Cold brown eyes found the princess before him, they were unwavering and they seemed to assess her far too closely. He was taking in every inch of her, pressing to find details that he might have missed prior and he didn't quite seem ready to talk again. He was taking her in, she was beautiful in a way that befit her status with tresses of dark hair and a softness to her features. It made him think that she might be mousy or the quiet observant type and both were quaint traits, ones that didn't contrast his fiery moods too much but then again- with a flash of irritation, he tossed his assumptions southward. He couldn't go assuming things because for all he knew, she could be the wickedest witch in the kingdom. He kept an impassive expression at all times, it looked as if he were constantly disinterested or as if he had better things to consider.

He shifted his weight slightly when she curtsied and straightened his spine out of his half-lounging position and fluently bowed over one arm. It was graceful and so practiced that it nearly seemed dishonest in how he presented it. He met her eyes, his smile was secretive and almost bemused, it also didn't seem sincere and it didn't quite meet his eyes. His eyes were a dead give away to his constant state of disconnection and it was almost discomforting to be stuck under the full force of them."[color=9e0039]Princess Erin, I've only heard good things.[/color]" he spoke with an assuredness, as if he [i]knew[/i] her all too well. "[color=9e0039]It'll be a pleasure to serve at your side, I've never considered marriage, I was always convinced I would rule on my own,[/color]"

His mouth curved downward when he spoke the words and something seem to flash in his eyes for a split second and it was like watching a storm roll in from seemingly nowhere. It broke his composed demeanor for a split second. It disappeared into another slightly plussed smile, the smile of a petulant infant who knew that he had long since lost the battle and would be forced into time out whether he'd like it or not. With that smile in place like a mask to hide the raging hurricane behind his eyes, he glanced to the knight at his side. A sturdy man with ice blue eyes and rumpled brown hair, who looked eternally amused by something, though it was impossible to tell what.

"[color=9e0039]And this is Aspen, he's a knight in our court. A knight who never leaves me alone, though I couldn't imagine why he feels the need to watch me as if I was naught but a child.[/color]" murmured the prince, narrowing his eyes. "[color=9e0039]I rather find his company distasteful.[/color]"

"[color=7bcdc8]And you are quite the charmer, my lord. I've never been quite so flattered by an introduction.[/color]" Aspen bowed gallantly before the princess and offered her a brilliant smile. "[color=7bcdc8]Aspen Cedar Lyons. My father was a fan of trees and well, I- not so much. You look stunning, my lady, I've not seen a sight so great. The prince is very lucky to be betrothed to one of your status and grace.[/color]"

"[color=9e0039]I can talk without your help.[/color]" snapped Marion. "[color=9e0039]Do you not have anything to be doing?[/color]"

Aspen laughed brightly and arched his eyebrows to the young man, "[color=7bcdc8]I do not. I would much rather overview your lovely speaking etiquette with our beautiful princess. You might scare her away without me here.[/color]"

"[color=9e0039][i]Go.[/i][/color]" his voice was an octave away from yelling and it seemed to register to the knight at his side. "[color=9e0039]I'd rather get to know her on my own, so if you wouldn't mind.[/color]"

A pointed glance towards the door and Aspen gave a sigh. "[color=7bcdc8]Yes, my lord. You were more fun when you were younger, my lord.[/color]" a warm glance was spared to the princess. "[color=7bcdc8]Be careful with this one, my lady. I'll be back in some time when he has gotten over his fit.[/color]"

"[color=9e0039][i]Aspen.[/i][/color]"

"[color=7bcdc8]Leaving, my lord, my lady.[/color]" a fluid bow and the knight took off to overview the courtyard near the door, straightening his shoulders and watching the royalty interact before him. He could recognize a few but no one he knew well enough to bother, it was going to be a long, boring time of standing and watching.

"[color=9e0039]I'm sorry for him, he can be a pain. He thinks he's my personal knight and he aggravates me for lack of a better word. He thinks he knows what's best and he doesn't.[/color]" a soft sigh, a shake of his head. "[color=9e0039]Tell me about yourself, Erin.[/color]"