“Darwin Munin” | Male | 20 | Homosexual | Royal Manservant (Thief)

M: Vesper + Ezra (Dep) King + Suitors (Ind)

Diamond looked through the busy crowd with wild eyes, trying not to look as panicked as he felt although failing miserably as passing droves of women with their dainty parasols and snobbish pointed noses glanced in his general direction before looking away in a clear attempt to avoid his gaze as Diamond scanned the crowd while gossiping in hushed, mouse-like voices about Diamond’s unhinged appearance. Admitting to himself that he probably looked like a rapid animal, Diamond found that he could not give less of a shit of this factoid that caused the people to cross the streets around him especially when it had occurred to him, only minutes prior, that he had not only lost Vesper, one of the Princes of the grand kingdom of Aibruvia, but would soon lose his head if the King were to find out that Diamond had lost Vesper. After knowing Vesper for quite a few months now, one would expect Diamond to have fully understood Vesper’s taboo capabilities of being able to walk with unstoppable strides and undeniable swiftness even in heels, but noooooo Diamond just had to underestimate the Prince’s speed and look away from him for a mere second.

For the past few months, Diamond Eyes has been with the Prince while going by the name “Darwin Munin,” which he still had to remind himself was his alias. Darwin. It was such a strange name, yes? Even still, Diamond had found a liking to it even if it didn’t always feel like “him.” “Diamond Eyes” was clearly a fake name as well that he came up with after he had his hand cut off, it felt more real to him and more like the real him, despite also being the name posted on all the wanted posters in Aibruvia’s neighboring country of frost and wolves, Slerosea. For some reason, Diamond could not help but form the acute understanding that there was his normal self and his “Darwin-self,” the self that had been responsible for Vesper’s cleaning, the self that had been responsible for Vesper’s enjoyment, and the self that had been responsible for… much more with Vesper. Oh, yes, how could I forget, but this other self, an alter ego if you will, is also responsible for bearing the mere thought that Diamond had secretly been a noble his whole life and could have lived a much easier and better life had he not been thrown out like shit in a bucket out someone’s window. Darwin could deal with that lifetime’s worth of frustration, anger, and confusion.

Anyways, what was Darwin supposed to be doing? Oh, right! Panicking!

Half-tempted to just yell Vesper’s name, Darwin decided against it as he looked down alleys and up roads, knowing that there would be no way for Vesper to hear Darwin with all the noise of merchants shouting their wares, people screaming just to be heard by the person standing next to them, and dogs barking loudly as they chased horses whose hooves clicked at echoing volumes on the cobblestone streets. It was no surprise that so many people were out today. It was Aibruvia’s prettiest day of the year. Not only was it Vesper’s birthday but today was the one day of the year when the Aibruvian cherry blossoms were in their heart-shaped bloom. It was hella romantic and all that for the suitors who were arriving on the coast today.

Stopping in the middle of the street, it suddenly hit him. God, of course! It was so obvious, why did he not think to look there? While sprinting through the road and navigating through people, Darwin had remembered that Vesper was supposed to greet his sister’s suitors at the dock. Darwin boots clicked and thunked loudly against the wooden docks as Vesper and his guard, Ezra, quickly came into sight. Panting as he slowed to a stop just a few paces behind them, Darwin smiled weakly with relief at the sight of two as he placed his hand on his knee to catch his breath.

“Princey… you really… gotta… slow down… next time!” Darwin chuckled between huffs before walking over to Vesper’s side. Smoothing his hair back with his hand, Darwin could not help but stare a little at Vesper. Maybe it was just from all the running he did to get down to the docks or maybe it was from all the panic he just went through while searching endlessly for the prince but his heart was beating through his chest. Dressed in an elegant rose covered dress with a velvet red front and gold stitches, the Prince looked gorgeous— God, he’s fuckin’ gorgeous— especially with his hair pulled back just enough that it did not conceal his face while still being long and flowy down to his —. “Princey, you’re a real pain in the arse, ya know that?” Darwin’s smile turned into a smirk as he tilted his head slightly to look at Vesper better. “Next time we go out in public, I’m gettin’ you a leash so you don’t wander off again.”

Digging his gloved hand in his pocket, he pulled out another glove that was puffy with straw, straw that always itches and scratches his skin. After tying the glove to his wrist by tightening the string around his wrist as he held his arm tightly to his side, it almost looked like a real hand… from afar. Diamond had been told time and time again that his right hand, or lack thereof, was disturbing to see. As a response to that, Darwin would always make sure that whenever he went to fancy things around the palace that he was wearing a glove of some sort. Darwin himself was not disturbed by it as he had long since gotten used to it, but he always could not help but feel a knot form in his throat any time he watched as people cringed or desperately tried to avoid looking.

Darwin stood there for a moment, taking in a breath of fresh, salty air. It was absolutely beautiful out, a little hot for his liking but still incredibly beautiful outside. Even despite the beauty and brilliance, Darwin quickly grew bored.

“Sooooo,” Darwin mumbled, trying to break the silence as he looked around for something to talk about, “are you, like, at all excited for your birthday, Princey? Anything super special planned…?”

Phoebe | Female | 8 | Princess of Fourth Rank

M: Hestia + Sybil (Dir) Vesper (Ind)

Phoebe loves food. Especially things with a sweet taste. This was why Phoebe instantly stopped pretending to be asleep in bed and burst out from under her sheets with a deranged cackle. She was already fully dressed, except for shoes and socks which she rarely wore to begin with, in a small green tunic top and horribly matching purple pants with her red cape flowing behind her as she pointed her sword to Hestia with a mischievous grin.

“Haha! I bet you thoughted I was asleep!” Phoebe stated with a loud, confident voice, despite having previously pulled this stunt on multiple occasions. “But no! I have been awaked before the Sun!” Phoebe jumped off the bed with an evil cackle before launching forth and snatching the pastry of the plate that her nanny so thoughtfully brought for Phoebe and her twin as she placed her wooden sword down on the table. “I already stole sweets from the kitchen so now you’re just giving me more suuuggaaaar!!” Phoebe laughed that laugh one might hear of a classic villain from the story books as she attempted to stuff a whole danish in her mouth before Hestia could stop her. That was when Phoebe realized just how hot the danishes that had, obviously, just been taken out of the oven, whispering a few soft “ow”s and “hot”s as she opened her mouth and tried to fan it with her tiny hands. Once Phoebe swallowed down her food, Phoebe let out a tiny whine. “It was too hot….”

As Hestia picked up her sword, Phoebe began to pout as she watched her sword get put away and folded her arms with a huff. Phoebe went quiet for a moment before huffing louder as she pouted more.

“But a knight should always have her sword…!” Phoebe stated as she looked up at Hestia pleadingly. “Seth always has his sword… why can’t I keep my sword?? I promise to be super duper careful! I won’t hit anyone!” Phoebe walked over to Hestia and clung to her pant leg and looked up at her with pleading eyes. “Please? Pleeeaaase? Pretty pleeeeeeeaaaaaaase??”

As Hestia reminded Phoebe of the previous lectures, Phoebe instantly stopped whining and instantly remembered something that brightened her whole face as she smiled with unending joy. Giggling, the child dove under her bed. After several loud bangs and sounds of wood scraping against wood, the giggling continued as she shoved a box out from under her bed before weaseling her way out from under her bed. The box was wrapped messily with blue wrapping paper that was clearly drawn on by Phoebe with a bow placed on top.

“Da-da daaa!!” Phoebe held up her gift above her head like it was a secret artifact. “It’s Vesper’s gift!! Does it look good for him? I really hope he likes it. I spent a lot of time on it.” Phoebe held the gift close before looking to Sybil with a bright smile. “I think he’ll like you’re gift more though. It’s the bestest!!”

Ezra Derringer || 20 || Aibruvian Guard || M: Suitors, Vesper, Darwin, Sybil/Phoebe/Niamh (Ind)

Arrogant. Immature. Ditsy. Not a pleasant word ran through his head as Ezra judged the men and women stepping off of the large steamboat. He stood slightly behind Prince Vesper, closer to the docks, with one hand resting on the hilt of his broadsword and the other curled in a fist at his side. His stiff frame did not move; only his eyes flickered back and forth between those of every suitor, maid, and guard. His expression was anything but welcoming. Obnoxious. Foolhardy. Soft.

He'd been in a foul mood for days now, dreading the arrival of all the hopefuls vying for the hands of the royal children. Actually, he'd gotten much more irritable months ago, when the planning had first started. Now that the moment had finally come, his mood had soured to the point of having a complete and utter lack of hospitality. Ezra couldn't wait until everyone was back on the boat and sailing off into the distance. He clenched his jaw as Darwin approached. He did not mind the man, but hearing “Princey” for the past while had gotten on his nerves. Could he be any more of a pitiful puppy, constantly shadowing the prince?

Now, that was mean and uncalled for. Darwin was just another man caught in Vesper’s trap, and he wasn't a bad person. In fact, Ezra really didn't mind the other’s company – usually. Today, though, he wanted to disappear into the stables and continue working with Owl Eyes, the large, sleek black filly. He was sure her name would change once she was gifted to Princess Niamh, but with those wide, round dark eyes, Owl Eyes was her nickname for now. Just thinking about those 16 hands of muscle and grace made Ezra relax somewhat, but his attention remained on the suitors.

Now that he thought about it, it was possible that Niamh would never receive the mare. These foreign nobles were here for her hand as much as they were her siblings’. Well. If she married and left the kingdom, then Ezra would set the mare in the royal stables. He had bought Owl Eyes himself, had trained her for the past year, but the mare was too fine a specimen for a guard to ride. People would think he stole her. He was sure General Phoebe would love her if Niamh could not. The little girls were still quite small to have their own full sized horses, but Owl Eyes was only three years old. By the time Phoebe and Sybil were able to ride at a socially acceptable age, the black mare would not have even reached her prime yet.

But for now, Ezra was set on gifting the mare to their older sister. His gaze hardened once again at the suitors, his dislike worn plainly on his face. Whether it was for the people themselves or simply what they meant, what they stood for, Ezra could not tell himself.

His gaze flickered to Vesper. The prince seemed to be having a lovely time trading curtsies and taking gifts. Ezra himself had added a few flower extracts to the prince’s hair care collection, but with how extensive that was, he doubted they had been noticed. At least, not yet. Rose gold, intricately designed earrings had been left on the vanity as well, but now that he thought about it, he couldn't remember if Vesper’s ears were pierced or not. Oh well.

“Darwin Munin” | Male | 20 | Homosexual | Royal Manservant (Thief)

M: Vesper, Ezra, + Rainier (Dep) Suitors (Ind)

Vesper and Ezra looked to calm and collect yet their seething rage and silent disgust seemed to radiate off of the two. Either Darwin had gotten much better at reading the two or they were both being plainly obvious with their emotions. Darwin could practically hear the gnashing of teeth of the two as they watched the boat come in. Darwin was thankful he had asked Vesper that question because Darwin genuinely feared for whoever stepped off the boat first due to the tension that was thick like muddy water. Chuckling, Vesper’s answer actually made the tension fade away for a moment if only briefly.

“Damn, Princey! What are me and Ezra to you? Chopped liver??” Darwin chuckled before swooning, placing the back of his hand on his forehead as he leaned into Vesper. “I’m hurt. Oh how thy words wound me! Truly, Princey, do you hate me so much that you don’t even consider taking me with ya?” Darwin teased as he jokingly poked Vesper’s cheek before pulling away from the man before he could get scolded. “If it’s any consolation, I am sure we can head down to Norwich at least once before the end of your big day. None of all of this chaos—“ Darwin gestured to the arriving boat with his fake hand that almost flipped off with the motion alone— “can pull away from the fact that plenty of people want to celebrate your birthday rather than this shitty excuse of a tea party.” Darwin stuck his tongue out briefly at the ship before huffing. “I mean seriously, this is just asking for petty drama, love triangles, and more. I would not be surprised if heartbreak happens a bunch these next few… however long they are staying here for.”

Darwin held his tongue as the first passenger stepped off the boat, regrettably but understandably. As much as he could critique the strangely designed way that they were setting this up for the Crowned Princess to find love, Darwin knew that it would be rude to say this all while greeting the suitors who were vying for her heart.

The first person to step off the boat seemed like a well put together woman, clearly from Wrales based on her clothes alone. She seemed to hold herself high and mighty and seemed mostly disinterested in everything until she saw Vesper. Though it was none of Darwin’s business, she did seem to be trying way too hard to gain his favor before she opened her mouth. As Vesper turned to look at him, he quickly snapped to attention, remembering that he was supposed to be focusing on what these suitors were actually saying rather than just their demeanor alone. “Cordelia Rosemary Atwater.” It was such a fancy name, but it was absolutely one that Darwin knew was on the list. Darwin mentally crossed the name out of his mind since he had no pen, no paper, and no ability to read to cross out the names to begin with.

Darwin could not help but hear Vesper’s scoff and grumbling which only caused Darwin to laugh quietly and attempt to muffle his laughter with his hand. Darwin thought he had swallowed down his laughter before he suddenly re-erupted with giggles.

“If a woman isn’t head-over-heels in love with you immediately, Vesper, it doesn’t make them a lesbian,” Darwin chuckled, waving the prince off. “Plus, I am sure at least one of them is more bearable?” Darwin shrugged with a sympathetic smiled before he heard the creaking of the wood as another royal descended the boat towards them. “Look, here comes another one now. He might be better?”

The next man to step down towards them was dressed in all midnight black and dark Everest with green eyeliner and silver jewelry that draped from his ears, neck, and fingers. There was lots of simple jewelry with small chains connecting them, so much that it was overwhelming especially with the addition of a silver moon crown on his head and silver fencing sword on his hip. He was burly and strong as well, Darwin observed, especially since he was able to so easily hold such a large bag in one hand that Darwin could only conclude held his stuff. Despite his menacing strides as he slowly stepped forward, he seemed to be walking slowly as only a means to take in the view better.

“My, it is absolutely stunning here!” The man whispered before turning to Vesper. After a moment of looking to take the man in, the man bowed deeply. As the man stood up straight again, he greeted Vesper with a smile, seemingly much less menacing than before as his warm smile brightened his face. “It is a pleasure to meet you in person! Though I have only visited Aibruvia once before, I believe you’re Vesper, yes?” Smiling, the man lightly tapped his cat in the crescent moon earrings as he looked past Vesper and at the city. “This is quite the spectacle here… truly, I’m stunned. I have never been to Aibruvia when snow hasn’t been on the ground yet this is a much different experience if I do say so myself.” The man paused before chuckling awkwardly. “Ah, look at me blabbering on and on! I am sure you must be tired of my needless prattling. My name is Rainier Atwater. I am the Prince Of First Rank in the Kingdom of Wrales.” Darwin noted in his mind not only his name but how Rainier’s words sounded ingenuine and exasperated as if quoting them from a book; despite this, Rainier smiled and added onto his statements with a joking tone: “A needlessly long way of saying that I am royalty if you ask me.” Rainier paused before motioning to the carriages with the silver finger armor present on his pointer finger. “If you don’t mind me asking, do I simply enter one of those?”

Vesper Sterling Windsor | 20 | Second Rank Prince Of Aibruvia | Male | Mentions: Darwin, Ezra , Neptune, Rainiern, Suitors [ind.]

Vesper had to roll his eyes at the antics of Darwin. He probably was trying to lighten the mood but he certainly wasn't helping. He gave his friend an annoyed look and his cheeks were puffed in that way they always did when he was annoyed or frustrated by something. And he certainly was today, usually his birthday would be spent with him getting a late day in and then he would have a nice brunch with his family and celebrate his birthday under the stars. Now he had gotten up early after having little to no sleep the previous night and he has to deal with varying personalities and socialize and get along with these strangers. And the very thought of this made him more frustrated than he was. He wasn't even paying attention to Darwin's little speech. He was just looking at the boat with a glare as if it had offended him just by being their. He released a breath to calm his agitation and he gave a small hm, at the mention of another suitor being here. And he took in the form of the man from Wrales as it seems. And he dressed quite nicely, and it seems his sister was right about him coming out rather quickly.

"Yes, I'm Vesper." The prince said with a polite tone. But he was sort of peeved he wasn't being addressed by his official title. Had these suitors no shame? He was the brother of the object of their desire, and his input on their behavior would be defining of how his sister viewed them.

"Nice to meet you, Your Highness" Vesper said with a smile, and simple blink of his eyes, "and yes Aibruvia is quite stunning in winter but spring is even prettier with the blossoms in full bloom. Especially during our festival." And when he asked a question about the carriages he gave a simple nod saying, "Yes, just choose one and have your servants load it up and you'll be ready." And he motioned for the man to chose his carriage.

However his eye caught another figure on the boat. She looked like an absolute menace. Just from where he was watching her he could tell she was complaining about something. Oh dear heavens, was this one going to be insufferable? And not to mention the mini armada behind her, was she stupid? The reason one doesn't go around with such a display is to keep the attention off themselves. Did she want to get attacked? His eyes narrowed at the sight of the woman approaching, he could tell she was going to be trouble, already. And he already know of who she was. There had been a report of a woman with three guards and it was some Baron's Daughter - Nephu? Nebula? Neian? Ah, Neputune it was. Already show a clear disregard for the rules stating they could only bring one guard with them from home. And then he watched as she looked away and then the next thing happened in slow-motion.

He felt himself get roughly bumped into before she jerked back, and had the audacity to act offended and then called him a dumbass. Oh, she was in a whirlwind of trouble. She has just fucked over the wrong person, on the wrong day. Usually he wouldn't be nit-picky about the rules or behavior but she just sealed her fate when she purposely instigated him.

So without a single flicker of emotion or telling in eyes he swiftly struck the cheek of the woman, it would be effective enough to knock her to the ground. And he watched unamused as her servant was screeching, "Miss! Miss!" And then turned to him with anger saying, "Who the hell do you think you are to strike the Baron's daughter!" And she moved to strike him, but Veseper simply moved and brushing against Ezra a little stuck his foot out tripping the bumbling servant. He then slowly leaned down and roughly gripped the woman's hair with a deathly grip, causing the woman to whimper.

"I am Vesper Sterling Windsor, the Second Rank Prince Of Aibruvia. Your host, and you sorely are mistaken in thinking I will allow such incompetent and impudent behavior." He said with a sweetly venomous tone, and their was a jaded look in his eyes that had grown darker at the incident that just occurred. And he wasn't finished just quite yet.

He turned to the other woman and tapped her head with his shoes. His face was serious and tone unamused, "Get up. Such disgrace, such vileness and malicious behavior shown on your arrival." He gave a cruel giggle, covering his mouth like this was a good show, "how dare a mere Baron's daughter dares to even think of brushing against my shoulder. How pathetic." He spat out the last line with such venom it could kill, but he then kneeled down to grip the woman's face with a firmness and seriousness, "you break the rules by having three guards. You offend the host in whose home you'll be staying, and then you disrespect me by using profanity to my face. Such unbecoming behavior of someone who's supposed to be of a titled rank." His tone was condescending and stern, he was fully intent on humiliating her and making an example of her. If anyone else thought this behavior would be accepted by him - then they would have a rude awakening.

"You poor, poor fool." He says gently but it was full of mockery and malice, "I hold the keys to what you're here for. You really think that I'll even let you have the honor of looking at my sister if you can't even have the mere decency to respect me." He gave a scoff before squeezing her face harshly, "my sister's mere existence is worth more than your pathetic one - you are nothing compared to me, nothing compared to them. You are at the bottom rung of a social ladder and you are like poor Icarus flying too close to the sun. Careful that one day you don't find yourself being burned, because there is always someone more powerful than you no matter how smart or conniving you think you are."

He released her before standing and giving her guards an angry look. He then held himself with his full grace and he spoke with a commanding tone, " Two of you will have be taken back to Eailseon because only one guard is permitted per guest. And please make sure to be on your best behavior and not let an incident like this happen again or else I won't be so forgiving."

Then with a malicious smile he clasped his hands together saying, "Welcome To Aibruvia Miss Cadieux. I hope your stay is pleasant."

Gwyar ‘Aries’ Ariethous Fraoch | 21 | M | 6’7” | Suitor/Cryo Noble | Mentions; Rainier(Ind), Aibruvian Royals(Ind), Other Suitors(Ind), Vesper(Ind/Dir).

The heat was miserable. He was so used to Cryo’s cold tundra landscape. He hoped he remembered to bring the few clothing he had for warmer weather. It didn’t get above 50 degrees often so he didn’t own much that would work for what was probably 70 degree heat- It felt like it was at least 100 degrees though.

--

Gwyar had been awake for quite some time by now, his internal clock trained to wake him at sunrise- If not earlier, honestly. With it being much closer to noon now then it had been then- And being closer to noon than it was to sunrise- He was already dressed, waiting, and had been watching for at least an hour for them to be able to leave the ship. To be able to get off of the confining, little space it held. In hindsight, he wished he’d been able to simply ride a horse here. Much less confining.

--

Gwyar fidgeted with the collar of his suit. He had always hated the restricting clothing but his parents had made it clear that he was going to be making a good impression. Regardless of comfort. He understood it, of course. Why wouldn’t he? It made sense. They wanted him to have a pleasant life and that meant making sure to secure the Fraoch legacy and gain power… He shifted which hand was holding the blue and silver floral box and which held the flowers. He could’ve given the gifts to be held by someone else, of course, but he assumed it would mean more if it came directly from him and his hands throughout the whole process. Secure a good impression with the royal family.

--

The heat was terrible. He’d already thought about that. His mind was running in circles. Great, just what he needed. His mind was failing him while in proximity to the one person who he so badly wanted to- He snapped his head up and towards the sea, towards the direction he knew Slerosea to be in. When had it fallen toward the ground? Was he slouching? His hands were so shaky- Awkwardly, he fixed his posture, shifting to sitting up straight. Good impressions… Respectable impressions…

--

He really needed to calm his mind. Why hadn’t he brought a compass? Was he even sure he was staring in the direction of Slerosea? The northern kingdom was so far, and he’d been far from home before- Of course he had been, plenty of times. But this time was different- If he failed- His family- He- Gwyar clicked his fingernails together, taking a breath. He really needed to get under control before they arrived. His silver-gray eyes caught sight of the floral box in one of his hands.

--

He’d heard that the one who the gifts were for enjoyed legends of old, so he’d decided to get them a book that held every Slerosean myth within it. Gwyar quite enjoyed them too, if he were being honest. They were always great to read, even if he had most of them memorized… And despite the violent nature of most of them, they were soothing. Frankly, they were soothing in the way only battle and destruction could be.

--

He took a breath, beginning to mumble to himself. “Áki Malik had led Ragna and her troops to the docks of this place so far from their homeland, where none other than Geir had been waiting for them. Their once believed fallen comrade had stared at them, and had given a stricken grin. Nuka, believing his brother back from the dead, given another chance by Ásdís, had run forward. Only to be struck down by a spear through the heart thrown by the person who never should have harmed the younger. Geir stepped up to the body and freed the spear from its flesh prison. It marked a new era, one that started as soon as Geir killed his own brother for the title of Ýrar. The era of Ajut and Amaq…”

--

The era had been chaotic, full of running away from battles that could not have been won but should’ve at least been fought. Of the sky beating down on them in blood red, the ringing of the first passing bells, second death knells, of the final lych bells in everyone’s ears. Gwyar enjoyed this era most in his reading, the chime and ring of those horrid sounds something he could picture perfectly. Could hear perfectly, in his mind and memories. The end of the era was when those remaining had found Slerosea, made the tundra their home, trained for millenia, and then were finally able to defeat Geir of Ýrar. The resulting era of Brynjar. Of deciding to fortify, to train, to prepare, to become that which cannot be defeated.

--

Gwyar took in a breath, and glanced around the area again. Someone with black hair and their helps and hands had already gone down to the dock. Along with… Wait- Down to the dock? The railing had finally gotten down? He stood, posture practically perfect now, keeping his eyes off of the last one that had stepped off. They were here- How long had it been down for? How- No, it didn’t matter right now. Good impressions… He made his way down and off the ship, down to the ground that wasn’t just a bunch of metal and wood on water.

--

When it came to hands and helps, he’d only brought one. His parents had made it clear he wasn’t taking more than one. And he honestly didn’t mind that much, he preferred to do things himself- Regardless of status. And thus, as he saw that someone else was speaking with who had to be of status(Was that the Prince they were supposed to be giving gifts to? Gwyar would have to go and talk to him after he was done. Waiting was about all he had left of his dignity), he made his way to a carriage. He didn’t try and take notice of its appearance, though it did have some purple on it he noticed. After placing the flowers and the blue and silver floral box inside the carriage somewhere safe…

--

Gwyar turned to his singular help that he’d been allowed to bring, “How many bags are there, Alexo?”

--

Alexo looked over after getting the bags he’d been carrying into the carriage. “Only two, I do believe, Sir Fraoch.”

--

Gwyar nodded, and then grabbed the flowers from the carriage again. Those should probably be given now instead of waiting, he didn’t want them to get messed up. Looking back at Alexo, “Thank you, Alexo, go ahead and get the last of the bags then. I have to speak to Prince, uhm…”

--

Curse his terrible auditory hearing. His parents had told him the Prince’s name! What was it? Luckily, Alexo, may the divine grace his soul, could understand. “Prince Vesper of Second Rank? Yes, understood, Sir Fraoch. You may wish to hurry though, it seems as though someone is about to start something with him.”

--

Gwyar’s eyebrows furrowed at that and he turned and looked over to see one of the other suitors that most certainly wasn’t acting with good impressions in mind. Was she going to try and fight the Prince? If so- At least he had more experience with those. And then she was slapped across the cheek, and went to the ground. His blood ran cold for a moment, an almost welcome change compared to the warmth in Aibruvia, as death knells rang in his ears.

--

The lady’s servant was angry with the Prince, which meant that they didn’t know who the said Prince was. The Prince then tripped the servant. Which certainly wasn’t good, this could very easily turn into a problem. For everyone. He couldn’t fail his parents due to some Baron’s daughter, he couldn’t fail his parents due to his own inaction to solve the problem.

--

Listening from afar first to hear the Prince speak, “I am Vesper Sterling Windsor, the Second Rank Prince Of Aibruvia. Your host, and you sorely are mistaken in thinking I will allow such incompetent and impudent behavior. Get up. Such disgrace, such vileness and malicious behavior shown on your arrival. How dare a mere Baron's daughter dare to even think of brushing against my shoulder. How pathetic. You break the rules by having three guards. You offend the host in whose home you'll be staying, and then you disrespect me by using profanity to my face. Such unbecoming behavior of someone who's supposed to be of a titled rank. You poor, poor fool. I hold the keys to what you're here for. You really think that I'll even let you have the honor of looking at my sister if you can't even have the mere decency to respect me. My sister's mere existence is worth more than your pathetic one - you are nothing compared to me, nothing compared to them. You are at the bottom rung of a social ladder and you are like poor Icarus flying to the sun. Careful that one day you don't find yourself being burned by the sun, because there is always someone more powerful than you no matter how smart or conniving you think you are. Two of you will have be taken back to Eailseon because on one guard is permitted per guest. And please make sure to be on your best behavior and not let an incident like this happen again or else I won't be so forgiving. Welcome To Aibruvia Miss Cadieux. I hope your stay is pleasant.”

--

Ah, good, good- Reprimanding. He could respect, he could listen, he could understand the language of that much better than he could the language of flowers. And the way he dealt with it was honorable. He should probably still go over and make sure nothing more arises from the Baron’s daughter. Three guards? Whoever would bring that many except someone who had no chance to defend themselves? He, himself, hadn’t been allowed to bring any per his parents' command.

--

Gwyar stepped forward, going over and keeping at a respectable distance from the Prince and a distance that spoke of not wishing to be associated with the Baron’s daughter. He gave a small albeit awkward bow, they weren’t all that common in Slerosea, kneeling was much favored but he supposed that it wouldn't be right to go by his traditions instead of this kingdoms’, the bouquet held behind his back and his other hand across his chest.

--

He came back up from the awkward bow with the simple words of, “I must agree with you, Prince Vesper Windsor, treating the one whom we are supposed to be celebrating today with such disrespect is never right.”

--

He looked the Second Rank Prince in the eyes with a small, friendly smile and presented the bouquet of flowers. He’d studied over different flower meanings and the language of flowers for this, for the good first impressions that his parents wanted him to have… He hoped he hadn’t gotten it wrong at all. “Speaking of whom, these are for you, Prince Vesper Windsor of Aibruvia. I am Sir Gwyar Ariethous Fraoch of Cryo, but please, simply call me Aries, for in your presence my title is nothing. It’s a pleasure to meet you and I do hope your day is pleasant, despite the disrespect she has shown. I apologize on her behalf, the ride here must have made her forget who is in charge here.”

--

The hand that wasn’t holding out the flowers to the shorter man, the Prince of Second Rank here in Aibruvia, was trying very hard to stay still and not fidget. His parents always were upset with him for that. He was fairly certain that he failed, so instead he hoped his long, intricately braided, red hair would hide it instead.

Isolde Morley | F | 28 | Guard to Princess Niamh | Mentions:

By the time the boat containing the suitors was supposed to arrive, Isolde had already been up for hours. She’d risen from her bed along with the other guards, the room a flurry of efficient movement as each individual washed themselves with the water basins that had been provided for them and put on the bright, ornate armor that was required during formal events such as Prince Vesper’s birthday. Isolde had ensured her armor was clean and polished the night before, but she still ran a critical eye over each piece before fastening it on. Now properly attired, Isolde began her tasks for the day.

Step 1: Patrol the corridors outside Princess Niamh’s room, and check for anything suspicious outside her windows to the outdoors.

Step 2: Endurance training in the horse pasture before the stablehands turn the animals out for the day.

Step 3: Breakfast in the guards’ quarters

Step 4: Take a shift outside Princess Niamh’s door until the next guard arrives.

Step 5. Sparring and strength training in the courtyard.

Step 6. Wash up and check that all armor is clean and in working condition

Step 7…

And so on it went, and that was all before Princess Niamh would even leave her room. For now Isolde paced beside the bars of the inner gatehouse, the dust from her steps ensuring that she would need to polish the armor again before the day was over. She wished that she had been part of the welcome party for the suitors, as Isolde latched on to any opportunity that took her down to the docks. She wondered what they would be like, if their customs would seem terribly strange to her, as a native of Aibruvia. In the end, it doesn’t matter what I think of them, Isolde reminded herself. King Edward will have the final say, and there’s nothing you can do if Niamh ends up marrying a foreigner and leaving Aibruvia forever. Thinking about losing Niamh brought a lump to Isolde’s throat, and she blinked her eyes rapidly to forestall any tears that might attempt to escape. Of course, while losing her position as Princess Niamh’s guard would be disappointing, it ultimately would pale to the pain of losing Cassia. Cassia was the entire reason Isolde had wanted this position in the first place, and she wasn’t sure she could stay at the Aibruvian castle if Cassia wasn’t going to remain there too. I suppose I could just go with them, Isolde mused. But imagining that future didn’t feel quite right either. Isolde had never left Aibruvia, and she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to. But there was no use lamenting an event that hadn’t happened yet, so Isolde lifted her chin and squared her shoulders before going about her duties as before.

Zoe had woken up early at around 2 am,dressed In her usual running kit, procrastinated and procrastinated until it was around 3 am and half jogged and half sprinted around the castle to wake her up and also for training. Training for what you ask? Nothing, she is training for nothing but her own fitness and health.
She had then drag herself back and make a cup of tea for herself before changing her own clothes , showered quickly and slept for less than usual as she procrastinated more and she also made a cup of tea for herself so she only and around half a hours extra sleep. She always awoke herself again at 6 am as she needed to wake up to draw Princess Niamh's bath and help her change into her clothes. It felt like any other ordinary day but it wasn't , it was the day suitors were coming and also it was Prince Vesper's birthday as well if she could remember correctly. So many attractive people were c mint! Towards her! She stumbled and caug he herself , she looked around and realized she had drifted to the window and began looking at the gate where the carriages of the suitors would come through. She moved so she didn't look desperate and smiled at both Cassie And the Princess. Cassie was just helping attach the last bits of her outfit today whilst Zoe was awaiting an order to do something or someone moved. When Princess Niamh moved, she usually followed her , as that was her job. No not to be a a stalker and follow her everywhere but to follow her and make she was tended to and was happy.
//

She now paused to look at the beautiful gift and blooming expensive gift Princess Niamh had brought her brother, it was like a hairbrush and some hair oils or something Kirk that but they looked expensive but beautiful. The oils smelt nice from where Zoe was standing and she wondered what she en smelt like for once. She was in her smart clothes as usual. Subs guessed she would just hang around in the princess's until Princess Niamh needed her . She heard the princess's question and popped her head up by rekaized it was a question for Cassie and she lowered her head again, her wavy red hair strands tumbling into her face.She was imagining all the hot guys and girls and other people and she didn't know if she was blushing. She just couldn't contain her excitement. Behave child , save the flirting when you are out of earshot of your superior she scolded herself in her mind. She didn't want to get caught. She didn't even know if it was allowed but she was pretty sure , a handmaiden shouldn't flirt with suitors meant to woo the princesses and maybe the princes.

//

She stifled a yawn and looked out of the corner of her eye to see if. Hey we're done talking but they weren't so she kept quiet, kept still and kept her head down for once. She wanted to be allowed to see the suitors with Princess Naimh and maybe just flirt with one or two of the suitors. She wasn't entirely sure how they would react to just a handmaiden flirting with them.