Thread: An Empire in 100 Nights (Rosewood x LeatrixSage)

The silence of the seemingly solemn ceremony continued until suddenly an instrument began playing, like an intruder had invaded the ceremony. Fear and confusion took hold for a moment as he looked around as subtly as he could and identified the one who had begun as northmen. It seemed normal and he noted the lack of reaction from the queen. Was this normal then, he wondered as he stood there waiting in uncertainty. That uncertainty gradually faded as others began picking up the music as well and the entire mood of the event seemed to change. When someone's voice began carrying a song his uncertainty faded and he understood this was a part of her custom. Could have warned me, lady , he thought to himself in a dry tone. As the queen cleaned her hands and straightened herself again, he chuckled at her question and smiled. I have been on many battlefields, milady, battle doesn't spoil my appetite, he said politely, restraining himself from showing that battle actually stirred a completely different kind of appetite . He followed her as naturally as he could and noted the people showering them with gifts. Instinctively he smiled warmly, nodding and raising his hand as was appropriate, he had done this before and this was no different. He caught one of the gifts and was about to pocket it until the sound of crunching snow gave away that they were being followed by those picking up the gifts. Noting the wear and tear of their clothes and the genuine happiness on their faces as they picked up the trinkets he understood the nature of this custom and paused to let someone in the train catch up to him, before handing them the gift he had caught a simple necklace consisting of a cord with a bead. The older woman who took the gift from smiled nervously and said nothing but gave him a nod, nodding back he strode off to rejoin the queen. The event had happened in clear of the crowd and word of it would spread. Those who hated him would simply claim it was a trick, but those neutral or favorable to him would see it as a good sign and would cling to the hope it provided. What mattered was fostering the loyalty of those who were willing to support him. They'd help strengthen the imperial presence here as long as he lived up to their expectations. Well then I suppose I'll try to win their hearts again, won't I? he said calmly before nodding to her explanation. I've done so before with my troops, it'll be nice to do this with your people, he said, not readily accepting her label 'his people' as he wasn't their ruler yet, officially or unofficially. Turning to his personal guard he instructed them to remain on guard by the walls of the mead hall and to keep him in sight. If they were needed, he would let them know. They hesitated but ultimately complied, leaving their Emperor's side was hard for them to accept but in the end orders were orders. What about you, milady? It doesn't sound like you'll be joining me, he asked, his tone not betraying his thoughts on the matter. On the inside however he was beginning to pick up on the fact that the diplomatic relationship between him and the queen had cooled considerably. No doubt having him present at such a northern event and the effects his invasion were having on her nation were wearing on her. It was understandable she wouldn't be particularly warm to him right now, he'd simply have to hope this attitude didn't last. No doubt it would shift as they both adapted to the new way of life and given enough time she'd start thinking of his presence in her life as something normal.