Following Hearts

The Prince of Nevani

"Greetings, your Majesties, I am Balthazar Blade." The raven haired man addressed his eager audience and bowed. Prince Balthazar stood in the doorway, one hand holding up his weight as he leaned against the door. Ferdinand found himself face to face with his sister's suitor; Amelia was right when she said Prince Balthazar was easy on the eyes.

    His face was sculpted beyond perfection. His flawless skin glowed in the light of the palace chandeliers. With high cheekbones, dark groomed brows, a soft sloped nose, and a chiseled jawline, his features exemplified the ideal image of beauty. His sleek black hair was swept into a magnificent flip.

    Even beneath his exquisite clothing, Balthazar's toned body drew the attention of Joplin and Delphine from their stance in the middle of the lounge.

    "Welcome, Prince Balthazar." Ferdinand smiled and extended a hand to him.

    "Just Balthazar is fine." He grinned, and unexpectedly kissed Ferdinand's overreached hand. Ferdinand smiled but wrinkled his eyes in confusion at the gesture. "A kiss on the hand is a custom greeting in Nevani," He charmingly explained.

    Amelia waltzed over to Balthazar and bowed her crowned head in acknowledgement.

    "It's an honor to meet you Pri-" She stopped herself. "Balthazar."

    "As it is to meet you, your Highness." He kissed her hand and spotted King Ramses standing frozen in his spot. "Your Majesty." Balthazar uttered.

    The room went still. Balthazar's easy-going manner shifted to that of a much more refrained, and somber man. He slowly walked over the towering King and bowed before him. When Balthazar stood to look into his eyes, the King smiled.

    "You've grown quite a bit since I visited." King Ramses chuckled and the room collectively exhaled. The King had last seen Balthazar when he was merely a child during his trip to Nevani sixteen years prior: the same trip that ended with the death of his wife. The court worried that Balthazar's presence in the castle would only remind Ramses of his life's greatest tragedy.

    "I am truly humbled, your Majesty, to have the opportunity to come to your court."

    "And we are humbled to have you here with us." King Ramses offered Balthazar his hand, and the Prince gently kissed it.

    When Balthazar turned back, he was surprised to be immediately met with piercing brown eyes staring up at him.

    "You must be Princess Valentine." Balthazar smiled and bowed.

    "I am." Valentine huffed and glanced over at Ferdinand's pleading face. "Oh right. Welcome, nice to meet you, glad to have you here, enjoy your stay-" she turned to Ferdinand. "Can I go now?" Ferdinand's face flushed red as he covered his face with the palm of his hand in embarrassment. Amelia chuckled and nodded to her youngest sister who immediately ran off to her room.

"I'm sorry about her Balthazar." Amelia laid a caring hand on his shoulder. "She doesn't care much for visitors."

    The room laughed and the remaining castle members began to line up by the side of the room, patiently awaiting their turn to meet the far-off Prince.

    "I hope you'll excuse us," King Ramses addressed Balthazar. "But my daughter, Amelia, and I have some more planning to do regarding her coronation, so Ferdinand will show you around the castle. Have a good evening."

    With that, the current and future ruler of Adaia exited down the left hall, leaving Balthazar alone with Ferdinand and the curious crowd of castle staff.

    Ferdinand quickly led to Balthazar to meet each of the characters that inhabited the palace. Portia and Ginger both rushedly curtsied, smiled and hurried off, too occupied with other duties to spend much time speaking with the Prince. Balthazar politely greeted Nelson, despite the butler's rigid posture and judgemental gaze.