Prince Ewan strode into the reception hall impeccably dressed in his finest attire, a purple and black tunic and coat emblazoned with his family’s royal arms. While it was generally considered uncouth for anyone to wear purple other than the king, Ewan could care less. He liked to think of the outfit as a way of ‘foreshadowing’ what lay in store for the kingdom. Besides, he loved being the subject of conversation – either for good or bad.<br/><br/>He stepped into the grand foyer with a broad smile and his 2-1/2-year-old son Carrick hoisted up in one arm. The similarly-dressed child silently looked into the hall with wide-open blue eyes under a mass of partially combed blond hair. In their train were three servants and a nanny, each also dressed appropriately for the occasion. The Prince did not have a female escort for the event – in fact he had yet to remarry despite the constant nagging of his brother and family. They were met at the door by the mothers and fathers of the happy couple and their entourages.<br/><br/>“His grace, Prince Ewan; and his son, Master Carrick!” the herald shouted as they entered through a blast of trumpeted fanfare. Ewan extended his hand to Victoria first, then Henry, the Baron and his wife in that order. He kissed the womens' hands and shook the mens' vigorously.<br/><br/>"Deepest and most heartfelt congratulations, my dear friends,” he said genuinely. The Baron and his wife were indeed good friends of Ewans – and Victoria even more so. Henry did not know of any reason to dislike the Prince either – at least not yet. “They seem very happy, Lady Montgomery. I pray they continue to enjoy as much happiness as their parents have,” he added with a wink.<br/><br/>Once the initial courtesies had been offered young Carrick decided to play the game as well. He reached out his small hand to shake with their hosts, mirroring his father’s actions. The child wore a warm smile as he did so.<br/><br/>“Now Carrick, I told you that you may say hello but the hour is late. Please say goodnight to our guests and go with Ms. Smyth,” he said, placing the child on his feet. Instead of turning to the nanny, though, the young boy put on a devilish smile and took off like a shot into the hall. After a fast curtsy Ms. Smyth hiked up her dress slightly and hurried after him. Ewan only laughed as the boy ran off.<br/><br/>“Apologies, my friends. He loves playing hide and seek – and he’s good at it. I fear I spoil him too much,” the Prince explained as a sad look crossed his features. “I am trying to be both mother and father to the poor child, and I fear I am inadequate at either role.” Ewan laid on the false humiliy thickly, playing the part of the still-grieving widower to the hilt.