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The court was bustling with pretentious nobles, sharing gallant hunting stories and tales of victory- Astrid almost snorted at the thought.
The men in this room acted as if they were great warriors, though Astrid suspected none of them had done their own dirty work, they had just taken the goods in the end. They weren't warriors, they were nothing like her parents.
In the middle of the room, Rebekah was eagerly socialising with the Ladies of the court, discussing the new fashion of the south and what colour gowns would make their eyes pop.
Astrid had no desire to join Rebekah, the women seemed air-headed and naïve, perhaps some were cunning and malicious to gain such a prestigious position in Count De Martel's court, but Astrid couldn't care less.
By the talented bard, Kol was supporting a leery grin, talking to several blushing young Ladies. Rolling her eyes with a smile on her lips, Astrid could only hope that Kol was behaving himself.
Also surrounded by several young Lords, Elijah and Finn were engaging in a brutish conversation, discussing their mightiest hunt and capture.
One young Lord was bragging about the large buck he had shot last winter, claiming that it was twice the size of him, though his stuttering heartbeat easily called out his bluff to Astrid.
With a playful smile on her lips, Astrid shook her head, if only the men knew what their largest kill was, though something told her the conversation was strictly about animals, not humans.
Turning her attention to her husband, Astrid's gaze softened when she saw him at the other end of the hall, observing his surrounding-much like herself, with Lucien by his side.
It truly warmed her heart to see her family so happy, so carefree. They deserved a break, running from Mikael was clearly taking a toll on them all.
Soft footsteps rapidly approached her, almost as if they were skipping across the floor as a petite redhead dressed in a fine gown stood beside her.
Astrid easily recognised her as Aurora De Martel, the Count's only daughter.
Bowing gracefully, Astrid met the redheads gaze, a brilliant smile on her lips as she went to address the wealthy Lady.
"Lady Aurora, it is a pleasure to meet you, your father told me so much about you." Astrid bluffed.
The Count had eagerly mentioned his son, bragging how he was just like his father in many ways, though the mention of his daughter had been brash and swift.
It almost seemed as if he was embarrassed by the redhead, surprisingly.
Lady Aurora was no doubt very pretty, which was usually what most Lord's wished for their daughter, so they could marry them off to the highest bidder.
So, it intrigued her why the Count seemed ashamed of his daughter.
Beaming at the compliment, Aurora sent her a pearly smile, eyes wide and warm.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Astrid. I didn't know Count De Guise had children, never mind the fact that one was married, though, my father doesn't tell me a lot anyways..." She trailed off sadly, her smile falling.
Astrid placed a hand on her arm. It would be good to have some allies in court, just in case their situation took a turn for the worst.
Perhaps this meant she was taking advantage of Aurora, but the redhead seemed gullible and not the sharpest. From what Astrid had gathered, she would be easy to manipulate and use.
"Never mind, you have a lovely home, my Lady. I look forward to exploring it." Astrid decided to change the subject, the distance glaze in Aurora's eyes softening before she suddenly grinned.
Shaking her head, Aurora was practically bouncing on the heels of her feet. "Oh! That's perfect! I shall show you around the garden's tomorrow morn! I can show you the daisy patch, the rose bushes, the fruit trees and I can even-" Aurora's excited babbling was cut off by a hand on her arm.
Beside her, a stern looking, young man stood, Astrid easily identified him as the Count's only son, the same man Lucien had warned her about.
He didn't look particularly scary, though she supposed she didn't either, not without her vampiric features.
If anything, Lord Tristan was rather handsome, though his eyes were insufferably cold.
"Sweet sister, father requests your presence." Tristan cut in stiffly, sending an apologetic, courteous half-smile to Astrid as both women turned their attention to the Count.
The older man looked uncomfortable, gaze flickering to Aurora before returning to his goblet of wine. Perhaps she had been right, the Count was embarrassed by his daughter.
Pouting, Aurora let out a sad sigh. "But brother-"
Tristan quickly cut her off. "Sister, you know our father doesn't like waiting."
"Fine... Tomorrow we shall walk round the gardens, Astrid? I'd love to show you the horse Tristan bought for my last name day!" Aurora chimed, eyes glistening at the prospect.
Looking if anything but comfortable, Tristan shifted. "Sister-"
Astrid smiled at the redhead. "I would love that, Lady Aurora. It has been a pleasure speaking to you." Astrid responded, Tristan's brows raising in surprise as Aurora grinned before skipping in the direction of her father.
Turning to the new face in court, Tristan nodded. "Thank you, you didn't have to do that."
She furrowed her brows together. "I'm sorry, excuse me?"
"My sister. You didn't have to agree to her plans, she gets easily excited." Tristan commented, his gaze flickering to his sister who stood beside the Count, her eyes on her feet as she pouted, looking like a child being scolded.
Astrid shook her head. "Your sister is a sweet girl, I would be honoured to spend time with her." Astrid informed Tristan.
He seemed to appreciate her words, though he tried not to show it as he nodded respectfully, taking Astrid's hand in his.
Pressing a chaste, brief kiss to Astrid's knuckles, he smiled charmingly. "Tristan De Martel, my Lady." He introduced himself.
Feeling her husbands and Lucien's gaze on her, Astrid forced a smile. "Astrid De Guise."
