-a prince's limerence

III

>>> content warning for panic attacks

" overindulge in an envious revel / confections that spoil over time „

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As a royal, one finds themself hosting and attending parties often. Catering to the nobility and ensuring that they don't cause any ruckus; After all, they were the people with the most power (save for the royals themselves).

Purple has hosted a fair share of parties and balls themself; More often than not, the dining hall at their palace would find itself filled with decorations and dishes, celebrating some irrelevant holiday as an excuse to appease to the nobles. They knew all the etiquette, all the customs, all the traditions of their kingdom as well as those of the three kingdoms bordering on theirs.

These were the groggy thoughts that permeated their mind as they rose from their bed, rubbing their eyes and groaning. God, what they'd give to just sleep forever. They half-dragged the blanket off of the bed as they stood up, not bothering to throw it back on — the servants would have to remake it either ways.

Sunlight streamed through the windows. They hadn't bothered to close the curtains the night before, having made it a habit not to do so whenever they intended to wake up early. Today was such a day, of course; They'd arrived at the palace right before the reception for the guests who'd come to celebrate Second's coming of age. It was the first time he'd be meeting the nobles and royalty of the other countries, so he had to make a good impression.

And of course, what better way was there to do that than to dress the best? They'd had the servants set out a slick suit for them, violet adorned with white threading and quartz beads. Next to it lay a cape, a glittering shade of gold spun of blaze's silk and rimmed with fur. They'd never worn fur much, not with how hot the Nether Kingdom was, but honestly, it was like the pinnacle of style to them. Who wouldn't want to dress like those fancy book characters?

They heaved a small yawn, resisting the urge to make that squealing noise they always made — the servants were probably in the bathroom, and the last thing they wanted was to embarrass themselves in front of them. (Technically speaking, they didn't need to care for the opinions of some servants they'd probably never meet again, but- still. Rumors, and all that.)

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Was it self-absorbed to say they looked good? Because, damn did they look good. They turned to the side, admiring the seamstry of the coat and the way the cape was pinned to their shoulder. Smiling, they exhaled. They looked good, they'd act good. This would be fine!

They exited the room and clicked the door shut, only to immediately bump into someone.

Purple took a couple steps back and looked up to see who'd been in their way (why was everyone in this Empire so tall??), a miffed frown on their face. In front of them stood a bulky, dark-skinned man. If it weren't for all the jewelry and the suit he was wearing, they would have assumed he was simply a guard who hadn't been watching where he was going.

The man cleared his throat, and Purple abruptly realised that they'd been staring, tearing their gaze away from the man. "Apologies for bumping into you. Would, uh, would you happen to be his Grace, Prince Aster?"

Purple nodded, and the man did a sweeping bow. "Greetings, and welcome to the Empire. I am Duke Philip Green." Oh, yeah. They briefly recalled reading about one of the richer noble families, the Greens. No doubt this was one of the sons, likely invited here by Second like Purple had been.

"Thank you, Duke Green," Purple inclined their head, and Duke Green stood up straight. "I must be going now for the reception, and I expect that you do as well, but it was nice to make your acquaintance." He gave Purple a smile, and they blinked, only belatedly realising they were supposed to smile back after he'd walked away.