Although she did enjoy seeing James relaxed and in more casual wear, he sure did wear his tux well. Deciding not to comment on James' red face she simply giggled. They only had to make it through the week. That seemed easy enough, at least when spoken aloud anyway. Glad to hear that she wouldn't be facing her father alone to break the news she relaxed a little. Even if she was teasing about him facing Adrian alone, he seemed to really take what she said seriously. Before she could let him know she would be with him to break the news to Adrian as well, he was already poking fun at her in regards to the party. Giggling as he kissed the back of her hand she shrugged. [color=0072bc][b]"Oh, I dunno James. I will try to hold back, just for you."[/b][/color] She teased right back. 

It seemed that would be their last joke and giggle for the time being, at least as friends. As soon as they pulled up to the large metal gates and they opened, James' hand was already off of hers and locked onto the steering wheel. She could've sworn she saw him visibly stiffen. Seeing everyone, she waved to them as they drove down. Oh it had felt like forever since she had seen her home. The door opened and she saw the gloved hand of James extended towards her, and she took it, thanking him as she turned to see Annie standing at the door, waving. [color=0072bc][b]"Annie!"[/b][/color] Freya ran up towards her friend and embraced her tightly. [color=0072bc][b]"I learned how to make pizza dough!"[/b][/color] Freya grinned. [color=0072bc][b]"Before you ask, it was pretty awesome. Oh right, don't think I didn't notice. You've been to work on the outside of the manor for the party, haven't you? The new paint color on the windows looks really nice!"[/b][/color] 

Thinking a moment, Freya walked upstairs to a room full of dresses and looked to Annie. [color=0072bc][b]"Hmm, I wonder if we should go dress shopping or just use of the ones over here...Perhaps I could use your master seamstress skills to pull two dresses together?"[/b][/color] She teased with a giggle. That would be asking way too much of Annie. Perhaps another time. [color=0072bc][b]"Oh, Annie. Are you going to be dressed up too? Any word on any of the guests my dad has picked out for the party? I know I'll have to mingle and all that...but...you're usually really good at getting intel."[/b][/color] Freya swallowed hard. Even if none of these young heirs were going to be for her as far as relationship partners went, she still would have to make good impressions on their heirs if they were going to continue to do business with her family. 

No pressure.

----

[b]"Everyone has RSVP'd Adrian?"[/b] The master of the house was speaking to Adrian, clearing up some last minute detailing. [b]"Tomorrow afternoon then. I know I don't have to tell you...but make sure everyone is up to speed. Oh, yes. I've decided to have the staff wear white with black ties this time instead of the usual black with white ties. I feel like this party is important and we should treat it with elegance."[/b] Hearing the door open, his eyes landed on James who had knocked before entering. [b]"Well, well. James has returned! Full of new knowledge no doubt?"[/b] He chuckled heartily, giving James quite the pat on the back. [b]"Now James."[/b] He smiled down towards the young man. 

[b]"I trust you've taken good care of my Freya while away at school? Not tonight, but sometime after the party I would love to try some of your new dishes you've learned. Adrian here can get you up to speed on everything. I must go make a few last minute phone calls. I'll see you both bright and early. Good Evening."[/b] Mister Von Ryker gave the two a small nod before excusing himself to his quarters for the night. Tomorrow had to go as smoothly as possible. Before they opened the gates he would need to give a small pep talk to the team about how important it was that everything ran as well as it could. While he knew Adrian to be incredibly capable of leading the staff, it would ease his own nerves to talk to his staff personally. Not to mention Freya and how she carried herself tomorrow would be defining in her standing when she took over. Being the ball of nerves she was, it might be asking a bit of her to maintain a calm and collected demeanor around such influential people.