Ruby drifted close to the banquet tables at last, her movements graceful and unhurried, a bunny resting in sun-dappled grass, seemingly unaware, or uncaring, of the wolves lurking in the shadows. When taking notice of a passing nobleman, their eyes locking momentarily once Ruby lifted her gaze, she offered a silent greeting, a radiant smile that visibly melted his composure. She stood out; if not by her face, then by her figure, if not by her body, then by her pale hair, if not by her hair, then by the simplicity of her gown. A violent, elegant insult to the jeweled dresses that surrounded her.
The women in the room had instantly taken note of her, sharp eyes narrowing behind ornate fans, whispers hissing quietly like venom. Jealousy hung heavy in the air just like the scent of wine.
"Look at her." One woman clicked her tongue in disdain, eyeing Ruby's dress with a critical eye "Barely a stitch of lace. And those diamonds on the corset? Practically invisible." Another, voice a sharp edge, added with a huff "She must think herself above the rest of us, seriously, who shows up to a ball like…" She clutched her fan, teeth gritted "Like that."
Ruby was too in her head to listen in on their conversation, contemplating her choices on the array of pastries with genuine deliberation. 'Mind your manners.' Is what Renat instructed, so her choice suddenly seemed to hold more importance in her mind.
"You should try this one, your highness." Ruby paused, glancing besides her to see a brunette woman, the lady had approached Ruby with a suggestion, and most likely curiosity. Ruby's expression brightened with relief "Oh, thank you, my lady!" The tension visibly left her body, her voice sweet as spun sugar "I was having quite a difficult time as I'm not familiar with any of these delightful treats, your suggestion is much appreciated."
Once Ruby giggled, light and genuine, a little playful even, it was akin to floodgates being opened. Within moments, a cluster of ladies surrounded her like moths to a flame, each one vying for a chance to speak to the foreign princess. Some sought favor, others friendship, to satiate curiosity, or to undermine her. However, the initial hostility was momentarily submerged beneath a wave of fascination.
"You look very dazzling, your highness." One woman ventured, her voice clean cut when interrupting one of the other ladies who had handed Ruby a pastry, it quieted down the group "However, I wish you had dressed more according to our customary styles." Her tone was laced with faux concern, pity in her eyes when looking towards Ruby. Faint, malicious giggles sounded from behind fans.
But Ruby merely sighed helplessly as she kept her attention on the lady who spoke to her "Thank you, lady Amelia." Nodding, her voice sweet like the pastry she was holding "I do agree it is a shame I couldn't have prepared my wear better, unfortunately, the invitation arrived only a few days prior, so my eldest brother arranged our clothes on short notice." She explained, before offering a warm, thankful smile "Your advice is most appreciated, I'd be grateful if you told me more about the usual styles of the kingdom, so I can be more respectful of your customs should I ever be invited again."
Amelia stared, momentarily stunned into silence by the sheer force of Ruby's humility and understanding, the circle of women following suit to the lady's state. The genuine warmth of Ruby's gratitude for pointing out a mistake was tangible, deconstructing their envy for a heartbeat. Even if it was inevitable for jealousy to simmer underneath, it was difficult to outwardly fester resentment under the presence of such… Affection.
The chatter from the group had overridden the music beforehand, but now, Ruby could hear the band again. Leaving a group speechless wasn't new, but Ruby worried over having brought down the lovely atmosphere. She was slightly concerned while still looking at Amelia, as if to search for clues before her eyes glinted in appreciation as they settled on her necklace "I must say, my lady, the jewelry on the necklace you're wearing is truly exquisite." The white haired girl remarked with open admiration.
Amelia blinked, unable to find her words as she reached up to instinctively touch the gems, momentarily flustered "Oh… Thank you, your highness." A flush rose in her powdered cheeks, pausing to take a breath "It was custom made, my father gifted my husband and I a mine for my birthday recently, so I thought this banquet would be a good opportunity to make use of our products." The lady lighty fanned herself, a cooling sensation for when Ruby stared at her "It's lovely." The princess commented, her eyes softening while keeping Amelia's gaze, as if reaching to her heart "Especially because it matches your green eyes. I say it compliments your beauty very well." Murmurs of agreement rippled from the group once Ruby relayed her thoughts, and Amelia's earlier condescension was replaced by pride.
"A shame nonetheless about the dress code, however" Another lady pressed, unable to resist her curiosity "Do you like gems, your highness?" Just because the princess wasn't wearing them, doesn't mean she disliked them, right?
"Oh!" Ruby's eyes lit up "I do!" Then dimmed, the cheery attitude deflating for a second "Unfortunately, my brother isn't particularly fond of them." Ruby sighed, her hand reaching up to hold her cheek, helpless in her endeavour "Once, I pleaded with him to replace all the windows in my room with stained glass, just to fill it with color. But alas, no such luck." With that regrettable anecdote, Ruby managed to draw in genuine, surprised giggles from the ladies. The atmosphere began turning pleasant, making conversation flow into gratifying territory.
One woman, captivated, reached out almost hesitantly while her eyes remained fixated on Ruby, with a gloved hand, the knuckles of her fingers gently touching Ruby's cheek. Ruby blinked, a little surprise at the sudden action but didn't recoil, it felt familiar to Renat's action but… A little more intense, and the woman was a stranger "Your skin… It's impossibly soft, your highness." Some of the ladies were frowning, staring at the scene in confusion from such forwardness but others seemed just as entranced "So unblemished, one almost wonders if applying cosmetics would even be an improvement." Even if the scene disturbed half the ladies present, agreeable murmurs followed from the group.
Ruby pulled herself together, pushing aside the uncomfortable prick in her skin so she wouldn't make a scene, she couldn't… "I quite adore cosmetics." Another musical giggle from the girl, making herself forget of the sensation so it wouldn't bother her onwards "The artistry, how colors can complement each other, it's such a wonderful form of expression. I'm delighted Varys has so many distinct style throughout its history."
Seizing the moment, another woman leaned in closer to Ruby "How long will you be gracing us with your presence, your highness?" Ruby pretended clueless to the sudden invasion on her personal space, humming thoughtfully "I believe we will be staying for at least a week."
"Wonderful!" The lady exclaimed in delight "Three days from now during morning time, us ladies have a tea party with each other. You're more than welcome to join us if you wish." A few ladies began holding their breath, Amelia especially clutching at her fan, her heart pounding with anticipation.
"You're much too kind, Mrs. Willow." Appreciation spread through Ruby's heart, convincing herself of their warm welcome "Then… As long as it would be alright with everyone, I'd be more than happy to join." Her beautiful gem-like eyes glanced through the group, laughing softly at their relief from her acceptance. Then her expression turned earnestly serious "What should I wear? Are there any specific customs I should follow? Colors themes? I'll make sure to head to a boutique if I lack anything." Her sincere desire for their suggestions further disarmed the ladies, making them giggle quietly and take care in explaining their usual customs to Ruby.
One of the ladies however, was quite detached from the conversation. Marianna observed Rubina with a deepening frown hiding behind her fan. The princess's open warmth, her strikingly genuine reactions, her innocent delight in all of the ladies present… It reminded Marianna of the younger sister she lost to the plague years ago, the pain clutched at her heart with each dazzling smile Ruby showed 'Pity.' Marianna schooled her expression to a polite smile for the social circle, fanning herself despite the sudden chill down her spine. The dehumanizing way in which the others touched the princess without much warning, commenting on her attributes, staring with awe as if she was a doll on display.
The chandelier's light hit on the gems of Ruby's crown, the glimpse of that reflection catching Marianna's attention and her chest finally moved as she breathed, relieved of the tension. Luckily, the imperial protection served as a shield for Rubina, if such an open-hearted beauty were to stand alone then… The consequences made Marianna clutch her hand, fist trembling. The attention wouldn't just be impolite, but downright predatory. A complex, grudging respect knotted in her mind for the Lysarian emperor while observing the princess; He had raised the girl to absorb attention like flowers with sunlight, never to question its source or intent, never to flinch.
It was terrifying he didn't teach her to establish her surroundings with more control, she'd be… Safer.
Marianna sighed as she managed to take a few steps closer to Ruby, whatever is done is done, and as she watched the princess grace her with a thankful smile once Marianna shushed Mrs. Willow away from being too touchy, the brunette knew she'd commit to shielding Ruby at least from the worst of men in Varys 'Now, where has that fool fiancé of mine vanished?'
From his place in the balcony, Renat watched the cluster of jealous women becoming a protective, adoring flock of fools around his sister. A silent scoff of disdain escaped from him at their closeness. Yet he could never stop adoring the way his sister handled such people. Her natural, untrained magnetism was efficient, a flame drawing moths who burned themselves on her sincerity, at the very least forming a shield against the more lecherous gazes.
He noticed Marianna soon after, a woman's protective stance near Ruby unlike the rest of that flock "How protective." A cold smile stretched on his lips as he saw Marianna glare over her shoulder, shooing off any man who tried to approach too closely. Ruby's radiance was perfectly following the path he'd set. Fearless and clueless, she'd soak up attention just as he'd conditioned her, her authenticity being her shield and Renat's tool. He pretended to take a slow sip from his goblet, playing her part instinctively and turning potential enemies into unwitting guardians. Yes, she'd have an easy time here, especially with those who like to look at pretty things.
Her nature disarms them.
And her blindness to their true gaze? It was one of his carefully crafted masterpieces.
He shifted his gaze from Rubina's radiant circle towards Rudian. He was easy to spot, having drifted close to the balcony doors, any longer unattended and he might just slip outside. A futile hope for the prince. He stood out like a rose among stones, his soft features and cool elegance a stark contrast to Varys' preferred aesthetics of rugged charm and theatrical flamboyance for men. Just as with Ruby, Varysians were transfixed with him. But he remained a frozen, unapproachable thing that hadn't smiled for them ever since he entered.
A young nobleman, Vincenzo, one of the Marquise's more impulsive sons, had caught sight of Rudy and locked on. Once their eyes met briefly, those red eyes ignited a spark of bravery, and he was the first of many to approach.
Rudy's quest remained to be the balcony, some fresh air would do him better than the overwhelming scent of wine, one could get intoxicated by just breathing at this point. However, he was stopped once Vincenzo stepped directly into his path. Rudy's brows subtly knitted together in confusion as he looked at the stranger, noting there might be another reason for his approach besides that thin veil of polite interest.
"Do you play chess, your highness?" Once Vincenzo spoke, Rudy's expression relaxed at the subtle mockery lacing the charming voice, it wouldn't be hard to know of his intentions then "Or perhaps… Chess is too demanding for a pretty prince like you." A smirk played on Vincenzo's lips "I could call for a servant to bring us flowers instead. Flower arranging might be more suited, I heard it's a common practice in Lysaria." Rudy let out a short huff through his nose, tilting his head to the side in wonder of where that claim even came from, though Vincenzo's breath audibly hitched at his action 'God damn it…' Rudy frowned, crossing his arms in distaste, he thought he was being mocked, not studied.
Being acutely aware of his surroundings, Rudy always exhibited a masterful calmness no matter how many eyes transfixed on him, even if he grew uncomfortable. He was now seeing first hand how Vincenzo's attitude deflated once realizing his moment of courage had summoned an audience. A flicker of reluctant pity stirred in Rudy, and spite for the possibility that Renat was enjoying what was happening. Rudy sighed, not wanting for Vincenzo to bear a sting of public humiliation, he decided to offer the man a silver of grace "If you'd like to play chess with me, I don't mind humouring you."
Everything came to a pause, even Vincenzo looked at Rudy with slight surprise, not having expected the prince's voice to be so… Sweet. The white haired boy remained the same, expression nonchalant but now, finally, properly looking at them "So? Where is the chess table?"
With that statement, the challenge was thrown, and the air around them shifted. The crowd became restless as servants were told to quickly put together a chess table, and Rudy realized his body began to grow weary at the drinks and appetizers suddenly present for everyone to enjoy while watching the aloof prince duel against one of their own. 'All this over amature chess…' Rudy scoffed to himself, not that he'd like to undermine his skills, and he's neve heard of Vincenzo before so the man wasn't a genius at chess, so why was everyone so eager to see the outcome of the match.
Rudy observed Vincenzo talking to a group of men, anxious and excited for a reason Rudy didn't want to admit, so the male simply sighed and pulled his chair, sitting down and waiting until his opponent was ready to begin.
After VIncenzo let Rudy start first, as a "gentlemanly" act, the crowd fell somewhat silent once pieces began moving, Rudy could finally enjoy the beautiful music of the band. His face remained impassive, calm concentration as his hands moved pieces across the board with the precision of a master player. In the span of minutes, Vincenzo's defenses crumbled, pieces were falling one by one, each move Rudy made more deliberate than the last. The young nobleman flustered red, eyes darting nervously to the murmuring crowd, realizing the depth of his miscalculation when challenging the young prince to a match- when approaching him.
Rudy felt no triumph in the crowd chattering him up praises, only the oppressing weight of unwanted attention as he made his final move.
"Checkmate." Rudy declared with finality, his voice emotionless, his expression remained passive, yet his gaze shifted towards the direction of the balcony with subtle longing.
A ripple of stunned silence, then hushed exclamations swept through the onlookers once Rudy actually won, by a landslide. Vincenzo looked as if Rudy had reached over the table and physically struck him, his pride in tatters. But worse than the defeat, his gaze fixed on Rudy harboured a new intensity, a dark, possessive hunger Rudy was all too familiar with.
"Let's try another round."
The demand carried a raw desire, edged with obsession. He wasn't just defeated, he was enthralled. Rudy glanced around, seeing the same consuming fire ignite several other male faces, not admiration for his skill, but a predatory fascination with the prize. They say the prince, not the man; an exquisite object to be coveted and won.
Rudy exhaled softly through his nostrils, ignoring the strain 'Renat said to play nice.' Rudy reminded himself, he couldn't act out, not when he was just being looked at "It'd be rude of me to refuse..." He had to end it swiftly, any more spectacle and he'd fall right into his orchestrated role from Renat.
Rudy's moves this time were more decisive and quick, winning him an easy victory.
"Again." Vincenzo insisted, oblivious to his own humiliation, consumed by the need to possess the experience with the prince, the proximity.
Rudy frowned, gaze flickering to the growing crowd. He agreed to the third match solely to end the spectacle, his introverted nature recolining from the suffocating press all on him, he was sure if he'd cheated no one would've noticed. Once trapping Vincenzo's king and winning the match, Rudy raised a hand, trying to end it with as much decorum as he had left "Thank you." He offered a small, genuine smile, not particularly warm, but with his soft features, it was impossible to call it malicious, he meant to soften the blow and grant Vincenzo some dignity after three consecutive losses "The people I play with in Lysaria are often similar, but here, there seems to be a variety of moves I'm not familiar with."
'Please just let me leave.' Rudy slightly pushed the board away from him "Thank you for playing with me, it was fun, but I think that's enough for tonight."
Vincenzo stared at Rudy with dazed wonder, utterly disarmed by the smile and unexpected gestures, before he could react however, a hand pressed on his cheek, one of his buddies pushing him away so he could claim his seat "Your highness should play with me next! I actually know a lot of different strategies!" The demand wasn't for the game, but an ownership of his attention.
"Wait! I'm the best player here!"
"But I play chess the most!"
"Hey! Quit pushing me!"
'How lively…' Rudy kept his expression from revealing how exhausted and irritated he was from the extravaganza of it all. He pushed his chair back silently, rising with grace while the noblemen squabbled over their turn to consume him "You gentlemen can settle your rankings amongst yourselves. Excuse me." He slipped through the crowd before they could react, quickly making his escape.
Emerging from the chess-induced frenzy, Rudy managed to catch sight of his sister surrounded by the other ladies. He tensed, a protective urge rushing through his veins when seeing one of the ladies gently grasp at Ruby's hand, caressing it with awed possessiveness while another had the gall to gently brush the loose strands of her hair. Even if his sister put on a smile for them, for him, her hand gently brushed through her hair, playing with a few loose strands while her gaze momentarily unfocused. Rudy knew she was trying to keep it together, a bitter thread connecting them through the shared experience.
He subtly tilted his head upwards, eyes instinctively towards the balcony to meet Renat's distant, observing gaze. A surge of resentment flared 'You knew this would happen. You wanted this spectacle.' Rudy was about to glare at his older brother's smug look before bumping into someone.
"I'm sorry, are you alright, my lady?" Rudy apologized instantly, his attention fully on the lady. He noticed the pastry she'd been holding had smeared cream on her hand from their impact. His expression twitched, realizing he'd become an inconvenience, genuine regret twisted in his gut.
Marianna nodded hastily, she wasn't upset about her ruined treat, well, it wasn't hers, and it was better she threw it away "I'm perfectly fine, your highness. I just dirtied my hand, it can be cleaned with a quick trip to the ladies room." Her tone wasn't accusetarie, and the women smiled gently to ease Rudy's worry. The prince was silent, he wasn't being studied, it was… It did put him at ease. Reminding himself of their predicament, Rudy pulled out a white, monogrammed handkerchief from his pocket "It was my fault entirely, so please…" He offered it, the gesture stemming from sincere remorse and appreciation, trusting she wouldn't treat it like a trophy.
Marianna was a little surprised, the prince and princess really were twins, their identical faces like a mirror. Her expression softened as she took the handkerchief "Thank you, your highness." Marianna believed he was more passive than Ruby, but looking closer, even their personalities were somewhat similar "I shall have it cleaned and return it to you."
Rudy nodded, a flicker of relief obvious in his demeanor from the sigh he let out. However grateful he was from his uncomplicated interaction, he bid goodbye to Marianna and quickly left, hoping whatever group had decided to chase after him would lose interest sooner than later.
Marianna watched him disappear, her expression somber, the weight of tonight's evening pressing down her shoulders, not only from the princess but now from the prince as well. Then she took notice of the panting man having stumbled besides her "Oh, there you are Vincenzo! I've been looking for you all evening." Marianna huffed while studying her fiancé head to toe, a disapproving stare when seeing him so out of breath "Sorry…" He inhaled deeply "Um- Did you see which way his highness Rudian went?"
"No." Marinna replied coolly, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly while holding onto the cream-stained handkerchief like evidence "He accidentally bumped into me and gave me this. But afterwards, the crowd became too much for me to tell where he went."She observed the immediate, unsettling shift in Vincenzo's eyes as it looked onto the fabric. It wasn't consent, it wasn't even jealousy. It was a need to posses, like the handkerchief wasn't silk but a piece of the prince.
"I… I could return it to him for you, Marianna." Vincenzo offered, as if he was making her a deal while an awkward, eager smile stretched his face, trying to snatch the cloth away from her "Save you the trouble!-" Marianna swiftly pulled the handkerchief back, smacking his extended hand away with her fan "Don't be ridiculous. It needs laundering first, imperial cloth, no matter how small, requires care." Her voice was steel, putting the final nail in the coffin to this discussion.
"Oh, men don't care about that sort of thing!" Vincenco huffed, brows knitting together in confusion and slight irritation.
"Perhaps ordinary men don't." She continued sharply, folding the handkerchief as neatly as she could despite it being dirty so she could hold it more securely "But the prince and princess exist beyond such vulgar carelessness. I will have it cleaned and returned to her highness Rubina, then she'll return it to her brother." Marianna huffed 'You will not use this as an excuse to corner him. You will not turn his kindness into a token of your obsession.' She's already gone through a nerve wracking experience enough.
An uncomfortable chill gnawed at her gut while watching Vincerno whine about her decision like a child. The ballroom was like a dark, ravenous sea, and only two luminous beings swam within it, transcending gender in their allure, attracting every form of consumption. She took a steadying breath, fingering protectively clenching around the silk. If she didn't return it to Ruby swiftly, someone would try to steal it. She's already seen ladies and men alike pocketing pastries Ruby had bitten into or touching, after placing them on the table for a moment, they'd be gone when she looked back, reducing her to consumable fragments.
'Truly a pity.' Marianna thought, the sentiment heavy with profound sadness and anger. Such light, such kindness shouldn't be prey in this gilded abattoir. They were not people here.
From his vantage point, Renat watched the scenes unfold with a slow, dangerous smile. His siblings were playing their roles perfectly, both of them drawing people in. And making it so Renat was spared the mingling from the nobility.
But then Renat's gaze drifted to the queen. She remained seated on her throne, isolated in her own regal bubble while the king left to his fun. Her eyes locked onto Rudy walking around the ballroom, managing to avoid the new fangroup of wolves he had trailing him. The deliberation in her eyes was unmistakable, lust, yes, but there was something primal there.
Renat felt disgust bubble up his throat.
And the princes?
All three of them were like their mother, unable to hide their explicit need. Cedric, the weak-willed heir, was staring at Ruby with the slack-jawed devotion of a stunned sheep. Darius, in all his brutish swagger the Varys' seemed to adore, was scanning any men near Ruby like a wolf assessing rivals. That third son, Tritan was it? Renat could guess he was trying to create schemes; manipulate Ruby's favor, sabotage his brother's chances. At least that's what his informant had reported, Tritan didn't remain much in the spotlight.
Renat's jaw clenched, the serene mask cracking for a fraction of a second. The heat in his chest flared, a rage rushing through his veins, like undiluted venom. 'Shameless animals. Circling, salivating, waiting to sink their teeth into what is mine.' Renat placed the goblet on the balcony with a faint sound, the wine still untouched. They weren't acting yet, merely assessing the feast. But the assessment itself was an affront to Renat.
'Enough.' The emperor clicked his tongue, pushing himself off the railing. The performance was over, it was time he put his siblings to bed.
The heir was displaying an unusual persistence "Please… Surely you can spare a dance, princess. You haven't danced with anyone the entire ball." The girl's expression was conflicted, remembering Renat's words that they shouldn't dance with anyone tonight. "I apologize, your highness." Ruby bowed her head, her voice a melody of regret while turning down Cedric's request "Because of my health right now I don't think I'd be a proper candidate as your dance partner." Or, she was attempting to reject him. With Cedric just a step away from her, pressing on further with a display of weakness, Ruby stared at his extended hand in contemplation, guilt whispering in her ear about leaving this poor guy rejected when he was being so earnest and open in front of everyone "... Well…" She took a breath, ready to disobey one of Renat's orders.
But just as she raised a hand, she stopped. Smile turning just a little brighter, in contrast of the atmosphere plunging in temperature at the appearance of the Lysaria's emperor behind Cedric.
"Oh, hello there prince Cedric, I almost didn't see you this time as well." Renat's voice cut through the air, smooth as silk yet laced with unmistakable mockery once the prince didn't even lift his head to look at Renat, his extended arm beginning to tremble before pulling back "I do apologize for interrupting, however," He looked at Ruby, expression softening "I must reclaim my siblings for the night. At this state, I fear exhaustion may claim them." Step away. Now.
Renat chuckled once Cedric flinched, surely understanding the implication of his words. Once he stepped back, Renat beckoned for Ruby to come over to his side. Of course his sister first bid goodbye to the group of ladies that had kept her company during the ball, then before walking past Cedric, she slightly bowed in front of the heir, a smile so radiant it seared itself onto his soul "I wish you a good night, your highness."
Renat watched, unimpressed as Cedric was stunned stupid, cheeks flushed, eyes wide and hopelessly lovesick. Pathetic. He repressed a sigh once Ruby was by his side, then with a sharp glance around the ballroom he caught sight of Rudy, once the two locked eyes, a subtle tilt of Renat's head was all the command needed; Rudy quickly began walking over, a silent relief breathing life into him once his group of wild dogs fell silent at the sight of Renat there.
Renat ignored the way Rudy gave him a side glare 'You'll appreciate what I do for you.' The eldest brother lifted a hand to ruffle Rudy's hair, just because Rudy couldn't drive them away himself, didn't mean he had to blame Renat for his inability to do so. But now with his siblings by his side, they could leave.
Renat's gaze swept the room, finding Veynard, predictably, slumped in drunken camaraderie with a few of the older noblemen. And Isolde… They made eye contact as her eyes were still fixed on their group. But specifically on Rudy. And once she smiled, he noticed Rudy flinch. Renat pulled both twins slightly in front of him, placing himself as a physical barrier between blocking Isolde's sight. He directly challenged her gaze with a smile of his own and narrowed eyes like shards of ice, delivering a silent, lethal warning that promises consequences far beyond diplomatic incidents.
Touch them and I will burn your kingdom to the ground.
The queen's expression didn't flicker, but the tension in her posture tightened almost imperceptibly.
'Disgusting.' Renat thought while exiting the oppressive ballroom with his siblings. He only truly relaxed when his own guards, having waited close by the door ever since Renat told them to, closed ranks tightly around the twins. 'It's been so long since I encountered such brazen vermin. Do all people in Varys think life is a fairytale?' Isolde and Veynard must know he pulled the strings of their daughter's demise. So why this boldness? This open coveting of how own?
Well, nothing Renat cared about. Their intent isn't what matters when their actions are why Renat wants them gone.
"Guard their doors at all time." Renat ordered Noah once the twins were fussed over by their maids, quickly pulled to their respective rooms so they could get ready for bed "And the maids must remain inside their rooms all night." Tonight did prove useful, as his siblings must have grown uncomfortable in the new environment with Renat not present, still, extra precaution never hurt anybody. After three nights, Renat will make sure they'll be sleeping in the same room 'Like when they were 6.' The emperor's happy reminiscence was interrupted once hearing a voice call out to him.
"Um, your majesty." Renat averted his gaze, the butler stood nervously in place "Oh, it's you from this morning."
'Hah.' The blond chuckled once the servant mumbled through his words, surprised that he was remembered "Go on, what is it that you want to tell me?"
"K-king Veynard requests… Requests the pleasure of your company, and that of the prince and princess for breakfast tomorrow morning."
"Ah, how thoughtful of them to invite us." Renat smiled, taking a couple of steps towards the servants, noticing him tense like a cornered rabbit. Then, Renat gently patted his shoulder, an action incredibly kind yet carrying the weight of imperial pressure "Good work, you can return now and tell Veynard we'll be there."
The butler stood there in utter confusion, before managing a small, hesitant smile and a bow "Yes, your majesty." As he turned to leave, Renat cleared his throat, stopping him in place with that soft and clear tone "Have a good night."
The butler's eyes went wide, he quickly whirled around and bowed deeply, flustered "H-Have a good night as well, your majesty!"
As they watched the boy leave, he heard Noah chuckle besides him "Thoran will be disappointed when he learns you're still soft hearted deep down, your majesty." Renat smiled, a genuine flicker of dark amusement this time as he tilted his head to look at Andrés "It's in my nature unfortunately."
"Quite benevolent, if I say so myself, your majesty." Andrés responded with that same smile. That boy will be of some decent use.
—
Next morning dawned too early for Renat's liking, it pained Renat having to wake up his siblings so they could have breakfast with those heathens, he had to fight the urge of deciding to lie and say they had caught a sickness that would last a whole week so they couldn't leave those rooms.
Of course, in the dining room breakfast was served with wine, completely ruining Renat's appetite, well that, and the blatant display of disrespect with these insects looking at his siblings. Veynard shoveled food with boorish enthusiasm, while Isolde's gaze was less brazen than the night before, it still lingered a little too long, asking solely Rudy questions that Renat was more than happy to answer.
At least Cedtic was the only prince present, his babbled and flustered speech mostly directed at Ruby, who endured with the patience of a saint. But no matter how sincere her interest was to hear about Cedric' last hunting trip, Renat couldn't keep sacrificing his sister's patience on this man any further.
"Veynard." Renat spoke, his voice cutting through Cedric's chatter. All eyes snapping to him, causing the room's false politeness to be put in suspension "I have a request." Renat laid his head on his hand "I intend to take my siblings out to explore the capital today, may I take a few of your servants?" Not guards. Servants.
Veynard pondered for a moment, mouth full as he glanced at his queen. When Isolde gave a simple nod, bored with such a simple request, her attention drifting to Rudy's profile, Veynard gulped down the food he was chewing "Do as you wish." He grunted, waving a dismissive hand.
Renat smiled, glancing behind at the familiar butler who stood at attention right behind his seat "You there…" The young man blinked, as if anticipating the order "Gather a few of your colleagues, you'll be following me today." The butler's eyes showed surprise for a moment before he nodded, already relaxed.
And Renat smiled.
"Yes your majesty."