Two Hearts Two Kingdoms (completed but still editing)

2. What's Appropriate?

☀️ JEAN ☀️ (Jean's POV)

My youngest brother looked troubled today. Being my favorite sibling, I knew him very well.

“You looked good, don’t worry.” I tapped Gareth’s shoulder, my lips wide.

Everyone was dressed to impress that night,  maybe excited that it has been long since the last event of this kind was held, often in this palace–– the center for all the Southern Alliance's gatherings.

His gray orbs sharp, his lips pouted. “I know. But I wish I was able to select my clothes for tonight.”

“You’re more than fine. Believe me.”

The night’s gathering was meant to bind a fragile yet powerful alliance of the four southern kingdoms but almost all reeked of vanity and insanity. I hated them all but I had to act like them, for camouflage.

“Standing out is better. Look at your shiny coat and pants,” my brother said it like he heard my thoughts, funny.

It was my usual but I felt I should attract someone tonight. With my blue-colour eyes, neat brows and hair, a shiny silver coat with black tie and a matching slacks I knew I would cut a dash in this grand ball with this outfit.

With his height, a foot lower than me, I was able to make a mess out of his very neat-looking black hair and he was surely angry about it.

“Hey! No! This is the most difficult part in all of this, you know..” He pouted.

The expression on his face was priceless that's why I chuckled.

He punched my shoulder. “Hey you—”

I was about to punch him as well when our eldest brother, the crown prince butt in.

“You two, stop it!” he commanded.

Gareth looked down while I smiled at our eldest and winked which made him roll his eyes. I wanted to make fun with Gareth more. I poked his shoulders to get his attention.

“We're being guarded by,” I mouthed “an a***ole.”

We giggled like we're not allowed to laugh.

“Tell me who you're trying to get here, okay?” I added teasingly.

“I'm sure I won't tell you,” he mouthed “a***ole. ”

We were told to get ready. Coming from Anbeia, together with all the high nobles, we were the first to be called. The new feel of Becan’s throne hall impressed me more. All chandeliers and fancy crystal candle holders were lit. Flowers decorated the already elaborate, newly painted and polished interior of the hall. While the aroma of cooked food made me hungry. I bet father would equal the upshot of the event soon.

In spite Gareth’s dislike of his look, he still walked with confidence and joy. What a child!

🌺 🌺 🌺

It was noisy with all the chatter while chamber musicians provided a nice background music. After all the necessary activities and eating, Gareth asked me to go with him to the left-wing gardens so that our King would permit him. He said he would just play around with Prince Philip, the younger prince of the Royal House of Thales–– one of the most illustrious royal houses in all the known land. I raised a brow and told him that I'll go if and only if father would approve.