The royal family were collected off to the side of the ballroom, currently fussing over the High King. He looked a little shakier after the ceremony, but was refusing to take a seat, instead choosing to greet those that approached him. Both of his sons were in a losing fight, his grandchildren more concerned over the brothers potentially arguing. Rosemary held Erica's hand, eyes slowly drooping, but she was being particularly stubborn anytime Sonia asked if she wanted to go to bed. And so Sonia stood witness, a little concerned but wondering if it would be appropriate if she just picked up the princess and carried her off.

[color=SteelBlue]"Why don't you have a seat, Your Majesty?"[/color] Caralynn, Julius' wife, asked him.

Nathaniel shook his head. Ezekiel gave Azrael a look that told him to leave the man alone, but he knew it would go ignored. Instead, he approached his son and daughter-in-law. He gave Rosemary a slight bow out of respect before addressing her sister. "If you would get my father to rest, I'd be in your debt, Princess," He told her quietly, patting Arthur's shoulder before parting from the group.

Erica scarcely even acknowledged Caralynn's words, but she gave Rosemary a gentle tug as she left her husband to join Nathaniel. She briefly looked over at Caralynn and the two women exchanged brief, icy glances before Erica gave Nathaniel a small smile.

[color=yellow]"You must be so tired of all these people fussing over you, Grandfather,"[/color] She giggled a touch. [color=yellow]"I fear they forget who it is they're addressing."[/color]

Caralynn's lips tightened into a straight line. [color=SteelBlue]"I speak only out of concern,"[/color] She replied, barely containing her ire.

[color=SteelBlue]"Is this how I'm seen? Decrepit and in need of assistance?"[/color] Nathaniel muttered in a rather hoarse voice.

Caralynn was mortified at the high king's words. Erica once again ignored her and looked down at Rosemary, who was rubbing her eye. [color=yellow]"Do you think the high king needs assistance?"[/color] She asked her. 

When Rosemary shook her head, she stifled a yawn. The high king's expression softened considerably, and he beckoned a nearby servant. Within a minute, servants carried over a few chairs and placed them down as the king instructed. At that point, Erica sat Rosemary down at the end, and turned to sit herself. Her belly, however, gave her trouble, but Arthur didn't move. Instead, Nathaniel offered a hand, and she managed to sit comfortably, flashing him a grateful smile.

[color=yellow]"Thank you, Your Majesty,"[/color] Erica patted the seat next to her. [color=yellow]"Sit with me, I think the baby's starting to kick from all the excitement."[/color]

Like magic, the high king followed suit. Erica watched him briefly before looking at Caralynn with a smile, though her smugness was transparent to all. Caralynn outright turned and stomped off with her husband chasing her, and it was only then that Azrael conceded defeat, leaving to seek refreshments. Arthur occupied the space next to his grandfather as Erica invited him to touch her belly, her free hand stroking Rosemary's hair as the little girl leaned against her, eyes getting heavier.

Caralynn was in a big rush to get away, positively fuming. However, in her haste she crashed right into a servant, sending the tray the woman had been carrying flying. The woman glared at the [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/3d/ba/e6/3dbae6c11babc8a833c65b04f4a2e37a.jpg]servant[/url], who froze in place. 

[color=steelblue]"Have you no shame? Not even an apology for bumping into me?!"[/color] Caralynn yelled.

Her words managed to unfreeze the woman, who bowed immediately. Despite her uniform and manicured platinum locks, her demeanor painted her as inexperienced, and she was clearly embarrassed. She then hastily knelt down and began to pick up the shattered glasses, trying to put them on the tray as fast as she could. Her blue eyes darted up towards Caralynn, but she regretted it as the woman continued to glare at her.

Not too far from the commotion, [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/99/85/64/9985646286793f4092d3279202773bf6.jpg]Duke Gile[/url] was having a pleasant chat with [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/2c/72/40/2c7240b4e205b31668fd5b3048188575.jpg]Valentino Bachmeier[/url]. The pair had been briefly speaking before Valentino called another man over.

[color=yellow]"And this here is Duke Andres Colton. You'll remember that his territory borders both Rodion and Dourmerc, I daresay none are more eager to try for peace than he,"[/color] He explained. [color=yellow]"He was working with Theodore before his death if you'll recall."[/color]

[url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b4/84/8b/b4848b77b130ec295bcb2b1b96281a95.jpg]Andres Colton[/url] was a tall, redheaded fellow, and elicited looks on his Kaudus origin alone. However, he shook Giles' hand with a lot of warmth, giving him a brilliant smile. [color=coral]"It's a pleasure to meet you, and thank you again for the invitation,"[/color] He told him. [color=coral]"I know tensions have been high, but I sincerely hope we can count on your support."[/color]

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Lucas rubbed his temples with his fingers, feeling his head was ready to explode. After a few seconds, his holy sigil glowed, his eyes looking up at Tyler with a dull expression on his face.

[i][color=lightblue]"She of gold is Incepta. Her shadow is red of blood,"[/color][/i] He recited, his voice barely audible over the music. He reached up towards Tyler, still speaking. [i][color=lightblue]"Beware the red of blood. Beware--"[/color][/i]

The mana in the air around them sharpened, and it felt like every breath invited daggers into Lucas and Tyler's chest. For just a brief moment, the air around them turned a light blue. Lucas' eyes widened and he immediately doubled over, his hands flying to his head. It felt like something was around his throat and attempting to pull the tongue out of his mouth, the air stabbing him over and over. But as quickly as it came, it vanished. The mana dissipated and stabilized, and everything looked normal once more. It was highly unlikely that anyone without a great amount of mana noticed, the crowd continuing as they were.

For whatever reason, Lucas launched himself out of his seat, but all that did was bring back his previous dizziness in full force. He slammed his hand against the wall to balance himself properly, a hand over his face. This time he was actually going to lose it.

As he drew in a shaky breath, however, Ezekiel approached the pair. The older man wasn't impressed with the sight, an eyebrow raised at Lucas. [color=SteelBlue]"Had your fill of alcohol already?"[/color] He asked.

Lucas lifted his head and turned towards Ezekiel, crossing his arms. For all intents and purposes, he didn't look affected by what just happened at all, with the exception of retaining his paleness. [color=dodgerblue]"Just feeling under the weather,"[/color] He replied cooly. His hand gestured towards his Scion. [color=dodgerblue]"Sir Tyler Morris, this is Prince Ezekiel."[/color]

[color=SteelBlue]"I'm aware,"[/color] Ezekiel replied.

[color=dodgerblue]"Okay. I'm going to go take a leak, unless you want to come watch me do that, too?"[/color] He asked his father, already taking a few steps away. [color=dodgerblue]"No? Alright, I'll be back, then."[/color] When he saw Ezekiel's face harden, Lucas unfolded his arms and threw a few finger guns at him before turning on his heel and speedwalking towards the bathroom. He forced himself to keep it together, using every method he knew, biting down on the inside of his mouth as he narrowly avoided knocking someone over before pushing the bathroom door open. He opened the first stall he found and immediately expelled everything from his stomach.

Meanwhile, Ezekiel gave Tyler a brief, judgmental scan. [color=steelblue]"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Morris,"[/color] Ezekiel said, his tone betraying his words entirely. [color=SteelBlue]"Fyodor must have some confidence restoring you to your former position. I take it you're pleased with this decision?"[/color]

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