"Of course." Theodoro gave a gentle nod, her mother being candid as ever. He continued to keep his eyes on the crowd observing every new guest that entered the great halls of Cheateu de Monfort. Socialising became more of an obligation to him than a pleasure. He didnt like that he had to make an image of himself, instil this imposing and respectable aura on him with fake smiles and hand shaking.
But people expected that from him, they wanted to see another version of his father leading Vertiron to glory. Else the the other nobilities will swarm over the throne like bees on a honey, vying for control over it. And that would only bring chaos to within the court than anything positive. Plus his dear mother will greatly refuse it. The major reason why he still stays was his great effort to save her a big disappointment of a son.
The first of the high esteemed guests had arrived, one would most notably be Usamolia's Prince Rahman and Princess Pari.
"An honor to have you both here" Theo stood to really notice the woman's petite height, she truly caught his surprise when the Princess reached out a tiger cub from a basket. The King certainly was not expecting to receive such a... unconventional gift.
His eyes widened when he carried the cub with his hands, a mix of caution and confusion drawn to his face.
"It's.." the little thing met Lal's round eyes as he let him settle comfortably in his arms, his heart skipped a beat.
"Thank you for giving me such an honourable gift." he said
"I will make sure Lal will be personally cared for by yours truly." He gave Pari a genuine smile, quite a rare gesture from the king. Theo regarded his mother's comment,
"Did she now?" Theo has always been slow on taking social hints, and especially of the intimate nature.
Theodoro has became quite busy with the guests as more of them came to the throne. He met a man that stood with uncanny grace, shaking his hand as if they were comrades that met on the streets, but did not really mind it. He learned that his name was Sir Honeycutt, quite a dashing gentleman he is. Then followed by an imposing young man, by the looks of him he was obviously Lygarthien. The servant gave an introduction to Prince Sigfast Ogmundsson.
""They are Lygatthiens, mother. He corrected, the queen has a preference with the more, civil of nations hence her distaste for them.
The time Vertiron was heated with the Lygarthien people Theodoro was way too young to take part in the affair. At the recent death of the former king, mostly Vertiron's military took care of it, and made quite a poor job at insinuating diplomacy in court. Hopefully a new generation of leaders meant this new age for peace, and as a start Theo had maintained his accommodating pressence to the Grimmrheimr Prince, thanking him for his gifts.
Amongst all the guest King Theodoro find the Euhijan King the most intriguing. Considering a violent history between the two nations, it was the first time they officially set foot on Vertiron soil since the war. There were murmur amongst the Vertiron courtiers, half of them still have not forgotten or forgiven their former King's murderers. If not for the treaty Theo will have all the right to keep them under close watch. But such suspicions is now irrelevant, and Theodoro aims for peace between their nations. And he will do so no matter what it takes.
Theodoro returned the Euhijan King's compliment with a stern nod
"Vertiron presents the finest for it's honoured guests" When the king handed to him his gift, Theodoro was at a break. His expression was incomprehensible, his jaw turned tense. The design was ornamentally made, a sword made for the nobility but he was not quite sure whom it belonged to. Though King Liu might have all the right intentions for it, which Theodoro can earnestly respect, it inflicted a rather personal blow on Theo
"I appreciate you returning this to us." he said
"Though our kingdoms shared a tainted history, I hope henceforth will truly be the new age for peace between us."Theodoro stayed next to his mother for a while, his boredom is mostly killed by the tiny tiger playfully nipping his fingers. He had not let go of him even at the servant's insistence. As the night went on the later guests had only arrived before the throne, as Theo heard the servant's introductions, he looked over to see a familiar blond haired maiden amongst the crowd, as she moved closer it all became apparent to him.
"Alice." Theo bolted upright, Lal still in his arms, as he fazed at the sight of his childhood friend.
Throughout the introduction Theo was stood imposingly, albeit with a tiger cub in his arm, he did not pay mind the words around him even as she spoke, as he was fixated on her, examining her. Alice looked very different, almost as if he's looking at a total stranger to him where in fact he knew her very all throughout his childhood. He nodded and gave Lal to the servant, then received her gifts and still Theo did not leave his eyes off her, but she was not looking back.
Theo glanced at his mother for awhile, he wasn't quite sure but she was giving of a sheer glow than she usual does. It was odd, but quite a nice surprise nonetheless.
"You look wonderful today mother." He doesnt usually give her compliments, but today it seemed to be called for.
"Have you done something new to your hair perhaps?" the young king could not help but half meant it as a tease. The king shifted his attention back to the guests as one of stood before him, none other than Monfort's very own baron. Theo gave him a restful nod, and thanked him for the simple gift, which he kept it tuck in his breast pocket. Then he observes as he turned his attention to the queen. Theo notices that they have grown close since they first met Pike, at times catching them together talking discreetly almost suspiciously. He did not know how to feel about it, his expression unreadable as ever.
Theodoro nodded at the Queen as she escuses herself to leave, not long he did the same. He went around to further mingle with his guests as per his Kingly duties. He would pass them by whilst exchanging nods, and prompt greetings, all the while glancing every once in a while at the woman's direction. Truthfully Theo was slightly worn out with all these socialising but the guests were always the priority first and foremost, without them Vertiron wouldnt be considered as the highest seat of power after all.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Florence was partly busy scoping the room as different nobles from different kingdoms start to enter the Chateau. The Astarian dame partly waiting for somebody to finally approach her and be interested enough to talk. The room was rather heavy with all these nobles strutting about, that made her feel personally out of place. Unlike her most of them were born and raised to royalty, with titles already written on their birth certificates and demeanours that befitted them. Florence didnt have that. Instead she grew up in a farm and became a helper to her elderly aunt. Though earning the title by her own right, when it comes to court conventionalities she's quite self conscious about her abilities. With her frilly top hat and a goblet in hand she walked amongst the elite, watching their every move, how they talk, how they carry themselves. The air they display was intimidating, yet somewhat contagious.
Throughout the evening she was mostly observing them, she caught sight of the people that would come in, individually regarding them;
An elusive and mysterious woman elegantly strides with the crowd, meeting them with cold glares. Expectedly, the Prince of Astaria is flying solo at this years seasons, Florence would take note of greeting him if ever he passes this way. And of course who wouldnt know of the Usamolian's siblings, Prince Rahman and Princess Pari, who bear tidings to the king in a form of a, tiger cub? Florence was just as shocked as the King when he laid his hand on the animal.
A graceful, handsome man followed after them. His long platinum hair was especially mesmerising. She glanced at one side and noticed one of the patron's helping himself on the beverages. Florence could instantly tell a fellow Bridgmonter, they're not so difficult to notice in these types of parties. Then bright Euhijan colors later on complimented the room, as one the honoured guests, albeit most scandalous, finally set foot on the cheateu's halls. They strode through the halls with such regal air, that Florence never took her stare off them. She noticed the sudden silenced and murmurs as the King entered. Florence was deeply invested in observing that she barely noticed the man who sat just next to him, and engaged a conversations with her.
"Oh"Florence consciously fiddled with the vibrant feathers of her hat, taking notice and showing acknowledgement at the man's compliment.
"Why thank you, good sir. I never expected it to be so, distinctly, ebullient, for you." She gave him an approachable smile, and introduced himself as Sigfast Ogmundsson.
"Nice to meet you, I am Florence Reibert." She felt like her flimsy hand would break anytime at the man's grip, but she tried to not show the pain in her expressive face
Well Sigfast, that makes two of us. I myself am a first timer to royal gatherings." she said sheepishly, taking another sip of her goblet.
"How do you like it so far?" she turned to the man, asking him in a friendly, laid back manner.
