"Good morning to you as well Anais. You look very nice today Anais and I agree it will be much more exciting than what's transpired in the last three months though I have to admit I'm a bit nervous." Anais smiled sympathetically at Katherine and touched the girl's shoulder gently.
"Oh, sweetie," she cooed. "All you've gotta do is smile and look pretty. You already got the pretty part down, so just smile. You'll charm all of their socks off." Anais winked at Katherine for good measure before giggling. She knew there was so much more that they would have to do for today, but freaking some poor girl out was not going to make it end well. Besides, if Katherine went down into the event with nerves, that would be the beginning of the drama right there. Just as she was about to say something else to comfort the girl before her, Anais heard a voice over her shoulder and glanced to see Xavier Smith coming from his room. Oh damn... Anais almost forgot; some of these suitors were gorgeous.
Hello ladies! Excited for the upcoming gala? And you both look lovely in those dresses." Anais smiled at him charmingly.
"Good morning, handsome. Getting over some morning jitters, but thanks for the compliment." Anais replied smoothly just as the princess and a few other familiar faces came downstairs. Anais curtsied deeply, smiling at the beautiful princess before rising as the young woman spoke. Rosalinda was asking about the King, whom Anais was not that familiar with, and of Richard. Inwardly, Anais seethed but smiled cordially to Her Highness. "If I see him,Your Highness, I will tell him that you're searching for him." When Rosalinda dragged Xavier away with her after having a mini mental breakdown over her mother, Anais pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Richard. WHERE THE HELL R U? UR SISTER IS LOOKIN 4 U! -- Anais
Richard was jogging lightly down the steps and he paused, chuckling at Anais's irritation with him. Just for that, he was definitely going to mess with her first for the day before he went to the rest of the suitors. But first thing's first: save his little sister from his mother's wrath.
When he stepped outside, the sun's warm ray's instantly greeted his somewhat cool skin, sending an almost euphoric burst of energy throughout his pores that surged within his veins. He smiled charmingly at a few guests and bowed silkily, greeting them with a twinkle of his eyes. Some pretty much swooned; others blushed behind their fans. Smirking, Richard walked further out, catching his mother's eyes and embracing her while she was greeting a few guests.
"Good morning, mother," he said. She gave him one of her looks; one where she raked her eyes over him from head-to-toe. It definitely bothered him most times as his mother was always so critical of both he and Rosalinda, but moreso of his sister. He shifted uncomfortably until she gave him a tight-lipped smile.
"Hello, my dear. You remember what you're supposed to be doing today, don't you?" Rolling his eyes and still smirking, Rick nodded. "Good. Go flirt with one of your suitors - only your suitors. If your father complains to me one more time - "
"Perfectly understood, mother," Rick replied and kissed her cheek gently. "Don't you worry your pretty little head off. I won't even think about touching any other girls." The Queen shot him an incredulous look and Richard laughed, bowing to the women she was speaking with and excusing himself. As he turned and observed the crowd, he noticed Rosalinda on the arm of one of her suitors, Xavier, he believed. Ignoring the young man, Richard walked over and scooped Rosalinda up into his arms, grinning at her small shriek.
Everyone knew that Richard could be beyond infuriating. He almost seemed as though he didn't care about anyone but himself. However, those closest to him know that his sister had his heart and loyalty completely. It was only during these times where his true self showed - where he was warmer, softer, and maybe even a tad bit happier. He inwardly loathed the day that some random suitor would take his baby sister away and fought the urge to give Xavier a scathing look.
Looking beautiful as ever, Snow. Not like I didn't expect that," he told her and finally set the brunette down. He nodded to one of her ladies-in-waiting before settling his eyes onb Xavier, nothing but coldness and seriousness radiating in his eyes. "I expect nothing but respect and gentleman-like behavior from you. Otherwise, you will find how quickly I can it so that you do not exist." A beat later, Richard smiled charmingly. "Enjoy the festivities." And with a flourish, he was gone, sending a text to his tiny sprite of a friend for her whereabouts.
Off to find Anais and possibly one of his suitors.
Oh, and a glass of champagne to start his day.