[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220311/27efd277073263c7d99ebe605d1cfab8.png[/img][/center][right][sub]Evening outfit: [url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXOrYckU8AEtIyg?format=jpg&name=4096x4096]This[/url][/sub][/right][hr][hr]
The end of the ball was announced by the trumpets. His father stood up, and concluded with a paltry, egoistic speech. Wulfric stared at the king neutrally, but knew [i]he[/i] could do so much better. He had influence as the first prince of Caesonia and the heir apparent, true, but it was not enough. Not while their ruler was such [i]scum[/i]. It truly was high time to force the issue of his succession to the throne – one way or another…

With the party’s conclusion, Wulfric departed from the ballroom. He was one of the first ones to do so, and gave his mother a brief meaningful look as he passed her. As was their habit after important events, they would have a meeting later. But first, everyone needed to settle in, and either go to sleep or go pursue other activities. Besides, Auguste, mother and he all had their respective matters to tend to as well. Their mother the foremost among them, depending on whether Edin required anything. Though it was just as likely the man would go enjoy his [i]concubines[/i].

Wulfric’s lip curled, and his steps quickened. He didn’t linger on the distasteful image; it soured his mood needlessly. He retreated to his room, and called for a servant. He ordered the retainer to ready a bath, a change of clothes, and to come fetch him when that was done. Then, he opened the doors leading from his bedroom to the balcony, and headed outside.

As he waited, lounging in a cushioned wicker chair, he observed the stars, and let his mind wander. Now that he was in private, he finally had the chance to relax. However, after a few minutes, he was inevitably drawn to ruminating. He reviewed his day so far, especially the ball. It was practically habit for him to mentally organize; making note of highlights, separating factual happenings from supposition of their implications, forming goals and priorities, and so on.

Not long after the chill of the evening had thoroughly cooled him down, the servant arrived. At the polite knock on his door, Wulfric felt his body tense, his public mask back in place. He brushed himself down as he stood up to undo any wrinkles, and went to open the door. [color=ab274f]“Curran, good,”[/color] he greeted. “Your Highness,” the man replied.

The walk to the royal bathroom was short, and passed in silence. There, Wulfric simply ordered, [color=ab274f]“Come for me in half an hour.”[/color] He turned to enter the room before the servant’s acknowledgment fully passed his lips. The aroma of lime and lavender greeted him, and he nearly smiled.

He quickly undressed himself, washed himself with plain water to get rid of the sweat, then entered the scented bath. Here, with this, he could genuinely rest – if for a short while. He leaned his head on the ledge, closed his eyes, and let himself enjoy this one simple pleasure.

[center]***[/center]
All too soon, it was time to leave. However, he was refreshed and energized, and so did not resent the end to his repose. Dressed in the freshly prepared attire, he not only felt ready for the meeting, but was rather looking forward to it as well.