Thread: Clashing of the Royals ( Ava & Bloody Ava )

Even the charming young Prince could feel the tension that settled over the two of them as they made their way gracefully up the winding road that lead toward the Palace, but it only made Nicholas resent Eola all the more. He didn't want this, to be tied to a woman that he had no knowledge of nor care for - not that love had ever been a priority for him. A great portion of his life had in fact been driven by lust, and what experience he had had of love and affection had been cut short by the untimely death of his mother and non-existent from an ever dutiful father. Not that he pitied himself. Many had lost parents in times like these, and besides, Nicholas had far more interesting matters to focus his attention upon than wallowing in grief. The Prince rose first as the carriage came to a gradual halt, hopping down onto the freshly swept cobbles to lift a hand and aid his bride down beside him - after all he had received all the tutelage that one would expect of a male of high birth. Long fingers curled about Eola's delicate hand, his grip strong yet not uncomfortable as he ensured her safe passage from the carriage before releasing his grip and drawing away almost instantly. Icy blue eyes stared at the Princess for a long moment, weighing up her half finished question. One would almost think she was eager to disappear within their private chambers and consummate the marriage fully, such a thought brought a faint smirk to Nicholas' mouth. Of course, my wife. We must be gracious hosts to our many guests, we have time enough for other things. His smirk grew rather broader as he offered her the crook of his arm, preparing to escort her through the intricate corridors that led to the Great Hall. The banquet was lavish indeed, a great many long tables lined the wide and spacious room, occupied in order of nobility to that of the more humble. A far larger and grander table stretched across the top of the room, occupied by the royal family now linked through marriage. In the middle sat Nicholas and Eola, with the wife to her husband's right and the Prince's father and step-mother to his left. The mood had lightened considerably with the flow of alcohol and heavily laden platters of food over-burdening the table before them. King Caisus had remarried, after his first wife had sadly passed, a young woman who could only be ten or so years older than Nicholas' himself and, while the King appeared to dote upon her, one would notice a certain unease between the Prince and his young step-mother. To Eola's right sat her own representatives of her family, mother and father should they have attended and siblings as well, all given honour at the head table. A smaller table sat below them, housing the knights of high station. It was here that Sir Tobias was seated along with the Captain of the Guard, the King's royal advisor, the royal healer and so forth. From that point on the tables occupied Dukes and Lords particularly loyal to the current King, then lesser nobles, and so forth until the bottom tables occupied the loud boisterous soldiers not on duty that night. Servants flitted restless between the tables, ensuring that the royals were always served first and constantly ensured that their goblets were topped with wine. Once the lavish meal had come to an end, there was music and entertainment, jugglers and musicians and thespians. Some of the tables were even cleared to permit dancing should any of the guests wish to do so. Nicholas ate and drank well, his sour mood gradually dispersing as his cheeks grew rosy with wine and laughter. Many a young noble girl or even attractive serving girl caught his eye and received a wink or a smile, yet the Prince remained at his wife's side despite how keen he would have been to do otherwise. When King Caisus rose to his feet to escort his young wife to the dance floor, the Prince leant toward his wife and spoke to her for what could only have been the fourth time since they had taken their seats. Care for a dance? Or perhaps my wife wishes to retire?