Snippet #2756629

Navarre's brows furrowed as the countess thought to berate him! Such nerve for a young woman! He was more than happy to meet people with more than fluff in their heads, and it was all fine and dandy for others to have their own thoughts and opinions. But Countess Sera was acting mighty casual for a respectable lady meeting her betrothed for the first time. They weren't even wed and she thought they were on equal footing already? He had half a mind to curse, especially as she did stir up a minute sensation of foolishness at forgettig he had in fact seen her from the sidelines upon her and her father's audience with the king. He wasn't about to admit he han't paid attention at the time, too busy fuming after a fight with his brother. It was a shame, as the two never used to fight (simple boyish banter was as far as it used to go), but eventually his childhood fancy of the two of them being joint kings was replaced by reality. Then things began to become tense.

However, that was not the issue of the moment! He was being countered by his betrothed, and further insulted by having his bastard cousin butt in and try to imply they were all going to have a grand old time! Not a care in the world! The prince scowled at the mercenary, but turned to head inside. It was getting dark anyway. However. He was not about to let the countess Sera look down upon him. And she had even delivered a jab at his good character!

"Perhaps that is your meaning, but we are merely betrothed. We do not yet have such familiarity, as we have just officially met. Surely we are not so intimately involved that you think it proper to address me so informal? Particularly in public? After all, countess, I don't neglect to address you as is proper. Even I address my own flesh and blood by his title, as it is considered conveying respect for the other, is it not?" His voice was cool and clipped, and he leaned forward towars the fair lady he was supposed to soon marry. His eye bored into her for a lingering moment, before turning his back on her, heading for his quarters. "I shall see you at dinner my lady Sera. Do see yourself settled."

--
Kezia smiled at her sister, thinking it rather ironic that her older, better- mannered sister was the one causing trouble already (especially considering how she had been reminded to mind her own manners on the ride over!) Even so, she wasn't overly surprised. Just because Sera was usually polite, well mannered, and gentle, it didn't mean she didn't have a strong side. The older countess did have standards after all (as Kezia herself mos assuredly did, though Sera's were all meaningful and reasonable standards.) It took considerable restraint not to scowl at the prince, who, despite his looks, seemed rather rude. Was this family full of fine looking, but disagreeable men?

Speaking of the men,she glanced back over as a strong voice commanded a servant to transport their belongings, momentarily surprised that it came from the mercenary. She watched quietly as the servant Gaston spoke with his master, calling him 'captain' of all things. 'Surely you can't address a mere soldier for hire by such an accomplished title as 'captain?' she thought to herself, almost feeling bad for the servant. It was a shame he had to serve this man instead of being a trusty squire besides a real knight. She wondered if such things bothered Gaston (though she'd be surprised if they didn't).

The arrangements made her pause, feeling a little less than enthused. Thankfully it sounded like each of them had their own wing, and thus, a suite of rooms. But how far would that put her from Sera? Kezia had thought they'd be able to be close until later on. She didn't even know if the king and his family would honor their end of the treaty or not yet! Kezia hurried to stand beside Sera, not eager to be alone in such a foreign castle yet.