Europe

"Master Remiel, you really should consider hosting a party so that you may associate yourself with the lords and ladies of Europe, should you ever hope to build solid international relations in case foreign affairs should arise."

A man with golden blonde hair rubbed his forehead as he sat at a sleek, massive grand piano in front of tall, narrow windows that flooded the room with pleasant sunlight. He had lost count of how many times he had been urged by his faithful servant to hold a social gathering at the Ambrosius Estate, something he was not entirely too fond of these days. People normally bore him, and he would much rather be off doing other things, like composing his latest work on the piano or going on a long flight. He just would not be able to do those things with others around. Lord knew they would be begging him to perform a piece upon the ebony and ivory keys that he sat himself by now, the word of his musical talents having spread through Europe like the Black Plague.

Chiseled face taut with vexation, he exhaled a breath in a heaved sigh, shoulders falling as he did so. He took in another breath, and then turned to face Remington, his loyal butler and an old family friend. His blue-green eyes settled on the fellow, his brow ever so slightly furrowing as he did so while his wings fanned out. "Remington, you know how I am when it comes to these things. They have more interest in my social class and wealth rather than just myself," he stated in a flowing British accent, finding it hard not to be harsh with his tone.

"You know your father would not be pleased to find his eldest son unwilling to better his status do to some social anxiety," Remington replied, though after he spoke, he lowered his eyes. He didn't mean to insult this Lordship, but he knew that he had a point and Remiel knew it too.

"I am not socially anxious," Remiel asserted, the aggravation surfacing in his tone. "I just do not want to waste me time dilly-dallying with the headache of politics, or who is planning on marrying who. I understand that it is part of playing the show of Duke. It just gets so tiresome and monotonous.... but," he held his hand up, palm facing outward. "You have a point. My father would not be too pleased upon hearing about my refusal to improve my social standings, and I'd rather not deal with that. As much as I hate to admit, our family is in need of new investments in European royalty."

"So you'll hold the party then?" the butler asked.

"Yes, Remington," Remiel said through his teeth. "Invite every count, princess, baron and their brother to parade through the halls of the Ambrosius Estate to the most elegant Masquerade ball you will ever attend." His words were loud and heavily laden with sarcasm. "Because they all hide behind a mask anyway." His last words were muttered under his breath.

Catalina stood in front of three very large mirrors the mad a U type shape, she was raised a bit from the ground standing on a small platform as one of her families most trusted maids lased her up in a large and very expensive wedding gown. She wore a smile on her face even though she hated everything about planning her wedding to that veil Prince of England.

“Catalina, Dear why do you seem so sad the dress looks beautiful on you.” Her Mother’s voice pierced the silence

“It’s not the dress Mother and you know that.” The words coming out harsher then she meant them to.

“It Prince Edward the II.” Her older brother chimed in as he came into the room kissing his mother’s cheek.

“He’s a lovely young man.” Her mother argued

“Yes I’m sure he’s a good man when he’s not drinking.” Cat’s brother said in a kinder tone then Cat had used. “But, I haven’t not come to talk about the marriage, we have received an invitation from the Duke of England, it seems he is holding a Masquerade Ball.” He said holding out the invitation for his mother to see.

Catalina rolled her eyes as she lifted the dress stepping off the platform and away from the Mirrors. She sighed softly as she watched her mother read over the invitation. Of course they would make an appearance, which meant she would have to see her fiancé, because he would be coming as well.

“Well Radu, looks Like you’ll be going in place of your father.” She glanced to her son, before looking to her daughter. “Come Catalina, we have a party to get ready for.” She said in a calm tone of voice. Cat simply gave her older brother a small smile before following after her mother.

Remiel had spent the duration of the next month planning (with the assistance of Remington of course) the evening events for the ball. He made sure that the musicians who specialized in stringed instruments were well accounted for, had the lists of guests that were to attend, and visited London to purchase himself new clothing of first-class finesse just for that particular occasion. He made sure to send an invitation requesting his siblings' presence at the party. His maids bustled about the place, polishing brass until reflections were clear and making the marble floors were shone in all of their glory. It was a hassle when it came to planning things like this, and he was grateful that it would all soon be over.

"You know Remington, I believe I will never be following your advice again. I am almost tempted to just call things quits and deal with my father instead," he finally told his butler one night when they were in the middle of deciding what would be for dinner.

"You don't mean that," Remington had replied, by now used to the bitterness that his Lordship had been displaying since the day he made the choice of giving into heeding his words.

"Oh, I do."

"It is too late to cancel now. You have guests clear from Romania, for God's Sake!"

Remiel withdrew himself from the argument.

Now the grand night had finally arrived. Remiel was fitted accordingly with his rapier at his side, stepping into his boots before he put on his mask that was black, trimmed and detailed with gold. The small orchestra had already begun to play softly, and the food was bring prepared in the kitchen so that it would be ready by the time it was to settle down in the dining hall. He made sure that his wings were properly and neatly tucked away, folding them against his back as well as he could. It was a good thing his wings were retractable, or else he would not ever being showing himself. He looked at himself for a long while in the mirror, taking in the image of himself dressed up in the way of the aristocrat. He was not sure if he very much liked what he saw then within the gilded frame of the mirror. He shook his head, and went to make the descent down the stairs. He went to the ballroom, taking his time to get there. He was dreading this really, but it was for the best. He reached for a crystal glass filled with the finest of red wine in the country, and awaited the arrival of his guests. It was not even five minutes later when the doors were opened and he could hear the whinnying of horses and the sharp clattering of ebony against the cobblestone. People began to flood through the doors, and he would give a bow of greeting to any that matched or surpassed his rank, politely asking how they were fairing and kissing the back of both bare and lacy-gloved hands before they gathered in the ballroom.

Prince Edward forcefully grabbed his fiancé kissing her roughly and in an unloving manor. She was all but use to this, the only thing she could bring herself to get use to the strong scent of heavy alcohols and cigar smoke that filled her nose practically causing her to gage every time she inhaled. Cat stepped away simply smiling to the young prince, who was already irritated with his young bride for not returning his kiss. He put his arms out as his royal blue, silver trimmed tail coat was put on by one of his servants. He took another swig of alcohol from his flask. Catalina was already laced up in her extravagant gown which was a little to big for her small frame and tighter than usual.

The prince hopped in to the carriage not bothering to help the princess, instead the carriage driver helping her in. The drive to the house where the party was being held was about an hour drive from the castle. She admired her mask that she held in her hands smiling at the thought it had been imported straight from Italy.

“Try not to embarrass me tonight alright.” The prince said slurring his words a bit as he sat across from Cat.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, I know you have so many people to impress and to prove you’re not a huge lush right.” She said in a sarcastic, hateful tone. He was probably the only person that brought out Catalina’s bad side. The inside of the carriage was filled with a thunderous clash as Edwards lashed out slapping the princess. Cat let out a small whimper of pain, as her eyes filled with tears but he was careful not to let them fall from her eyes.

“Princess or not you’re going to learn to hold that tongue of yours, not bride of mine will talk to me in that manner.” He glared at her.

She swallowed “I apologize.” She said in a soft tone, her voice cracking a bit.

The rest of the ride was silent for the most part with the exception of Edward talking about their future and his plans when he took over as king, the carriage finally coming to a halt outside the large Estate. The couple stepping out of the carriage Edward helping Cat now, only for appearance purposes, of course. The two making their way up the steps her arm interlocked with the Princes as they entered the large mansion together.

"Make way for the royal Prince of England and Princess of Romania!"

The Ambrosius Estate was already buzzing with lively conversation. There was the typical conversation of trade, political issues, and all of the things that revolved around royalty. The guests paused in their rambling chattering and turned to face the large double doors in which the latest attendees entered, music ceasing respectfully as the musicians bowed with the other guests. Remiel walked briskly to the door and gave a bow of welcome to his home. As he did so, he could smell the reek of alcohol on the Prince's breath. He resisted the urge to wrinkle his nose in disgust, giving a fake smile as he straightened up. It was sometimes difficult for him to maintain humility, and he hated the fact that his human rank was lower than the status that he held in his race's society. He knew of Prince Edward's drinking habits; he had done business with the prince before and he seemed to make a request of wine with every visit. Even on the rare occasion when he had been asked to accompany Edward on a hunt, the Prince was bound to have a flask of some sort with him. Remiel did enjoy a drink or two, but he also knew how to control himself and hold his head in alcohol.

"Welcome, your highness, m'lady," he said in warm greeting, looking from Prince Edward to Cat. "It is the utmost pleasure having you here this evening. I am the Duke, Remiel Ambrosius. Please, do come in and join in on the festivities of the night. I will be making a toast momentarily." He made a gesture with a wave of his arm towards the ballroom where people resumed in whatever it was that they were doing before the Prince and his fiancé had arrived.

To him, something about the Princess's expression showed discontentment. He took note of this, but assumed that it could just be him being ridiculous. She was a lovely young woman, he had to admit, but she was a Princess and therefore was set a rank above him. Not only that, but she was to be Edward's bride within the next year. He would have to keep his casual compliments to a minimum, to his displeasure. He ascended the stairs with another round of wine, and there was the sound of a bell rung by Remington as he commanded everyone's attention and directed it to the Duke.

"My lords and ladies! I want to thank you for attending my party here in the lovely country of England. Let this be a chance to socialize and a time of entertainment, for you have toiled plenty enough in your affairs. Dinner will be served within the hour, so please...make yourselves at home for the time being and enjoy your stay here. Many of you have traveled a great distance in order to be here, and I am grateful for you to have made it. I would also like to congratulate Prince Edward and his beautiful bride upon their engagement," he spoke, voice clear and ringing throughout the room. He gave a nod of indication to his special guests. If he had not mentioned anything about the engagement, he would have surely been chastised for his manners, and he was already in the Queen's favor. The last thing he needed was for Edward to speak ill of him. There was clapping and a murmur that rose in the crowd in response to this announcement. "Now, I wish for you to go and have a night of enlightenment. Let the ball begin!"

Cat smiled as the man spoke simply listening to the Duke, when in a public setting such as this she Edward did the speaking for the both of them. She sighed as they walked around talking to other royals, it was the same boring conversations they had at every party and the party would end the same as it always did. Edward would take a separate carriage home with some beautiful young countess or duchess. They were not allowed to sleep in the same room let alone have sexual encounter until their wedding night, but that didn’t stop her fiancé from sleeping with every other girl he could get his hands on.

She glanced to the Duke as he gave his speech, he was handsome, that was obvious, yet she wondered why he was unmarried. She knew little about him. But, what she did know was he was single, he could play the violin better than anyone in the 15th century, so she was told, and he had quite a significant fortune. She had become caught up her thoughts when a voice brought her from them it was familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

“Princess, don’t you just look lovely this evening.” The young Countess said, Sarcasm staining every inch of her words as she gave the princess a fake smile. Countess Anna Marie Barbet, she was younger then Catalina, but only by a year, she had simply been a peasant, that the count of Romania had fancied and she was lucky enough to be married into riches, though she wasn’t exactly faithful.

“Thank you Anna, you look just as lovely if not more.” She said in a sincere voice, matching it with a sweet smile.

“Isn’t the Duke, handsome?” She said excitedly, in a little more friendly tone. Cat had to keep herself from rolling her eyes, this girl was definitely a gold digger, a vey beautiful one at that. Cat glanced to the Duke, who seemed to be staring at the both of them. Cat smiled to him, before glancing to the Prince who was probably speak some kind of business with the Duke. But she was glad to be rid of Edward for the moment.

“I hear he’s single as well.” She smirked.

“He is, is he?” Anna said as if an idea was forming in her mind.

When Remiel saw the smile from Cat as she spoke with Countess Anna Marie, he returned it with one of his own. Maybe he would stop to say 'hello'. When he was in the middle of making his rounds, he was stopped by one of his guests after having finished dancing with one of the elegant daughters of a Count from Germany. "Lord Ambrosius! Is it true that you are indeed, a musical prodigy?" he asked noisily enough for some others to hear. It was the old Marquis of France, graying hairs and all. "I have heard much of your talents, even within my own country."

The Duke gave a chuckle, and couldn't help but to feel a sense of pride as others commented with a similar story. The next thing he knew, just as he predicted, people began to question that they see proof of such tales of musical capability. He held up a hand in means to hush them in the kindest way possible. "Please, my dear guests. That can wait until after dinner," he told them. There were the sounds of disappointment that followed, and he gently pushed through the group that had gathered around him. He knew that when the time arrived for him to give evidence of his rumored abilities, he needed to live up to their expectations. Humiliation was not an option for him.

"After dinner then! I will hold you to that!" the Marquis called after him.

"I promise that you will be pleased and find it worth the wait!" Remiel said over his shoulder to the man.

He crossed the ballroom before anybody else could hinder him, and approached the Countess and the Princess. He courteously dipped his head. Both of the women that he addressed looked dazzling. Remington had reminded him that he needed to be cautious when speaking with those that caught his eye.

"Good evening, ladies. You both look wonderful. How have the days been treating you lately, if I may ask?"

Cat smiled as she replied to the countess before turning her attention the duke. "Good evening, ladies. You both look wonderful. How have the days been treating you lately, if I may ask?" he spoke like a gentlemen, something that was quite different to Cat, she was used to dealing with Edward.

Anna put her hand out a signal for the Duke to kiss it, as she introduced herself “Countess, Anna Marie Barbet” she smirked in a flirty tone of voice, it was obvious what her intent was, but Cat really didn’t blame her all that much, her husband wasn’t much to look at. “Were a lot better, now that you here thank you.” Cat shook her head lightly, clearing her throat a bit.

“Your home is very lovely, it’s very kind of you to have us.” She nodded lightly “You have quite a reputation around the world, you sir are almost as famous as my dear prince.” She smiled politely making light conversation. “I’m excited to finally get to see you musical talent, personally I’ve heard so much about you.” She said as she was handed a drink from one of the waitors.

"Why thank you. It may not be quite as extravagant a castle, but this is close enough to one that I am content with it. It's big enough to fit both me and the royalty of Europe at least. I'm glad you find it satisfying."

Remiel looked at the hand that Anna held out for him to kiss. He found the hasty signal as an implication of flirtatious intentions. Not that he minded the attention since it meant that time and genes had treated him well. It was flattering, but with the way the Countess was acting made her libidinous will painfully obvious. Then there was also the fact that she was married to a respectable man. He disregarded the hand, pretending as if to be distracted by the boisterous shouting and laughing from a group of old gentlemen telling humorous stories. He hated to be rude, but she was in need of a lesson in modesty. Cat on the other hand, he noticed spoke and acted with more reserve.

When Cat mentioned his prominence, he gave a small smile. "Why thank you, my dear Highness. It is nice to know that others speak so amiably of me. We would not want it the other way around, would we?," he responded, the last sentence meant for a hint of levity. "I am pleased to be able to demonstrate my talents to all of you, if I do say so myself. It is amazing how such passions can mesmerize and captivate such a vast audience." He then looked about the ballroom when he realized that Prince Edward was not near. "Where is Prince Edward?" he asked her. "He should know better than to leave a Bride to-Be on her own. Heaven knows what trouble one woman could get herself into." There was his charm making an attempt to chime in again. He was only trying to bring light to the atmosphere, remembering that flicker of unhappiness that he had read on the Princess's face earlier before his speech.

Cat noted that he did not accept Anna’s flirty gesture, which she gave him credit for, especially for someone as beautiful as Countess Barbet. She smiled to the Duke as she took a drink from the elegant crystal whine glass. The alcohol was stronger than she expected it to be, but she didn’t let it show on her face, she kept her composure very well in any situation.

She smiled softly to the Duke before glancing around the ball room for the prince, not seeing him and she could make a good guess where he was, but think about it simply upset her. She took a deep breath as she downed the last of her drink, not very lady like but she really could care less.

“Prince Edward I’m sure is off talking important business with his associates.” She smiled knowing better than to say an ill word about the Prince of England. “Care to show me around you beautiful estate before dinner?” she asked “The princess does deserve the grand tour after all.” She teased gently hoping to get her mind off her fiancé.

Remiel decided not to press the Princess any further about subjects relating to Prince Edward. Not wanting to upset her, he gave a nod. "Yes, you're right. Forgive me for not offering a tour in the first place. Right this way please," he said, beckoning for her to follow him. Before that moment, he had never shown anyone around his home outside of the ballroom, the entry hall, the dining room, or the front courtyard. Him home was actually quite large, and it had been design and built by one of the finest architects in western Europe that was paid with a most handsome sum of money. It was made to have a look of open exquisiteness, to be as grand inside as it was outside. During the day, light was not needed much because of the large windows that allowed natural illumination from the sun. Even on the days when grey clouds filled the sky, there were hardly any candles that needed to be lit. He pointed out tapestries and paintings from notorious artists across the region. He had an impeccable taste for art, in love with it actually. He had been like that since he within the early years of the first decade in his life.

As he led her from the Ballroom through the grand hall (the dining hall would be much to busy with people preparing the food and the table), he decided to try and save conversation from dying out. "How were your travels from Romania?" he asked her. "That is such a distance from England for you to come just to attend a party held by a Duke."


They were making their way to a set of heavy oak doors, beyond which lay the library with ancient shelves that towered to the ceiling. He rarely allowed outsiders into that particular room unless it was for business matters that needed to be discussed privately. It was here where he would clear his thoughts if a storm kept him cooped up inside or he wasn't composing music. He would also do his paintings here, or write another piece of work that would be added to a volume of previous literature that would probably never be read by another soul but himself. It was a room that was big enough for him to spread his wings to their full span if he desired, which was a span of thirty feet from one wing tip to the other.

When they made it to the doors of the library, he settled his hand upon the freshly varnished handle. "This would be my personal library and study," he stated.

He pushed the doors open until they gave way to the next part of their tour. A fireplace was located on the right-hand side, which would be crackling with flames for the duration of the winter months. Set near this fire was a red luxurious-looking plush armchair, with a small table alongside it. An identical chair was next to it, for in case he had a member of the family over for a visit. A mahogany desk was settled at the far end of the library, with ink wells and quills in all, and it was there that he would sit for many hours in silent contemplation and self-reflection.

"I would not say it's so bad for a library to have all for oneself."

Cat carried her mask in her hand and politely listened to him as he guided her through the house, much like she had been taught to her whole life growing up. Lesson after lesson on manors and how to be a proper lady until they were convinced she was brain washed. She smiled at the appropriate times and complemented his art work, some dating far before her time, but she still admired it. She cleared her throat lightly as she prepared her answer for his questions about his travels.

“It was really nothing, I was going to be coming to England sooner or later to plan for my wedding, your party just made my arrival sooner, besides my mother was just dying to come to England, her and my brother should be around here somewhere.” She sighed.

They walked a bit more before thy came to the enormous library, it matched that of her castle’s library back at home which was odd, she thought. Normally only castles, at least that she knew of had library’s this size. She looked around at his vast selection of books and the beautiful detail of the library. It was silent for a moment and as she tried to think of what to say next, she glanced to him taking in his appearance, before she finally spoke.

“Duke?’ She said softly “Surly you have to be much higher than a Duke, a beautiful home like this, a library of such vast size, matched with your musical talent, your very handsome, and your quite the charmer…is there something I’m missing?” she lightly cocked her head to the side “It’s a shame you didn’t fight for my hand in marriage surly you would have…” she quickly realized what she was about to say knowing better then to mouth off “I do apologize, sometimes…I just seem to speak out of term. Hopefully you can forgive me.” She said in a sweet voice.

Remiel had removed his mask from his face shortly after he had made his speech. They already knew who he was, so he took it off. He figured the ones that he had addressed with his fictitiously yet plausible warm welcome already knew his identity, so there was no need to maintain anonymity. He had given it to Remington to onto until he felt that he may need it again, but he highly doubted that there would be a time for it any time soon.

"Well..I'm glad that this party was not an inconvenience to you then."

Now he stood by the door, hands held behind his back as he watched the Princess as she let her eyes wander the Library. It was one of the things that he considered his pride and joy, and to be able to share it with others made him feel a childish sense of satisfaction. He couldn't help but to notice how the light met her face, how the shadows fit in the contours of her delicate features. Her complexion appeared smooth and soft to the touch, fitting with the color of her stunning eyes and hair. She truly was a ravishing young woman, but he knew better than to let the enchantment of a woman make him forget his morals and manners. She was to be wed to one of the most powerful authorities in Europe, and he was ranked a step below her and the Prince. It would be deemed inappropriate should he try and attempt to make any advancement to her. This was a harsh fact, but in order to keep his family secret on a low profile, he had to refrain from being even more flattering than he was when he was limiting himself on his behavior.

She was so quiet it seemed, but he supposed that it was better than the gawking women that would rant over foolish things or just chatter without shutting up. The way she talked almost made it seem that she was afraid to surpass the volume that she had been using with him nearly all evening. On the contrary though, her abrupt burst of flattery caught him off guard. When she asked him if there was something that she was missing, he felt a pang of guilt for he could not tell her the truth behind his success. He shook his head from side to side.

"No, Your Highness. There are no secrets here. I am simply a Duke that happened to be born with natural talents and was only lucky as far as assets go," he responded, taking a few steps towards her and then fixing her in a gentle gaze. His blue-green eyes, as intense as they were, softened as he looked into her eyes.

"And as for your hand in marriage, there might have been a chance. If I had been given the title of Prince rather than Duke, there is a strong possibility that I would have done so. Now please, Princess, I think it would be best that we move on. The Dinner bell should be ringing soon," he told her, and motioned for her to go with him back through the doors. "As for that apology...there is no need for it. After all, you are only a Princess speaking your mind. I'd prefer one to speak in honesty anyway."

“Please, call me Cat, Princess is simply my bloodline, nothing more, if I had it my way I’d be a servant.” She said in an honest tone. Cat smiled to him “And whether I am princess or not has nothing to do with it, I’m still a woman and we have very little say an anything.” She said as they head back toward the dining room. “Thank you for the tour, your home is very lovely.” She said softly using the same quite tone she had been using all night “You are a very interesting gentlemen.” She stated, paying him a gentle complement as they go closer to the dining room hearing the dinner bell.

“Catalina, there you are!” her brother said jogging up to the two a little out of breath as if he had been searching everywhere for his little sister.

“Good evening Radu, nice of you to join the party.” Cat teased her brother.

He smirked his charming smirk, it was identical to Cat’s “Well you know I always have to be fashionably late. That’s what their saying these days…right?” his Romanian accent was thick, but he spoke perfect English. “You going to introduce me to your friend?” he said looking from Cat to the Duke.

Cat laughed gently “Radu, this the Duke.” She said trying her hardest not to laugh.

“Oh Shit…” he said quietly before straightening himself up and becoming more serious. He cleared his throat before speaking again “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’ve heard great things about you.” He said giving a simple bow of his head, before turning back to his sister “Your fiancé is looking for you.” He said, slightly worried for her, knowing how the Prince could get, though there was nothing her could really do about it.

“Well then if you’ll excuse me, it was very nice talking with you. Though I must get back to Edward.” She smiled and her tone was very businesslike almost as if she had been doing a deal with Remi, but they had been doing nothing more than caring on a simple conversation. She gave him one last smile, though there was sadness behind her eyes. Radu offered his arm to his sister and Cat accepted his offer interlocking her arm with her brothers as he led her away from the duke.

Remiel was surprised by the humble way in which the princess spoke of herself. Not many people with her status could step down from a golden pedestal like that. This he saw as an admirable trait in others, and the fact that Cat possessed this trait amazed him. She was captivating with both her appearance and her personality to him already, and they had only met just a couple hours ago. When he was called interesting, he gave a half smile.

"Thank you, Cat. I appreciate the fact that I do not bore you. I've never been one to have a plain personality," he said. "You are not so bland yourself."

He watched as Radu strode up to them, breathless. He wondered how long the Prince of Romania had been looking for them, and he also wondered when he would have the honors of meeting their mother. Dinner would probably present him with the opportunity to do so. He could not help but to chuckle when Radu apologized for failing to recognize his host right away. He returned the Romanian's bow.

"No worries. It is a pleasure to meet you as well," he replied.

He could not help but to see the look of worry cross over the Prince's face upon mentioning Prince Edward. He became suspicious then, wondering just how the Prince of England treated his future bride if her brother was worried for her as well. He would have to keep a close watch on how Edward behaved himself around her. Besides his music abilities, he also had the unique ability of learning about mannerisms of others and being able to read them like a book. Prince Edward's pages spoke to him in bold letters. The sadness that he had seen in Cat's eyes did not escape his observance either, and he found it most bothersome.

It was nice speaking to you as well," Remiel said, giving a small wave as Cat left with her sibling. Just as they walked away, he was greeted by his sister.

"Oh Remi! I've finally found you!" Christine exclaimed with delight as she flung her arms around her brother in an embrace, bouncing light brown curls and all. "It has been so long since my last visit!"

Remiel lightly coughed into his hand after momentarily placing his arms around his sister. He gently pushed her away after letting her go, staring at her with a stern look. "It is lovely to see you again Christine, but please..." He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "Do not call me 'Remi' in the presence of European royalty." Then he straightened up and stepped back a little. "It seems that Europe has been treating you well. How are you, sister?"

Appearing slightly hurt, Christine fiddled with a part of the skirt to her dress before she looked back at him. "I'm doing wonderful," she answered, brightness returning to her expression. "The Duke of Germany had asked me to dance with him earlier. He is quite the fellow, if you ask me," she said with a soft giggle. "Mother and father are busy taking care of family affairs, so it's only Maverick and myself here tonight. Mother requests that you come see her in the fall."

"Well, we will discuss family matters perhaps after the party. For now, let us join our guests for dinner," he replied. He linked his arms with hers before he led her off to the dining room that was now buzzing with human interaction. He took his seat at the head of the table, his sister taking the seat to his left. It was minutes later when they were joined by their brother.

"Good evening, Maverick," Remiel said.

"Good evening, brother. It seems you know how to throw quite the celebration," Maverick said as he sat across from Christine. "I see that you have been trying to work your charms on the ladies tonight," he teased.

"Oh, do shut up. You know it's only in my nature," he joked. "Now....if you would give me a moment."

Remiel stood from his chair and addressed the crowd. "Please, my splendid guests, enjoy your meal and eat heartily. I did not pay my cooks for no reason. They are some of the best in England. You have come a long way on your travels, so I hope that the evening's dinner is to your satisfaction. So now," he gestured towards the food. "Dine as you'd like."