[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/3520d7cf640204fe7c228ab362d047f6.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffat.gfycat.com%2FJointInsidiousBoa.gif&f=1&nofb=1[/img][/center] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/71100c76115b6b92cbcb008649b025b9.png[/img][/center] Family meal time was anything but, however in the case that was the announcement of traveling to Aciras for the eldest Willow girl's wedding, there was an exception. Everyone had been gathered when the news broke that the wedding was indeed still happening - [s][i]there's always that chance that it won't[/i][/s] - and that the twins would be attending in place for the family. Morrhys' eldest sister, Morraine, was off being queen with her husband, too busy to attend something as trivial as this. His brothers, Morrisey and Myrheon … well, they weren't fit for the public eyes to be upon them for so long. So, in the end that just left the twins. Morrhys didn't mind in the slightest. On the contrary he was actually looking forward to the trip. Getting out of Dredalan, out from under his father's intense gaze and kingly duties for two whole months - it was a freedom that he would exploit to it's fullest. His counterpart, however, didn't want to join in on his merriment and it almost brought him down from his excitement. [i]Almost.[/i] [color=852538]"It's not as if I'm going to increase the popularity of Dredalan by being there..."[/color] Her finalization was spoken as if that were that and there would be no more say in the matter. However, the acting king had other ideas. [color=3a5154]"You won't with that attitude dear sister. They will see you in all your glory and it will only serve to concrete our abilities and our presence there in Aciras,"[/color] he paused, carefully watching her over the top of his paper, sipping on his coffee, as she stood across from him. Arms folded over her chest as she looked off into the distance, pouting. He had to fight to release the chuckle growing behind his lips at her childish antics. Their mother, the queen, was sitting off to Rhys' right, side eyeing her youngest daughter, "Maeryn, [i]moya dytyna[/i], you must do this. It is not up for discussion. It would do you well to meet your fellow royals, as well as your future husband." Her mother's gaze was anything but soft as she spoke to her daughter. It was no secret that there was no love lost between the two women occupying the dining hall that morning. Rhys could see the rage building within his twin and in one fell, swift statement, she was calmed and looking at him with excitement behind those eyes of hers, [color=3a5154]"Wouldn't you like to learn their secrets?"[/color] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/71100c76115b6b92cbcb008649b025b9.png[/img][/center] In the time since the announcement of the wedding and all the details that were delivered to the House of Raske, Morrhys and the other Raske children were visited by long time friend, Zhao Raiden. He came to them under the pretense that he needed to conduct business; either with himself, the king, or his twin for their couture line, he couldn't care less - regardless, not a lot of work seemed to have been completed. At least from Rhys' perspective. Morrhys couldn't wait for the day that they were depart. Unfortunately, the reigning king of Dredalan was stuck conducting his kingly duties until then. And he despised every painstakingly stodgy case that fell into his lap those last two weeks. He sighed, rubbing his temples as he sat in the office he claimed as his own. Papers and files strewn across haphazardly, though at this point he cared not for the clutter. The queen had popped in, concerned with the disarray her beloved son found himself in. She fluttered around the large elm wood desk, making sure to lightly run her well manicured fingers across the treated surface, yet mindful enough to not disturb the paperwork that lay there. "Tse meni bolyache bachyty vas, yak tse, miy korolʹ" she explained, very motherly, coming to a halt behind his high backed chair. The rubbing of his temple ceased as he listened to his mother's worry. And took it with a grain of salt. [color=3a5154]"They aren't here, mother. There's no need for tiptoeing around."[/color] Rhys was all too aware that his mother was none too thrilled with her youngest daughter's... [i]hobbies[/i], but it wasn't like she did anything to stop her either. Mazarina placed a lot of stock into her son and the great things he will do. Because in her eyes, it is do, not try. So, when she has it in her mind to force her objective down someone's throat, she would corner them, speak sweet, caring nothings in her native tongue and get you to see her way. It's how the queen operated. "I am just worried about you. You are my boy, and my king, and I do not want your wife to be [i]- nor your sister -[/i] to take advantage of you." He rolled his eyes, [color=3a5154]"She is your daughter as well. And there is nothing for you to worry about, matir. I have everything under control."[/color] He looked up to her face giving her an award winning smile. [color=3a5154]"Besides, when have I ever let you down?"[/color] The closer he got to the Willow's eldest nuptials the closer he was to his own wedding. To having a queen of his own, the Willow's youngest daughter, the Princess Raven. He was rather pleased with the arrangement. Though the idea of settling down with one person for the rest of his life was something he couldn't quite comprehend, he was only 24 for gods sake. It could have been worse, way worse, as he thought to his own sister's betrothal to the Tessian heir. He shuddered at the thought. Nothing wrong with him, [i]per se[/i], other than the fact that he was too popular with his youngest brother and those of like mind and that could only spell trouble for him and his family. [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/71100c76115b6b92cbcb008649b025b9.png[/img][/center] During those few weeks leading to the event of the century, when Morrhys wasn't being the king, the trio were blessed with their youth. Nights were spent out and about, traversing the capitol city of Kyiv, stopping at all the nightclubs that were available to royalty such as themselves. Morrhys was never one to not do as he pleased, it was a curse truly. To be blessed such as he and not utilize it to it's fullest. Before his own upcoming matrimony, he was going to make dame sure to spend as much time as he could in the arms of others. There was enough tabloid coverage on his family and their illicit business in espionage and extraction that the knowledge of their active king possibly spending his nights in the company of others, and typically more than one, was nothing to bat an eye at. There were a few who were brave enough to even hint at something scandalous, of course there were. However, they were always dealt with in the most Dredalan fashion. It was during one of their nights out, while Raiden had gone off towards the lavatory, where he leaned across the plush leather corner booth they had confiscated as soon as they breached the threshold. His twin's attention was constantly scanning the room, gathering information just by watching, listening. The [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f3/1b/fb/f31bfb5746460a94d9074f256f25a71d.jpg]reds and purples and pinks[/url] that occupied the space around them, danced across their skin. [color=3a5154]"Jak spravy?"[/color] He questioned, making sure she was OK. She seemed distant, more so than usual. She didn't budge an inch aside from bringing her horilka drink to her ruby painted lips. To anyone else looking on, it would seem as if she didn't hear him. But he knew better. He knows her like the back of his hand. [color=3a5154]"Ry."[/color] The use of her pet name caused her to turn and lock eyes with him. [color=3a5154]"Are you OK?"[/color] He pressed again, this time expecting an answer. [color=852538]"Why wouldn't I be?"[/color] The infliction in her tone screamed otherwise. [color=852538]"We leave in a few days. We are all going to be trapped in Aciras for months. Months, mind you. [i]Forced[/i] to interact with our recently, publicly announced fiancés. Which, for the record, I cannot stand the fact that Raiden is being married off to Beatrice,"[/color] she shuttered in her spot, downing the rest of her drink but still turned more to face him. Rhys just sat and listened, taking sips from his bourbon every now and again. [color=852538]"You scored the best outcome of us all."[/color] He couldn't deny that he was the luckiest of the three of them in that right. His face split open into a shit eating grin, one that announced how amused he was at the entire situation. Ryn just glared daggers at her older brother. [color=3a5154]"Who cares? Raiden is betrothed to Beatrice, so what? I can't stand the woman either. Can't you just, for once in your life, enjoy yourself? Like truly enjoy yourself."[/color] He finished his own drink and raised his hand to signal another round for the table. [color=852538]"We're going to be away from Dredalan, for months."[/color] [color=3a5154]"[b][i]Exactly![/i][/b] Don't you see, Ryn? This is our chance to not have to think about the country or ruling or anything of the sort. It's our time to let loose. To be free!"[/color] A beat passed between them as the waitress delivered their newest rounds. He gladly took his glass with an award winning pantie dropping smile and a wink, for good measure, before she took off blushing. Ryn seemed to be mulling over his words. He wasn't wrong. He knew he wasn't. And the talk of being free of all that is Dredalan, even for two months, was enough to get her on board at least. [color=3a5154]"While we're there, we're going to show them exactly who we are. And that we aren't to be fucked with."[/color] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/71100c76115b6b92cbcb008649b025b9.png[/img][/center] Later that evening, Ryn and Raiden had taken off back towards their home, leaving Rhys alone at the bar to continue his endeavors of hitting on all the eligible warm bodies he could. When he woke that morning he made sure to clean up and dress before heading down the hall towards his sister's room. She was in for a rude awakening after ditching him last night. On his way to ruin her morning he was joined by his adviser, [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c0/3c/0c/c03c0ce44997fa8d80313310dd5a6e1e.jpg]Lolan MacKeg[/url], a tablet in his hands. "Good morning, your Highness. Hope your evening treated you well." His tone indicated he did not care in the slightest. Lolan has been a loyal serviceman to the House of Raske for many a year, he's quite done with Morrhys rendezvous' with so many people. [color=3a5154]"It was there, that's for damn sure. What do you have for me, Lolly?"[/color] The elder man sighed audibly at the nickname. "This is the schedule for today. And then a detailed list of what to leave for your Queen mother in your absence. It is itemized based on importance for what should be dealt with sooner rather than later. Also, the cars are ready to be loaded with the luggage for the trip." Morrhys nodded along with what he was explaining as he scrolled through the tablet himself. In no time at all they both reached his sister's room and instead of knocking and waiting for a response he quickly opened the door and waltzed right in. Even though he knew exactly what he was asking, only having seen the departure time moments ago, Rhys felt the need to ask in a loud, bombastic voice, [color=3a5154]"What time are we scheduled to depart, Lolly?"[/color] He strode to the far side of the room and pulled the drapes and curtains back, allowing what little light to filter in in these early hours of the morn. A heavy sigh emitted from the older male and a pinch the bridge of his nose before he responded. It was a great feeling to see his antics get under his sister's iron hide as she just grumbled from her place under the covers, "Wheels are scheduled to go up at 6:45 am. Good morning, Ms. Maeryn. Apologies for the intrusion." She ended up waving him off as she slumped over into a seating position. Morrhys, however, waved off his adviser, [color=3a5154]"Don't apologize to her; she ditched me last night at the Demon. Show her no sympathy. Make sure you're ready to go by 6, dear sister."[/color] And with that he sauntered out of the room, Lolan following close behind, and made his way to the dining hall where he asked for [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e1/c4/65/e1c465f247e6f9c4a3d0fdbd5a46d237.jpg]coffee, the paper and something to eat[/url] while he waited for everyone else to stir. [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191104/71100c76115b6b92cbcb008649b025b9.png[/img][/center] It was the morning of day one of the festivities and Morrhys was ready in his own personal [url=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f0/b1/91/f0b1917f9be13da9d1f8d5b86f81e2dc.jpg]Ol suit[/url], specifically designed with him in mind - seeing as he made sure he had at least one thing custom for himself. They all piled into the car, while their attache were confined to the front; leaving the royals to discuss in private. Morrhys couldn't help but enjoy himself at the sight of the pair clutching their heads in a hungover fashion, sipping his glass of bourbon. Just because they were miserable didn't mean he had to be, and he let them know every chance he got. The ride was going smoothly until Ryn had to question about the Raiden and Henri drama. It wasn't like he didn't care for the drama - he absolutely did. What fun is there if there isn't any? Honestly. However, he was a few glasses in and something in him just... snapped. And as Raiden's response didn't come quick enough, Morrhys found himself questioning from his side of the luxury car, [color=3a5154]"What about you? What are you going to do when you see your own betrothed tonight?"[/color] It was no secret that Morrhys Raske disliked the Tessian prince. Anyone who his younger, druggie of a brother found worth a damn, was clearly someone he wanted nothing to do with. However, when news broke out that his twin was to be wed to such a person, all thanks to his Queen mother, there was little celebration. Though, it wasn't like it was Ryn's fault. Rhys still treated the entire situation as if Ryn enjoyed the fact. So, his actions towards her was acidic un-welcomed. Ryn made sure to let him know as such when she drew a blade on him, making sure to keep the edge off of his skin, answering his question with a threat. True to Ryn fashion. Rhys nodded, completely unfazed by his twin's show of dominance, adjusting the pressed collar of his suit. It was nothing new to him. Nor to Raiden, who continued to stare out the window. [color=3a5154]"Think they'll let me call them [i]'mom and dad'[/i]?"[/color] He questioned, a sly smirk gracing his features. By the time their car rolled past the security check point to the Aciran castle, the duos headaches were back. They emerged from the backseat of the car first, their personal bodyguard, [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cb/98/a1/cb98a1f2fe398b4be12f62f88fc548af.jpg]Castle[/url], holding the door open for them. As they left, Rhys took a moment to finish his glass while popping a mint while he was at it. In an instant he was out of the car and it was already beginning to pull away as lights and shutters went off, making sure to snag different angles of the King of Dredalan. He flashed them his award winning smile, canines exposed as pearly white as can be. He enjoyed the showmanship of it all. Looking a certain way, playing a part. A part he was born to play. The part of himself, the charming, party animal he was. These next few months would not hinder that. He soon made his way up to the royal hosts, bowing lowly, taking the queen's hand in his and pressing a feather soft whisper of a kiss there. [color=3a5154]"His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen and Her Royal Highness, Princess of Aciras. How lovely it is to be in your presences once again. I am extremely grateful for the invitation to the festivities of Her Royal Highness, Princess of Aciras Vivian."[/color] He turned his attention to the princess, [color=3a5154]"Ah, my beautiful betrothed, you grow fairer every day."[/color] A kiss to her hand and a low bow to her as well. [color=3a5154]"May the treasures of Dredalan be to your satisfaction during these festivities."[/color] He went to bow lowly again as the royal hosts acknowledged his greeting. He looked up through his lashes towards Raven and gave her a wink before standing tall and flashing them all a brilliant smile, [color=3a5154]"I look forward to the festivities, [i]Mom, Dad[/i]."[/color] A slight bow and he was off, not failing to catch the slight shock spread across the King and Queen's face.