Nikolai, Elizaveta & Caterina
Niko’s eyes made another quick sweep across the room.
“I’m afraid I know most of these dignitaries only by name and by face. With the exception of the Princess of Svearike, who I’ve met several months ago during the signing of the peace treaty between our kingdoms. I—“ His words were interrupted when Casimir loudly announced his arrival. Distracted from his conversation with the Duchess, he looked up and watched as the olive skinned Prince of Ortha descended the staircase with his arms wide open. He listened to him declare gifts for everyone and raised an eyebrow as more than a dozen men and women filed into the room. Elizaveta turned her head slightly, eyeing the man as he made his entrance and presented the gifts. It left a rather unpleasant taste in her mouth to be gifted a human being, even if only for a short time.
The
man apparently assigned to Niko was a man with dark hair and dark eyes and was a few inches shorter than Aduin's prince. He was wearing blue embroidered silk and gold churidar kurta pajama and had a pleasant smile on his face. He bowed his head in respect to both Niko and Elizaveta. “My name is Arush, your majesties. I shall attending to all your needs during the length of your stay here in Aciras,” he formally introduced himself.
Elizaveta looked the man over before being tapped on the shoulder by her own
gift.
"And I am Abiza, here for all yours needs Duchess." Glancing over towards her betrothed she took a shallow breath, her fingers curling against his arm slightly before her eyes went back to Abiza.
"While I am honored to be bestowed such a stunning gift the only request I have of you Abiza is to enjoy your stay here. I can tend to my own needs," she said in a kind voice but there was a firmness to it and in her eyes that showed that she would not be questioned on this manner. Abiza was not sure what to do, she had not been denied before. The look of confusion on her face caused the Duchess to reach out to her as she tucked her clutch under her arm.
"It means do as you wish, you needn't wait to see what I desire."Anthony, who had been watching Niko and Elizaveta from the far wall, moved a little closer as he eyed Arush. Although the man was a ‘gift’ from the royalty of Ortha, he was considered a potential danger. If he made a move Anthony deemed inappropriate or threatening, he would be more than ready to put him down. But all the man really did was to introduce himself and offer his young prince a pleasant smile. Anthony’s stance remained wary as he stayed closer to his Prince. He no longer watched the other royalties and instead kept his sharp eyes on Arush and Niko.
Glancing out of the corner of her eye, Elizaveta noticed that Leon had arrived. A gentle smile graced her lips as she nodded to him in recognition. She had not met the man but she knew of him, as she did most of the royals. The thing was, she knew a little more about him than the others. When the betrothal was brought up there had been a list made. Though her grandmother and herself were against the pairing of royals they both knew it could help their nation. Her grandmother had chosen three who she thought their nations could be benefit the Empire. Elizaveta took a more personal route. Choosing three whom she felt would best match her personality. One's that perhaps even if love did not develop between them a mutual understanding and respect could be achieved. Feeling that a nation with its royals bickering would fall to ruin eventually. Wanting instead a pairing that would still be agreeable even if nothing else came of it. In the end one of the ones she had chosen was indeed at her side, the other she smiled at now. The third? That can wait.
Niko returned Arush’s smile with a polite smile of his own. He was just about to speak to him when he was again interrupted, this time with someone bumping into him. He saw the champagne splash against his suit even before he saw who it was that had collided into him. He was surprised to see it was Princess Caterina.
“Hvað leið til að mæta aftur,” he commented in surprise. It was the first time he spoke in aɪslændic, his own language. He had spoken English so fluently that it could have passed as his native tongue. He shook the champagne off his arm just as Caterina began wiping at his jacket.
“Det är okej. Det är bara champagne, oroa dig inte om det,” he shifted to Sveariken to assure the Princess that she need not fuss about his clothes. But when he realized he was speaking in a tongue that his bethroted might not understand, he shifted back to English.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, ” he assured just as Arush stepped forward and immediately helped the Prince out of his jacket. “I will have this cleaned, your majesty.” Arush draped the jacket on his arm, bowed and moved away.
”Just a moment.” Niko stopped Arush before he could move away further. He took his jacket, reached into it and withdrew the journal Elizaveta had given him before he handed the jacket back to Arush.
“Thank you, Arush.” The man gave Niko another smile and a bow before moving away from them.
A bird like coo came from Elizaveta as the entire scene unfolded and her attention was drawn back to her soon to be husband and Caterina; who had made a rather splash of an entrance.
"Andas, det är okej. Vi har alla en stund," she said in a sympathetic voice. While the Grand Duchess may have been behind the border of her nation for so very long one of her passions was languages and linguistics. She spoke so very many fluently and took each one as a personal challenge to learn to better converse to royals, even from a young age.
Caterina raised an eyebrow in surprise. She only knew a few languages, but only those of the neighboring countries; Including aɪslændic. She wasn’t surprised that Nikolai held the same knowledge of both Sveariken and aɪslændic after all both nations were very close to each other; however, for Duchess Elizaveta to fluently understand and speak Sveariken, it surprised her, but it was also pleasant to know that Elizaveta wasn’t too much of a stranger when it came to Sveariken. It meant they could possibly form a strong friendship. ‘’
tack själv,’’ she mumbled softly before turning to her own
maiden.’’Hello your majesty. I’m Lola and in your service,’’ she introduced as she took a slow bow to Caterina. Caterina gave her a firm nod and a smile. ‘’You’ve got some champagne on your cardigan.’’ Lola noted softly as she started to help Caterina out of her cardigan.
Niko turned his attention to Elizaveta, a pleased smile on his face. While it wasn’t strange for royalty to be multilingual, he felt a sense of pride knowing his future bride had taken effort to learn a language that was almost a native tongue to him, third to aɪslændic and English. He belatedly realized that the Duchess may have been splashed with champagne as well.
“Did you get wet?” he asked, inspecting her.
Caterina’s sudden skin reveal bothered her only slightly; however, she turned, with the same confidence to the royal couple, as if the reveal hadn’t bothered her one bit. Maybe to some it looked like she preferred the reveal over staying a little more covered up.
Turning to Nikolai, Elizaveta shook her head.
"No my dear, I am perfectly fine. A few drops but nothing that a simple napkin cannot tend to," she said and suddenly her arm was being dabbed by such a fabric, Abiza taking care of it promptly. Giving Nikolai a look that could only be taken as
this is going to take some work, she then smiled towards Abiza.
"Thank you Abiza. Are you hungry?" she asked as she took the napkin from the servants hands and knelt down gracefully as she started to clean up the wine that had managed to splatter to the floor. Abiza looking around, not sure if she should help the Duchess perform the task a servant normally would or not at this point. As Veta rose she handed the napkin out to her and Abiza nodded slightly.
"Then, please. Dispose of that and enjoy some of the sweets at the table over there. We will talk later. Thank you for your assistance," she added before Abiza smiled and walked off.
Like Abiza, Caterina was yet again surprised by the Duchess act to wipe off the champagne; however, she made no move to help her. She wasn’t used to kneel down and do anything like wiping away the floor. Even if it was her mess. She kept her stance straight as she continued to watch Elizaveta, feeling slightly bad for not knowing how to help.
While Caterina was watching Elizaveta wipe off the liquid splatter on the floor, Niko found himself watching the blonde Duchess himself. She was so composed that he found her fascinating. He wondered if she felt nervousness and uncertainty beneath it all. Was it just a façade? A well rehearsed veneer of composure. Would she eventually relax in front of him and show him her true thoughts and feelings? He gave her a warm smile as she stood up and leaned his head slightly towards hers.
“Your actions would no doubt confuse someone like Abiza, who is accustomed to serving,” he whispered to her. He lapsed into observant silence as Elizaveta turned back to Caterina, a thoughtful look on his face.
Letting out a short breath Elizaveta turned back to Caterina and smiled ever so warmly to her.
"A pleasure to meet you Caterina, please call me Veta. You look truly surreal today. I have been excited to meet you and it is such a joy to know that I am not the only one who spills things around here. Your little event has put me at a comforting ease," she said in such a light hearted voice but with pure honesty as she spoke the words. Taking her hand she shook it softly and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
Caterina let out a chest rumbling laugh, leaning only slightly forward, as Elizaveta admitted to make mess like herself. She shook her head as she shook Elizaveta’s hand softly. ‘’
I believe we may have a bit more in common than being clumsy and Sveariken. I am surprised you have taken the time out of your days to learn our language. It is an honor really,’’ she said with a more genuine smile. She turned to Nikolai with a slight chuckle. ‘’
I’m terribly sorry. I got a little distracted with the snakes and dramatic entrances,’’ she said with a light tone, obviously opening conversation with the royal couple. Unlike a few months ago, when Caterina came in cautious contact with Nikolai; She seemed rather comfortable-- or friendlier this time around. Whether it was because she had spilled her drink all over him or because she had managed to warm up to him a little during their trip to the falls in Vale was a real mystery to anyone but Caterina.
"It is I who am honored. I adore various languages. The tongue of my lands can be rather harsh to those that do not understand it and I find a stunning sense of romance to others. Yours in particular. It just rolls off the tongue splendidly." Her voice was calm as she stood there, her arm lacing back through Nikolai's now that the little event had passed and things seemed to be calming.
"And please, do not apologize. Had I not been standing still, I assure you I would have done more than spill just a chalice of wine. It would have been yours truly who would have ended up on the ground," she said with a light hearted chortle.
Niko was a little surprised by Caterina’s friendlier tone, having been accustomed to her aloofness during their first and only meeting. Nevertheless, he gave her a neutral smile.
“I believe most were distracted with Prince Casimir’s grand entrance. Had I been walking, I would have collided with someone as well,” he reassured.
Smiling towards Nikolai she nodded in agreement before glancing around and then back over to Caterina.
"It seems not introductions are needed between the two of you. Am I correct to assume you two know each other?" she asked trying to further the conversation. She had noted that neither Nikolai nor Caterina had introduced each other to the other so it was only reasonable to believe they had met before.
Niko nodded.
"Svearike and Anduin are merely 1,970 km away from each other. Although neighbors, it was only months ago that our kingdoms entered into a permanent peace treaty along with the surrounding kingdoms of Celeste and Vale. Princess Caterina and I had the chance to be acquainted with each other during the enactment of the accord," he explained. Soon after, his thoughts strayed back to the little excursion to Vale's pristine water falls. He and the Sveariken Princess went with Prince Alistair, Princess Sinta and Princess Asheleigh of Vale after the treaty had been signed. The trip had been embarrassing to Niko and a light blush colored his cheeks at the memory. He cleared his throat.
"I would not say that we know each other well but well enough not to need introductions."Caterina nodded along as Nikolai explained. At the mention of the peace treaty a few months ago, she remembered their adventure through the beautiful, breath taking water falls. A deep blush emerged on her cheeks as memories of the day came rushing through her head. She also cleared her throat, rubbing her bare arm slightly, and straightened her back a little more, slowly pushing her hair off her face "
The falls were breathtaking. Prince Nikolai should take you there as soon as possible," she said as she looked through her eyelashes at Nikolai, wondering if he too remembered. "
I would say we are well acquainted," she added again with a nod and the same autocratic smile she always held, the color slowly fading from her cheeks.
The blush on both their cheeks was quite evident and it caused a brow to slowly arc over one of Elizaveta's eyes. It seemed they did know each other, she just wondered how intimately. The rush of color did not come to one's cheeks for no reason.
"It seems that is rather obvious," Elizaveta said as the brow slowly returned to its normal resting place.
"I will ask though, am I being faced with the additional challenge of not only coming to know my betrothed but having to, how shall I say, be on guard that my betrothed's heart is already claimed? Or should I be not be worried?" she asked. Her voice was the same as it had been then entire time. There was no harsh inflection within it. Perhaps she was being a bit confrontational to go ahead and lay those cards out on the table but it was in her nature.
Niko looked from Elizaveta to Caterina then back to Elizaveta. He shook his head as his lips curved up into a somewhat amused smile. True, he had always thought Caterina to be beautiful and had more than once considered inviting her to tea but the distinct distaste she had time and again showed him both confused and turned him off.
"You need not worry about such things, Veta. My heart is claimed by no one but myself. At least for now."The moment Elizaveta asked her question, it made Caterina both uncomfortable and definitely taken aback. How dare she-- or anyone-- think the worst of her? And what? A betrothal thief? And steal who? Nikolai of Anduin? Her stare turned straight forwardly hard as she stared at Elizaveta. As Nikolai replied, she let out a laugh. "
Oh do not worry, Duchess Elizaveta. I have no intention of stealing your betrothed. That is not fair, is it." She said with a small smile and a little chuckle.
Listening to them she took them at their word, for her there was no reason to think otherwise. Elizaveta was the type to to give trust fully at first meeting, so she was open and honest to all. It took much for her to distrust anyone.
"Then that is settled. I just prefer to have all cards out on the table is all. For me, being unattached to everyone here, I am a blank slate emotionally at this point. Had there been something I wouldn't want either of you to have been put out and would have seen if we could have entered into negotiations so you two could have been together," the Duchess said with a gentle wisp to her voice.
Caterina raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at the Duchess' words. She, unintentionally, let out a loud, sweet giggle, not out of mockery, but out of utter confusion and surprise. Changing up decided faith due to mere feelings was new to Caterina. What the nation wanted was what the nation would get. There was no "
I" in such an occasion. "
Do not worry, Duchess. There's nothing between Prince Nikolai and I, " she said, her voice coming out as it did naturally-- Pleasant to the ears and confident. "
I do hope your emotions develop kindly toward both I and Nikolai, " she said sincerely as she titled her head slightly.
Caterina inwardly rolled her eyes as Elizaveta's question ran through her head once again. She didn't see it necessarily at all for her to ask, or even assume there was something. In Caterina's head, it was uncalled for and a bit offending, but after all the Duchess did announce it was her way of dealing with things. Caterina was there to make allies and friends, definitely not to fight, or take offense, over an allegation. She excused the Duchess for it was her first time coming in contact with Both Nikolai and Caterina. She already assumed it would take time for her to not crash with the other royalties of different cultures and personalities.
Elizaveta smiled warmly towards Caterina, no animosity showing or within her.
"I thank you for your honesty and I must say, many woman when presented with such a question could have taken my simple inquiry as something more and been offended. I am so pleased to see you are of a much higher caliber than to be reduced to a petty reaction over a curiosity." She bowed her head slightly in respect towards the princess before raising herself once again.
"I do hope you understand what provoked the question. To see such color flooding to both of your cheeks it could make any and all wonder but now that the air is clear we can press forward."Niko remained silent during the whole exchange between Caterina and Elizaveta. He felt it was something that the ladies needed to discuss without him interrupting. He should, perhaps, narrate to the Duchess the embarrassing memory that had caused his cheeks to color.
Maybe at a later, more opportune moment, he thought to himself.
Caterina let out a short, understanding nod. She didn't return her smile with the same genuineness. Caterina never gave a wholehearted smile anyway. When the Duchess lowered her head in respect to Caterina, out of courtesy Caterina lowered her head slightly to Elizaveta as well. "
As I said, we just became well aquatinted and nothing more. " She said, reassuringly.
"
Anyway, I must go on for now. I need to get to my own betrothal. Shawn Hunter. Pray for me. " Caterina said with a slight shrug. "
I just hope I survive and nothing more. " She added with a small giggle, hinting at the twins' absurd history of pranks.
Elizaveta breathed in slightly and rolled her lips together in a bemused quirk of a smile.
"Yes of course. You are in my thoughts dear Caterina. If he should try to pull any pranks, do let me know. I will be more than over joyed to help you plot a retaliation," she said in a light hearted manner as she reached out and squeezed the princesses hand gently.
Caterina giggled and squeezed the Duchess' hand lightly. "
It's been a real pleasure. Let's get together for tea sometime, hm?" She suggested with the same autocratic smile, although her eyes shone slightly with appreciation to have come in contact with the Duchess and dare she say even Prince Nikolai. She turned to Nikolai and rested a soft hand on his arm. "
I am terribly sorry once again. It's nice meeting you again. " She apologized before lowering her head slightly to the royal couple and turning on her heel to walk off.
Now being out of the cardigan and only in her body-hugging, figure-complimenting crimson dress, Caterina's confident step, swaying hips were even more evident. Caterina ran a hand to push her hair off her face as she took out the pins holding her loose bun together. She shook her head and her long, caramel hair smoothly fell against her back in soft, loose waves. She ran her hand through her hair, loosening it more until it reached its full length, which was almost at her tailbone. Anybody watching would have thought she was preening when she was just simply letting her hair down.
The incident with Elizaveta and Nikolai now long forgotten as she headed toward her betrothal, her stomach tying up in knots and not for the good reasons.
Niko returned Caterina's bow and bid her farewell. He watched her retreating back, admiring the way her hair fell down in waves and the way she moved. After a few seconds, he shook his head and chuckled amusedly.
Pretty, amusing and confusing, he concluded to himself. The young Princess really did confused him. Most times she acted as though everything he said offended her but there were those few times that she acted quite friendly, like today. It made Niko wonder what she actually thought of him. He turned back to Veta.
"I would probably sound arrogant and self-serving but I actually thought you were jealous earlier." The ghost of a mischievous grin played on his lips. He seldom acted friendly to people who he had only met but he decided to make Elizaveta an exception. She would be, after all, wedded to him in the near future and he believed it better to establish a good relationship with her even at this early stage.
Bidding the princess a fond farewell she glanced over to Nikolai and her brow rose again as she witnessed his lingering watch of Caterina's exit from the conversation.
"She is quite the beauty is she not? The way her hair cascades, I can see why your eyes linger," she said nonchalantly before glancing around the room and seeing what was going on with the others. At his words she smiled softly and rested her free hand over his arm, patting it softly.
"Oh my no. I feel with life, it is best to be upfront about matters and thoughts. If there were something between you I just would not have wanted to stand in the way. Love is a rare delicacy in this world, rarer still for those of royal blood. Call me a romantic, but if I could play match maker I would happily. I see no reason our nations, even if we were not betrothed could not be allies and benefit each other. A nation ruled by two whom adore each other is stronger for it," she said in a dreamy intonation before looking back up towards him.
Elizaveta's dreamy intonation made Niko look at her thoughtfully once more. For the first time since the announcement of his bethrotal, he mulled over the possibility of love between those in an arranged marriage and not merely a sense of duty as was his original opinion.
A nation ruled by two whom adore each other is stronger for it. Yes. He agreed with her views.
"Then let's use these three months to try and get to know each other and perhaps develop a relationship that would grow beyond mere friendship," he suggested.
