[center][img][/img][h1]♚ [color=0072bc]S E L D O[/color] ♚[/h1][img]http://66.media.tumblr.com/51fc61ac770a524e9468f174afa94d7f/tumblr_inline_n1xc79Kcic1rb3m8r.png[/img][/center]

[center][color=black]♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ ♚ [/color][/center]

[b][center]The Great Hall (With Many Watching)[/center][/b]

Seldo gave a pleasant smile at his cousin's response. It was humble, tactful, and well-worded. More importantly, this little exchange had accomplished everything he wanted. As Anareliea spoke, the two of them were clearly the centerpiece of the room, and Seldo just loved being the centerpiece. To his delight, she had addressed him directly as cousin, so all the eyes and ears that were upon him now saw his powerful connection. He was important because he knew important people and was not afraid to approach them. And, in front of the eyes of Anareliea's rivals, he had effectively made a public endorsement of her candidacy for the throne on behalf of Forlonia; the opinion of the crowned prince of such a kingdom was not trivial, but convincing his father that family ought to sit on the throne was. The world now knew who Forlonia would vote for. How many would follow in suit?

Lastly, he got a sense of the woman that Anareliea was growing into. She had a reputation for being... fiery, one that tended to be detrimental to her image. Yet here she was, making a calm, elegant, and thoughtful response to a provocative question. Either the rumors had grossly exaggerated his cousin's temper, or she had learned how to play the game. Seldo was inclined to believe the latter, for he did remember a discussion they had as children getting a bit heated. It was also impressive that she tackled the question head-on, instead of using formalities as a smokescreen to evade it. Seldo thought that was admirable and showed great courage, and he hoped the rest of the world would see that as well. What's more, she gave him only a minor rebuke, "how forward," for his brazen question, when she would have been well within the bounds of proper decorum to simply dismiss him. The situation could not have played out any better for the young prince.

[color=0072bc]"Keep your eyes on the present to secure the future. A wise policy indeed,"[/color] Seldo said. [color=0072bc]"I'm sure your father would be very pleased to hear you speak these words."[/color] Then he took a lighter tone. He wanted to maneuver the conversation away from grim things like dead fathers. [color=0072bc]"And I know my father will not let me within twenty feet of his throne until I show satisfactory growth here as well."[/color] He gave a pleasant chuckle. [color=0072bc]"So, indeed I do agree. Let us focus on bettering ourselves while we have the opportunity. I look forward to sharing that experience with you, cousin. Perhaps we can learn as much from each other as we can from the instructors. If we were permitted wine I'd offer you a toast. Instead, I'll just offer you my best wishes."[/color] With that Seldo bowed, releasing her from the obligation of anymore socialization. Still, he couldn't help but smile. He could only imagine the impression he'd made by being the first to address the Imperial Princess, and to do so in such familiar terms. People would certainly be talking about him now.