Autumnal Romance [CLOSED | Attn. Hoytoryar]

[Gyflada]

Certa Room, Palazzo Larino, October 09th, 2016.

The sun shone through the windows, cutting through the cool autumnal temperature that filled the room. Angelo was sat at the desk, the sun warming his skin as he wrote a letter. A maid entered the room, curtseyed and lit the fire, this being the 6th fireplace, another 12 to go. Angelo was full of nerves as he wrote his letter. He was writing to Her Royal Highness, Princess Victoria, Princess Royal of Hoystoryar. He finished writing the letter, folded it up and sealed it in an envelope, writing the name and destination. Antonio, his Private Secretary entered the room and Angelo put the letter on a silver tray. Antonio collected the tray, bowed his head and left the room.

---

PALAZZO LARINO,
His Royal Highness Prince Angelo
The Count of Cesena

October 09th, 2016

---

Dear Victoria,

I hope this letter reaches you. The weather is chilly here as we enter Autumn, but the warmth of the sun shines through. As I sit here, writing this, my stomach is full of nerves. I have never met you and you never me. I have a strange feeling that your beauty is beyond words. Time is short and as the year draws to a close, I wish to meet to you.

Would you care to travel to Edom? My brother, Leonardo, would happily provide you with a Palazzo to stay in while you are here. You may see the beauty of my country and your beauty.

Yours,

Angelo

[Hoystoryar]

Edelweiß palais, Apartment 24, Sankt Petersborg Gade, 28406 Ahornstad, Hoystoryar

"Tori..." Maria called out her name, knocking on Victoria's door.

"Come in!" Victoria said, looking up from the book she was reading on the window seat in her room, while it was snowing outside her window. As her flatmate entered her room, Victoria smiled at her friendly.

"What's up?" Victoria asked her friend smiling, making a "pop" sound at the end of "up".

Her flatmate, Maria, walked towards where she was sitting on her comfortable window seat, reaching out her arm, with a letter in her hand, toward Victoria.

"What's this?" Victoria asked her friend surprised.

"This came from the palace, I suppose it's something from your dad?" Maria suggested curiously. Victoria hasn't lived in the Royal Palace for two years now, ever since she moved into a flat with her university friend Maria. From there, she would go to university every day.

Victoria tapped on the space next to her, motioning for Maria to sit down next to her on the window seat, as she opened the letter.

"It's from... Edom..." Victoria said somewhat dreamily.

"What does it say?" Maria asked her friend curiously.

Victoria pushed a streak of her long hair aside, before reading the letter out loud.

"Dear Victoria, I hope this letter reaches you..." Victoria started to read the letter.

---

"So he wants to meet you." Maria questioned simply, her tone not rising at the end of the question.

"It seems so, yes." Victoria replied.

"So will you go?" Maria asked her friend.

"I think I'll call my father first to inform him, but I myself am determined to go. This Prince has got something very... charming... about him." Victoria explained to her friend.

---

"Papa, har du sett vad Prinsen av Edom har skrivit?" Victoria asked her father on the phone in Swedish, which alongside Danish was one of the two official languages of Hoystoryar.

Ja, min älskling, jag har en kopia av breven. Vad vill du göra?" her father asked her.

"Jag vill gå." she answered her father simply.

---

Victoria sighed, as she closed the door to her flat behind her, stomping her feet on the door mat in order to rid her boots of the snow from outside, as she returned from university. She took off her scarf, her coat with the fur on the hoodie, and made her way to the kitchen, where she made herself a chai latte, which se took to her room with her. Maria had an extra class today, her Italian was good, but she preferred to have extra classes. Victoria was one of the best students in her lectures, her Italian was on point.

She sat down at her desk, the candles on the sides of her window seat lit, the snowflakes outside her window falling down. Ice crystals formed on her window, drawing beautiful patterns across the glass.

She took a piece of paper with her family's and country's coat of arm on top, letter paper made specially for her, to use for official purposes. She took a pen in her hand, and started writing:

---

Edelweiß palais,
Apartment 24,
Sankt Petersborg Gade,
28406 Ahornstad, Hoystoryar
Her Royal Highness, Princess Royal Victoria of Hoystoryar
The Duchess of Helsingfors

---

Dear Angelo,

thank you for your letter and your beautiful words. I gladly accept your invitation, your charme is more than convincing, dear Prince. Seeing your country in autumn must be beautiful, around this time of the year, Hoystoryar is already filled with snow, a gorgeous winter wonderland, really. I have talked to my father to inform him, and I will take three weeks of a permitted leave from university, starting in two days. If that is fine with you, I shall be in Edom in two days already.

Best wishes,
Victoria

Victoria signed with an extra heart, which was unusual to her normal signature. She hoped the prince would be just as interested in her as she was intrigued by him, therefore she dropped a little hint by adding the second heart.

---

Victoria got dressed again, before stepping outside her flat and locking the door behind her, making her way down the stairs, past the doors of the other flats in the house, and made her way to the post office, to send the letter off to Edom.

[Gyflada]

Palazzo Larino, October 09th, 2016

A [uel=http://www.awardlimoinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Rolls-Royce-Phantom1.jpg]black car[/url] stopped at the steps as a footman opened the door, Angelo stepped out. He was returning from a charity event to raise funds for medical research. Angelo was joined by his Private Secretary, Benito, who accompanied him to his office. As Angelo sat down, Benito ushered in a footman who carried a blue box. He put it down in front of Angelo, bowed and exited the room as Benito explained it's contents "Sir, you're blue box for the day. I believe there are some papers which His Majesty would like you to attend to as soon as possible." Angelo nodded his head and began work.

Angelo had been working for 2 hours. His eyes grew weary and his concentration lacked - it was late at night and his desire had now turned to sleep. Angelo closed the box, a few papers remaining. Benito slowly took the box and withdrew as Angelo retired to his room. As Angelo switched on the TV and switched into his pyjamas, Benito entered the room. "Sir, I am sorry to disturb you, but I thought you should read this letter - it was at the bottom of your box. It is from Hoytoryar." he said, holding the letter in his hand.

Angelo took the letter as Benito withdrew and slowly opened it while laying on his bed. As he read the letter his stomach filled with butterflies. He picked up the phone with excitement and rang down to Benito's office "She's coming!" he shouted. "Send a message to the Palace and tell my brother. Make the appropriate arrangements, it is important that things go well!" he shouted.

[Hoystoryar]

Ahornstad—Jule-Nevsky International Airport

Victoria stood at her flight's gate at the airport, behind her was a long line of people, waiting to enter the plane. She was fifth, luckily, due to her planning skills and her very early arrival at the airport. She always flew with commoners and common airlines, business class, because her father urged her to at least accept this condition of his in order to let her fly with common airlines, but still with commoners. Victoria was a princess who was very close to her people, so she lived a very ordinary lifestyle, too. It was a good trait for a princess, to be humble and love her people, but yet not forget her Royal heritage, position and manners.

When the stewardess at the check-in desk called for all passengers to get out their passports along with their boarding tickets in order to start boarding, Victoria was already prepared. When it was her turn, she quickly made her way down the aisle that took her to the plane and entered the plane greeting the cabin crew with a friendly "Good morning".

---

In the last ten minutes of the flight, Victoria took the chance to freshen up, and retouch her make-up. Later at the airport, in the lounge for business class passengers, she would change into the clothes she'd be wearing to meet Angelo.

---

When Victoria stepped out of the business lounge at the airport in Venta Silurum, she was wearing her full attire. She was wearing a green dress, Emerald and Diamond Tiara, Emerald-Diamond attire. On her wrist she wore a small, simple Emerald bracelet.

She was now ready to meet Angelo, as she entered the limousine that brought her to the palace.

[Gyflada]

Angelo was in the palace as he prepared to meet Victoria. He was getting nervous; what would happen if she arrived and didn't like him? He walked into his wardrobe and took out a white shirt and cream suit. He changed into the clothes and put on some cologne.

Angelo walked through the palace, checking that he was happy with everything - he was very pleased with how the staff had maintained such high standards. Angelo was alerted that the limo had arrived. He walked down the stairs and into the foyer, walking to the door. He slowly walked down the steps as a footman opened the door to the car. Angelo became breathless as he saw Victoria. She was a picture of pure beauty, he took her hand and kissed it, as he looked back up into Victoria's eyes he greeted Victoria. "It is a deep honour to meet you Your Royal Highness." he said.

[Hoystoryar]

Victoria was charmed by Angelo's gesture. She curtseyed in front of him, smiling while looking into his eyes, as she stood up straight again.

"It is an honor to meet you too, Your Royal Highness." Victoria answered, smiling. As they made their way inside the palace, Victoria looked at Angelo, who was in front of her, back to her as he looked up the stairs, to find his brother and sister-in-law. She looked at his face from the side , as he, still with his back to her, moved his head to the right, while he was searching for Leonardo. She noticed the slight stubble on his face. She thought that Angelo was a very attractive man, and he was charming too.

Angelo turned around to look at her again.

[Gyflada]

As Angelo walked in he looked up the stairs. He saw Leo and Alexia - he smiled and turned back to Victoria. He was excited to be able to introduce Victoria to Leo and Alix. As they walked down the stairs he introduced them. "Leo, Alix, I would like to introduce you to Victoria." he said smiling. After they exchanged pleasantries, Leo and Alix left to head back to their Palace.

Angelo turned back to Victoria "You must be tired after your long journey. Let me show you to your room." he said with a smile. He showed Victoria upstairs and then invited her to unpack and gave her free reign to explore while he attended a meeting with his Private Secretary.

[Hoystoryar]

"Alexia! How nice to see you again!" Victoria said happily, as she hugged Alexia and exchanged kisses on both sides of their head.

Alexia turned to Angelo. "Angelo, you have to know that Victoria and I know each other for quite some time already. Her elder sister, Ingrid, the Crown Princess, is engaged to one of my brothers, Vitaly. Our families are quite familiar with one another because of this." Alexia informed her brother-in-law. Alexia and Leonardo made their way back to their palace, to leave Angelo and Victoria to get to know each other in private for a little while.

Guest Chambers

Victoria sat down on her bed, taking out her phone, in order to call her friend, Maria.

"Hej! Hur mår du?" she asked her friend.

"Ja, han är så söt, jag kan inte tro det." she told Maria.

Victoria talked to her friend for about an hour, before she started to get dressed. Angelo had informed her of a ball this evening, which will be held in order to welcome her to Edom, and for Angelo to present her to some of his friends, important members of Edom's nobility, and other important people in Edom.

Victoria decided to wear a nice, wide white dress with red flower patterns. She liked the slightly traditionally influenced dresses, it reminded her of how Empresses in Europe used to dress for balls. She paired the dress with her favorite diamond tiara, her diamond and ruby earrings and a [url]diamond necklace[/url]. She was ready for the ball.

[Gyflada]

Angelo's Private Study
As Angelo finished his meeting, his attention was turned towards the events for the evening. His Private Secretary, Benito sat down, "Sir, we have had to cancel the Ball. Unfortunately a there is a storm Larino which has stopped the guests from being able to attend. We have had to revert to a small intimate dinner with yourself, your sister Amelia and her husband Giovanni. Would you like Prince Stefan to be attendance too?" Benito said with a smile.

Angelo sat back in his, "That is a shame." Angelo said disappointed. "Okay, lets go with the intimate dinner. Yes, I would love for my little nephew to join us. He is getting big now." Angelo said with a smile. "Oh, before you go. Make sure Victoria gets the dress." Angelo said, with his eyes lifting.

The Stairs
It was almost time for dinner. Angelo had gotten changed and had opted for a [/url=http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/20/article-1389169-0C2D304600000578-260_468x668.jpg]bluish suite[/url]. He turned around to see Victoria. She looked stunning, Angelo couldn't believe his eyes. As she neared the end of the stairs he put out his hand. He gently kissed her hand as she reached the last step, looked up and simply said, "You look amazing.".

Versini Dining Room
As they entered the dining room, Angelo introduced Victoria to his sister Amelia and her husband Giovanni, who everyone called Gio. He was holding Stefan, their son.

They say down to the table, as two footman brought out some plates and serving dishes. Angelo turned to everyone "I have opted for a help yourself dinner. I hope you all don't mind." he said cheekily. As the weather was getting cooler and their were chills in the air, the fires had been lit and Chef had cooked what appeared to be a good looking goulash, with warm crusty bread. Angelo loved this type of home cooking and family meal.

As they sat and ate conversation flowed through the room and everyone got to know each other, "So, what's it like in Hoystoryar?" Angelo asked.

[Hoystoryar]

Victoria smiled when she saw the goulash. She loved goulash, pörkölt and paprikás, she loved stews in general. And she had a good reason.

"I like your choice of food very much, Your Royal Highness." Victoria spoke up.

"You must know, in Hoystoryar, we have a significant Hungarian minority in Hoystoryar. 28.000 people of our citizens are ethnically Hungarians, so stews have become a very important and large part of our Hoystoryaran cuisine." Victoria said.

As Angelo asked her a question about Hoystoryar, Victoria proceeded to answer.

"My country lies at about the same height as Iceland on the world map, so what you now call autumn, is already winter in my country. We had autumn about a month ago, and it lasted from late August to late mid-October." she explained.

"My country basically looks like a winter wonderland right now. It's gorgeous, really." Victoria explained.

[Gyflada]

Versini Dining Room

Angelo listened intently. He was glad that Victoria liked the choice of food. "I am very pleased you approve. Stews are a big part of our cuisine here. It begins to get very cold over the coming month and so stews are often used as a source of warmth and comfort in the evenings." Angelo said with a smile.

As Victoria explained about Hoystoryar, Angelo looked mesmerised. "It sounds beautiful." he said. "I would love to visit some day." he said, with a smile.

As everyone finished their main course, little warm chocolate puddings were brought out. After they finished their puddings, everyone Angelo's family departed to their chambers. Angelo invited Victoria to sit with him in the drawing room.

Drawing Room
Angelo sat down by the fire and looked at Victoria. "So, what is your greatest ambition in life?" he asked.

[Hoystoryar]

Drawing Room

"Currently I am studying Italian at the National University of Hoystoryar in Ahornstad, our capital city. I live together with my university friend Maria, she is an amazing and very sweet person. I graduated in law this year, specialising in women's, animals' and children's rights and now I'm doing Italian." Victoria explained.

"I moved out of the palace and into an apartment with my best friend because it was closer to my university, plus I do not want to live off my status and title before I'm not married and have made some money of my own myself." she told Angelo.

"It might sound strange for a princess, many people in our inner circle do not agree with what I'm doing, but it just feels right anyway. But don't get me wrong, Angelo, I do love the beautiful royal styles, the jewelry and the court procedures, it is just that right now I am living the life of a student, and I like having the full experience." she explained.

Then, her phone, which was lying on the coffee table between her and Angelo, lit up, displaying a message from her friend Maria. The message read "Your Prince charming looks quite hot... nice one, Tori!" in reference to Angelo. That is just how Maria was, she said what she thought out loud as soon as it came into her mind.

Victoria hoped that angelo had not seen the message, but the expression on his face and his eyes quickly moving to look into hers as she looked back up from her phone, indicated that Angelo had very well seen the message.

[Gyflada]

Angelo couldn't believe how sincerest and humble Victoria was. He was in love with the fact that she was also learning Italian. "I think it is wonderful that you are learning Italian, however what stands out to me the most is how humble you are. You are so headstrong - you know what you want and you are living your life simply. I wholeheartedly respect that." he said with a smile.

Angelo looked down at Victoria's phone as it buzzed. Once he realised it was not his phone, he return his gaze back to Victoria, although he managed to see enough to get a gist of what was being said. He decided it was time to test her abilities, "Tu sei una persona straordinaria. Ho apprezzato molto la vostra azienda." he whispered.

[Hoystoryar]

Victoria couldn't help but smile at how charming, and also sexy, Angelo was. She smiled as he whispered to her in Italian. "Grazie, ma anche a me mi è piaciuto molto la tua azienda. Anche tu sei straordinario, non sei come gli altri." Victoria countered softly, as she looked into Angelo's eyes.

[Gyflada]

Angelo smiled and simply replied with one question, "Grazie. Mi piaceva stare con te. Volete passeggiare nei giardini?"

He then stood up and walked over to the door.

[Hoystoryar]

"Sì, mi piace l'idea." Victoria agreed, accepting Angelo's offer to walk with him in the gardens.

[Gyflada]

"Sì, mi piace l'idea." Victoria agreed, accepting Angelo's offer to walk with him in the gardens.

Angelo took Victoria's hand, and led her outside to the garden. He held her hand as they walked around. "So, tell me. What do you see for your future?" he said.

[Hoystoryar]

Victoria looked at Angelo, smiling. "I could imagine myself doing something with my law degree. There are always going to be people in need of a good lawyer, especially those who are too poor to afford a good one and those who stull have to fight for their rights in our world." Victoria explained.

A breeze blew through her long, soft, brown hair, filling the air with a nice smell of roses, Victoria's favorite shampoo.

"May I return the question?" Victoria asked Angelo curiously. "What could a handsome prince like you possibly do outside of his duties in the palace? Successors to the theone have been provided, as far as I know, which should take one bif burden off of you. What do you dedicate yourself to?" she asked him, still smiling.