A masquerade to remember(royal family and miyuki)

[rimy]

[/b][/color] Arella said looking down at the dress. Was it bad? Well, if she was this perky little 16 year old then she would have to say no but she's not a perky little 16 year old, she is a 20 year old hag for god's sake. Arella had tried to calm herself down, it was somewhat a big event for her, she was meeting so many people she had no idea about at one time. And there is something worst following with that line, these people that she was meeting, kind of expects her to know them.

Okay, everyone knows which princess is which, and which prince is what but Arella, she was never interested. And boy did she ever regret about telling off her teachers that she doesn't need to know anything about the royalty of Britannia. She even remember saying that it wasn't her family anyways. Arella sighed, "me and my big mouth"

Then again, sighing let her to looking down at her dress again, the ribbions, laces and the pink just wasn't her. It was never her, maybe it would be in her nightmares, the brightness stinged her, she was used to darker shades of color to blend in the background but this dress was only making her stand out more. Oh, wait, that's what bright dresses were supposed to do.

She heard some rush, noise, wondering what it was Arella glanced. Her frown turned into a smirk in no second, she could now be the happiness woman in the room. Her soft blue colored eyes stared at the two coming downstairs for a while, just a stare, without a thought. After they had came down, her smirk had turned into a snicker, Arella couldn't help snickering for a second or two. It was like her nightmare had suddenly turned into a regular dream.

Yes, she was embarassed in her dress but seeing the red one that the girl was wearing made her feel a lot, and she means, a lot better. The dress was somewhat hidious to Arella's eyes, the laces, the bright red and the black that went along with it. Arella could re-call her little sister wearing that for a halloween, trick-or-treat night. Her day had turned out pretty right after all, this wasn't going to as bad as she thought, at least now she was in a good mood knowing that she wouldn't be the only freak-show around the ballroom.

Suddenly she was tapped on the shoulder by someone, hoping it was Alastair she turned towards it but unfortunately it was her maid, yes her robot-ninja maid. "how-? Where-? When-?" she stumbled on her questions, that maid was starting to freak her out. The maid said that she had came to inform her that 'Kuro Vi Britannia' had arrived with his girlfriend and told Arella to behave.

Of course Arella frowned at her, "behave? Must you really tell me that?" she told the maid. Arella had been behaving just fine, she hadn't done anything wicked and hadn't critized anyone yet. Well, except for that person in the freaky dress but Arella doubt she'll find her again to critize her. Then the maid once again disappeared telling Arella that the Prince and his girlfriend will be coming to meet him.

She stared at couple that was coming towards her, "oh god" she commented "don't tell me that's the prince and his girlfriend" she moaned slapping her forehead.
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[kuro]

Kuro smiled a bit and gently put a finger on her lips to silence her"Miyuki relax its alright everything will be fine they will love you calm down" he siad softly to try and assure her as he walked down the hall with her to the ballroom"and yes I planned the matching outfits I thought it might be a good idea" he said with a smirk as he suddenly spotted Arella and he smiled as he walked with miyuki over to her" Hello Arella its good to see you here I'm sure Alastair should be here soon I sent an invite to him as well also I am his half brother Kuro Vi Britannia" he said before smiling at Miyuki"Arella this is Miyuki Asani my girlfriend Miyuki this is Arella Destiny the soon to be empress of brittania" he introduced thme as he gave a graceful bow to Arella as a sign of respect

[miyukiasani]

Miyuki bowed gracefully, and rose again. "Empress, it will be a pleasure to serve you as a pilot of the britannian empire. May you and the emperor rule long and well." she smiled politely. "Please, feel free to enjoy the deserts and the foreign dishes I made. I hope they will be to your liking, as well as the others."

She then looked around. "I'm surprised that the other members of the family, don't seem to be here; then again, I haven't met the others yet."

Turning to arella, she said, "I do like your dress, it is very becoming on you. Where did you get it?"

[rimy]

[/b][/color] was the first comment that came out of her mouth as the couple approched her, she wasn't sure if they heard it or not and it wasn't a surprise but she didn't care. Arella knew she was supposed to behave and she was behaving as much as she could, she had spotted the berverges minutes ago and yet she hasn't drunk any yet. Arella did like drinking, she was fond of it but she has learned from many times in her past to never drink at a party.

So basically, the woman was behaving. She paused a while to think of what to reply to the young prince, well he wasn't that young, he could be just a year or two younger then her. A lot of thoughts passed through her head, "oh, good to see you too" was one of them but she crossed that one out because she had a thought that it was too scarcastic. A long paused must have shocked the two a bit, but Arella couldn't think of any reply that wasn't too scarcastic of her and she couldn't stare into the girl's dress for long, she didn't want to go laughing her in front of her. Arella felt like running into the bathroom for a laugh, unfortunately she didn't know where it was.

"Why, it's my pleasure to meet you, Kuro Vi Britannia" a voice eventually came out of her. Okay, it was the last thing she had on her mind, it was either that or them thinking that she was deaf. Arella could hit herself, she should have pretended to be deaf and get away with it, no one actually knows her yet and there were alot of deaf artists around. Why hadn't she thought of that before?

Now it was bowing after he had introduced his 'girlfriend', Arella wasn't sure if she was supposed to bow back or not but she did not want to bow to anyone right now so she guessed it as a 'no'. She just gave a smile, a very weak one.

"aha.." Arella mouthed out as the girl, Miyuki had introduced herself and then said something about the emperor and a ruler? She wasn't sure what the girl had said, she wasn't focused on her, she was more focused on what she was wearing. The laugh wanting to come out so bad, it hurted Arella.

Arella stared at the girl after she commented her dress, she just stared at her, she doubted she even blinked. Must she really? Must she really bring that up? Arella looked back down at herself then back at the girl. Okay, Arella was no fashion designer but the girl had a bad sense in fashion and when she means bad, she means bad. "Funny" she blurred out with her scarcastic voice, "I got it at the same place as your dress, I bet"

Then realising what she had said Arella blinked, yea, that was supposed to be in her thoughts. She made a fake smile, a pretty good one too. It was to show that she was joking, kidding, she wasn't sure if empresses were supposed to be joking but it was more of a comment than a joke. A really good one she was trying to cover up.
[/size][/ul]

[kuro]

Kuros eye twitched as he caught the comment and he had to resist the urge to kick her out of the house" thank you for that comment on her dress Arella" he siad putting on a fake smile so he would seem angry"So Arella how much longer till the wedding?" he asked trying to change the subject and calm himself he would be damned if he let this woman ruin his ball and if she did kuro was already promising himself something wicked to do in retaliation"Miyuki shall we go get sometihng to drink?" he asked after hearing arella give her answer so he could try and bring himself down from his mental rage

[miyukiasani]

Miyuki only laughed lightly at arella's comment. "Maybe; my was in the halloween section." She thought that arella was making fun of her gown, but she didn't really care.

"I do love my gown, kuro bought it for me. I know it looks like something from a vampire movie; however, to each their own style. That's what makes us individuals."

Hearing kuro's suggestion, she said to arella,"Pray excuse us." Putting her arm around his, miyuki left to the drink table.

Once they were out of ear shot, miyuki whispered, "It's alright kuro, really. I do believe she didn't really mean what she said, it just sounded differently. Please calm down, it won't do you good to be upset over something so little as her comment."

[Ayame Li Britannia]

“Good evening, Ayame-himesama!”

“Good evening.” Polite greeting tilt of the head.

“You look simply beautiful, Your Majesty!”

“Why thank you~ You look dashing yourself.” Sweet laugh.

“Ayame-himesama, if I may ask…will you do me the honor and save me one dance tonight?”

“Why the honor would be all mine, M’lord~” Coy smile.

Gliding across the room, an aura of pure graciousness surrounding her, Ayame Li Britannia smiled and waved pleasantly to those she passed-the perfect image of a proper princess.

Now odds are anyone who is reading this is either a) raising an eyebrow, b) confused as hell, c) wondering if Ayame was replaced by some alien, or d) all of the above. For the Third Princess was, and shall forever be, known to be one thing: a tomboy. And a flamboyant one at that. Words such as ‘coy’ and ‘graceful’ were not meant to be in the same sentence with the name ‘Ayame Li Britannia.’ It was simply an act against nature.

Yet, today, it seemed Mother Nature was being defied. Donning a light pink (yes pink) dress with white trimmings, complete with a matching pink and white mask, her royal tiara adorning her forehead, Ayame graced the halls of the ballroom in the Pendragon an aura of pure nobility surrounding her. A young noble approached Ayame, bowing deeply as he took her hand and kissed it.

“My Lady. It is a pleasure to see you tonight. I must say, you look absolutely ravishing. Can I interest Her Highness in a dr- the young noble was cut off by a butler who whispered something in his ear, causing the man to frown and sigh dejectedly. Looking with Ayame with apologetic eyes, he bent once more, giving her hand a second kiss before. “It seems I have been summoned…perhaps later we can continue our chat?”

“But of course, M’lord. Give my regards to your father. I heard he was unable to attend tonight. Farewell.” Ayame smiled sweetly, waving her hand to the young man as he left the room (blowing her kisses on the way out).

As soon as the young noble was gone, a hand flew out and clutched to the wall, and the body of the Third Princess was suddenly hunched over in the shadows of the corner as Ayame doubled over in wheezes. “How much longer is this gonna fucking take?”

Two chuckles could be heard causing Ayame to raise her head and look to the right, bags now under her eyes, a stoned/seriously sleep deprived look on her face. The look of a perfect princess had been replaced by that of a zombie. “And what the hell are you two laughing at?” Two girls stepped forward, one with long raven hair, the other a brunette.

“Now, now Ayame-chan~ No need to be all snippy.” the raven head spoke, her giggles not subsiding.

“Maya’s right, Ayame-chan…or should I say, ‘Hime-sama~’” Ayame glared annoyingly at the two girls, a slight pout coming across her face.

“Shaddap, Hana…so. How long has it been?” The brunette glanced at the clock.

“Since the start of this party? Ten minutes.” Ayame groaned loudly, her body slumping against the wall.

“Ten minutes? That’s it? Feels like it’s been ten hours!” the one christened ‘Maya’ chuckled as she took a glass from a tray that a passing waiter was holding and gave it to Ayame, who accepted it with gratitude.

“So. What was the deal this time?” Ayame paused mid-sip, her eyes rolling over to her best friends as an eyebrow rose delicately.

Oh how they knew her so well….

~ Flashback ~

“HELL FUCKING NO!” a roar similar to that of a bull’s could be heard from the walls of the Palace, soon accompanied by the thunder of thumping feet. Ayame ran down the corridors of her home, her teacher speed walking behind her.

“Hime-sama! I ask you to stop acting like a child and-

“No way in hell sensei.” the young spazz made a sharp right straight into her chambers.

And immediately cursed herself. Standing there, armed with corsets and pins were the tailoring maids of the Pendragon-2 sets of quadruplets, all smiling overly sweetly.

“Good afternoon, Hime-sama!” Eight voices chorused together followed by eight bodies bowing in union. Ayame felt her eye begin to twitch as she inched towards her bed, a look of pure fear on her face.

“O-Oy...” Ayame’s teacher entered the room, her face neutral.

“I asked you to not act like a child…ladies, if you will.”

A blood curdling yell soon followed shortly after.

~End Flashback~

Maya and Hana looked at Ayame, blinking blankly before bursting into hysterics.

“Y-You m-mean…t-they….p-p-pounced?! HA!”

“HAHA! I wish someone had caught that on camera! ‘Princess Ayame: attacked by little women!’ PRICELESS!” Ayame pouted at the two laughing nobles, folding her arms across her chest.

“Say the ones who weren’t assaulted.” Wiping a tear from her eye, the raven haired Maya smiled good-naturedly at Ayame.

“I fail to see how you agreed to this though. I mean, sure you got pounced on-

“Assaulted.”[/b][/color]

“Assaulted, then…usually you have a price for these things.” Maya grinned at the spastic teen. “Spill it. What was the deal this time?”

Ayame sighed. They really did know her too well…

“For each hour I stay here, I get one day off of lessons. Plus I can choose when to take my days off. Also, if I be a good little princess and humor the sons of the nobles here, sensei said I could have access to the Restricted Sections of the Library.” She shrugged at her two friends. “It’s annoying to have to pick at the locks all the time.” she said simply, causing the two girls beside her to shake their heads. Typical Ayame.

Stretching slightly, Ayame placed her now empty glass on a side table and turned to look at her companions. “Yosh. I think I oughtta head back now…still got about another ¾ of the party to greet. Half of them being of the male species.” she grimaced slightly at the thought. Ugh. Not only would she have to sweet talk them, but odds were she was gonna get roped into dancing with each and every one of them. Ayame sighed as she twisted her ankle in an attempt to relieve the pain that was slowly making its way around. ‘Bloody heels…’

Waving goodbye to her friends, Ayame headed out back to the party, the image of a perfect princess back in full swing. Taking perfectly measured steps, Ayame’s mind began to roam as she continued to smile pleasantly at those she passed (taking a second drink on the way, just for appearance’s sake). What was the point of this shebang anyways? Hell, it wasn’t even a normal shebang but a masquerade, which was weird. Sensei hadn’t wasted anytime in filling in Ayame the details as she was too busy making sure the young princess was stuffed into a corset and marinating in pink. She felt her eye twitch slightly at the memory, but quickly suppressed it. No, no eye twitching. Must maintain perfect posture. That’s right…years of learning to walk while balancing six encyclopedias on her head finally paid off. Oh how her sensei would be so proud~

As she continued to greet people, a flash of red caught the corner of her eye, causing Ayame to turn her head over, just as she took a sip of her drink.

Ayame nearly spurted out whatever it was that was going into her mouth, her hand quickly flying to her mouth in prevention, the overall result being the Third Princess to make a choking sound mixed with a couple of coughs. Several passerbys looked at her, alarmed and immediately began to ask her if she was alright and if whether or not she needed a doctor. She quickly plastered a cheery smile as she waved her hand dismissively as she finally swallowed. “Ahh, no I’m quite fine, thank you. No, Aunty I don’t need a doctor. Just a little went down the wrong pipe, that’s all. Yes, thank you…sorry for making you worry. Please continue enjoying yourselves~” Waving off several others, Ayame took a few steps, sighing slightly to herself. Too close. That was too close. But honestly…what was that she saw? Red…and frills. That’s all that stuck out in her memory. Emphasis on the frills.

Ayame feared frills.

‘But...wasn’t that Kuro—niisama with the frills? Why would he…’ Ayame thought as her eyes scanned for the Frill again. Surely this meant her brother was taken hostage by some frilled freak! As his younger half-sibling, Ayame had to free him from such torture! In the most polite manner, of course.

Trying not to panic, Ayame walked as fast as sensei would allow her (for fear the woman was watching) until finally her eyes fell upon Kuro, standing by the drinks. Frill-san was clinging to him.

Her eyes narrowed. Only she was allowed to cling.

Walking up to the pair, a complete pleasant aura about her, Ayame smiled sweetly to both Kuro and the woman clad in red. “Good evening, Kuro-niisama. Lovely party tonight, isn’t it? Ara~ And who might this young woman clinging to you be?” she said, her voice perfectly sweet.

Oh how sensei would be so proud of her.

[rimy]

[/b][/color] had wondered if Kuro Vi Britannia had saw through her fake smile because she sure saw through his. He needed fake smiling lessons because it had amatur written all over it. Just like the one she had just made, it had amatur written over it too, though it wasn't as bad as his. Now, by the look of his face she could even see steam coming out.

She could just laugh and said, "awn, that's adorable" but she didn't, now she didn't want to get into any fights within her first week at the palace and not in front of everyone.

"Oh, your very welcome" Arella said with a straight face, "I thought everyone should have the right to know" now she was smiling, almost smirking. Okay, so she didn't expect the ball to be this fun, but it wasn't turning out so bad, she was having fun just looking at that halloween dress. "I am sure it won't be that long" Arella said, "but when the wedding does come, I promise that you all will be wearing what's best for you" she added, now smirking.

Arella giggled in a polite and queenly manner, "ah the halloween section could be one, it could also been in the disposal" she said, cracking herself up, "that's good to have your own indiviual style and I am not joking this time Miyuki darling but you two really stand out" she said and waved at them as they walked off.

Arella rephrased what she said about how this ball would reek but it wasn't turning out so bad, it was actually going good. But, it was the only thing that was good around the ball, other things were just boring. There was so many people greeting her that they all looked the same to her now, it was like everyone was a clone except for the host and his woman, no, no one could clone them.


[/size][/ul]

[kuro]

Kuro nodded to Miyuki"I know but I can't help but feel shes not in a good mood and taking it out on both of us thats the vibe I get right now" he said calmly before suddenly hearing Ayame walk up behind him and spoke to him he turned and smiled."Hello Ayame sorry to make you go in a dress I know its your worst nightmare but it was important and to answer your qustion this is my girlfriend Miyuki Asani Miyuki this is Ayame Li Britannia the tomboy of the family" he said with a smile."Ayame Miyuki brought some food I think you will take a liking too trust me my mouth was watering when I smelled it" he said with a grin hope to get Ayame excited.

[miyukiasani]

Miyuki's eye twitched, she knew that ayame was ignoring her. Clinging? I'm holding onto his arm, but I'm not clinging... "It's a pleasure to meet you, princess ayame..." miyuki stated, just as sweetly. She gave a glance to kuro, saying- 'What is her problem?'

"I do hope you enjoy the dishes I brought; I made them especially for this occasion. I'm glad to meet kuro's relatives; it is nice for the royalty to take interest in others."

Despite being slightly offended, miyuki was dealing with it. She assumed that ayame didn't intend her words to come out, the way they sounded.

"You must be his sister, older siblings should look out for the younger ones; that's why they come first." she added, still smiling. "Tell me, how many other siblings do you all have? I'm afraid kuro hasn't spoken much about the family."

[Ayame Li Britannia]

Ayame’s eyes stared intently at Frill-san standing by her nii-sama, having to clasp her hands delicately in front of her in order to prevent herself from reaching out and pulling Kuro away from her. All the while a perfectly pleasant smile graced her face. Her cheek muscles screamed in protest.

Who was this chick, arms draped around her beloved Kuro-niisama anyways? Some fangirl? Daughter of a noble who was trying to get daddy an upgrade on the social status scale? Ayame’s eyes narrowed slightly at the thought. There would be blood. Bad enough this girl was dripping in lace, a thing Ayame feared greatly, whilst clinging to her darling brother but to go as far as to cling to him just to boost her family’s status…if that were the case, Ayame would show no mercy. Screw etiquette; the Third Princess would lunge for the woman’s throat right here and now. ‘Chick looks scrawny….odds are she’ll snap like a twig. With any luck I could just-

“Hello Ayame sorry to make you go in a dress I know its your worst nightmare but it was important and to answer your question this is my girlfriend Miyuki Asani Miyuki this is Ayame Li Britannia the tomboy of the family.” Kuro’s voice snapped Ayame out of her mental plotting.

“Eh?” was her intelligent reply as she blinked twice, eyes flashing back between Kuro and Frill-san. Had she heard correctly? Did the man say…‘girlfriend’? An eyebrow slowly made its way upwards. Kuro…and Frill-san…were…dating? As in love-love-hearts-all-over-the-world-gag-me-now-dating? Ayame took a sip of her drink to wash down the vomit that was threatening to come up.

Now, Ayame was certain that this Miyuki-san could be a very nice and charming lady. Odds were the woman was a complete sweetpea. But Ayame was Ayame. Ayame was not the type to sit down and watch chick flicks, nor was she the type who spent her evenings daydreaming about her prince charming. Overall, the idea of romance made the young tomboy was to puke up whatever it was she had eaten, and the idea of her siblings being involved in such activities usually had the same affect on her. Why, when she heard that Alastair was not only involved with a woman, but getting married to one, she just about had an aneurism! Needless to say, sensei had been most unhappy. Ayame cringed at the memory.

‘Come to think of it…I’ve never met his fiancé…wonder if she’s here…’ Ayame’s mind trailed off as her eyes subconsciously scanned the room. Not that it would do her any good, seeing that Ayame had no freaking clue whatsoever as to what the future Empress looked like. Hey, just because she was about to become her step-half sister-in-law, didn’t mean Ayame had to know everything about her…right?

“It's a pleasure to meet you, princess ayame..." Ayame turned her gaze back to Miyuki, a smile still planted. She fought the urge to twitch. She knew that look…that was the ‘what crawled up her ass and died?’ look. Rather than giving in to her body’s pleas, Ayame titled her head politely, dipping in to a mini curtsy, a polite smile on her face.

“Pleasure’s all mine, Miyuki-san.” she said before a thought struck her head. ‘Wait a sec…this shebang…was made just so Kuro-niisama could…introduce his girlfriend?’ Ayame thought as her grip on her glass tightened slightly. You had to be shitting her. Because of her…because of this Frilly Poofball Ayame had been attacked with pins and shoved into a corset!? Her eye twitched slightly, causing Ayame to rub it in an attempt to stop it. ‘No, no eye twitching…be good Eye…stop spazzing out on me…that’s it…good eyeball…now. We musn’t blame Miyuki-san for this…people in this family just happen to use anything as an excuse to throw a party, that’s all. There’s no way she can be blamed for me being in a dress and heels right now…odds are she had no idea….yea…odds are Kuro-niisama just went a little crazy, that’s all…’ Ayame mentally comforted herself, nodding slightly. Sure she could see why the family would throw a party for, say, the announcement of an engagement…but for just a girlfriend? Maybe it was just Ayame’s natural lack of a tolerance for these things, but she found that to be a little over-the-top.

“Ayame Miyuki brought some food I think you will take a liking too trust me my mouth was watering when I smelled it.” Ayame blinked rapidly once, turning her head over to Kuro.

“Eh?”

"I do hope you enjoy the dishes I brought; I made them especially for this occasion. I'm glad to meet kuro's relatives; it is nice for the royalty to take interest in others." Her head snapped back to Miyuki.

“Eh?” She blinked again, her mouth dropping slightly.

She knew. She freaking knew. She freaking knew about this freaking freak-fest and had even freaking gone and prepared freaking food for it.

“You must be his sister…” Ayame mentally clonked her head against a brick wall. ‘No shit, Sherlock...' Hey, the man did say ‘Li Britannia,’ didn’t he?

“Tell me, how many other siblings do you all have? I'm afraid kuro hasn't spoken much about the family."

Quickly composing herself, Ayame shook her head slightly, a slight laugh escaping her mouth. “You brought food? Why, you didn’t have to go through that trouble, Miyuki-san! Honestly, Kuro-niisama! How could you let her do something like this?” she said, turning to her brother, a halfhearted scolding look on her face. “ Or have you lost faith in our dear Cookie? Hmm~” she teased before turning her gaze back to Miyuki. “But I thank you…very kind of you to bring something. Now, to answer your question…my family is quite typical. A handful of full blooded siblings here and there, a couple dozen half-blooded siblings (Kuro-niisama being one of them)…the usual.” she said, shrugging her shoulders slightly smiling slightly. “Nothing really special.” She looked between the couple, concentrating on keeping a smile on her face. “So, tell me. How was it that you two met again?” A waiter walked by holding a tray of chocolate chip cookies and he stopped by to offer one to Ayame.

Ayame’s eyebrow rose. Those weren’t Cookie’s. If there was one thing Ayame knew, it was pastry. Those weren’t Cookie’s cookies. Nor were they hers. She took one and stared at it for a few seconds, her eyes examining it. The dough was not the kind that Cookie used, the chips were larger than normal and judging from the slight crispiness of the edges, Ayame concluded that the cookies had been baked at .278 degree higher than it should have been. She took a bite. A slight frown tugged the corners of her mouth. Yup. Definitely not Cookie’s. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion. But…only she and Cookie were the ones who brought pastries to galas like this…it was a default that the head chef and the Third Princess would collaborate and come up with the dessert menu for every party the Pendragon would hold…unless…

Her eyes continued to stare at the cookie. “Miyuki-san? If I may ask…did you by any chance bring...cookies with you?”

Golden orbs rolled over to look at the redhead.

“Just curious.”

[miyukiasani]

"Tomboy? I don't like to dress up like this- unless the occasion calls for it. Other than that, I'm wearing the school uniform, or regular clothes." miyuki replied to ayame, when kuro introduced his sister. "Don't bow to me, I'm not royalty; and you are not a servant. I'm only a noble. It is I who should bow to you." Letting go of kuro's arm, she curtsied to ayame.

Hearing her scold kuro about the food, miyuki quickly interjected. "Oh no, he didn't as me to; I felt I should bring something, other than myself, and kuro back. I decided it wouldn't be polite to come empty handed."

To her question about them meeting, "It was quite by accident. I was invited here by another member of the family, and I happened to be lost. I was invited to swim, and ended up at kuro's mansion. We start talking, and her we are.

She smiled, when ayame asked about cookies, she nodded in reply. "Oh yes, several kinds- including my favorites- chocolate chip, and chocolate chunk, as well as a few variations of the two. This is, after all a ball isn't it? Oh, have they been overcooked? I do apologize if they are, I had a new servant helping with the baking today."

[Euric Qi Britannia]

Well. Now wasn't this a banquet.

Euric had just entered the building, now walking through the lounge, headed towards the main hall. Maybe he was a bit late, but his progress still wasn't that quick - a lot of people were already present and quite efficiently had they spread themselves around the building, Euric passing by quite a lot of them wherever he went. And where there was a lot of people, it meant a lot of greetings and nods - well of course, the First Prince of the Imperial family should not be let pass by not greeted. Oh, what a terror would have probably occured: he could have probably got through the day with much less pain in his neck for not having to nod and half-bow that much. And that, judging from the general opinion, was something utterly not to be allowed. Oh, the pain of being now in the shoes of the First Prince... Literally.

So, having got through the lounge and some corridors, Euric didn't head to the main hall right away - his neck would probably not have been able to take it anymore. Rubbing it slightly with his palm, he stopped to take a break into on of the more quiet corners near the entrance to the hall, accepting a drink form some waiter who just happened to pass by him - and made him nod once more. Ah...

Well. It wasn't that Euric wouldn't have actually waited for the party. After all, it was a night off for him from his other duties - at least in theory - plus, at least he'd get to see and spend some time with his siblings, possibly with even all of them - more than he would have even dared to hope for under current circumstances. So, definitely he had no slightest thought of declining the invitation once it had been brought to him. But oh, he should have anticipated it would end up like this for his neck... Well, yay for the painkillers once he'd get back from the party.

He rolled his head around a couple of times, stretched his neck muscles to the best of his ability and feeling the pain to increase a little, he finally decided to continue his going. Taking a sip from his drink, he entered the main hall - there you go, right into the wolves' lair. And didn't the nodding and series' of polite greetings begin right the instant he got surrounded by people again.

This will become a long night...

And for now he had yet to spot any of his actual relatives. Sure, there were a lot of people - nobles and that sort - but no siblings in sight so far. But to find someone, had Euric really no choice but to walk around, thus continue nodding, and rub his neck on the sly when it happened no one actually paid attention to him.

A good while gone, Euric finally stopped his seemingly useless circuit and settled to lean his back to a wall at one corner of the hall. It seemed that moving around just made him miss the people he was looking for, apparently, so he decided to stop and find a spot where he could see most of the space and people in it, to spot someone hopefully passing by than rather be the by-passer himself. Besides, his neck wouldn't give him even another second of all the greeting jazz. Fortunately, and most probably, he had already greeted most of the people, but still...

And then he saw them. Right there, in the middle, they were: Ayame and Kuro - the latter apparently with someone who Euric wasn't yet familiar with. Well, that didn't take too long... Nonetheless, the First Prince's mouth curved into a joyful smile. At least he hadn't come for nothing. Even as this masquerade was arranged by Kuro, Euric had even began to fear that he wouldn't even get to any of his siblings. Which would basically meant to him that he had come for nothing.

No hesitating now. His neck would have to cope with approaching them through the crowd. The First Prince left the wall, and, finally, made his way to greet - ahh, his neck - the two of his kin.

"Good evening -" though, was all he had time to say before he halted, getting Ayame now fully to his sight. No. This wasn't possible, wasn't happening right in front of his eyes. His darling little spazz sister... in a dress. And, of all the colors in the world, a pink one. Euric opened his mouth anew, but was left speechless. Well, it was not that it wouldn't have looked good on her, but it was just so... unnatural. And that was probably the least Ayame felt about it, as Euric could clearly tell from her - even if she didn't look like it at the moment. A spazz knew a spazz, and to Euric, the reality of it was shining out of her like a lighthouse in the middle of the pitch black sea. He could but imagine what she had to go through there - though guessing it definitely was not happening for free, but nonetheless. Little could he do about it anyway, unfortunately. All he could do was to give her his condolences in a quick glance to her, which no one else noticed. Poor little sister...

Then, turning his attention from his thoughts - or from lack of them - back to the people he was about to join. Rather than commenting anything more than the already unsaidly said on Ayame's appearance, he turned his attention to the couple ans especially towards the third one of them he had yet to get to know.
"Well, you must be the reason of this masquerade mentioned in the invitation, yes? A pleasure to meet you."
He gave them a warm smile and nodded her as a greeting - something which made it feel like someone would have just stabbed him to the neck. The pain made him groan, though he tried to hide it with a small cough to his hand. But surely, it wasn't totally unnoticeable.

[kuro]

Kuro sighed at Ayames remark"Ayame she did what she felt was kind and curtious enough to do" he explained before he felt another presence comeing towards them and saw Euric and heard him greet Miyuki he smiled brightly"Ah Euirc I'm so glad you could make it brother ah I belive introductions are in order This is my girlfriend Miyuki and Miyuki this is Euric Qi Britannia and the first prince of britannia also my half brother just like the emperor" he siad calmly as he grabbed a two glasses of red wine from a waiter and handed one to Miyuki as he sipped his own."So Ayame Euric do think anyone else from the family will come I invited eveyrone but I'm not sure how many will arrive?" he asked calmly

[Sylvana Li Britannia]

Vana loved balls. Truly she did, but words expressing those feelings would never leave her lips. Admitting to a love of balls, a love of gowns, and sparkle, and dance ran the risk of damaging Sylvana’s image as a strong leader. A damaged image meant a loss of respect, and that was something that Sylvana feared. She couldn’t lead troops who didn’t trust her as a commander. It was a harsh lesson that she’d learned very quickly when she was younger. Learning that lesson had meant that Sylvana had to rid herself of any indications of being a ‘girl’ or a ‘princess.’ She was a leader, a commander first. She was a princess second. And she was Vana last.

Upon coming to that decision, Vana had ridden herself of any kind of girly habit she could find. She refused to go to balls, parties, or anything of the sort unless she was ordered. She was never in a dress unless she was ordered and there was no possible way she could talk herself into wearing dress pants. And she refused to take a knight or be escorted anywhere she went. That was what hurt the most, but it was also what Vana was most adamant about. It was her strictest rule.

So despite Vana’s love of balls and everything associated with them, she had no intention of answering the invitation to the masquerade that had crossed her desk. She had far too much to do, and there was no reason for her to attend. Plenty of her other family members could attend. Her presence certainly wouldn’t be missed. Vana could hardly even recall the last formal event she had attended. It was an annual affair. One of only a handful of events that she allowed herself to go to under official pretenses. What Sylvana hadn’t counted on for this particular occasion however, was Euric. Her recently appointed Viceroy half brother was planning to go. He said he had a day off of his duties anyway. In Sylvana’s opinion they didn’t have the luxury of day’s off, but technically they might. Regardless, she would have been perfectly happy with Euric returning home alone. When her younger brother decided to practically dangle a gown, and dancing, and chocolate and raspberry related foods before her, Sylvana had caved. Euric as a prince was an excellent representation of the type of princess that Sylvana wanted to be, and he knew it. Sylvana knew he didn’t have any ill intent when he bribed her with all the things he knew she loved, but it still almost made the first princess pout all the way home.

Somewhere in her mind it didn’t sit right that she was leaving her duty for the sake of having a good time, but as Euric had also so kindly pointed out, Sylvana was stressing herself out. She hadn’t been sleeping well, and when she did it wasn’t for very long. The upcoming wedding was weighing heavily on her mind at all hours, and the security had to be perfect without being overly intrusive to the ceremony itself. Euric had suggested that stepping away from the plans for a while to relax would be beneficial in the end to both Vana and Sylvana’s wedding plans.

That left Sylvana at home in her chambers, getting dressed for the masquerade. Unlike Ayame’s experience, Vana loved every minute of it. Now was a time for her to be a princess and to be pampered as such. Very carefully she was helped into a strapless ball gown of the deepest blue. The skirt had tiny crystals in the pickups, and the bodice’s sweetheart neckline was adorned with just enough sparkle to make Vana smile. The corset was pulled taught, but not quite to the point of discomfort, although she was sure Ayame would disagree. She stepped into silver heels before being seated for her hair.

Her hair was elegantly swept up and pinned before several strands were curled about her face. Tiny crystal barrettes were clasped into her hair to keep it in place and sparkle just enough under the light. A light coating of makeup was applied to her face to make her look the spitting image of perfection. Sylvana was next in line for the throne, and it was necessary that she look the part. Sylvana just found it unfortunate that looking the part of next in line as a princess meant looking as pretty as possible. Sometimes she wondered how much pampering Alastair went through before such an event. She would feel considerably better if she knew it was the same kind of ordeal for him as it was for her. Dangling sapphire earrings were slipped into her ears and a diamond necklace was clasped about her neck. Her tiara was placed on her head; her mask was slipped onto her face, and Sylvana was ready to head down.

She was a bit late. Not terribly, but certainly later than she would have liked. Sylvana hated to be late anywhere, least of all to a ball. A soft smile curved Vana’s lips as she stepped into the ballroom, gown gently brushing the floor as she walked. She knew most of the faces; a good percentage of them she bet still wanted her hand. The issue had been brought up before, and if any of the suitors thought tonight would be different, they would be sorely mistaken. Gown, jewelry, and make-up or not, Sylvana was still a commander.

There would be time to mingle later, but Sylvana sought her siblings first. More specifically, she looked for Ayame. Her youngest sister would have no good reason to not attend, so Sylvana was certain she’d be here. Blue eyes softened when she finally located her sister in a pink gown. Considering that she was in a dress (and a pink one at that), Ayame didn’t seem nearly as miserable as Sylvana had suspected. “Well, at least it’s not pink and poofy.” She said to herself as she headed over to her little sister, and apparently several of her other siblings, one of which being her would be kidnapper.

Sylvana offered Euric a warm smile. He’d been right. She was feeling better already. Blue eyes then turned to Kuro and the woman he was escorting. Sylvana didn’t recognize her, so she assumed she was either a new recruit or not military at all. Without her name, Vana withheld asking Ayame what her pleasant attitude was costing her teacher. “Good evening, Euric, Kuro. Ayame, you look lovely.” Sylvana told her instead, with a warm smile.