Thread: The Heart Asks Pleasure First (Methos x Snow)

Re The Heart of a King Methos x Snow For one about to be married, the Crown Prince displayed a decided lack of enthusiasm. He stood rather rigidly, with his back as straight as a ramrod and his face composed into what appeared to be a regal look of solemn duty. Was Prince Phillip pleased to be marrying some tarted up princess from Charlemagne? His expression suggested not in the least. All reports rather suggested that hed been rather melancholy. He had been immensely fond of the late duchess he had been expected to marry today, and whom he had been betrothed too for some time. She had suited him entirely - deferential, but engaged and willing to assist in what he set his mind too. She would have been the perfect queen, aiding his rule and doing nothing to detract from it, nor was she likely to have ever been a source of problems. Instead he was stuck with some gaudy scion of a nation of decadent traders who was entirely inappropriate. Aldamors finances were somewhat strained - a plague tended to have that effect. Time would bring things bouncing back now that the pestilence had past. Yet the royals had spent a small fortune seeking to preserve their people and spare them the worst of the diseases with priests and doctors having been sent from far and wide, and food provided to the widows and orphans that the plague had created. Taxes were down as businesses and agriculture both sought to deal with labour shortages due to illness and death. The Prince had thought if money was what was needed hed gladly lead the army into one of their weak neighbours, conquering and looting to fill the royal treasury. The kingdoms strength had always been its rather fearsome military. The training, precision and size of the Aldamorian army had always given the country much sway with its neighbours. The rather rigid attitude of the Kingdoms nobility leant itself well to soldiering. For they almost seemed to crave the hardship and deprivation involved in war to demonstrate their ability to persevere and thereafter overcome whatever obstacles may be put before them. The Prince was clad entirely formally, in military uniform. The leather of black boots seemed to gleam, while black pants, were matched with a black coat whose ornamentation consisted of silver trim and buttons, as well as silvery lion emblems worked along the sleeve and shoulders. With an equally dark shirt, he cut a rather somber and severe figure. His appearance seemed to much match his garb. His features had a slight swarthiness to them. A tanned colouration gracing his skin, matched with dark hair and eyes. He stood three inches over six feet in height. His shoulders were broad and his frame rather muscular. The prince liked all his fellows fancied himself above all else a warrior, so war, hunting and the discussion and study of the previous too were most of what captivated his attention. He was deemed a handsome man, and when hed taken to the field of battle hed acquitted himself boldly and been most successful in leading his men. The Prince took himself very, very seriously, and now was to be married to a girl who not only came from as strange a place as Charlemagne, where they didnt even have a king! But whom was rumoured to be altogether too free and family with members of the court there and drink, play and cards and all other manner of things that were entirely unbecoming of a princess. He was almost certain before hed even met the woman that should would be nothing but trouble and likely only to serve as an embarrassment as opposed to advancing his interests. As the woman approached the altar where he stood, his eyes scrutinized her. His face remained essentially unreadable. However, he conveyed little by way of approval. The woman was certainly pretty enough. That he could grant, although gaudy in her garb. Painted and sparkling with gem stones and wealth in a manner that was simply unseemly. He was left to wonder if tasteful or modest had ever even entered into the vocabulary of her country. His suspicion was that they had not. The Priest was heard droning through the various formalities that surrounded the event. Eventually he read out the recitals of duties and inquired if the Prince intended to marry the woman in question. Rather formally he replied I do. At which time he produced a ring from his pocket and despite his distaste for finery, it was indeed a ring worthy of a queen. A stunning diamond set against gleaming rubies with threads of gold woven between the cluster of precious stones. He heard her answer in the same manner although perhaps more pleasantly. But with her answer he slide the ring upon her finger and the priest pronounced the married. Phillip stepped closed towards the woman and leaned downwards to press his lips against her own. He kissed her firmly although without any particular relish for the task. But it was expected of him thus he did so. Thereafter, he turned to face the crowd assembled and raised his hand to acknowledge those who now cheered assuming that this event was cause for celebration. He didnt discourage them from that notion as it would not have given the proper appearance so to some extent he played along. I believe we are expected at the banquet. He noted and thereafter offered his wife his arm. Intending to lead her through the palace to the hall in question. Some manner of entertainment and feasting had been planned as befitted a royal wedding. It was to be a grand affair and dignitaries both local and foreign all wished a chance to ingratiate themselves with the future king and his bride. Which in simple terms meant that the next several hours were going to be irritating and full of people seeking favours. It did little to improve his mood to think that.