The Crown Prince’s Ball (Meillur-Only)

[Colfico]

The Prime Minister noticed her, and side stepped ever so slightly to put some distance between himself and her, while crossing his arms in such a manner as to make his wedding band more visible. He then looked the Chamberlain in the eyes, and symbolically glanced to her, the Chamberlain knowing exactly what the gesture implied, but didn’t react to it.

Felix turned his attention to her and then said

“I am sure that you do plenty.” He took the sight of her in as he spoke, or at least the sight of her face. Even his own modest Visari training couldn’t deny that she was very pleasing to the eyes. However, he held the thought in the back of his mind that pleasing looks in a place like this could be deadly, both short term, and long term alike.

“Commander Felix Skotnicki, or Chamberlain in certain circles.”

The Prime Minister gave a slight shake of his head at the Chamberlains actions and said “Prime Minister Arjun Wes of Colfico, please excuse my colleagues blunt nature, the Visari aren’t ones for subtlety.”

Felix smirked at the prime minister and said “We can be when we want to be, we just typically choose not to.”

[Kingdom of Derita]

“Here, only royals are ever blunt.” Siti said with a sip of her drink. “It’s easy to spread loudly when you have a great big stick.” She finished her glass and held it out in the air. A waiter was at her side in an instant to take the empty vessel from her. She put her hands together gracefully as she looked from the chamberlain to the prime minister. “The rest of us are forced to be more civil and soft spoken.”

Ashon bit back a wide eye smile as he looked between Siti and and the two Colficoans. The Muratys were one of the five great families of the Aukusa Bay Area. They were known to be the rivals of the Saudajidas, with the Kesi, Ashon’s bosses, being cousins of their there thanks to several marriage between their businesses and offspring.

“We Aukusans tend to distrust governments. We prefer to leave the future in the hands of the people. It is through hard work and good business sense that we build our fortunes, families and our friends, and build the dazzling sights around you. And there is far more to us than parties. It’s a pity that you didn’t bring your wife, Mr. Wes, I would have loved to have shown her around the city.”

[Colfico]

Felix simply shrugged, before saying “I simply speak as I wish, regardless of who I speak to.”

The Prime Minister nodded and said “Yes, I’m sure she would love that, but unfortunately the National Assembly insisted that this was a business trip only, although I will have to be sure to bring her with me next time.” He then said “Although I am sure the Chamberlain would also quite appreciate being shown around the city, I believe this is the first time he has ever set foot in the Celestial empire at all.” He did however notice that she seemed to know a bit about him, he would have to improve the security surrounding him and his family.

At that comment, Felix narrowed his eyes ever so slightly at the prime minister, seeing that the politician was trying to get the woman’s attention off of him and on someone else, however he understood why, and took the bait anyway. “Yes, it sounds like that would be equal parts informative and enjoyable, although it would certainly put stress on the schedule.”

The last statement was aimed at the Prime Minister more than the two deritans, however Felix didn’t give any time to ponder it.

“However, I am sure that I could squeeze it in somewhere.”

[Royal Genes]

“Then we must make our daring escape,” Adela said, daring to go as far as to wrap her arm around his and left him just a bit away. Behind them, Frederick crossed his arms and shook his head with a grin. He, following the example of Augustin snapped his fingers in a call to a waiter to bring him another drink while he looked to the two Dupuy brothers.

“I don’t know if I should be offended or impressed with my cousin’s apt skills. Though I’m sure the two of them can’t possibly get themselves into too much trouble.”

“Oh, is that so?” asked Alexis as he listened to Cecilie. “And what kind of fun do you get up to in a city like Aukusa?”

[Kingdom of Derita]

A grin tugged at Siti’s lips. Was the prime minister trying pass her attention off to someone else? One did not attention functions like the Gola House Teatimes (The Golas were a small family of middling origins who had cornered much of the valuable tea market with the held of none other than the Ardales. The Gola House was not their home, but an elite restaurant that served the very best brunch and teatime meals, often frequented by Lady Astrid Ardales Gola herself, and where all the most decorated aunties and matriarchs of Aukusan High Society took their tea. Siti had gone several times with her Aunt Fatima) and not learn when someone was trying to get rid of you. She found it was best to put maneuver them and quickly.

“That sounds like a delight,” Siti said cheerfully. “Though I am sure Lord Skotnicki had heard so much about Aukusa, after all your Queen used to live here.” She gave the chamberlain a smirk. “Where do you think she got all of her liberal ideals from?”

(This was quite true. Before Adriana Goday, the aforementioned Astrid Ardales was known as the ‘Red Lady’ and the ‘Republican Princess’ on account of her socialist leaning and distaste for monarchy)

“Mr. Kito,” Siti continued, turning to Ashon, who had been excitedly watching the conversation as if it were a daytime drama. He was thus surprised when he suddenly realized he was apart of it. “Surely you can arrange a private tour of the Museum of Art.”

“Oh, Uh, of course Miss Muraty.” Ashon said excitedly. “We just got a new piece by Katira.” (Mayank Katira, an artist popular in the city for his stunning blend of graffiti art and classical still lives).

“Oh, I think I saw him here, speaking with Celiwe Magaira.” Siti’s eyes widened as if she had suddenly had an idea. “You simply must introduce Lord Skotnicki to Cel, she was so moved by the plight of the Lajaz refugees that she donated two million dérrals to resettlement programs here in the city. She would love to chat with you,” said Siti, the latter part directed to the chamberlain.

Meanwhile Andeja let himself be whisked away by Adela, though Jean trailed after them. She may have been a princess, but she was not the first young woman to scheme and conspire to isolate the crown prince from others. Jean kept up the illusion of whatever privacy was afforded in a courtyard full of people who were all watching one another.

“I thought you a princess, not a knight in shining armor,” Andeja said with a laugh. “Though I admit that your cousin isn’t quite so horrible. I truly do count him among my friends. Perhaps we may see your name added to that list?”

At the same time Cecilie started to answer Alexis.

“Well,” Keoni said before the Dupuy girl could answer, “the very best think to try in Aukusa City is the food. We have the very best food.”

[Colfico]

Felix listened to her, and almost immediately began regretting having stuck his neck out, but it was done and now he had to face the consequences. The look he gave the prime minister could kill, but it disappeared and he gave a smile, after all, it was a chance to get back at the Prime Minister for throwing him under the bus. However he wasn’t sure where the reference to Queen Adriana was coming from, and it caused him to raise an eyebrow, as if asking what the deal was with that.

“I do not know as much as some people seem to believe I do, but I would appreciate being introduced to her, although it sounds like she already knows who I am.”

The Prime Minister realized what the Chamberlain was doing, and the look he gave Felix said all the protest his voice didn’t, but he soon turned his attention back to the conversation at hand.

“Sounds like you have a fan, why don’t you go meet her?”

[Kingdom of Derita]

“Oh yes,” Siti said in agreement, “you simply must.”

Ashon darted his eyes from the chamberlain to Siti and back, before finally settling on Siti and nodding his head in an almost imperceptible bow to the heiress. He scanned the room and found the pair, the artist and the humanitarian, in question.

“Of course, please my lord, join me, I am sure the conversation will be quite lively.” With that Ashon lead Felix across the courtyard.

Mayank, a short tawny skinned man with a head of perfumed lilac colored dreadlock that reached down to his shoulders. He wore a dark, almost black suit. He stood with a fist on his hip as he was in the midst of telling Cel Magaira of his trip to the dragon mountains and how it had inspired a piece of his interest. Cel Magaira was a curvy woman draped in a brilliant yellow dress with thin straps that showed off her smooth dark skin, her long white gloves and amble bosom. Her black hair was piled high atop her head in tight coils decorated with yellow ribbons.

“As for you Mr. Wes,” SitI said, “how are you enjoying your visit? Is it not your first visit as well?”

[Colfico]

The Prime Minister stared a hole in the back of the Chamberlain as he followed the Curator, before turning back to Siti, and listening to her talk before saying “It has been pleasant enough, and while the Chamberlain may not show it, i think he is at least somewhat happy to be off of that carrier for a while. But yes, this is my first time visiting the Celestial Empire.”

He was also painfully aware that he was now more or less in her clutches now, so he would have to be on his guard, least she attempt to pull him into a web, art of the reason for bringing the Chamberlain had been to take attention away from him, so he could focus on the task at hand, but clearly not everyone had been fooled by the ruse.

Felix followed the curator, and he almost immediately noticed the short man in a pose in front of a curvy woman, and he figured that she was likely this Cel person he was being taken to meet.

He gave a smile as he approached them and said “Greetings, I am Chamberlain Skotnicki, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

[Kingdom of Derita]

Mayank, thrown off his train of thought of his sorry wrinkled his brow in confusion of his own thoughts and managed to get out a low “oh.”

“Oh?” Cel echoed. Despite her full frame, she had a light, high pitched tone of voice. She blinked at Skotnicki, trying to place him on her mental chart of the whose who of the Aukusa Bay Area. She was rescued, unknowingly, by Ashon who provided:

“Lord Skotnicki was in charge of the Colficoan evacuation efforts for the Lajaz people. This is his first time in the city and he and Miss Muraty are going to take a tour of the art museum.”

“Oh,” Cel said, pressing a delicate hand to her chest. “Lord Skotnicki!” She spoke with a quiver in her voice as if she were going to burst into tears. “I read about those wretched poor people in the paper and it was just so awful! To be forced from there homes like that! Oh , it’s just awful! My heart just breaks just thinking about it!”

“Yeah,” Mayank said, decidedly less emotional, his face deadpan as he tossed his dreads over his shoulder. “Like, what does that, like, say about, like, the human condition?”

Aukusan news, (owned by Siti’s family of course) had published graphic descriptions of the huddled masses of refugees crowding onto docks on the brink of collapse and throwing their children onto Colficoan boats setting sail, while vicious Turandan soldiers closed in on them. There had been quite a few who had reported that hundreds had been crushed to death in attempts to escape the loomed city. It had been these horrifying account, aided the testimonies of actual refugees, that had moved Cel’s heart and opened her wallet.

“Aukusa is truly the greatest city in the world,” Siti said. “Though you must trust that not everyday is a party for the crown prince.”

[Colfico]

Felix raised an eyebrow at the decidedly philosophical questions being posed, but decided to give a decidedly Visari answer, instead of the deep one that was probably expected o him.

“I do not know what it means for the human condition, although treating the situation like it is already resolved is premature at best. Especially with the new developments that have occurred in Lajastine. But frankly, I was simply doing what I could with what resources I had on hand, my orders were to evacuate Expats and refugees, and I did precisely that, perhaps a few more than I was expected to, but nonetheless, what I was there to do in the first place.”

He then though and said “And I don’t deserve the credit I am being given as it is, I simply organized the effort and handed out orders, the real work was done by the men and women of the National Colficoan Navy. They are the ones who made the effort happen through their dedication and hard work, they deserve your praise more so than I do.”

Arjun nodded and said “I understand that, although I do not know what it is like to be a Royal or a noble, although J don’t think Colfico has many natural born citizens who actually qualify as true royalty or nobility.” He decided to cut through the formalities, and get right to business when he said “However, something tells me that the city is not what you are here to talk to me about. Getting rid of the Chamberlain and the Curator was not necessary for something so simple.” He then smirked and said “Although you underestimate the Chamberlain of you believe that he gave up so easily for my sake, it’s less you got rid of him, than he got away from you, at least for the moment anyway.”

[Patuania]

Princess Oruk of Patuania stepped out of the limousine that carried her and her cousin to the Ardales Estate. The limousine was a long black creation that was closer to a war tank rather than a state car. The Paras of the commonwealth had been determined to see that his mode of transportation was unapproachable and entirely defendable. Thus the sight of the princess, a pale rose of a woman, emerging from the black armored vehicle was quite the incongruous one.

Oruk, the only child of the late Paras Mitalok, had been sent to the Celestial Empire to attend school at Ezikwizalo University and while she hadn’t been able to snatch the title of first woman to be in attendance there, she had managed the title of second. A matter that was a source of undying irritation. But that was a matter for another day. Tonight, Oruk was to be the bell of the ball.

This a goal both Oruk and her cousin, and chaperone, Paras Kanatus II. He rose from the limousine with a face that seemed to be permanently etched with a scowl on it. The military ruler of Patuania, it was his first time venturing this far south and thus far, he loathed every bit of it. He missed the cold crisp air of his nation. It was too warm and to muggy here in the tropics. How his cousin had managed to survive here was beyond him. He had not the constitution for such a climate and he could not wait to return home.

Oruk had gotten quite ill when she had first arrived in the Celestial Empire, the heat having gotten to her, but she had recovered and learned to take the climate in stride. The princess wore a drop dead gorgeous dress. It was an embroidered, off-the-shoulder cream couture gown with chiffon sleeves, with silk organza over satin, covering in a dazzling array of beads, mother-of-pearls, sequins and raffia detailing. The front bodice of the dress was intricately embroidered in silver rhinestones. A cerulean blue sash went around her waist. The feminine figure, inspired by the Hereditary Princess of Gosataborg, made her shimmer like a silver and white snowflake. Oruk has assessorized the outfit with a platinum and sapphire tiara, a sapphire choker necklace, two bracelets, and evening gloves.

Beneath the dress and jewels too, Princess Oruk was lovely. Young, of medium height, and having smooth spotless porcelain skin, large pale blue eyes that were virtually gray. Her lips, though small, were well proportioned and painted pale pink. Her hair was so blonde that it was practically white, a fact that she had enhanced. Her hair was pulled into an elaborate chignon decorated with silver beads and sapphires, having been inspired the the Deritain empress. Oruk, lifting her skirts high enough for her to walk, and show off her silver slippers, climbed the steps.

Paras Kanatus, a tall redhead man with brown eyes, making it hard for the unobservant to find resemblance between the two. His military uniform was a dark, near black, blue outfit with medals and ceremonial braid with a white and blue sash that swept over his chest. The Paras followed after the train behind the princess. It was not her desire alone that pushed her to be the Patuanian perfection. Kanatus was more and more seeing how Oruk could serve to show the excellence of Northern women.

[Royal Genes]

“A clever princess is her own knight in shining armor,” Adela said with a smile. She was continuously surprised by how easy it was to speak with him. And it did not hurt that he was quite handsome. A small part of her, that little part in most girls that resisted to disappear even as they grew into women, couldn’t help but consider the possibility. Her sister had been a Queen after all. Who was to say Adela couldn’t be more? “Though I am happy to be yours whenever you may need. Though so shall hope that you avoid the lairs of any actual dragons.”

---

“Food?” asked Alexis with a raised eyebrow. “What kind of food?”

[Kingdom of Derita]

“Oh,” Cel put a gloved hand to her cheek. She took in a deep breath as she blinked rapidly. “How humble. Quite true, though they do say only hero’s claim not to be.”

“Yeah…” Mayank said slowly. “Like, totally.”

Ashon pressed his lips together into a tight line as he nodded his head. “Yes, the chamberlain had only arrived from the evacuation to be in attendance tonight.”

“Oh,” Cel continued, “oh how brave of you. I do hope that it was not to dangerous, oh, I beg my pardon, is. I had no idea that the situation grows even worse. Can you imagine?” Cel asked Mayank who looked up to the sky thoughtfully and was silently for several seconds before looked to his fellow members of the conversation.

“Like, nah…”

“Oh, yes, it is so dreadful to imagine,” Cel sniffled and fanned herself. “Oh, and you, dear Lord Skotnicki! To see such misfortune! I do hope that my contribution may be of some help for those souls.”

Meanwhile Siti was surprised by Prime Minister Wes. It seemed it was not the Visari alone who were terribly blunt. She merely smiled though. “And step on the toes of a Queen? I think not. I am not sure what it is like to be nobility either Mr. Wes, though I imagine for you, it hints at a blemished character. If I were not mistaken, I would say you suspect me of something sinister.” Siti chuckled slightly at this. She saw no harm in his suspicions. “Whatever could I speak to you about if not our fine city?”

The valet was left somewhat intimidated by the war machine that the Patuanians called a limousine, but was thankful that all he had to do was direct the driver. Meanwhile an usher bowed before the princess and the Paras and lead them through the hall of the Ardales portraits and out into the courtyard. Princess Oruk’s arrival quickly caught of the eye of many. Her pale skin was, while not unheard of, was still a rarity in Derita, though less so in Aukusa. But it was not that which made her stand out. It was her dress. It was, basically, white, a color reserved for funerals and mourning in the Celestial Empire. A yet it was so beautiful. Several could not help but look at it with morbid fascination.

Above the courtyard, hidden from view in a room filled with cigar smoke, that usually served as a parlor, but fir the evening acted as a private box to watch the teeming crowd while remaining unseen themselves thanks the intricate paneling, its occupants were quietly informed of the princess and the Paras’ arrival. Something that in some sparked excitement and in others dread.

Back in the courtyard Andeja let out a short laugh. “I shall try my best, though I fear I can’t give you any promises. I do live near the dragon mountains and there must certainly be a reason that they were given such a name. Though I admit I haven’t had the opportunity nor the inclination to go exploring them. They are quite beautiful though. We pass through them on the train ride from the capital to here in the city.”

“Every kind,” Cecilie said, moving quick to outpace Keoni. “Samosas are always a favorite of tourists, but there is also sosaties—“

“Mhmm,” Keoni interrupted, licking his lips, “there is this place in the Harbor” (name of one of the many neighborhoods of the city) “that has thdd red best sosaties.”

“And all the best places are street food, of little hole in the walls,” said Cecilie.

[Royal Genes]

Alexis raised a skeptical eyebrow at the assertion that the very best of the food that the famous city had to offer was located in establishments so vividly described as hole in the walls. Though he was interested in whatever a sosaties was, or were, or whatever.

“Surely you can’t be serious? Right?” Alexis asked. “Don’t you have proper restaurants?”

Adela nodded her head as she listened to Andeja. Her eyes fluttered close as she tried to imagine them. The mountains, that is. Genes was a nation that was basically flat save the edge of highlands on the border. The tallest things in the nation thus were the capital city’s decrepit skyscrapers, which, unlike Aukusa’s weren’t shiny or beautiful, but constantly under repair or being torn down.

“I would live to see them some time. Perhaps stay there a while and paint them. I have gotten quite good at water color. I would love to show them to you, if you wished it.”

[Colfico]

"Unfortunately It can, and it has, the conflict has escalated even further, and if the Turandans find more victory against the Caraintonians, then the war may very well come to my country as well, as my country shares a border with that kingdom. I pray it does not, because if it does, there will be not be the quick war that was seen in Lajastine, but a far more bloody affair indeed." He then said "And there is still very real risk that the Colficoans there may be dragged into the conflict, either intentionally or unintentionally. It is why i do not consider the job done until the last Colficoan soldier, and the last ship has left Lajastine, and returned home. Because, until that happens, there is far too much that can go wrong." He then said "My job is far from over as it is, and depending on how events play out, this may be the last ball I attend for some time, if at all" He said the last portion with a somber tone, but the implication was clear, his units were to well equipped and trained to simply sit back if Colfico were to be dragged into the conflict, he would almost certainly see front line deployment, and with it, the very real chance of being killed." He then said "However your contributions have helped, although I myself have not personally seen the effect."

Arjun simply chuckled and said "Step on the toes of a queen?" he thought for a moment before a smile, just barely holding back laughter, broke out on his face and he said "Ah, I see, I think you have the wrong idea about the Chamberlain, the issue would not be stepping on someone else's toes, but rather getting his attention in the first place, the Visari are...how do i put it....picky, although understandably so, to them, love, and especially marrying for loves sake, is not only precious, but outright sacred, one like him even more so, since he is supposed to be a representative of the order not just here, but wherever he goes, in fact you could go as far as to say he is supposed to be an embodiment of the values of it." He couldn't help but let out a chuckle and then said "But it is amusing that it seems that was idea people have gotten about him."

He then focused back on the subject at hand and said "But as far as our conversation, there are many things that someone such as yourself could seek out of the legislative head of state of a nation, and while there may not be anything sinister behind it, that does not mean it is not an agenda."

[Kingdom of Derita]

Andeja nodded his head with a bit of excitement, trying to make clear his engagement to their conversation. “I would love to see your water colors.”

“Of course we have restaurants. And they are lovely, but they are always clogged with visitors. The really good spots are the places that the locals go to. That’s where you the best flavor of things,” Cecilie said.

Siti nodded along as she listened. She was particularly interested in the Visari nor what thoughts they had on marriage. That wasn’t her manner of gathering information, though she supposed there were though who took advantage of such based instincts. “It does make me wonder what sort of agenda you harbor.”

Cel took in another deep breath and a fit of sobbing was thankfully prevented from occurring as she heard that her contributions had been put to good use. Though she was a bit confused by his not seeing the viable effect. Ashon however swooped in to save the day in order keep things running smoothly.

“Perhaps a trip could be made to the resettlement programs here in the city?”

[Royal Genes]

“Really?” Adela looked at Andeja with wide eyes. She had never met a man to show genuine interest in her water colors. She rather liked the idea of showing them in fog to the crown prince. “I shall have to make another trip then here. I’ll be sure to bring them and we can go to the mountains.”

“Ah.” Said Alexis, nodding his head. “I see, though I am not quite sure I would trust it.”

[Colfico]

Arjun smiled and said "My agenda is simple, the continued prosperity and well being of Colfico."

Felix nodded and said "I would like that."

He did not know exactly what to say to make the situation better, he had purposely been keeping information on a need to know basis in the fleet to help preserve morale, but here, that simply was not possible. He decided to give a simple response and said "There is still no way to know how things will play out, all that we can do now is do our best to make things better as things come." He could not help but admire her for a moment, having not taken the time yet to take her in. However he hid it well, and instead focused on the situation at hand. "Besides, we are here at this lovely event, we should focus on it for now, rather than things happening elsewhere."

[Patuania]

Oruk held her head up high as she swept into the courtyard, letting her skirts drop back into place with a silvery shimmering swish. She saw that her bold choice in color had caught the eye of a few. But she intended for the entirety of Aukusan high society to be glued to her by the end of the night. She tilted her head and smiled, a small polite one, that said that while she was happy to be here, it was for no great excitement. She however, looked perfectly amicable when one saw the shadow of her cousin looming a few steps behind her.

Paras Kanatus’s scowl deepened as he looked at the outrageous flamboyance of the southerners. The Paras had only had the great displeasure of meeting a few Southerners, the Deritain princesses, Amélie and Mamela and their horde of ladies. For years now he could only imagine the den of sun that had produced those vile, scheming, backstabbing villainesses. Now, here, surrounded by the empty extravaganza that drowned in its own self importance, he could only further see Valkea’s point.

Of course the Celestial Empire alone was a southern nation lead by men. And this there was the chance that they could be saved.

[Kingdom of Derita]

“Certainly it would be a joy to have you make another trip to the Empire. Though I would like to remind you that we are capable of acquiring the needed supplies for creating watercolors here, I am sure that if you wished it, I could get some for you, after the celebrations of course,” said Andeja.

“Oh don’t be frightened by the way that it sounds,” said Keoni. “We simply will have to take you to one some time, and once you have the savory taste of an Aukusan mama’s ofe ongubu on your tongue then you shall be look to us and ponder how you could ever have doubted us.”

“Well then,” Siti said pleasantly. “I see no reason that the prosperity and fortunes of your nation should not benefit my city as well. After all, otherwise my family’s sizable investment in that railroad will be for not.” Siti of course spoke of the railway that was planned to run from Aukusa City to Colfico City, agreed upon between the late Duke of Angoulême and the deposed Colficoan King.

Siti let her eyes drift as she spoke with the prime minister, and her gaze fell upon the smiling Patuanian princess.

“Oh, you are right,” said Cel, continuing to fan herself. “We must look to happier subjects things.”

“Like His Imperial Highness and the Genoise princess?” Suggested Ashon as his gaze had drifted to the young royals, who were being watched by a great deal many people.

“Which one is that?” Cel asked.

“The one not dressed like a wrath,” said Mayank, who directed their attention towards the pale sight of the Patuanian princess.

Elsewhere in the courtyard, the Sauda spoke to Kalere Kesi, attempting, somewhat in vain how important for the success of her wing of the museum of art if a duchess’s name, i.e. Sauda’s was attached to it. Kalere rolled her eyes as she listened to her, only because she knew she would have to. As she Hald paid attention she noticed Larella Mpangele walking towards the Patuanians.

The Countess of Fionete, Larella was the only daughter of Princess Alara, the beloved aunt of the Emperor, and thus one of the few women of the Imperial Family who hadn’t had to flee the nation when he took the throne. Larella was a short, athletic woman with velvety caramel skin and black hair cropped short she wore a straightforward dress of teal with golden floral print. Large statement earrings of gold hung from her ears as she made her way towards Princess Oruk.

Trailing behind Larella were Lady Celena Yoyo, older sister of Jean, and Lady Clementine Rohan, the young aunt of Keoni. (The Duke of Maine had produced his son and heir Haulani—Keoni’s father— when he had been a young man in the winter marriage with the late Duchess of Wied. In a stunning rhyme of history, he had produced four more children from his second and own winter marriage. Thus his daughter Clementine was only four years older than his grandson).

Clementine was a plump woman with long black hair pulled back by a pink headband that fell to her waist. She wore a generous amount of makeup. Her dress was a pale pink and she wore short evening gloves. Celena was dressed in turn in pale yellow, her long dreadlocks falling over her shoulders with golden clasps. Celena and Clementine swayed in unison as they followed on the skirts of the countess.

Behind them trailed the third member of the countess’ entourage, Captain Neymar Varu, a tall and lanky Calvary officer, in clear display in his military uniform, with dark brown skin and short shiny curly black hair. He was short for a Deritain man, standing an inch or two shy of six feet, but he made up with his lovely face, hence his place in the countess’ circle. He walked with his hands behind his back as the countess stopped before the princess and curtsied. Her ladies followed suit, and the officer bowed.

“Your Highness,” Larella said with a smile and inspecting eyes. “What a lovely snowflake you make.” Larella said, her eyes flicking to the Paras for a moment before returning to the princess. “I never thought I see such a sight this far south.”

[Colfico]

The Prime Minister nodded and said “Plans have not changed regarding the railroad, in fact, the National Assembly has set aside funds for contracts both to expand the railroad, but for companies to invest in new, more efficient engines as well, as far as sharing of locomotives with the Celestial Empire, I am afraid those engines are at the moment privately owned, that would be between the Celestial Empire and the companies that build them, I do not have the authority necessary to force them to sell the engines.” He then said “Or is there some addition to the deal that you had in mind?”

Felix followed the Curators gaze and shrugged before saying “It would seem they get along at a glance, but I would not make that assumption on looks alone. Appearances can often be very deceiving” He then looked back to Cel and asked “Have you ever visited Colfico, despite the times, the river is still as beautiful now as it has ever been.”

[Royal Genes]

Alexis laughed, charmed by Keoni’s much more palatable description of trying out an Aukusan version of ofe onugbu. It was a dish that he was familiar with from back in Genes, it was a delicious kind of strew. He was eager to try the Deritains take on it. “Well I suppose that if you must, I couldn’t think to say no.”

Meanwhile Adela felt her cheeks grow warm with a blush of embarrassment of having not considered that rather straightforward approach. She nodded her head in agreement. “Yes, of course, that sounds like quite the expedition then.”

[Kingdom of Derita]

Siti waved forward a waiter who gave her a fresh glass. She gestured with it. “You may not force them, but you can give me their names. My parents prefer to keep their hands in the entertainment and information business but my Aunt Fatima is always eager for a new infrastructure project. And investment. I intend on following on where her instincts do lead her. I see the benefits on a good investment in this project.”

“I’m afraid that I have not had the pleasure. Is it a very large river?” Asked Cel. “Is it black like ours?” She of course spoke of the Aukusa River, which on its delta the city stood. Thf river was famously black due to the large amount of sediment that was carried into it and had made the lands around it fertile.

“Marvelous,” said Cecilie.

“Indeed,” said Andeja, shifting slightly on his feet, not sure where to take the conversation to next. The crown prince did not have much experience talking to women. A fact that no doubt the party was in search to remedy. Jean, spotting the indecision in the crown prince swooped in to aid him.

“Your Highness,” Jean said, thinking quickly of a new topic. “What are your thoughts on the evening’s music?”

[Patuania]

Oruk smiled brightly at Larella and her entourage. She was not blind nor deaf to the looks and words that the countess gave her and her cousin. Oruk felt such annoyance with him at her side. If he were not Paras she would have demanded that he not accompany her. But she suffered through it and let her gaze drift over the ladies and the captain, before bring it back to the countess.

“It is a great pleasure. Do you not find it amazing to be able to witness such rare sights?” Oruk waved off the question as quickly as she said it. “Please, countess, you must introduce me to your friends.”

[Kingdom of Derita]

Larella grinned, noting the princess spoke while the Paras remained silent. What went on through his head? The man was known throughout the whole of the Southern Sea for his hatred of them. And that vile man known as Valkea. Larella thought he, the Paras, would have been quite vocal, yet he seemed content to simply scowl. So for the moment she kept to the princess, introducing her to Celena, Clementine and Neymar in turn. The captain bowed low and kissed the back of the princess’ hand.

“It is a amazing sight indeed, Your Highness.”