[hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Z1nsXYQ.png[/img][/center] [hr] As the others began to file into the dinning hall the tension seemed to shift and disperse a little bit, though Annalise could still tell there was something on her father’s mind. Whatever it is weighed heavy on him but he hadn’t uttered a word of it to her while they were alone. She figured she could get some information from Hana later. Her younger sister had to know something, she always did. It was as she was thinking this that Hana and Jin entered the hall together. Jin, wearing a well crafted suit of armor. Anna briefly remembered overhearing some of the guards talking about it but she wasn’t aware they had gone through with it, or that it had already been gifted. A gentle smile rested on her lips as she admired her youngest sister. She knew their father was liable to have a conniption over this, having never fully approved of Jin’s “boyish mannerisms”, but it seemed the presence of other guests and whatever else was on his mind rendered him silent, his facial expression being the key in determining his opinion. Anna knew that, if their mother was still alive, she would be proud of Jin for standing up for herself in this manner, and just knowing that made the eldest sibling smile. “You look quite striking in that armor sister, it suits you.” She complimented her sister as she took her seat. She also nodded a greeting to Hana as she too seated herself. She could feel their father’s eyes on her, seemingly boring holes into the side of her head for daring to enable Jin’s behavior. It was a small win but one she would take nonetheless. He has raised her to be the perfect leader, it was only right that at least one of his daughters deviate from what he had planned for them, if only just a little bit. Though if she really thought about it. It was only herself that had stuck to his plan. Jin decided to learn to fight and Hana had taken it upon herself to become the spymaster she is now. Annalise was the only one who was still fully on the path her father intended, but what was she to do? The fate of the kingdom, her people, lay squarely on her shoulders after her father’s. At least until she was married to one of the Princes here. It wasn’t until now that she realized how much she truly despised this plan. She would not give up control of her kingdom so easily. Whoever married her had three options. Fight tooth and nail for control from Annalise, surrender control to her, or find a way to negotiate to make them equals. It was time to start weighing her options, even though her head was still throbbing from the night before. Sometime during her thoughts the others had also entered the dining hall. She gave them all a polite nod but ate in silence. That was until her father began to speak. [table] [row] [/row][row][cell][color=2e2c2c]______________________________________[/color] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/I4ohPQU.png[/img] [/center][/cell] [cell] [indent][/indent] [indent][/indent] [indent][/indent] [indent][/indent] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211107/2b227051c943778294736360a0c1418e.png[/img] [/cell] [/row] [/table] [hr] The King watched as one by one his daughters and the suitors entered. His biggest focus being on Jin when she entered however Annalise quickly complimented her sister which resulted in the man staring at his eldest child wondering if she had supported Jin in this endeavor all along. His daughters never really truly spoke to him. Not as one would think a daughter would to a father. As he ate silently most of the pieces of his puzzle had gathered, they were missing the Elven prince, something King Harold noticed was a trend. The Elven prince seemed to be avoiding interaction with his daughters and he couldn’t quite figure out why? Custom maybe? He couldn’t tell. Regardless he eventually cleared his throat to speak waving his hand for a man to stand beside him. This man was to translate his words to Prozdy as he had noticed the forign prince had a hard time keeping up the day before. “Tonight is the Ball. Everyone’s attendance is required. It will be the first time the common folk see any of you together so please make sure to make a good impression. In the meantime you are free to do as you please, however I ask that you remain on the castle grounds. Should you leave you are to take a few members of the Astalian Guard with you, regardless of how many of your own men may be milling about.” After finishing his statement he stands from his seat and exits the hall, only stopping if someone wishes to speak with him before he leaves. Leaving the rest of the group to continue eating or leave as well if that is what they desired.