The wave of relief released at Henri’s apology swept away all misgivings inside Chris’ mind. ”Apology accepted I suppose if we’re both stuck here together,” he replied with his winning smile has he pulled his friend in for one of his bear hugs. ”At least you got one thing right…” he joked as they embraced. ”You are a real vlákas.”

Henri was taken aback as he was pulled into an embrace by Chris. He didn't resist it and instead wrapped his arms around the man as the weight of guilt lifted off his shoulders. Just like that, Chris had accepted his apology? That easy? Henri laughed at Chris' words, his face pressed against the man's shoulder. "I am." Chris had all right to call him a fool and an idiot. Henri didn't care now that he had his friend back.

The normality of hugging his friend once more prompted such an upwelling of emotion that he had to bite back a cathartic outburst of laughter. He slowly unwrapped his arms from the blonde, the nostalgic scent of expensive cologne and cigarette smoke, transporting him back to their teenage years but also that one damn night. He held both of Henri’s hands in his and held his gaze. ”So what was it?” he continued. “What happened?”

Chris had spent nearly a year, ruminating on the possibilities. Was it because Henri saw him as an older brother figure? A trust that had been quickly ripped apart like their suits that evening? Was Henri still under the thrall of his royal responsibility and older brother’s scorn like Chris had once been himself? Had it been Henri’s...first time? Was it because they were family friends? Or had Henri been in a relationship, and Chris been a mistress for the night? Time and loneliness meant the acceptance of Henri’s apology had formed quickly on the Hellenican prince’s lips. But as Leo’s business mind had taught him well, everything had a price. In this case, the price of renewed friendship was the truth.

Henri had to pry his eyes away from Chris when he heard the question. What had happened? Henri had fallen in love with his childhood friend. Someone who he had known all of his life, someone who he trusted and confided in. He had been so scared that Chris would tell him that their night together had meant nothing that he had run away. It had taken Henri weeks to come to that realization, and yet being the coward, he was Henri never confronted Chris. Regret always plagued Henri's mind.

"I can't..." Henri bit his lip. If he spoke those words out loud, he'd bring those feelings back too. It wouldn't be fair for Chris or himself- or Raiden. Right, Raiden. Henri hesitated for a second before pulling back his hands from Chris at the thought of the Prince of Xi'n.

Chris’ tide of positivity receded as fast as it had risen. What had he even been hoping for? That Henri would say that he thought he loved him too? That night had just been so different from any other. With Ali, there weren’t any feelings involved, and with Raiden, it had been a fun fling whilst abroad. But with Henri...there had been...something. That early morning taxi through the quiet London streets, he’d dared to think that what he felt was love. But only time would tell. But every subsequent attempt to meet up with Henri had been met with silence or thinly veiled excuses. Chris had just put it down to alcohol, great sex, and the fact that he and Henri shared so many similarities. But now he was stood in front of him again…

“Henri,” Chris implored, “Please talk to me.” If his feelings weren’t mutual, then at least he had to know what had gone wrong, so the next time he fell for someone, it could be avoided. But no one else was Henri. “What it anything I did or said? Our family relationship? A mistake?” Chris let go of Henri’s hand and drained his drink.

Henri shook his head- no, Chris was perfect. He was a good man, a man he could trust and a man that he loved. Still loved to this day despite the distance Henri had put between each other. Despite his current relationship with Raiden. "It's not about you." He explained, "I fucked up, okay? I fucked up so bad. I was so fucking dense and stupid and- and dumb!" He pulled back and turned away from Chris to reach into his pocket. All of his thoughts came tumbling down on his again. The rush of emotions hit him like a ton of bricks. He wanted so bad to tell Chris, but he couldn't explain it. All he could do was curse himself. "Ha, royally fucked up." He scoffed at his own comment while fumbling with the cigarette case.

Chris looked up to the sky and squeezed his eyes shut. This was infuriating. Henri had absolved him of any guilt or mistake. So why did he still feel as tense about their relationship as he had when the day began? He inhaled deeply. There were a few options. One - if he loved Henri, he’d offer his support and walk away to let him process. Two - if he loved Henri, he’d keep pushing for an answer to help him process. Three - if he loved Henri, he’d walk away and not involve him with Chris’ messed up life. He exhaled with a deep sigh. Fuck. He couldn’t decide.

“Fine.” he finally said after a heavily pregnant pause. “You win.” He raised his empty glass at Henri. “I’ll stop.” His voice broke with sorrow as it rose in anger. “Decide what you want and then come and find me.” he turned back to stride into the palace, “Or don’t. Your choice.” He headed back through the open French doors he’d emerged from mere moments earlier, blinking his moistened eyes as he pressed his chilled glass against his forehead. ”God I need a drink.”

Three tequila shots and numerous re-buffed attempts at conversation later, Chris sidled up to Cat and Cass just as their bottles arrived. “It looks as though I’ve found the real party then ladies.” he laughed with a blush in his cheeks and a raised bottle of Patrón.

Cass was just about to down shot number nine, when the Hellenican Prince walked up.

"Well, I mean the heavy drinkers, the party hasn't started until after this one ends. But by all means, tall, dark and crestfallen join us at the international incident table. I am sure me and my drinking partner is just pissing some stuffy royal off right now. So come sit cause an international incident properly." Cass said with a devilish smile.

“Honestly, this is my pre-game at this point,” Cat admitted, now taking down vodka seven number three. Her unstated goal was to at least square her sevens. “I have sources in the castle who tell me they can get me to much more entertaining spots in the Acirian scene, so once we’re done with obligations here, I’m getting changed out of this walking ‘rob me’ alarm and probably going to see if they can deliver on their promise.”

“Well count me in,” Chris replied before draining his glass and pouring himself a tumbler of tequila. He watched the monogrammed ice cubes twist in his glass as he swirled his drink. “I’m definitely in need of a distraction. And I’m officially out of options here.” he finished gesturing to the whole room.

“Welcome to the rainbow distraction corner, then!” Cat toasted, raising her glass to Chris. In honesty, Cat was happy to have Chris join their little party. She remembered him from when he came to Larne for a while and he was something of a role model. In more ways than one as it turned out. She was meaning to talk to him about what she could do with the Brunns making her the latest rainbow warrior against the cause of tradition and the kingdom that they knew. However, if Chris needed a distraction himself, then her own problems could wait. “You are now free to say whatever the fuck you want, and not be judged, or have to tone it down, or… I dunno. Can’t think of a third thing.”

"If you are in need of a distraction you most definitely came to the right spot! But if someone else joins us we are going to really start to sound like a bad gay joke." Cass said raising an eyebrow. "But I have the feeling that none of us would truly mind that."

Chris couldn’t help but laugh at Cat’s bluntness and Cass’ wit. “To Team Rainbow!” he declared, clinking his glass in a toast with theirs. “So I just realised that I’m going to die alone, what are you two moping about?”

"Hm? Oh well the minute my plane landed it seems the board of directors is trying to implode my company. Also, we share that sentiment, but unlike me I assume you have at least been on a date. As Miss Cat here is trying to spend her mini exile in a drunken stupor. Which as a quiet terrible influence I must insist we have another shot!" She said clinking her glass to Chris's. She felt the warm fuzziness of getting drunk start to hit here as she had what was probably her tenth drink of the night.

Cat nodded as she finished off her drink and went to work making number four. "Yeah, you remember the Lark, right Chris? The rag with way too much power and a heavy anti-LGBTQ bent because the Brunns are bigoted assholes? Yeah, they involved me in such a scandal that my parents wanted me out of the country. So, that's why I am here! Jokes on them though, that plan is backfiring hard… Just gotta actually make that work out…" With the vodka seven complete, she quickly took another long sip.

How could Chris not remember the Lark. They’d printed some disgusting lies and half-truths about him after he’d come out and attempted to get his very degree revoked from Larne. ”Well we are a mostly crew aren’t we?” he replied with a grin. ”I understand your frustration Cat, I really do,” he said calmly with a hand on hers to lower her glass slightly. ”Just promise me you’ll learn from my mistakes and not use this as a revenge mission…” He’d seen that determined look in her eyes from when she was a girl and knew that it would take more than a warning from him to get her to climb down.

He turned to Cass. ”As for you my Gaelic goddess,” he said sidling up to her with a faux husky voice “The men in hear are either blind, stupid, or both to not want a gorgeous, intelligent and successful woman like yourself.” He gave her a peck on the cheek and returned his attention to his glass. ”Although why you’d settle for any of them is now completely beyond me.”

Cass laughed at Chris's attempt to lay it on thick for fun. She graciously accepted the small kiss on her cheek and grabbed a glass of wine to somewhat slow herself down.

"Chris darling, who said I was interested in any of these royals. Please, unlike most of them I am third born so not much reason for an arranged marriage when I have no political value to my country. I have the blessing to marry for love instead. And my standards are high as hell. Still doesn't mean I couldn't have fun in the next two months." She said with a mock innocent look.

"I mean, that's my goal," Cat admitted. "That and keeping Ara from killing Erik before their big public marriage. But mostly fun… and some revenge. You know, me and Cass already have this great plan to take over the Lark and everything attached to it… actually that's gonna be pretty fun."

Chris couldn’t help but snort tequila back into his glass at Cass’ mock innocent look. He grimaced as the alcohol burnt his nose as Cat’s words reached him. Revenge on the Lark would be fun. They’d practically outed him before he’d had the chance himself. “Well if there was ever a place to collect some selling stories for your bumper first issue this is it…” he replied with a nod toward the now drunk duchess he’d encountered at the bar earlier. He just hoped that none of the scandalous stories would involve him or his friends…

"Nah, it won't be interested in the lives of royals. More like, you know, actual journalism," Cat confirmed. "Anyway, that's a ways off. Tonight is about this! She slammed the rest of her fourth vodka seven to prove her point.

"Revenge for all the others who the Lark might hurt in their pursuits later. Right now we are stuck here, Chris you can join us if you would like in our scheming but first we drink!" Cass said finishing her wine.

After the scene with Henri and Genevieve, Raiden decided to get himself a nice cold drink to calm him down and rethink everything he had planned out for the evening. It was rather clear that Henri hadn't wanted to talk to him or even see him. He couldn't keep thinking about it for the whole night; he had other matters on hand. Raiden had yet to have a conversation with many of Xi'n's allies and their representatives; he had to check up on other friends who he had not seen in months and the most important; keep Princess Beatrice some company. The last of the list was the most important task he had for the next two months, but the thought of having to spend it with someone he was being forced to marry wasn't very appealing.

"Whiskey, on the rocks." Raiden said after waving down one of the bartenders. After receiving his drink, he cradled it between his hands and looked into the ice. Had it been worth it? He had put up with his father's demands for so long for the sake of his country, Raiden knew to marry a woman was going to be one of those many demands, and he had never prepared for it. There wasn't anything he could do about it now.

"Prince Raiden," Leo said, walking up to the man with an empty flute of champagne in one hand. There was a polite smile on her lips that hid the displeasure of seeing in front of her; it soon melted away when she saw Raiden's defeated face. Despite everything that had happened, this man was still a friend of hers. "Did you try to talk to him?" Leo knew what that face meant. She may not be close to Raiden as she used to when they were younger, but she was always able to read his face so easily.

"Leo." Raiden didn't bother with formalities and avoided her question altogether. "Drinking so early at the party?" He raised his glass to take a small sip of his whiskey. He didn't look at the woman next to him as she spoke to him. Leo had known about his relationship with Henri since the beginning, and she had been a supportive friend from the shadows. Secrecy had always been their first priority. Raiden's parents couldn't find out about him, or he would lose his title and his country.

"I should say the same about you, Rai." Leo looked back at the man next to her as she leaned into the bar and waved down a bartender to order the same as Raiden had. "Can't blame us; parties like these always seem like a drag." She thanked the guy behind the counter when he dropped off her drink. "Could be worse, you could be marrying me." She teased, hoping to lighten the mood. Leo wouldn't press Raiden about his situation with Henri- not yet at least. She knew Henri had been struggling to stay in touch even before the betrothal had been announced and she wondered if they were starting to drift apart.

"Poor bastard," Raiden scoffed and glanced back towards Asher's direction. "If only he knew what he was getting himself into." He knew the prince only from formal meetings, Raiden could tell he was a pleasant man- but a man nonetheless.

Leo rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she gently slapped Raiden's arm. "Rude," She pushed herself away from the counter and turned to look at the dance floor, watching the couples dance away in mesmerizing circles. "Just moments ago, I was sure I needed to marry him. It didn't matter what I wanted because what I wanted didn't matter. What only mattered was my people." She watched a princess in a bright red dress twirl in the arms of her partner, both smiling and laughing as they danced. "But when Viv asked us about the wedding, I wasn't so sure if it was the right decision for my people."

"For your people, or for you?" Raiden glanced over his shoulder to look at Leo. He had always admired how she presented herself to others without fear of being judged and always stayed headstrong. Raiden was always afraid of being outed when he and Henri had decided to go steady. That fear was what had driven him to slowly distance himself from the man he claimed he loved.

"I can't be selfish all the time." Leo looked back at Raiden, "My mother wants me to marry Asher to get me out of her country. She knows I'm too stubborn to control. I'd be forced to give up the title of Crowned Princess to live in Notia, and the title would fall to my brother." She brought the glass to her lips to take a small sip, careful to not smudge her lipstick. "I love my brother, but he's too dense to see what my mother is trying to do."

"So you're not going to marry him? Find some other guy and marry that one? Finally become queen and show your momma that you can do things your way? You know it won't end well. Your mother is still the queen." Raiden arched an eyebrow towards Leo. It didn't sound like a good plan overall. Leo needed the support of the nobles in her country, and Raiden knew how flimsy her relations were with those old pompous bastards.

"Something like that," Leo shrugged a shoulder, "But I don't need to marry a man." She reached over and placed a hand over Raiden's shoulder. "You have to talk to him. I know he can be an asshole sometimes and he shuts everything out, but talk to him. Tell him what your plan is if you have one, and tell him. Leaving him in the dark like you did was fucked up like really fucked up, but I know you care for him."

"I know." Raiden knew he had to talk to Henri and explain to him everything. He had a plan that would bring things backs like they used to be. "Thanks, I really thought you were going to start shouting at me and kicking me to talk to him." He offered a teasing smile as he took another sip from his drink. "Never thought you would give me encouraging words like that, I'm touched."

"I think you're the only person who feels that way." Leo rolled her eyes and gave Raiden one last pat on the shoulder. "Now excuse me, I need to talk to Chris and those beautiful ladies he's with." With that, Leo made her way around to the little group of women around Chris, her easy smile returning to her face.

"Good luck, princess." Raiden watched her go, eyes trailing towards Chris. He should talk to the man at some point, explain to him the situation, and apologize for being a bad friend- but for now, he had to make his rounds with his allies. Raiden had been away from Princess Beatrice for too long now, so he picked up his drink and began to make his way back to her.

Phillip felt himself ease up as titles were dropped, and with them some formalities. To Han, he said, "That's what I've been saying," with a smile. "I know these kinds of parties can be stressful—" he glanced at Alejandro, "—and you know how shy Gen is; she was very happy to run off with Henri to catch up somewhere quiet." He returned his attention to Han as he finished, "But we have got to have some fun here."

A little stirring of guilt rose up in Phillip's stomach, even though he knew it wasn't really his guilt to feel. Alejandro's situation was complicated and not his fault. More than half the people present were in political engagements that he knew they didn't want.

But it still felt…uncomfortable, to stand across from Han and smile at her—however genuinely—while knowing Alejandro had no plans to maintain their betrothal. While having feelings for Alejandro that he had no business having.

"Is there anything in particular you guys want to do in Aciras?" he asked, because now was not the time to worry about any of that. And they were going to have fun, damn it.

After Raiden made his exit, Beatrice took a moment to survey the ballroom. There were various couples dancing, mostly comprised of the invited nobility. She also took a moment to listen to the music, and to watch the way that said nobility was dancing. There should be more than enough space in between them for any conversation to be drowned out by the music, Beatrice mused to herself. Still, it would be good to be careful. Just in case.

Beatrice took a few bites of her fruit, turning back to Zheng and giving him a polite smile, mindful of the eyes and ears around them. “Well, since my dear betrothed has left us, do you think you would humor me with a dance, Prince Zheng?” she asked lightly, a hint of steel creeping into her expression as she smiled at him, again. If Zheng was as clever as her mother and her great-uncle believed him to be, then surely he’d deduce what she was getting at: the opportunity to have a candid conversation about everything that the two of them were involved in, under the guise of a waltz around the ballroom.

“Oh, it would be my honor Princess Beatrice.” Zheng extended a hand as the band took a slight reprieve before starting their next piece and motioned towards the center of the room. He wasn’t exactly thrilled about having to interact with someone from the Konigreich but out of everyone he could have interacted with, at least Beatrice would be somewhere on the top of this list, “I must confess it's been a while since I last had a lady of your ability to dance with me but I think I still remember all of the moves.

Beatrice laughed lightly, taking his hand proffered hand as they walked towards the center of the room. “I’m sure you won’t have a problem,” she replied.

As the music started up again, Beatrice fell in step with Zheng, letting him lead the dance. After they’d danced for a few seconds, the music swelled, and Beatrice decided to cut to the chase. “So,” she started, switching to Liangii and keeping her expression arranged in one of polite interest for the benefit of all the onlookers, “you know everything of what my mother and the emperor are planning?”

With all the grace he could muster, he fell into a familiar dance pattern as he continued to scan the ballroom, “Of course. I hear that they are planning a most spectacular dinner party in Liang but have concerns for their guests and that the palace might require a... change of style to adapt.” Almost out of habit, Zheng spoke in metaphors, knowing that Beatrice was probably smart enough to pick up on it, “In fact, they’ve already told me about possible renovations and alterations.”

Beatrice grinned, inwardly, at Zheng’s reaction. “Oh, yes. That I was aware of.” The two of them spun around in time with the music, the steps coming like second nature to Beatrice after countless hours of being forced to learn every dance in existence, probably. “My mother has told me that my father will not be able to make it to the festivities, unfortunately. I am not sure of the exact details at the moment, but she has told me that he might be...held up. Hopefully, not with anything major.”

Translation: Queen Mai König was going to somehow keep King Niklas König from interfering with the plan to marry Beatrice to Zheng and have them inherit the Liangii throne, even though it went against everything that Niklas had been working towards, pretty much ever since he married Mai. How Mai was going to accomplish that, Beatrice had no idea - but she could only hope that it involved the least bloodshed possible.

(Though, all things considered, Beatrice’s mother had always thought overt violence was a bit, well, gauche. Still, Beatrice couldn’t be sure)

Zheng was doing a good job of hiding the fact he was basically letting Beatrice lead him in the dance. His footwork had shown signs of deterioration but he was dexterous enough to keep up with the well trained grace of his dance partner, “How is the Queen these days anyways? I hope that she still has a good number of friends in her age who’d be willing to venture to the festivities? Compatriots you can trust truly seem to be few and far between sometimes in lives such as ours. You have any plans for this little gathering?”

“Oh, she is well, yes. She has a fair number of friends from her youth who are still around in Liang, but I’m afraid that her friends in Königreich der Welten are also going to be held up with the pressing business that my father must attend to.” She chuckled softly, and shook her head. “To be frank, I’m not entirely certain if my mother would be very put-off if they didn’t end up making an appearance - most of her friends in Königreich der Welten tend to have beliefs that align with my father’s, when it comes to event attendance. And, well, most other things in general, to be honest.”

Beatrice fell silent as the steps of the dance carried them closer to a few other couples, but it wasn’t long before they were moving away from them, once again. “I will be there, though; I wouldn’t miss it for the world. As for my betrothed, well, he is the crown prince of his country. He may not be able to step away from his work to attend the festivities.”

“What a great shame that will be.” Zheng shot a look in the general direction of Raiden has they spun, “I think regardless, the ball will be greatly enhanced with your presence. How elaborate should the honor guard be? While no doubt the venue shall be secure, it is always good to have extra hands for the show. Both hawks and sparrows will be released during the opening ceremony, they shall fly high above us all like guardian spirits of old.”

Now fully acclimated to the dance pattern, Zheng started to inquire about security and further details as the music once again changed. He let himself have longer pauses between when he spoke to just enjoy the atmosphere and music. It wasn’t everyday he got to dance with a princess in a grand ballroom after all and this he could afford to relax a little.

Beatrice murmured her agreement - “Such a shame, yes” - though there was a hard glint in her eyes as she did so. Was she an asshole for continuing to lead Raiden on like that? Perhaps. But she wasn’t going to screw up everything her mother, her great-uncle, and Zheng had worked for, just because of one person’s feelings.

Beatrice responded to Zheng’s other questions to the best of her ability, though there were several instances where she simply did not know the answer. She flicked her glance around the room, looking for Raiden; he’d gone in the direction of Prince Henri of Luxembourg and Princess Genevieve of Maris at first, but now it looked like he was with Princess Leonor of Nevarrea, now. Beatrice was not overly familiar with any of the three, beyond what was out there in the media and what they put on social media.

After a few moments of silence, Beatrice spoke again: “I do apologize for being overly forward, Prince Zheng, but I must ask - you and my father have not been acquainted, is that correct? Beyond the visit he made while wearing that black suit one of his generals gifted him a few years ago?”

Translation: has Dad made any other overtures into Liang that you know about, besides what happened in that incident where you lost your arm?

“No need to apologize, I have gotten used to my arm. At the very least it lets me use the handicapped parking space.” Zheng smiled at Beatrice before continuing to scan around the room for anyone who might have picked up on what they were saying, “The Emperor is still graciously allowing for dignitaries from all walks of life to benefit from the protection of the Son of Heaven.”

Translation: We’ve managed to catch some “delegates” who were not the normal kind and we have been keeping an eye on both them and the embassy.

“Now what about you?” Zheng caught wind of the look on Beatrice’s face, “How do you feel about this grand gala you’ve been invited too?”

“I see,” said Beatrice, carefully. “I am afraid those dignitaries will probably be amongst those who have other business to attend to during the celebrations my mother and the emperor are planning. It’s really quite a shame that they will not be able to be there.”

At Zheng’s next question, though...Beatrice smiled at him, and although her words were perfectly polite, the look in her eyes was a perhaps a tad too sharp to be entirely appropriate, given how many bystanders there were. “Prince Zheng,” she said, sincerely. “I think that I can safely say that I have never looked forward to something as much as I am looking forward to the festivities that will be held in Liang.”

As the music slowed and the dancing began to follow suit, Zheng smiled once again, “I am glad to hear that; you will be the life of the party as they say.” He stepped back and bowed slightly to Beatrice before returning to speaking in English, “Thank you for the dance princess, it has been an honor.”

Beatrice smiled and dipped into a curtsey. “The honor was all mine,” she responded as the song came to an end. “Now, I suppose that I should go find Prince Raiden, if he is not busy. I will surely see you at the other events here, yes?” And with that, Beatrice took her leave, scanning the crowd for her betrothed. Her conversation with Zheng had given her plenty to think about; it seemed that the two of them were pretty much on the same page regarding the general plan for the near future.

Zheng was just about what I expected him to be, Beatrice mused to herself. Which is a good thing, I suppose. It means that Mom and the emperor chose well.

Now, all she had to do was somehow get through two more months of pretending that she intended to marry Raiden. Easy enough, right?

Han was always one to welcome compliments, especially when it came to her tattoos. Something so brave and controversial had actually ended up getting her much respect among her peers, which wasn't exactly the effect that Han had anticipated on it having. Everyone standing around her was complimenting them, and she was definitely feeling good about them for sure. A smile flashed across her face, relishing in the glory of her tattoos for just a minute, before she cleared her throat. "Why, thank you!"

Hearing Phillip ask a question about what to do in Aciras, Han wasn't entirely sure as to what there was to do here. She'd been here many times on official business, but rarely ever did she come for pleasure, if at all. She didn't know what the people of Aciras did for fun, or what sort of tourist attractions there were. There was bound to be something, she just needed someone to point her in the right direction. Han put a hand under her chin, trying to communicate that she was thinking about it.

"Outside of this, I'm not sure. I haven't really been to Aciras for pleasure before." She shrugged, "Any suggestions?"

"Oh yes, Henri!" Alejandro replied, giving Phillip a wide grin. The first time Alejandro had ever met Henri, it was because he'd walked in on Phillip and Alejandro making out. As was expected, Phillip had been a lot more embarrassed about it than Alejandro had. "And of course, Ara's also here. Gen's friends with Ara, isn't she?"

Although he didn't say it out loud, it was somewhat of a relief that Gen had her own small group of friends in Aciras. Alejandro knew that Phillip worried about Gen, sometimes, and the fact that Gen had a few people that she already knew and already liked being social with probably meant that Phillip was going to be less stressed about everything in general. It wasn't that Alejandro didn't like hanging out with Gen - the two of them had gotten fairly close, especially after Alejandro had started hooking up with Phillip - but in his experience, siblings didn't always want to be with each other or doing the exact same thing 24/7.

In Gen's case, she definitely doesn't want to be with Phillip 24/7, if tonight ends up working out the way I want it to, Alejandro reflected, grinning inwardly and resisting the urge to take Phillip's hand and twine their fingers together.

"I've only been to Aciras a few times," Alejandro responded to the princess from Tuyen Phu, turning slightly so that he was facing her. "It was mostly for the fashion shows. But even in just the capital city, there are some nice spots. I like the bubble tea here."

Imani liked the mood going on between the four of them here. While her situation was different from the one that Alejandro and Han stood in, she was grateful that their conversation was taking on a pleasant path. After the meeting with Cassandra, the ruthless businesswoman, she had been a bit put off from meeting others that she was not yet aware of. Luckily Han seemed like a woman Imani could get along with- and she was easy on the eyes, tattoos included.

"I'm afraid I've never been to Aciras before today, so I wouldn't be able to give any suggestions." Imani had only heard of Aciras from thew news and shows before but never visited the place. It was her first time here, and while she was really excited to be here, she was equally nervous. Growing up, Aciras had been a place of wonderful fashion too far away from Imani in her cold palace up in Utasi. "I've never tried bubble tea, I've seen lots of pictures of it. I am curious about it." Back in Myssalii she had been too busy studying about history and politics to really go out and explore her own country, let alone try some of the restaurants there.

Even when out of her confines of Utasi, Imani seemed to be trapped in Massylii now. At least it wasn't cold there or in Aciras. "Perhaps we'll have a chance to explore the city. It would be lovely to explore the shops here, Acirian fashion is amazing." She could ask Alejandro for some help too. She had the freedom to wear what she wanted, but it also meant having to learn a little bit of fashion sense before deciding to dress, and hopefully, Alejandro could help Imani in that regard.

---

---

Cassandra stood out on the balcony of the room she was given smoking a cigarette. It was suppose to be a gorgeous day out, and Vivian wanted to go to a carnival. Cass laughed as the putrid smoke rose around her, she wasn't expecting something so mundane for the celebration. As she finished up and walked inside her phone went off, she opened up the text from her assistant and smiled as she read that Catherines contract for employment was all drawn up.

Her company may get some weird looks for hiring someone who was a tabloid version of Chernobyl right now, but Cass didn't care. Cat's image right now actually helped them in the long run of their schemes. Right now though Cassandra needed to get ready for the outing. After getting dressed in an American styled outfit Cass three on some light makeup and packed up a small purse with her money, phone and cigarettes.

As she stepped out front of the castle she looked at all the SUVs lined up. Normally she would ride by herself, but today she decided she was going to ride with Phillip, Gen and whomever else was riding with them. She wondered if they knew about, she wanted it to be a surprise. She was going to ride with Asher since they didn't get much time to talk since they arrived, but she figured he was going to be late. He was probably in the middle of a knot of chambermaids and would be catching up later.

As she sat in the SUV Cass pulled up a game and began playing it. This would be her first carnival since she was in college and she was excited for one thing only. The best part of all carnivals, a snack that is so bad for you but one of the most delicous items in the world. If it wouldn't kill her figure she worked so hard for she would have one everyday. If Phillip and Gen haven't tried it yet she would make sure they would. Nothing beats funnel cake.

After that first evening, the young Hellenican prince had thrown himself into his work. He was going to impress both his family and his hosts with his new political responsibilities and impress he did. He made daily media coverage with his visits and had revelled in his chance to experience the natural beauty available in Aciras. From riding bareback with cowboys to promote prairie re-wilding to working with schools on urban greening projects in the capital, he was suitably distracted during the daytime. It was in the evening that he was distracted.

Staying at the palace, rather than in the city, meant that he was frequently with his fellow royals, especially for dinner and any other evening entertainments. Thankfully, the newly formed Coven (as he had started to fondly refer himself, Cass and Cat as) had kept him suitably distracted, and plied with spirits for a few of the evenings. He’d obviously spent time with Leo and had even spent an evening exploring the library in the company of Erik, whom he found far warmer than Belle’s words suggested. He’d successfully avoided Henri, but upsettingly by proxy also Gen - seemingly his shadow after that initial evening. He’d had friendly conversations with everyone else including Ali and Phillip. There was definitely something going on there with the way they looked at one another. Ali treated Chris as though they were standard family friends - apparently, childhood best friends and then years of learning every inch of one another’s bodies meant nothing. Of course, Chris wasn’t expecting their ‘thing’ to continue forever, neither of them felt anything romantic about the other. But to be introduced to others as yet another political figure and with little more warmth than being a distant cousin really stung. As for Phillip, well… If Phillip were, in fact, that way inclined, he’d definitely have to catch him for a ‘real’ conversation soon - one without the eyes and ears of half the ruling elite.

Fresh from his morning swim, Chris had spent far too long deciding on an outfit. Being from the Mediterranean, he was more than comfortable with the heat but had never been to a carnival before. He’d been to many festivals, many times - even Fyre, but he doesn’t mention that and was so glad to have not promoted it on his social media. He’d been to many theme parks and loved rides - the bigger the better. And his country hosted many regattas, traditional festivals and sporting events but did not really have anything that resembled an Aciran carnival. He settled on a simple black and neutral outfit in the end and hurried downstairs. He asked an aide to take his photo in the palace garden and noticing a twitching curtain or two as headed toward the SUVs. He was not about to suggest political preference in front of those spying old fogeys, so on seeing the line of SUVs he decided on diplomacy and slide into the back of an empty car. So he settled in the comfort of the AC chilled car and set on deciding a filter and comment for that great new thirst trap of a photo...

A fair, they said? It was one of the things that kept Han going when it came to being at this event. Just because she was away at this thing didn't mean she was immune from her diplomatic duties. Her phone, specifically assigned by the government for diplomatic purposes, was always ringing. Han couldn't even take the time to tinkle before it went off with some issue or request the people of Tuyen Phu had. It was rather frustrating for Han, but she knew that the people of Tuyen Phu didn't stop living their lives just because she was someplace entirely different. She spent many a night perched over a desk, scribbling notes down on a stationary, trying to work her way through the various issues that the people of Tuyen Phu had.

The day of the fair had rolled around, and Han had made it explicit that she was not to be disturbed unless it was truly, TRULY dire, which in that case her phone would ring because of the one person authorized to do so had to. Standing in the main hall of her temporary place of residence, she threw her hair behind her back, exposing her tattoos that were so popular with her fellow members of royalty. "Ayo Ricardo! Get your bitch ass in here!" Han yelled, fixing her hair so it didn't look scruffy, as well as subtly flex the pieces of jewelry hanging from her ears. A dainty, older man walked in from seemingly nowhere, and looked at Han. "You look splendid, Princess." All Han was really wearing was a black tank top, and a pair of light wash jeans since she knew she was going to be on her feet all day at a fair. It wasn't like she had the intention of sitting down and just playing with herself all day. She needed to get around and get a move on if she wanted to make her time worthwhile.

"I know." Han smirked, "A bitch always be slaying, ya feel?" The princess made a little gesture indicating her satisfaction with herself. "God, I hope Skinny Dick will be there." She said, "I ain't even know if I even seen that dude this whole damn event! We been here weeks and we still ain't see him or his microscope dick. I miss the guy, even though he's right fuckin there. It's kinda hard not to, you can always feel that small dick energy of his. Ironic, right? Small dick, big energy. I don't even fuckin' know, Ricardo." The preoccupation with her own kingdom's affairs, as well as Erik's preoccupation with his own affairs (namely, Ara), had kept the two from interacting with each other much. It was rather frustrating to behold, but Han was hoping that this day was a good opportunity to see if she could vibe with her homie from another nation.

Taking a deep breath, Han put a hand on the door handle, ready to make her way to the limousines that were awaiting these members of royalty. "You think that slavery bitch gonna be around too? I hope not, I don't wanna see him or his goofy ass." Stepping out of the room, Han made her way downstairs, her loyal aide following by her side. "I hope this fair got some rad ass rides, bruh. I ain't tryna sit there all day. What's the point of the fair if there's nothing worthwhile there? I always been hearing about these fairs, but I gotta see this shit for myself. A bitch wanna be experiencing shit!" She said, putting a foot on the steps leading down to the limousine. "Tellin' ya, Ricky, I wish you could come, dude. Y'know, I don't think I've seen you smile once dude. What's up with that? You got a tiny dick too or what?"

Ricardo was always the subject of Han's tirades about tiny dicks and how this person lacked the balls to be the leader of the country, but every single day he just stood there and listened. Never even bothered to offer his own take on things. Surely, he had to have had his own opinions. He was human, just like Han. It was nigh impossible that he just took what Han said and didn't have his own thoughts on it. Han thought about it from time to time, but she figured that it was better for him to just take it and not say anything. Avoid making the princess mad and firing him, even though he'd been with her since she was a baby.

Walking out to where the cars were, Han saw a rather familiar face. No fuckin' way. Speak of the devil. A small smile grew on Han's face as the gears clicked in that brain of hers and she realized who it was. Stepping a little closer so she didn't have to yell, Han put a hand up to Erik's shoulder and tapped lightly. "Yo, Skinny Dick! Is that you?"

Imani had not been spared from her duties one bit. She still had to keep up her studies about her country, her trades, allies, and potential new allies. While she kept to herself most of the time, she tried to make room for some of her newly found friends. Phillip and Alejandro were always a joy to be around. She had wished to spend more time with Gen, but the other woman seemed to be busy with a prince named Henri. Although worked consumed most of her time, Leo always found a way to make her way into Imani's busy schedule and drag her out to meet other royals in the palace.

Imani didn't mind Leo dragging her out of the confines of her room to be more social. She enjoyed the woman's company and always liked to talk to her about all sorts of things she could do with her hair, but the past week had been a bit weird. Something didn't feel right about Leo, and no matter how much she tried to ask the other woman just dodged her questions and changed the subject. Imani knew it had something to do with her mother, but the only person she knew that could help was a certain Hellencia. Imani wasn't super fond of the prince with his cheery persona, but she'd have to ask him for some help if Leo continued to act like this.

"Ready?" Leo stood by Imani's door, her hands resting on her hips. Her hair had been braided into two french braids tied with red ribbons. Her dress had taken her a while to choose because one, it was going to be hot, and two she wasn't sure if she wanted to wear a dress or some jeans. In the end, Leo settled with the dress and the big airy sleeves, because fucking sleeves were amazing!

Imani was surrounded by a mess of clothes, shoes, and hats. Now that she could finally wear what she wanted, all of her clothes were all sorts of colorful colors and interesting textures. Today she settled with something more simple and casual since the fair didn't sound like a very formal event- and one that would offer much shade. "Ready, just looking for my hat. She said without looking at Leo. She wanted to find her hat, get out of the rooms, and meet up with Phillip by the front as soon as she could.

"This one? The one separated from the mess? Leo walked over and picked up a wide brim hat as she smiled at Imani. "Nervous? Is it your first time going to this sort of thing?" She walked over and handed Imani her hat.

"Yeah, you know how it was back with my father, and now in Massylii, I have so much work to do." Imani thanked Leo and took her hat. She pushed her box braids over her shoulders and put on the hat with a smile. "I just hope I don't get lost or make a fool of myself in the public, don't want to end up in those stupid tabloids-" She shouldn't have mentioned that. A-Anyway, let's start heading down. Phillip must be waiting."

Leo only smiled, nodding a bit. "You'll be alright, don't worry too much." She motioned Imani to follow her out of the room. The past week had been a bit hard on her. She had tried to drown herself in work but ultimately ended up just hanging out with Chris or anyone that would have her. She'd tried to get drunk and just leave her phone behind so she wouldn't hear it ringing every second of the day.

By the time they arrived at the front of the palace, a few royals were already gathered around. Imani was nervously fumbling with her shirt looking for Phillip or Alejandro, hoping to see them before they saw her. "Are you going to ride with us?" She glanced at Leo, offering a small smile. She wouldn't mind having Leo along. She could introduce her to Phillip and let her in on the whole fake engagement thing. Leo would understand the whole situation- and maybe show her that Imani was not actually going to marry a guy.

"Don't know yet, I might ride with Chris. I want to talk to him about some stuff." Leo said, pulling out her personal phone to send Chris a quick message, asking him if he was already inside of a car. "You sure you want me to ride with your cute prince?' She said in a teasing manner, elbowing Imani and wiggling her eyebrow.

Imani laughed a bit but pulled back to look at Leo. She really needed Leo to understand the whole thing, but she didn't want to tell her everything without Phillip knowing about it too. "It's not like that," Imani looked around, finally spotting Phillip's familiar face. "You are welcomed to ride with us." She smiled before rushing over to Phillip.

Leo blinked, unsure what Imani meant by her words. She watched her friend hurry off to the guy she was supposed to marry. Unlike her, Imani and Phillip had both agreed on their betrothal. Leo couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of her friend for having the option to choose- or at least that is what she thought. They both looked happy to see each other. She shrugged off the feeling in her chest and began to look for the car Chris was in.