Theodoro overlooks the dim lit gardens below from his balcony. Already dressed, he was quietly contemplating about the event for this evening. Although he was prepared, he was not wholly looking forward to stepping out there, expecting the different royalties from different kingdoms, and mostly partial with bad impressions for the country and to him personally. He had done this a number of times before but he always felt so nervous every time, even though he stands high and confident from the outside. All that is for show, truth be told.
"It's time sir." A low, soothing voice vented from the double doors, interrupting his meditation. Probably his mother had sent for a personal butler to call him down the ballroom, the queen regent could've have grown tired of fetching him personally as usually Theo h the attitude of making people wait for him. His nervousness had became a stronger factor because of it.
And the fact that the seasons was basically the last ditch effort to finally have some closure between Vertiron's neighbours and as much as possible, the evasion of another war. Pride and self preservation not withstanding, Vertiron could not handle another blow as they have lost aplenty of resources, and allies during those dark years 20 years ago. And it's for everyone's benefit that everyone should see the pursuit of peace with utmost value.
"Tell mother I will be down shortly." glancing at his side, he responded, a voice that's gruff yet gentle, in a manner that he rarely use normally. The butler gave back a nod, and went his way. For one last time he loomed over the view from his balcony, taking one full breath of the cool air before he would leave his room. On the way he took his ceremonial sword and it on his side. He glanced at the mirror and took a final study of his overall appearance. It would be just like the last time, he thought, adding assurance to the notion to calm his nerves. Though he expect a few things that will be different this time around, good or ill, he had already prepared himself for whatever comes.
Theodoro came down the steps of the ballroom, late enough to realize that the guest have almost packed the room. They made the custom formalities, and introduction of the king as he went down, all masterfully rehearsed. On his way he politely greeted the guest, shaking hands with the nobilities from highest to lowest, all treated the same level, the same equable mood and the same gentlemanly manner all the while making him self conscious and tired from the tedious task. He perched amidst the crown and finally caught sight of his mother, as the last guest had left him alone he walked towards her, greeting her with an elegant bow.
"I apologize for my tardiness, mother." He started, in a mellow tone only exclusive to the Queen regent.
Florence could not widely believe what she got in the mail in the last few weeks. It was a letter from the Astarian ambassador, noting of their honor on behalf of the Astarian court, for inviting her to an event this coming week at Chateau de Monfort. Opening the intricately designed envelope, the smell of lavender emitted as she opened the flap. It was an invitation, fresh out of the Vertirian manuscript tables, for the upcoming seasons being held at the Chateau. Florance did not know how to feel about it, was the court subtly hinting, urging her to get married, or was she there on business. Either way, it was nice to be invited on such an exclusive event. There's always a first for everything, she mused. And out of propriety's sake, and representation on behalf of Astaria, which she considers as direct flattery in all honesty, Florence decided to go to this year's seasons.
And here she is, a few weeks later, dressed to her best composing of the customary Astarian ball gown. A blouse just revealing enough expose her collar bone, and over is a teal coloured buttoned up coat giving off a formal energy, merely for her own personal preference and a long skirt that falls gracefully down and a quirky top hat designed with laces and feathers on the side. The valet took her gloved hand and assisted her down the carriage. She was firstly greeted by the magnificent structure before her and she could not help but look up and marvel at the detailed architectures. The valet lead her inside, giving him a slight bow as he left. It was indeed her first time partaking in Vertirian customs, she could not contain her nervousness and excitement and it shows evidently.
"My lady, Vertiron has such an ostentatious aesthetic do you not agree?" A older gentleman had noticed the wide eyed Florence, and gave him a chance to spark up an idle conversation. From the looks of him, he might be one of the Vertiran military man, with her custom highranking uniform and sword sheated at his side.
"I do, and it says a lot of kingdom's reputation for the arts perfectly. " the servant's offered her a goblet of fine wine, which she accepted with a polite nod, taking few measly sips to take in it's spicy flavor.
"Dark and magniloquent." she amiably glanced at the gentle man, giving him a chuckle and an agreeing nod at her interpretational. She engaged further conversation with this man, who introduced himself as Sir Fontaine, in a range of topics of the local Vertirian arts, admiring and criticising both just enough to make the conversation more interesting.
It was then the man had to excuse himself, "It was an engaging meeting, Miss Florence. I have never met someone who is equally well versed in the Vertirian arts and architecture. But then again I forget I am talking to an Astarian scholar." he took her hand to his lips
" Likewise Sir, I'm equally honoured to share a moment with Vertiron's finest general." The old man smiled, visibly blushing a contrast to his stoic military man image "We shall see each other again. For the meantime, please enjoy in Vertiron's honored courtesy."
Florence was left alone in the crowd, taking small sips of her wine as she scoped the crowd one by one.
Not long the king finally arrived. The guest greeted the King of Vertiron with bows and clapping, Florence stood half frozen.
The great king of Vertiron, she thought, [
"he looks younger than I initially thought. And way good looking I might add." she said to herself, taking another small sip of wine.
