dnd collection

Parties (2)

  Guest after guest arrived and the trio that represented the Fate Kingdom's royal lineage finally made their way down to the ball room. Montague held Etoile's hand as they walked in, giving it a little squeeze.

  "It's not that bad, right Etty?"

  She hummed in response, eyes narrowing as she surveyed the room. It was lit well with more than enough candles. There were people of well social standing all about. Some people of lower classes than Etoile's family, some from the same. The orchestral sounds bounced off the walls but weren't too loud. In fact, Etoile deemed the idle chat and fake laughter that made its way out of those pathetically forced smiles far more assaulting to her ears. Far more obnoxious.

  "I guess it's okay."

  "It will only be a few hours. Before you know it we will be in the carriage and on own way home," William who flanked Etoile's left side commented. "Smile, make small talk, and just pretend you are happy to be here. For the kingdom. For Mother and Father."

  William. He always knew just what to say. With a heavy sigh that was only audible to her brothers on either side of her, she nodded. "I'll make it through just fine."

  He gave a soft back to her back and gave that laissez faire smile down to her. "That's the spirit, Etty. Let's go get something to snack on, hm?"

--

A few hours had passed and Etoile was finally warming up to the atmosphere and customs. Each kingdom and its people were unique. It certainly kept her on her toes when trying to recall if someone giving her a kiss on the cheek was customary or if they were being a creep. The teen learned quickly that while her elder brother mastered the art of grinning and bearing it, Etoile had a bit of ways to go.

  Her biggest flaw had always been forgetting to filter herself. After realizing that maybe she needs to think a bit more before speaking, Etoile decided to shut her mouth. A rehearsed little courtesy, and a hello after being introduced by one of her elder brothers and that was it. Smile and nod. It was was not like she wanted to come off rude; gods, no. Etoile just struggled to think before she spoke every now and then. Something to work on it would seem.

  While spacing out against the pale wall, alone, glimpses of stark blue and red began to sneak into her vision ever so slightly. Surely, that was neither of her brothers, who mind you, had many, many offers to dance that they were tending to. So maybe she was just imagining it. She convinced herself after both of the colors staying put for a few minutes that it was just another guest relaxing.

  "Fun party?" chuckled a voice. Etoile jumped a bit, looking to her right. A tiefling. A blue tiefling in the military attire her brothers wore but in a crimson shade rather than violet. "Woah there, didn't mean to startle you, princess."

  Looking over the man, her eyes began to narrow. Princess. Yuck. What was up with this guy? He is most definitely a prince of the Strength Kingdom she determined. Handsome too, definitely. But Etoile has always found a pisspour personality can easily and instantly ruin a pretty face.

  With a shudder that she attempted to play off, she gave a blank stare up to the man. "Please, no need for the formalities. Etoile is more than enough."

  "Princess Etoile," he cooed with a shiteating grin. He took her hand, bowing. "I'm Prince Dimitrious of the Strength Kingdom."

  Right before he could kiss her knuckles, she pulled back her hand. Etoile quickly gave a fake smile, much like everyone about the venue, and tucked her hands behind her back. "A pleasure."

  "Ah, a princess in deed," he teased under his breath, just barely above whisper.

  "I can hear you, my prince
For I am not hard of hearing."