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[h3][color=bfc4cc]Prince Antoine[/color][/h3][quote][color=bfc4cc][b]Location:[/b][/color] Abhainn's ballroom.
[color=bfc4cc][b]Interacting with:[/b][/color] King Maddox Auclair [@Scarlet Loup]; Prince William [@Legion02]; Lady Amaryllis [@Filthy Mudblood]; Lady Julianna (mentioned) [@HushedWhispers][/quote]
Antoine offered a gentle smile as he rose from his last bow, after - to his concealed relief, at risk of embarrassing himself - kissing the hand of Lady Ward. He glanced between both Maddox and Ward to share the smile before offering his reply:
[color=bfc4cc][b]"The trip went well enough. The Abhainn river is spectacular, isn't it? Oh no, please, no need to apologize, my lady - family is paramount, after all."[/b][/color] he replied with his attention on Lady Ward, before glancing over towards King Maddox to continue: [color=bfc4cc][b]"Why yes, I believe we will be nephew and uncle. A day I look forward to."[/b][/color] Throughout the exchange, Antoine met William's fiery gaze, even if for but a moment, but for that moment he offered the same gentle smile before simply moving his gaze on.

Out of respect and some degree of passing interest, Antoine remained quiet to let Lady Ward and King Maddox speak. As he folded his hands neatly behind his back, he turned his attention to Price William as he made his leave:
[color=bfc4cc][b]"Farewell, your grace."[/b][/color] he responded simply, with a gentle smile and a vague bow. He met the prince's daggers with a fairly standard gaze, although also perhaps one that betrayed the focus of his thoughts: calculating. While the conversation went on between Maddox and Ward, to which he returned his gaze to, he gathered his thoughts: his haphazardous plan to get a foothold with Prince William went about as well as expected, although he was now certainly in a good position to press his objective. It was fortunate enough that, at the tail end of the conversation between Maddox and Ward, an almost perfectly opportunity presented itself:
[color=bfc4cc][b]"Please, don't let me interrupt your reunion; it's a wonderful thing, rekindling friendships."[/b][/color] Once again, for the umpteenth time since the conversation again, Antoine offered another bow - this time, a parting one. [color=bfc4cc][b]"I hope you enjoy your night your majesty, my lady."[/b][/color] He offered each one an affirmative nod as he mentioned their titles before he turned to leave. As he started to make his exit, a wave of hesitation came over him: the conversation was done, perhaps he should make a second pass later. As if a metaphorical slap to the face, Antoine reminded himself: [i]fortune favors the bold.[/i] 

[color=bfc4cc][b]"Oh, I beg my pardon, your majesty-"[/b][/color] Antoine began, turning towards the King - having made a point of stopping almost right next to him so he could speak a little more quietly: [color=bfc4cc][b]"I believe it's in the interest of the realm that this union is successful, so if there's anything I can do to ensure it's success... please feel free to write. I think we've all had enough of the bloodshed."[/b][/color] He offered a brief parting smile and nod before now turning to leave. As he continued on his stride, once he was out of the King's estimated earshot, he let out a quiet and tired sigh. Admittedly, he was nervous: if Jack I was aware of what could in some schools of thought be treason - need not mention his little birds about - it might give Jack the excuse he likely wants to get rid of him, or worse. [i]A necessary risk[/i], he reminded himself time and time again, [i]for the sake of the realm.[/i]

In foresight, his meeting with King Maddox could have scarcely gone better: it was brief, concise and polite. It was only a shame about Prince William. All that remained was the future Queen before he could really branch out in his networking - no doubt, he should be making friends with the lords and ladies of the court, especially those landed - especially those landed in Slibah. After spotting the future Queen in the crowd, Antoine started his way over.