Such a stark contrast there was between the humble Prince of Fae from lands far away and the extravagantly dressed Emperor; glorified in all of his kingly garb. It was hardly even a comparison between his tattered weathered brown cloth and bare feet to silken robes and satin weaves shoes made with the deft fingers of the most skilled tailor. Amanti believed, that even the servants wondered what this poorly dressed commoner was doing within this almost sacred ground; the capital of their kingdom, the housing of their Emperor and Royal family. He could sense it really, not in just the hostility that the crown prince seemed to exude towards him. 

  There had been..a feeling of alienation merely walking through the dusty streets of this imperial realm. The people had known, perhaps from his bare feet and the distinct coloration of his eyes and hair or perhaps just the atmosphere and aura radiating around him (then again it might've something to do with the puddles of water on the ground turning to ice where he stepped). However they had known, they had known and even if they had known him a prince, he doubted they would've acted any less indifferent towards him or given him any less number of belittling looks.

  The fae were lesser creatures compared to many, let alone that of the prideful and magnificent creatures that were dragons, and more over; they were often considered the 'push overs' or 'weaklings' of the realm. Their own passive nature didn't help them very much either. Nobody else understood how dire such a situation was for the fae when the other species around you were so willing and able and [i]'nonchalant'[/i] about destroying everything you had strived, tilled, bled and lived centuries atop centuries for. No one understood the value of the fae like the fae did. And only the fae..

  That was the entire reason he had come here, seeking protection; another cowardly act, but who would question it if they were able to receive protection from the most fearsome of all creatures? 

   Sweeping his robe, or what little there was of it, aside, he bowed low again to the Emperor, "Thank you, I am greatly humbled to receive such a welcoming personable gift and to know that you are pleased with the gift of my own people, but I will be more than ecstatic if I can merely leave here with better relations established between us." 

  The same wish was true for the young crown prince who shoved past him, though he was less optimistic about accomplishing that any time soon. Somewhat coldly (pun), he was glad that from what he had seen so far, the Emperor didn't seem all that close to his son, perhaps it wouldn't matter too much if he didn't get into the good graces of his son. At least, not until the boy took over, but that wouldn't be for a long time hopefully. He kept silent all the sme and averted his gaze as the prince stormed past. 

  He had more to worry about than a frigid (another pun) prince though. Some would have been awed by the grandeur of the spectacular castle he was led through. It's architecture would've made any generation of builders cry and the prospect of staying here would excite anyone to an immeasurable amount, but the fae felt a chill go down his spine as he followed the serf down the hallway. Even the wide spread garden called out to him hoarsely, rising eagerly at his entrance; neglected hallow entities that reached out despairingly as he left them behind. Their cries raking along his flesh, for the ground was selfish at times and yearned for summer sooner. And he would've been more than happy to grant it be it not for the chill of the marble beneath his feet and the callous realm of minerals he entered. The carved stone beasts seemed to leer down at him from their precarious perches. The patterns along the floor before him seemed to wind and twist; delirious. A greater being could appreciate it, but not he. 

  Tryingly, he focused on the chatter of his guide, even if she was only bringing up problems he'd already addressed in his mind. He decided it was best not to start any ill talk behind the Prince's back so he kept mum. Unable to continue doing the same, however, when mention of the Emperor came up, "Ah, washed ashore?" He repeated, raising a brow before they came across the ink splattered door. Definitely a crude display of the disdain over his arrival. Was the Prince really to resort to such abrasive acts moments after him stepping foot into the palace? Well then...

    "No, no need." He said quickly to his guide, closing his eyes in fear that summer might come through a little too early though perhaps the draconian maiden could feel the heat starting to come through the blustery cold around him, "Please, I do not wish to trouble the Emperor or start some folly between he and his son. Will you please lend me a damp cloth and I will take care of this matter myself." Stepping forward, he reached to dip the tips of his into the fresh ink. A shiver going through his spine as it stainted his fingers, soldifying before a hiss came from his skin and the ice began to melt and steam, dripping down his hand in inky tears. Breathing out, he pulled his hood further over his head to hide the yellowish glow of his eyes. 

  Hopefully, tonight's feast would not present any more hostile messages.that was a wishful thought though.