A gentle smile came to Elizaveta's lips as he accepted the gift and his face seemed to light up as he examined it. She had not been expecting him to read the story she had translated right at that moment but to see such enthusiasm as he read what all it entailed did her heart well. It let her know that she had at least found something that did indeed interest him. She knew he could have just been playing it off to be kind but the way his eyes devoured the words she felt it was genuine interest. Watching him carefully she rose a brow ever so slightly. With the gifts that were being bestowed she had felt perhaps hers would not be well received or looked down upon because of its low monetary value, his words though made her think otherwise.
As he opened the box to reveal the jewel's within her other brow rose to match the first. Reaching out carefully she plucked the necklace from its silken resting spot and held it gingerly in her fingers as she took a closer look. A radiant twinkle tugged at the corner of her lips before her eyes left the finely crafted piece and sought out his.
"Perfection and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder and through mine it is perfection achieved and beauty renowned," she said in a gentile voice before delicately resting the necklace back within its cushion.
Niko watched Veta’s eyes as she gaze at the ornamental string of jewels he had made. He knew that most women adored trinkets, particularly those that twinkled prettily in the light. But the necklace he had painstakingly crafted these past few months wasn’t just a trinket. It was his thoughts, his imagination, a painted picture of what he viewed the Duchess to be. Beautiful, sophisticated and quite a mystery to him. He watched her gently lift the necklace from its case. There was something else he was looking for in her reaction. An appreciation…that delight that comes from knowing that it was made specifically for her. And she didn’t disappoint. He clearly saw it when it tugged at the corners of her lips. He felt a small bubble of pride build up inside him. It was strange, in a way, to finally be able to gift something he made with his own hands to a person who would be important to him as his own kingdom in the future, to see her reaction and to hear her words of praise. Even though he could still see the imperfections of his work, Veta’s words made it seem like it was the finest in all of the world.
Reaching out she closed the box and took it from him with one hand, her other seeking out his and giving it reassuring squeeze.
"I adore it and will cherish it always." Niko smiled.
“I’m glad.” Turning she looked up at her escort Sergi, who had been standing there silently observing, and handed him the case that held her gift.
"Please take this to my quarters." Taking the box, Sergi looked at it and then at her. "Duchess, it is wise for me to leave you?" he asked concerned. Elizaveta let out a bird like chuckle as she brought her hand up and covered her mouth.
"If I cannot be safe for a few moments with my future husband, then I am truly doomed. You cannot always be with me. What, will you stand over our bed on our wedding night?" she asked incredulously. Sergi's eyes widened and a hint of red came to his cheeks at the very thought before scowling and wandering off as she had asked. Turning her attention back to Nikolai she smiled softly as her hand descended to her lap once again.
"Well that look was entertaining, I will have to remember that for future use." Niko politely waited for Veta’s escort to walk off before he chuckled.
“I can understand his apprehensiveness in leaving your side. I am, after all, a stranger.” He tucked the journal into the inside pocket of his coat.
“I would not appreciate him standing watch over us all the time though. Especially not on our wedding night.” He shook his head amusedly. He was not particularly fond of having guards watch him all the time yet he knew the importance of it. And so to compromise, he allowed several of them to mull around but only Anthony was allowed to stay in close quarters of where he was. Said man was standing near the window, his eyes taking in the royalties as they arrived and at the same time keeping close watch on his young charge.
Listening intently, Elizaveta nodded just slightly in response as her fingers curled over the edge of her clutch. She understood the need for guards but she did not like having them about; in fact the Grand Czarina and the future Czarina had gotten into a rather heated argument on the subject. Elizaveta felt it would a slight, an insult as it were, to the hosts of this little endeavor for her to be accompanied by as many as her grandmother had wished her to be. With so many royals present there was assuredly plenty of security. During a time to build trust and arranged marriages between nations attending with more security could easily be conveyed that one did not trust the King and Queen of Aciras; that was not an insult that Elizaveta was willing to risk. In the end it was agreed that she would bring Sergi and no others; well not so much decided but imposed.
“I’d love to get to know you a little bit better but I’m afraid it’ll be terribly rude to stay here and not greet the others present.” He looked up and swept his eyes around. A good number of guests had arrived, their faces familiar from the profiles he was provided before the event. The Princess of Trelins with her bold pink hair stood out the most. Henry Peterson was by the refreshments table bumping Cara O’Brien. Sade Magoro, Feora Swinth, John Drake, Serafina Gray… He quickly matched faces with names. The beautiful Mai Mei in a red dress soon caught his eyes and his gaze stayed on her a split second longer before he continued matching faces. His eyes fell on Caterina Versini, Princess of Svearike, next. She, as he always thought, looked lovely and exquisite. But memories from his embarrassing encounter with her during the signing of the peace treaty flashed through his mind and he immediately averted his eyes. Edwin Drakewine of Brittania was conversing the child like princess of the Lusitanian empire, Liviana Traianus while Fareeha Amari presented their hosts with a kingly bird of prey. So many important people in one place at the same time... And finally, the twin princes from Avalon.
Keeping still for a moment Elizaveta glanced around, more had arrived since Nikolai had come to her side. Prince John, who was from lands as bitterly cold as her own on the other side of the horizon from her own nations. Some had said that on a clear day one could see from the edge of her world to the beginning of his. Caterina had arrived as well, she held herself with a strong yet understated air and moved with ease; something that Elizaveta could admire. Liviana and Edwin were there now and had found each other; most likely going through similar introductions with each other. One of the ones that Elizaveta had been most interested to become acquainted with was now there; Serafina; a name that was as fiery as people said her spirit was. Then came Fareeha, with a snake on a her arm; that was interesting. Then there were the twins, Shawn and Zack; well things certainly wouldn't be dull now though in the back of her mind she did hope that their hosts did not have a cat around. She still wondered if the rumor about the wig were true.
Niko stood up and offered her his hand to his betrothed.
“Shall we?” After taking note of who was there and making a mental marking of who was not she reached out, placing her hand delicately in his as she rose from her seat.
"Of course." Her voice was gentle as she spoke and while her accent was heavy she took the time to ensure she enunciated each sound with care. Lacing her arm through her betrothed she glanced around for a moment before her eyes looked up to Nikolai.
"I am afraid I know not one truly, perhaps it would be best if you were to lead the way. Is there any you wish to speak with first? Or perhaps a better question, is there anyone you would like to avoid to start?" she asked thoughtfully with a light on her full lips.
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