[center][b][h2][color=blueviolet]The Tyro-Redanian Empire[/color][/h2][/b]
[img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Moldovan_Armed_Forces_Flag_(svg).svg/440px-Moldovan_Armed_Forces_Flag_(svg).svg.png[/img]
[color=blueviolet][b][i]"Unbowed and Unbroken"
1899[/i][/b][/color][/center][hr][hr]
[b][center]Aetorian Spring Ball[/CENTER][/B]

Victor von Wolfram looked at his reflection within the mirror, the mimic staring back at him as he adjusted his neck tie. A free hand ran across his forehead and through his short, tightly curled, black hair as he took in his measure. This was the 29th of April, the day of the Spring Ball and the Imperial Palace would be alight as it hosted royalty and nobility from across the Continent. 

[color=indianred]"Now I'm ready."[/color] He murmured to himself and his reflection as he tightened the knot.

[color=thistle]"I should hope so,"[/color] said a woman's voice behind him. [color=thistle]"Can't be late to your own ball now."[/color]

[color=indianred]"Yes, you're quite right Diana."[/color] The Crown Prince said with a smile and a turn as Diana Rossman swept into his room like one might expect of an actress within a play. He regarded the Imperial Artist-in-Residence warmly, one of the greatest painters within the nation, famed for her vivid landscapes and artistry, she was known across the Continent for her extraordinary works.

[i]If only she thought the same.[/i] He thought as he took in her appearance. For the Spring Ball Diana had chosen a long, formal dress of green silk and a tight corset which modestly accentuated her form. Her raven-dark hair unusually bound, framed her perfect face with ribbons the colour of emeralds.

[color=indianred]"You look beautiful Diana."[/color] He said.

[color=thistle]"Thank you, Victor."[/color] She replied, standing before him as her hands fussed with his collar. [color=thistle]"I only wish I could say the same for you."[/color] The painter said with a smile as she undid his necktie and with great care retied it. Cutting off his protest with further words upon her lips.
 [color=thistle]"Fine is not good enough my dear. You must look exquisite before those attending. They will expect no less of the Heir to the Throne."[/color] Her words ending any hint of protest from the Prince, his eyes instead searched hers.

[color=indianred]"And your own work?"[/color] He asked as she finished her administrations. [color=indianred]"How are you getting along with that portrait of yours?"[/color]

His words were met with a moment of silence and finally a sigh. [color=thistle]"It's coming along. Though I may start again, everyday I see more and more to dislike."[/color]

[color=indianred]"No, you shouldn't. It looked wonderful last I saw it. It will be fine."[/color] He spoke, hoping to say more and to put to rest her restless soul. instead he said, [color=indianred]"Come on, we shouldn't keep them waiting."[/color] 

They entered the ball separately, to do otherwise would be scandalous in a furnished great hall where nobility and royalty from across the Continent had been invited and had gathered. The young and the old all had come in resplendent carriages throughout the morning and afternoon, being escorted to one of the many spacious rooms within the palace to enjoy warm cups of tea amongst other light beverages. As night fell, the ballroom would become the center of attention as it filled with the cream of international society. Nobility from their neighbors in Oslad and Sessau, from the island nation of Tara and even from the furthest reaches of Radena were all present and decked in gowns of the finest cloths and fabrics, as plateaus upon circular tables offered the world's delights in abundance. Laughter and the sounds of revelry adorned the room just as much as the bright glow of electric lightning and the warm radiance of nearby fireplaces licked the walls and ceilings with light. 

Before the festivities were to begin in earnest however, the Crown Prince Victor von Wolfram made his way to the center of the ballroom, his presence announced by the trumpets of several guardsmen resplendent in ceremonial military uniform as their trumpets echoed throughout the hall. 

For a moment the Prince gazed upon the assembly of nobility and foreign dignitaries with an appraising look to his eye. Finally with a clink of his glass, the red liquid within catching the light. He spoke.

[color=indianred]"Thank you all for attending this evening."[/color] The Crown Prince spoke confidently. [color=indianred]"It is my pleasure to welcome you all today to the Aetorian Spring Ball..."[/color]