After days of grooming for an event he was far from thrilled about, today Evander found a brief break to be able to slip away to the one place he was ever truly alone. Just outside of his private bathhouse. The bathhouse itself wasn't extravagantly large, but it was easily a place that screamed 'property of a royal'. The intricate architecture of the simple spruce it was crafted out of gave it the perfect look to blend in with the surrounding woodland. A small creek flowed behind it, which is where Evander currently found himself. Perched atop of a larger rock on the creeks shore, he watched as the water slowly combed by. If he was feeling giddy, he could easily take a walk to the somewhat distance bridge that crossed over where the creek would eventually turn into a steady river. He didn't have time for that though, and by then, he was sure his personal guard would already have gotten antsy. A snap of a twig behind him compelled Evander to rise from his rock and throw a harsh stare at the sound; only for his expression to soften at seeing who it was. "Your mother sent me to fetch you, she's already brewing that you missed breakfast in the dining hall." Edwin, Captain of the Palace Guard, stated with a small smile. Edwin just so happened to be Evander's best friend, which after years of sparring and the occasional mischief, was only natural to happen. Stepping down from the rock, Evander gave a nod of his head to signal Edwin to walk back with him. "I'm sure she is. Let me guess, she's pouting in her room?" A nod and a chuckle from Edwin was all Evander needed to know that he was in for it. It's not like he has directly complained about the wedding, but a few mutters here and there have surely gotten his views on the matter across.

Returning to the place, the two men entered through the back palace door that led directly into the open and bright botanical garden. Evander wasn't one to marvel much at plants, but even he could appreciate the serenity this place had to offer. Journeying the short walk through and again going through another door that led to the main hall, the two continued to walk until they entered the Queen's Chamber. Sitting in perfect posture at the end of her four-poster bed was his mother, Queen Annika. It was no wonder Evander's typical demeanor was always so cold, after all, his mother had the iciest of looks. Not stopping the delicate braiding of her pale golden hair, she did raise a critical brow to her son. "Captain, you're dismissed," she ordered without breaking eye contact with her son. Edwin gave a respectful nod and made a brisk exit. "You're not in the attire I suggested for you to wear today. You do realize how important today is, right?" Annika asked as her fingers continued to weave perfect strands of her hair. "Father said what you had in mind was far too formal, and I agree with his ruling. Formally casual is what I'm going to wear, and what you had in mind is what I'll wear in the first address to the kingdom after the wedding." Annika only gave an irritated huff in response while finishing her braid that now swooped over her shoulder. Rising in an elegant manner from her bed, she walked forward to stop directly in front of her son. Evander had to angle his head slightly downward to meet his mother's gaze now, but she put her hands out to give him a warmthless and quick hug before pulling away. "I'm proud of you," she said, though it was evident she was trying far too hard to sound nurturing, "come now, your father and sister are waiting in the entry room." She spoke, before clasping her hands in front of her and waiting for Evander to open the door for her so she could lead the way.

Considering so many high profile individuals were to be gathering in one place, it was no surprise to see the constant rounds and shuffling of the palace guards; inside and out. They made themselves scarce enough to give off the illusion there were few circling the grounds, but Evander knew their tactics like the back of his hand. The atmosphere blanketing the palace was relatively joyous otherwise though. Of course they're happy, they are not the ones making a personal sacrifice. His thoughts were blatantly bitter today, but his outward appearance was relatively unbothered. The only other person today that seemed to be in just as sour of a mood as him is the royal chef. She had been laboring with her line of cooks since dawn preparing for a good gestured luncheon between the two royal families. "This is going to be a remarkable day, don't you agree brother?" The falsely sweet voice of his sister mused from his side. They may be twins, but they were far from being the same in anyway. Marie inherited their mothers golden hair and crystal blue eyes, and personality wise, she was far more passive aggressive. She knew very well that Evander was dreading everything that had to do with the wedding; the soon-to-be bride, the wedding itself, and the rehearsed speech he would give to his kingdom the day after he was wed. That wasn't including the after party and the socializing he would have to do with the nobles of the kingdom. Despite the reason behind the marriage, it felt too political for Evander's liking. That's the life as a royal he supposed though. "That would depend on your definition of remarkable." Evander muttered sarcastically while his sister gave a soft laugh and stalked away towards their mother. It was only a matter of time now; the guards stationed outside would greet and walk the neighboring royals through the main doors, and then they would all be face to face. Yes, absolutely remarkable. A final sarcastic edged thought whispered.

Hours and hours of riding. That’s how long it took to get to the great kingdom of Ornetress. Briar wasn’t very eager per-say but she did enjoy the fresh air. Her father, King Alaric the second, wasn't very thrilled at Briar's choice of travel. Wearing her proper riding clothes and ceremonial cape that flowed from the top of her shoulders over the back end of her loyal steed. Brilliantly made by the royal seamstress, it was all white, a perfect color for such an occasion and displaying her family crest which was an array of lavender and pinks with a grand raven spreading its wings with rose vines growing out around it. Riding ahead of the group was more her pace, preferring to check out the surrounding wilderness. The castle was just along the narrowing path through the village. Click-clack went her horse's hooves as they met cement with great force. Amir had caught up to her and now rode her right flank next to the carriage her father and two siblings were occupying. As they got closer her heart started to sink, this would be her first time visiting the neighboring kingdom. Maybe under different circumstances, she might have visited and even had a good time. This time was different though. She was supposed to be getting married. Face falling a bit she looked down at her hands which were clutching the reins so tight her knuckles turned white.

The sudden shout of voices up ahead released Briar from her reverie and she looked up inquisitively. Village people had started to form around them clapping and cheering excitedly. “The royal family of Rhodolite is here!” a young woman yelled. “That's the princess!” a child cheered and pointed, receiving a strict slap on the hand from her mother. Briar chuckled and waved politely, she always did love the village people. They seemed to always have such a simple outlook on life. Not bothering with such complicated things royals did. Amir tapped her shoulder and nodded at her. She had slowed down to a walk and was slowing everyone down. Kicking Kitchi into a trot she picked up her pace and in no time made it to the front doors of the palace. Riding up she pulled Kitchi’s reins easing her to a stand. Looking up she admired the building's architecture and exquisite design. Amir pulled his horse up next to hers and dismounted coming around to help Briar down. Though she didn't need help she received his help graciously and put her hands on his shoulders as he lifted her. “You can do this,” Amir said and pulled her into one of his warm bear hugs. Giggling, she patted him on the shoulder in thanks and smiled. Well she was here, now time to try and find a way out before it was too late.

It was embarrassing how his mother was making her rounds in ensuring everyone looked presentable. 'First impressions are everything', is what she chided to him. Marie, as always, looked perfect and up to their mother's par. Her own hair was down and covered her rose pink dress which possessed golden laced embroideries at the bottom, neck piece, and ends of her flowy sleeves. His mother wore a similar fashioned dress, except the colors were a delicate blend of purple and red hues spanning down her silk attire. The women were always so showy, though his father, King Saxon, was no exception. His royally red tunic with more golden laced thread throughout - gold being the families principal color - was paired with his maroon colored surcoat which bore the Torano emblem; one white and one black wolf circling each other on a golden shield. It was a crest meant to reflect the balance the royal family Torano has bestowed upon the kingdom under their rule. Evander momentarily glanced down to his own wearings today; a simpler white tunic in accompany with black trousers and his preferred black boots. His own golden threadings traced the caps of his sleeves and circled around the hem of his shirt. Nothing showy, but far from disgustingly basic.

Edwin entered through the front doors, closing them behind him, before he proceeded to present himself to the royals. "They're rather close, Your Highness," Edwin announced to Saxon before shifting his gaze to Evander, "and there has been a slight change in the plans proceedings. You are to be the one to welcome the royals, I believe it to be a more appropriate welcoming." King Saxon gave a nod and grin of approval to the Captain before turning to also look at Evander. "Do make yourself as courteous as I raised you to be then. And perhaps smile son, it won't kill you." Evander narrowed his eyes while Marie's snicker could be heard from where she stood with Annika. Even in the entry room, the sounds of horses could be heard, and Evander knew exactly what that meant. Falling into place beside Edwin, it was now Evander's duty to escort and welcome the other royals while Edwin monitored. . . for both safety and silent moral support to Evander. "Where's Calvert? Shouldn't he be flanking?" Evander inquired about his personal guard. "Not at this moment Your Highness, he insisted in aiding border security today. Today I'm your personal guard; you're in good hands." Edwin winked before pushing back his raven colored hair and stepping forward to open the doors to allow the prince to exit.

Stepping into the light of day, Evander allowed his silver orbs to sweep over the scene before him. Just a few years ago the tension between Rhodolite and Ornetress had been so intense, now, they were all supposed to pretend that the former strain is non-existent. Offering a smile that was so practiced it came across as sincere, his eyes flickered to who he assumed to be the princess of Rhodolite. She wasn't exactly dressed the way he had imagined, though to be honest, he was sure he fell short of expectation as well dressage wise. Taking a second to observe her otherwise, he could see how she was regarded through gossip as a beautiful individual. Evander pushed his thoughts aside as he stopped in place to give a short address. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Evander Torano, Crown Prince of Ornetress. It is my honor to welcome you to my kingdom. On behalf of King Saxon and the entirety of the Torano royal family, I thank you all for your presence and we all hope your journey here was nothing short of delightful." Evander has always been well spoken, and he enjoyed proving to himself that he didn't need the royal advisor's pre-written speech cards. "Please, may I show you in?" Evander was extending the welcome to everyone, but his focus had shifted to the princess, since she was of course the primary focus. You were wrong father, this smile is killing me. Not that anyone else could see how uncomfortable he was, years of his mother breathing down his neck ensured that much. Behind them, Edwin had already assumed his position in front of the doors to open them while the other royals waited within to give a brief greeting before carrying on with their duties. It is primarily Evander's duty to 'babysit' their guest of honor, a task he had no choice but to grudgingly accept. An even worse revelation, soon this princess would be his wife. Fighting the urge to shudder, he turned to lead the way inside with his hands clasped behind his back and his head held high.

Amir looked at Briar with a look that said, you've got to be kidding me after the prince had welcomed them and took his leave back inside the palace. Chuckling, she elbowed him hard in the side and went to collect her siblings. The two twins looked spectacular as always. Rainier was a spitting image of their father. More casually dressed in a dashing black tunic accompanied by just as black trousers. The shirt was embroidered with the family crest on the right side of his chest along with lavender lace on the cuffs off his sleeves that were almost too long for his arms. His black as night eyes scanned the palace in awe as he stepped out of the carriage. Next to emerge was Rainier's twin sister Odette. Long raven hair in more of an updo she wore an elegant gown with green hues with the sleeves of her dress resting comfortably off her shoulders. A more bold look if Blair ever did say so. Her almost gold hazel eyes matched the tiny yellow swirls embroidered at the hem of her dress and seemed to catch the sunlight just right that they were practically glowing.

Rainier and Odette, we're both twelve now and expressed themselves with more pride and elegance than Briar ever did at that age. Mainly due to their mother's influence on her. Standing behind them with Amir at her side she gently touched their backs as we ushered them forward. Their father fell quickly into step behind them, his black boots hitting the stone stairs like bricks under his weight. Inside the palace was breathtaking and screamed sophistication. Waiting for her was prince Evander. Though she’d never admit it he was quite handsome, but there was something about him that didn't rightly sit with her. Maybe it was his cold, serious presence or…Her thoughts were interrupted as the twins scampered ahead of her like tiny little rats laughing and giggling as they ran down the hall. “Rainier! Odette!” she called after them not wanting them to go too far but they rounded a corner and were out of sight. Briar sighed, well at least they were having a better time than she was, she thought to herself. Turning to the prince she curtsied. “Apologies for my sibling's behavior,” she said in a tone that was so forced even a deaf man could tell. Amir chuckled behind her, covering his mouth innocently. That caused Briar to burst out in a fit of laughter as she straightened up. Formality was never her thing and she wasn't going to pretend it was. Not with anyone.

Standing up straight her fake smile falls and she elegantly and sadistically walks rather close to Evander. Getting just a few inches from his face and throwing on her devilish smile. Placing her long finger hand on his shoulder gently circling her middle finger over the silky fabric she meets his cold gaze with one of her own. Rising on her toes to meet his height she whispers in his ear that only he can hear. “Just so you know,” she said, pausing to lick her lips that were painted with rouge. “I don't play by the rules.” With that said she followed her maid Marisol to her chambers where she would be staying for the time being. Amir stayed behind with the king serving as his valet. His usual valet Chester, an older man that was best friends and had grown up with Briar's father, was too ill to make the journey. Chester had taken Amir as an apprentice valet when Amir decided he didn't want to become a blacksmith like his father a few years ago causing a big rift between them. The first few months of his apprenticeship had been as some may say shakey. Amir had a tough build to him, standing at almost six foot two inches he wasn't as scarce as most valets were. He would constantly bump into things and people causing a scene here and there. But with a little help from Briar and many many hours of practice he wasn't half bad.

Up in her room, Briar changed into a modest day gown. The royal blue silk fit perfectly to her body complimenting her small curves. The dress landed just above her ankles with small white lace detailing on both the hem and neckline. Around her waist was a simple baby blue ribbon that wrapped around and tied into a bow. Not bothering with her hair she quickly brushed through it and ran downstairs for the luncheon.

It was one of the most utterly miserable luncheons Briar had ever attended. During the course of the meal, Queen Annika tried to make some awkward conversation with her. In the course of the meal, Annika tried to initiate awkward small talk with her. Even though Briar respected her efforts to get to know her, she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Evander had not been conversing with her much, appearing to be fairly uninterested. Briar's interest was piqued though and she straightened her posture. As Evander handed over some fish cuts wrapped in a linen napkin, to a servant, he mentioned a falconer. During the last nights of Briar's mother's lifetime, she had taught her daughter a very important lesson. On those cold winter nights, while brushing Briar's hair in her chamber, she would whisper to her, "Child." In her comforting melodious voice and turn to face her daughter who would be sitting restlessly at her vanity. “Yes mother” she would respond with her emerald eyes shining up at her with happiness from having trained with Amir a few hours earlier.

Queen Cassia always looked happy but those last few days something had been bothering her. Briar of course knew nothing of this at the time. A knock had come at the door and Cassia went to answer it. A servant quickly handed the queen a cage covered in a tan cloth that, by what Briar could see, had tiny holes in it. “What is that mother!” Briar said excitedly, trying to jump up and down to see. “Patience daughter patience,” she said, putting the cage down with a small thud on a red oak table in the middle of the room. Briar had come up to the cage excitedly looking from it to her mother. Chuckling Cassia lifted the sheet to reveal a glorious falcon. The falcon had blue-gray wings, a dark brown back with a buff-colored underside. His face was all white with no markings, (a rare occurrence in this type of falcon). All that didn't compare to his strong regal stance. Briar still remembered when that falcon had looked at her. It was as if he was staring into the deepest parts of her soul. The queen pulled her daughter to her wrapping her motherly arms around Briar's tiny body. “Falcons are incredible creations of mother nature that symbolize living a 'Mighty Life' full of agility, perseverance, patience young one,” she said as the gazed at the creature.

Her mother kissed her on the cheek and turned her around. “And that's what I want for you” her voice became more serious. “I won't always be here for you and you need to know that.” Standing up she looked down at her daughter, “one day you will rule with determination, strength, and fearless just like a falcon.” Coming back down to place a gentle hand on her shoulder, “but never lose your true self, and never let anyone tell you what you can and can not do.” Briar smiled and hugged her mother with all the love in her heart. “Yes, mommy.” With her mother's words ringing in her head she came back to reality. They had finished the luncheon and we're now moving to a private room for tea and ale. Evander silently grabbed her by the arm as waited for everyone to leave.

Evander wasn't even sure why his mother bothered with communicating to Briar; Annika had no warm intentions. This was nothing more than an alliance forged between kingdoms at the expense of his, and maybe even Briar's, happiness. Not that happiness was necessarily a luxury he often felt anyway. Evander made it a point to keep his own chatter to a bare minimum since he really didn't have much to say to anyone at the moment. While he tried to avert his attention elsewhere, he couldn't help but study Briar as she appeared to have been lost in her own world of thoughts. His observations were subtle, which was more of a learned tactic, but he was watching. As the conversation at the table came to a lull, she looked to have clicked back into what was going on around her, and he looked away. Lucky, any place would be better than here. Assuming she enjoyed her mental escape, Evander let out an envious sigh before rising from his seat as his parents did. Sitting down to talk more over drinks sounded like a horrid time. Besides, he never participated in much more familial affairs than meals. Being sat down for a lengthy amount of time rendered him restless, but he still had a duty to perform. . . accompanying Briar.

Watching his parents and sister file out of the room, Evander stayed behind and made a swift presence beside Briar. "If you're not up for more meaningless conversation, I politely request that you accompany me to the falconer's tower," his words were polite, but his gaze and tone were fairly direct, "it's a bit of a walk, but surely you could handle it. The only thing waiting for you here is my mother's small talk." He did flick his gaze to the door his family exited from with a slight scowl, before washing it away and turning back to Briar. "So princess, pick your poison; walk with me or speak with the serpent herself." Either way, he wasn't happy to have any kind of company. Other than Edwin's of course, who was trying a little too hard to act invisible by the other exit of the room. The fact Evander was even attempting to invite Briar to go with him spoke volumes about how little he would enjoy tea time. Sitting still? Not a task he enjoyed. When necessary he could look so still that the only cue he was even alive was his steady breathing and the occasional blink. Those necessary times were very much hated by him, but there was a lot he would do in the name of servitude. As he's learned, playing a soon-to-be happy and perfectly diplomatic husband in the publics eye is one of the things he would do in the name of serving. For the sake of the alliance, Evander could only hope that Briar was just as stunning an actress as she was beautiful in the presence of others. He could fake a lot of things and still come across as completely sincere; usually a smile accompanied with mild charm did the trick. Behind closed doors, he could be a little more himself, but could Briar balance her public image and keep her propensity for "not playing by the rules" more private? Again, he could only hope.