And so, the Drakonian Praetor was not just late, but also in a foul mood. He had, however, largely managed to conceal his mood and to change into more appropriate attire. Augustus had exchanged his full dress uniform for a more appropriate mess dress uniform, which consisted of black mess jacket, black waistcoat, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, and black suit pants with a gold stripe running down the leg. The jacket bore gold buttons and anguillettes, with miniaturized medals and other accoutrements on the left breast. Augustus had foregone donning his rapier for the feast, leaving his sword in his room. Though, he did wear the purple sash of the Praetorship under his jacket.
"NOW PRESENTING! His Imperial and Royal Majesty, Augustus Valens Drake, Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium by the Grace of God, Representative of the People before the Senate by their Will, Monarch of the Realms of Drakonia, and of her Protectorates and Territories, Lord of Gholgoth."
Lilliana too had changed, but instead of a uniform she had swapped to a more civilian appearance. The Drakonian Princess now wore a long violet dress, which showed far more of her back than her father would have deemed modest. But Augustus was distracted and so had not shown his concern or even noticed. Her military training had left her of a slim, but athletic build. Lilliana's skin was darker than her father’s, a trait inherited from her mother, and she wore her straight shoulder-length raven hair long and free flowing. Thus her attire showed off the youthful beauty of the Drakonian Heiress more so than did her military uniform.
Lilliana was also late to the feast and was pleased to find her father delayed. She followed her father in entering the hall.
"NOW PRESENTING! Her Imperial and Royal Highness, Liliana Alexis Glorianna Bellona Drake, Princess of Drakonia by the Grace of God, Princess of Mons Regalus, and of Trinitia, Lieutenant of the Imperial Drakonian Army."
The pair made their way through the gauntlet of camera with regal bearing and each moved to their own tables.
"Marcus?!"
Marcus Sutherland’s hurried pace ground to an abrupt halt.
The Drakonian had the quintessential appearance of prince, tall with a military physique and dressed in the same mess dress uniform as the praetor sans the sash, for a prince he was. The dark-skinned man was the Crown Prince of Trinitia, one of the city-state Realms that made up the core of the Imperium. Marcus was also the brother to the Queen of Drakonia, Jolené Sutherland.
Marcus Sutherland turned to the voice, his neutral face softening at the sight of the caller. "Gaia."
Gaia Calpurnia was not an average Drakonian. Her skin was lighter and her hair a bright blond. She wore a sleek black dress that accented her figure and would give many a male pause, Marcus included. His voice held the familiar warmness of the surprise greeting of old friends...or former lovers.
"When did you arrive?" She smiled. "I thought Augustus was not going to bring you out here."
Marcus shrugged. "Changed his mind, I guess. Caught a couple of Aerospace Force flights out of Mille Mortifere."
Gaia frowned. "Mille Mortifere? What were you doing out there?"
"I was attached to General Sergius’ staff until Augustus ordered me out here." Marcus ignored the sudden confusion on her face. "This has something to do with the Council of Lords, I assume."
The confusion grew. "You don’t know? You are be one of the Drakonian candidates for agents, Praetors they are being called, of the Council."
"And that Territorial Navy Commander, who joined me on the flight from Colona, he is to be the other candidate?"
It was largely a rhetorical question,--Gaia could see Marcus processing the information--but she nodded regardless.
"This is just like old times," Marcus said. "You bringing me up to speed on some diplomatic plot."
"Yes, it is," Gaia agreed, memories flooding back. Their work had brought them together, but it had just as easily pulled them apart. She could see in Marcus face that much the same thoughts were passing through his own mind.
"Your niece will certainly be glad to see you," she interjected hastily, not wanting to dwell on past tragedies.
"Lilliana is here?" It was Marcus’ turn to be surprised. "This is quite the event." He smiled. "I’ll have to say, ‘hello’."
Gaia nodded and a brief awkward silence ensued as the pair searched each others faces. Finally, Marcus smiled again.
"Would you care to join me," the Crown Prince asked.
Marcus offered his arm. His left arm, Gaia noted. Surprised filling her face at his gesture. His prosthetic left arm. It had been an uncomfortable reminder of his past combat injuries even before they had dated. Marcus had suffered from phantom lift pain, Gaia knew. To make so sensitive a gesture might indicate that he had worked through one of the impediments to their last relationship.
"Certainly," she said smiling and accepting the offered arm.