King's Castle

Emma Janssens

"You honor and flatter me in the same breath your grace." Emma said softly as she felt her cheeks heat up slightly. She'd never expect a member from one of the most powerful royal families in all the kingdoms to compliment her on her pastries, and even possibly choose her treats for an upcoming event. "If you grace me with the honor, your grace, I'd be more than happy to accept the privilege and the challenge to show of all the treats I can possibly make. It would be a shame that the socialites wouldn't have something delicious to accompany their wine." She said before changing the subject. "No. No one has yet to ask me to dance. If someone had, I would not have notice. I found myself being captivated by the architecture and the art that decorates the ballroom. " She admitted, her face turning a little red.

King Romulus Vitus ((sorry for late reply damn i didn't know how to jump in))


"Gilbert!" He grinned, quickly pulling him in a quick hug when he approached. Only to let go then listen to his story quietly in the background as the two caught up with each other. His story was quite amusing, which truly did interest him. He remembered his own expedition his own age. Not nearly an approved expedition, since he was expected to always behave so well being the prince of Aether, but he always did sneak from Fort Regimus only to return after a couple of days. Not everyone was familiar of his face back then, before he moved to the Capitol. Unlike now when he could no longer "sneak out" and embark on an adventure with the same amount of recognition and freedom as a bird. Power and fame did have its downsides....

"That sounds truly exciting. Maybe you wouldn't mind to show us old men about a few of these places, aye?" Auburn eyes glimmered with enthusiasm. There was always something about the King, no matter how much of an idiot he is at times, that made people comfortable around him. As if he was a close friend or a father figure personally than of a king.
And like their region, the Vitus are often warm and charming that won the hearts of the kingdom. It was their prized family trait.

"Unfortunately... Not that the Capitol is insufficient of beauty, but it's harder for older men to find life companions unlike those of wild and young hearts. Affairs and flings are no longer proper for us." He sighed, shaking Gilbert's shoulder. "But like I told your dear father, I am a Viresi wine. I get better with age." The king winked.

Natalya Czarina


For a split second, her eyes widened at his attack but like a true Czar, it never lasted for long. In an instant, she broke her gaze and scoffed to herself. Her facade then shifted to an abrasive and peevish one. The only negative about it, however, is that she blushes easily due to her almost sickly pale skin. And it was now very evident, under the light of the beeswax candles.

"It doesn't." She snapped through gritted teeth. "None of your presence could ever dare to send me comfort, do understand." It must be because of her strong distaste of him. Alfred is too proud and reckless -- in her eyes, that is so. But Natalya tends to overlook that she's just the same as him. That aside, she still couldn't place her thoughts on other reasons as to why he tends to be much more provocative for her than anyone else in the region.

"Excuse me, Lord Commander. I have to find my brother." Lady Czarina curtsied, without any more patience for Alfred's continuous attacks.

Alfred Atherton

"I think you're exaggerating. Never is such a strong word." There was simply no way to erradicate the abhorrent image of him in her eyes. There was no way of befriending this woman. Nothing he tried seemed to work. Plenty of questions was in his head, just asking to be heard, but that he cannot allow, at least not yet.

"Lady Natalya." He bowed, beaming her a smile. "This won't be the end of me, so hold that breath still." Persistent as always, but patience and hardwork would pay off in the end. Only this time his goal remained unstated. It should be trickier to go down that murky path, but that did not halt him. The only direction was forward, it seemed. He would not know when to fall back even if it was being screamed at his face. It was either bravery or foolishness.


Ivan Czar

The lord of Dvorets Black decided to grace the King's Castle with his more or less wanted presence. He already had a goblet of the famous Viresi wine in his hand as he entered through the double doors, scanning the crowd. There was a slight decline to his mood, knowing that he had to pay courtesies to these people as an unspoken duty. But the wine was too good to let this ill fortune spoil his evening. It should be tolerable enough, he hoped.

Dressed in black and lined with white, the lord paced through the crowd. His keen eyes landed on the king specifically. Such a tall man in bright colors was easy enough to spot. But on his way on reaching the most powerful man in the kingdom, his eyes caught sight of his dear sister. In suspicion, Ivan raised his brow. To have her talking to another was no ordinary occurence. It was rather rare for her to hold such a conversation, especially in a room of people she was not overly familiar with. Having caught his attention, he walked toward her, his steps casually slow.

"Natalya?" Ivan went to her side, paying no mind to the man in front of her. "Where have you been today? I heard you left your guards' sight. Are you alright?" He cupped her chin, raising her head so he could examine her. Ivan saw no external hint of physical harm. Her skin was smooth and flawless, just as he remembered. "This kind of face attracts trouble. The Capitol is full of thieves and disgusting—" He turned to the Atherton lordling. His language was improper for the setting. "Forgive me," he muttered to him. "You're from House Atherton, I assume? Thank you for keeping my sister company whilst I was gone. But I'm afraid you're no longer needed here." There was a warm smile on his lips as he said his words. He never liked it when someone takes interest of what he holds dear, even if no harm was intended.

Natalya Czarina


Before she could even leave, Ivan have found her first. It wasn't exactly what she desired. If she could hide this... acquaintance with Alfred, then it would be better for her own sake. At least there wouldn't be any more questions regarding on how they've met, more over any suspicion. Hopefully, the knight wouldn't act so foolish in front of the Lord unlike when it's just the two of them conversing.

She flashed a dry smile when he examined her face, obviously too distracted by the knight's presence to assume her brother's kindness to worry. "I am well, my lord. I apologize if I've had you worried." She pulled away her head and held his hand. It appears that hiding her frailties should receive more attention now that Ivan's close eyes are around. She wrapped her arm around Ivan as he asked for Alfred to leave, albeit imprudently. She wondered if it would easily work this time, now that her brother enforced it. It seems that no matter how she scornfully asked so, it wouldn't take effect.

"Thank you, Lord Commander. It was pleasant meeting with you." She nodded at Alfred. Though the words were well, her tone wasn't exactly friendly.

Lovino Vitus

He watched his father laugh and enjoy his time with the Ritters; Ulrich and... was that the boy he met years ago? That must be Gilbert, if he remembered right, with that unique white mane and sharp red eyes. Nevertheless, Lovino had to move now; he didn't come here to risk himself in anyway with his family. He was here as... Lovino. Just Lovino. A man who lurked by the capitol's market and approached pretty ladies who were easy to talk to. Speaking of which

As he finally peeled his eyes off the old King, he brushed by a few people until his eyes met all too familiar hazel ones. Again, he stopped walking, just staring at this person- another one he knew all his life. The surprise and sudden flow of memories filled his head. Feliciano. His brother, standing only a few feet from him with... what, this tall blonde macho guy?

His lips parted, as if he had something to say, but closed it immediately. His expression quickly changed to its usual grumpy state, and he frowned. As much as he wanted to walk away, there was this feeling of wanting to actually speak with his brother. "Tch, so do you remember me or not?" Theolder Vitus spat out, folding his arms across his chest and walking towards Feliciano.

Gilbert was not surprised to receive such a well-thought but also highly predictable answer from his father, however, the king’s reaction to his little story made him smile in a wide manner. “Maybe if you two were like a hundred years younger,” he replied to the king’s question of showing him the places where he had been, his warm and friendly manner luring the younger one into behaving this careless and comfortable way. Romulus was a good king and he knew that he and his father were still in good shape but when he thought about the many mountains he had climbed on top of and the cold he had experienced, he still avoided thinking of that moment when he had wanted to cross a lake in Silny and the ice beneath his feet giving in, he did rather not risk every person on Aether hating him because of their king being hurt.

“But don’t you worry about me, father, I will return to Adlerhorst soon and healthy,” he then began to react to Ulrich’s words, not sure if he should be annoyed because of his father thinking that he was stupid enough to lose a limb or let someone manipulate him or if he should be glad about him being concerned. “I know that everyone will love to see me again,” he suddenly grinned, knowing exactly that his absence was highly appreciated by the majority of his family and the people within Unire.

As expected he received no satisfying answer from his father concerning his last question but he did receive an interesting answer from the king. “Is that so?” he asked the king in a rhetorical after he shook his shoulder and winked at him. “May I ask your Highness to give me some advice then?” he asked, not really thinking that he needed any since he was very confident about both his personality and looks but he just could not help himself but to be curious.

Ashleigh Atherton

"Okay, come on!" Ash ordered, running along in her dress and shoes, leading Wolfie in by pulling him in by his arm. "Eat quietly, don't cause a fuss and just admire the art or something. Take anything and you're in a lot of trouble."

Wolfie almost tripped over on the stairs as he was dragged into he room. Composing himself he looked around, taken aback by the grandure around him. He'd never been in such a lavish place, let alone here with the chance of free food!
Nodding to Ashleigh he replied "Right, i'll behave myself don't worry!"

Francis Vitus-Atherton

Francis looked around at the walls of the ballroom, and nodded in understanding. "Yes, it is quite impressive, isn't it?" he asked, not expecting an answer. It was quite lovely to him as well, as he hadn't always lived in the castle. Perhaps that was why he was a bit more humble, because he knew what it was like to live outside of castle walls. "When I first saw the architecture here, I was quite fascinated myself. But, if you wouldn't mind sparing a few minutes of your time, I would be honoured if you would allow me to dance with you."

Emma Janssens

Emma's face turned another shade of red, a much darker shade of red. She'd never dreamed in a million years that she would be asked to dance with at royal member. Did Elohim decide to bless her today? She'd never know, but it would be extremely rude if she'd refuse the offer for a dance. It would be against propriety and the such. She immediately went into a curtsy, trying to erase the blush on her face. "I'd be honored to be your partner for the dance, " She said to him with a warm smile on her face.

Ashleigh Atherton

"And most importantly, if you're unsure what to do in any situation, just follow my lead." the girl instructed, before muttering "I've been made to go to enough of these things to know..." She swiftly ended her complaining, speaking up once again "So eat and have fun, but try to control yourself." Ashleigh cautioned, leading him through the room

Alfred Atherton and Ivan Czar

The knight regarded the lord with a blank expression. The presence of the man made him a tad bit uncomfortable, but maybe it was because of the childish tales about the Czar lord. But he did not let the intimidation get the better of him however. Shortly he was beaming yet another grin. "My lord." He bowed his head slightly to be courteous. "Indeed I am. As the lady said, I'm the Lord Commander by oath, but an Atherton by blood."

"Then you must be Ser Alfred," Ivan mused. "I've heard tales about you. Young yet fearsome..." And born to a prestigious and feared house. It was difficult to overlook the fact that such a man could catch the attention of the most obstinate woman he knew. "I don't know how you got my sister to talk, but I will be stealing her away from you now. I hope you don't mind."

"Please, my lord, I was only paying my courtesies." It was hard to process the sight of how affectionate Natalya was being to the lord. It was as if he did not know the woman. Of course, he hardly knew anything about her, but her attitude and approach toward him (and maybe toward everyone else) greatly differed from what she was showing to Ivan then. Alfred was sure she was being genuine as well. Might be that it was a Czar thing, whatever their culture was. If the lord would take Natalya now, he might not have another opportunity to get her to talk to him again. "In fact, my lord, we were just talking about how my lady agreed to honor me with a dance. Second, after you." He smiled at Natalya, despite knowing that she probably wanted to let her tigress gnaw at his throat.

Ivan chuckled. "It's hard to imagine that, but as you say, ser." With a notice of their leave, Ivan escorted his sister away from the knight. "We must talk, sister. And I recall that you promised me your first dance?" He looked at Natalya with a smile that barely gave hints of what he was thinking. "Before I ask of your day, I must say that he's a charming lad." His head turned to briefly catch a glimpse of the knight, who was looking at them from where he stood. "Tell me, should I feel threatened?"

King Romulus Vitus

"Hundreds of years younger!" Romulus scoffed, but with a great humor of it. Yes, yes. He may be old, but not for hundreds of years exaggeration. "Well then..." He started, after asking for his own advice. For a second, he looked at Ulrich as if for a permission to continue but he started without his consent nonetheless. "Teach you the famous and beloved Vitus charm?" He pursed his lips in thought. "I doubt you can pull it off, but alright. We'll give it a try..."

"You have to make her want you, of course. Talk sweet words, respect her wishes, pamper her... Hmm..." He rubbed his chin. It wasn't exactly easy explaining things that would go very naturally for him. "Every dame is a princess, just keep that in mind."

Ulrich Ritter

On the topic that was brought Ulrich didn't exactly say anything. He highly doubted he had enough level of humor to make his comments fit the situation, and he might as well ruin the mood with attempting of joining in. That's why he just remained silent, his hands crossed on his chest when he watched and listened to the conversation beetween the king and his son.

He caught Romulus' glance before the brown-haired man started talking. If he wanted, sure, Gilbert can try. However Ulrich secretly hoped that he wouldn't use the socalled 'Vitus charm' - he had enough of that on everyday basis already. He still listened to the conversation, out of pure interest of how Romulus actually sees women than.

Natalya Czarina


She was quiet as they conversed. Occasionally rolling her eyes or raising an eyebrow at Alfred which was very well evident. It seemed as if every second spent in between the two equaled into a day's worth of suffering. She gripped Ivan's arm firmly, trying her best to extend her patience with the intrusion of the Knight.

"I thought he would never leave," Natalya directed him to the center of the room. Her limping wasn't as bad when walking, but that would remain a question when dancing. Just how dreadful could this night last... "Of course, my grace," She smiled at him, taking a step back before making a curtsy and offering her hand for a dance.
"Ugh. Indeed, quite charming." She mocked in disgust, frowning at the thought. How she despised him -- it wasn't even imposing as a doubt. A smirk played her lips, surprised by Ivan's question. Truth be told, she's enjoying his suspicions. It was the first time she's ever left the North as a grown woman of her age, and there was never much of men to be cautious off in the castles. Every soul looked up to him there, but in the Capitol, it's different. They may be of high born, but so are at least half of the people in this room. But of course that is a taboo to never be spoken off to either one of them. "I do not know, dear brother... Should you be?"

Gilbert chuckled at the king's reaction, but he could tell that the king knew he was just messing around a bit and did not take his words too seriously.

However, after hearing the king's next words it was his time to scoff. "Of course I can do that," he replied. He was Gilbert Ritter, he could do anything, learning the ways of charming himself into a woman's heart seemed like the easiest thing to learn, or so he thought. While listening to the king's advice Gilbert could already tell that he would face some problems if he were to stick to all of them. "Every dame being a princess?" he asked in a doubtful way, "I'd rather not fall for a normal woman," he declared, as much as people complained about him not acting in the way someone with royal blood and an heir should making sure that the risk of falling in love with someone that would bring shame to their region was very important to him.

"I do thank you, your Highness, I will try to keep you advice in mind," he then thanked the king and turned his head to look around for a woman he might be able to speak to later and see if Romulus' advice worked. It did not need a lot of time to spot a decent woman he did not know but what really caught his attention was the familiar person standing right next to her. "Francis is also here," he mumbled, debating on whether or not he should walk over to his friend and greet him.

Ivan Czar

The lord bowed, taking her hand in his as they started to dance to the music.

He gazed into her eyes with a brow raised. His sister was a beautiful woman, that he knew. He had never felt the urge to be so cautious in keeping her affections to himself alone. Though it was a still a debate, whether or not he was besotted with his betrothed, but he cannot tolerate her entertaining a man she bewitched. "Why? Are you fond of him? Earlier I thought you found his company a drag." The man was a knight, sworn to the Order. These knights do not enter marriages, they're restricted by their oath. However that reason alone did not bring ease to Ivan's mind.

Alfred Atherton

"Women," he muttered as he approached the king and his companions. He sipped on red wine as he watched the couple dance. "You can be the damn king and you're still never good enough for them. Or is it just me?" He turned to Romulus. "The heavens did not bless me with such luck. I'm looking a god right now—bless me with your charm." He laughed heartily, not minding his supposed manners. Talking to the king seemed much easier if addressed casually.

King Romulus Vitus


"How you break my poor heart..." He frowned at his declaration on his own taste in women. Well, Romulus couldn't blame him, though. It was rather common for their kind of people to think such highly of themselves, disregarding the existence of those without status. And even if this rule applied to the king, he always dared to break it when the woman presented before him held beauty of thousand folds. "Aye. Goodluck, Gilbert." He bid him.

"Quite the spirited man you never were," the king noted, chuckling at Ulrich before raising his cup to his lips.

It wasn't even long when Alfred approached them. It made him laugh to think that so many of them are starting to turn to him for advice in love, tonight of all times. It didn't come off as a surprise, but it was just amusing to find it now. The moment the day began, he half-expected political talks more than having fun.
"A man's charm could only work when a woman's heart is free. Even if it is the king of love, or just another common folk," Romulus smiled. His eyes found the two Czars dancing. Two of the same feather, he admit. "Otherwise, it would only be a waste. Or worse -- a crime committed for coveting."
It was well known, the king didn't mind affairs and common display of affection. But of course, they were nothing more than dull affairs. Those one time thing. Even if he did start affairs all over the kingdom, Romulus had the decency to return to his queen at the end of the day. And his heart did remain with her, over time... Even until now.
"Is this why you dressed so well tonight, Lord Commander?" He teased, nodding at the direction of the Czarina. "I suspect you won't be leaving your golden cloak for so long." It was a joke, of course. But half of it was directed with intention. Fascination in his case was healthy. Obsession, not so much.

Natalya Czarina

"Dear brother, please..." She groaned then chuckled at his notions. "Stop making me laugh. I couldn't dare to think of another's company more disagreeable." Every god damn step dancing felt like a shard between her flesh. It caused her movements to slow, to which she hoped he didn't notice. If only she could tell her brother what had happened this morning, then Ivan would understand. But that would only leave her vulnerable from acting so absurd and unjust for a Lady of the North.
"To think that I never even agreed to dance with him..." Natalya muttered bitterly. Yes, it was a debt, but it was a debt she never approved. "Either way, I'll give him one if it will mean to be the last of him."

Wolfie nodded, following after Ashleigh with a dazed expression on his face. Still trying to take in all the grandure around him and resisting the urge to help himself to a few of the silver knives and forks. "a shame" he thought to himself, pondering how much he could have sold them for - and whether that would be enough for a new paintbrush or two.

Ashleigh Atherton

"Now then, you can get some proper food." Ash stated, pointing him over to the grand buffet table "But I'm warning you, do not make a mess of this. No stealing." It would appear that Ash just happened to know what he was thinking, but, as much as she thought it, the brunette girl wasn't quite that talented. Simply, she was paranoid about getting in trouble for bringing him, as well as still annoyed at the trouble she'd gone to in order to look after him, pretty much on impulse.

Feliciano Vitus

Feliciano smiled and listened as Ludwig talked about his dog. She sounded really adorable to him, he wished he could see it, and pet her. He smiled at the thought of it. "She sounds really sweet," He said, in a rather calm voice. He was too caught up in imagining the darling dog.

He then found himself frowning when Ludwig mentioned his departure the next day. It was just a ball, he couldn't stay here forever sadly. Maybe he could try to convince him to stay another day..? Maybe...

Once again he smiled as Ludwig asked if Feliciano had any pets. He nodded vigorously, and big grin on his face. "Si!! I do have some!!" His smile grew even more.
"I have this little kitty, and I call her Pookie!" He smiled as he imagined his adorable kitty, who was probably sleeping somewhere right now.
"She used to be a stray," He explained, looking a little sad as he did.
"But she was so adorable I couldn't leave her behind! So I took her in, and now she's a very very happy kitty! Oh! And I have like... three more!" He smiled, holding up three fingers.
"I love them all so much!"

He then stopped for a moment, remembering Ludwig's departure for tomorrow.
"You know... Luddy..."
How could he possibly convince him..?
"It would be kind of nice if you could stay maybe an extra day... I mean... We rarely have time to talk to each other anymore,"
He gave a small smile, hoping that perhaps Ludwig would agree, but... He knew that Ludwig probably had a lot of responsibilities all the time too so...
He got a little nervous as he awaited the response.

Ludwig Ritter

Ludwig had listened to the explanation regarding feliciano's cats with interest. He definitely wanted to meet this 'Pookie'. With a name like that it must be a cutie, but it would probably break some kind of social taboo to leave a party in order to pet a cat. No matter how cute the animal was, Ludwig liked to think that he had better self control than that.
"Your cats sound very pleasant, Feliciano." He stated after the prince had finished talking about the pets. However at Feliciano's request for Ludwig to stay another day, he simply raised an eyebrow. "Ludwig. Please, call me 'Ludwig'. " The young man insisted with a sigh.


Once the correction regarding his name had been made, he raised his eyebrow even further. "It would be..." He paused, allowing the tip of his tongue to poke out of his mouth as he licked his dry lips and considered the best word to use. "It would be irresponsible to stay away from Adlerhorst for too long, and I'm not even in Unire at the moment. With my brother and father away, staying away from our castle for too long just wouldn't be right, regardless of how uh...little..I see you.." Ludwig had answered with an apologetic tone. "In any other situation, perhaps, but tonight when the ball ends I will be returning to my own home feliciano. A night away is really the most I could spare."

Why feliciano had wanted him to stay, he did not know, and Ludwig couldn't say that an extension of his trip would be an unenjoyable thing, now that he came to think of it...
No, he wouldn't let that Vitus charm get to him.
"I'm..I'm very sorry, Feliciano but..."
That smile. That little smile was so perfect that he almost felt he would be unable to reject the offer, and he found himself pausing before completing his sentence. "I'm sorry Feliciano. It simply can't be done. Perhaps another time?"

Alfred Atherton

Coveting—was that what he was doing? He thought it was just some harmless interest, but the king's words left a lingering impact on his mind. It did disappoint him to know that she was engaged, but he knew these thoughts were useless. He had sworn an oath to the Order. Such honor cannot be tainted with recklessness. He worked far too hard to get into the position he was in to just give it up.

But perhaps the most that disturbed him was the realization that he was even contemplating on this matter, as if he admitted it to himself already.

"Yes, among a variety of reasons." He decided to look away from the couple, but it would not be long until he would find himself glimpsing again. "Your grace, that is something beyond consideration. I honor my place in your service far too much. Besides, I knew of the consequences... I only thought... Well, I can't resist a lady like that... even though she made it clear she wants to slit my throat to shut me up." He rolled his eyes. "I just don't understand what she finds so unlikable about me—I'm irresistible!" Those blue eyes looked at the king's for some kind of confirmation. "Don't you think so, your grace?"

Ivan Czar

"I'm glad because of two things," Ivan spoke. "First, is because I can somehow faintly make you laugh, and second, is that you find him unbecoming." He had always been protective, if not territorial, of his sisters. And the court was filled with pretty bachelors that may potentially find interest in Natalya. The Lord Commander was one of the unlucky bastards, or should he say otherwise, knowing that his sister would grant him that dance he wanted from her.

"I won't stop you from talking to people, Natalya. But he is not my best choice. He seems... entertaining enough to talk to. Knowing you, are you sure you can endure another few minutes with him?"