[color=00aeef][center][h2][i]Nikolai Johanssen[/i][/h2][/center][/color]
[center][img] http://cdnpix.com/show/imgs/63e86d0590627fd53ceb8adc2e2f3bf5.jpg[/img][/center]

“Isn’t arranged marriage an archaic practice? Who does that anymore?” Bianca, reigning queen of Anduin asked as she watched her son pack his bags for the trip ahead.  

[color=00aeef]“Father, apparently.”[/color] Nikolai chuckled in reply. [color=00aeef]“I don’t mind, really. It may be antiquated practice but it does secure our future and the future of Anduin itself. We are a small kingdom, terribly insignificant compared to the bigger nations in the world. An alliance through marriage will avail us influence and power the same way it is won during war, without bloodshed, of course.”[/color]

Bianca beamed at her son. “You grew up into a fine man when I wasn’t looking.” She stood up from her perch on the edge of her son’s bed and approached the tall young man. She reached up and placed a hand on his cheek. “No matter what responsibility you have imposed on you, always remember that you still have your heart to protect.” She said, her blue eyes shone with concern as it looked straight into the blue of her son’s.

Niko smiled and nodded. [color=00aeef]“I know, mother.”[/color] He reassured.

Bianca smiled contentedly before she turned away and headed over to the nearby table where three flat rectangular boxes laid. “I had the gifts for the hosts prepared.”

[color=00aeef]“And I have this...”[/color] Niko raised up a flat, smaller square box. [color=00aeef]“…for the Grand Duchess.”
[/color]

“I do hope you get along well with your bethroted. We’ll join you in Aciras in a week’s time.” Bianca said before she walked out of the room.

[hr]
Two hours ago, Anduin’s royal airline landed on Aciras’ tarmac. It took almost 8 hours by plane to get there and the young prince was glad to have finally arrived. While the flight out had been nothing but comfortable, Niko had never enjoyed long flights. He gave his security personnel nods of acknowledgement as he descended the stairs of the plane and got into the black car waiting for him.

He leaned back on the seat of the luxury car as it cruised out of the airport and into streets of Aciras, Anduin’s flags waving from their positions just behind the side mirrors of each car. Niko had four escort cars, two in front and two behind. He also had two local police escort on motorcycles leading in front and two more bringing up the rear. 

He watched as people walking on the streets stopped and watched the escorted cars zoom past. Some squinted their eyes trying to catch a glimpse of the foreign guest but the heavily tinted windows made it impossible to see inside. 

Half an hour later and the car was pulling into the driveway. One of the men in Niko’s security detail opened the car door and the prince stepped out, his brown dress shoes well polished and shiny. He smoothed out his charcoal grey suit and straightened his dark brown checkered tie. The same man who had opened the door handed the prince the four flat boxes he had brought along for the Aciras royal family and for the Princess of Noslaina. [color=00aeef]“Thank you, Anthony.”[/color] 

And without any further ado, he made his way up the steps to greet the hosts, Anthony walking a few steps behind him. Niko’s eyes fell on the royal family, particularly at Princess Raven. [color=00aeef]“Your majesties.”[/color] Niko bowed his head in respect. [color=00aeef]“I am Nikolai Johanssen from the Kingdom of Anduin. The King and Queen sends their regards and will seek an audience as soon as they arrive in a week’s time.”[/color] He smiled. [color=00aeef]“To show our good will, I brought along tokens from Anduin.”[/color] He opened one of the boxes that held a [url=http://www.batemans.com/images/sale_142/761_142.jpg] golden pocketwatch[/url] carved with Anduin’s coat of arms, the clock face inlaid with small cut sapphires. [color=00aeef]“For King Alexander.”[/color] He said before closing the box and handing it to the waiting hands of the family’s attendant. Niko opened the next box and showcased an [url=http://luxurysafes.me/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2.jpg]elegant necklace[/url] with diamonds patterned around like leaves on a branch with a perfectly cut topaz hanging on it. [color=00aeef]“For Queen Lilliana.”[/color] He said before handing the box to the attendant. [color=00aeef]“And finally, for Princess Raven.”[/color] He opened the third box for Raven to see the [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/03/d9/1c03d98be90e67ff0106767d9f3f6605.jpg]delicate necklace[/url] made entirely of small cut diamonds patterned into small flowers and leaves. A teardrop diamond hung on it.[color=00aeef] “There are jewelries crafted by the finest jeweller in Anduin, King Alessandro.”[/color] The attendant took the third box and Niko bowed his head again. [color=00aeef]"Thank you for having me here."[/color] He said politely before turning his attention to Prince Niklas. [color=00aeef]"Prince Niklas."[/color] He gave him a small bow of acknowledgement before moving on inside to join the rest of the royal guests.

Niko looked around and immediately spotted his bethroted, the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Romanova. She was sitting silently, watching the people around her. With quick strides, he crossed the room towards her. [color=00aeef]“Hello Princess. I am Nikolai Johanssen of Anduin. May I join you?”[/color] He asked.