It took Arthur far longer to recognize the king than it should have. He was horrified at himself. How on earth could he not know the king when he saw him? Arthur's face was tense. That was worse than being a traitor, right? Maybe he needed to show more interest in politics after all. He glanced around at all the faces of the great men and woman that were around him. It was strange. He was technically one of them but he suddenly felt very alone. He'd paid so little though to the political, economic, and financial situation in the world around him that he may as well not even call himself a noble.<br/><br/>"Good evening, Your Majesty." He smiled and raised his glass. "Your people have out-done themselves, sire. I'm happy to be here."<br/><br/>Arthur looked at the King. He knew that his loyalties lied with the King and his family. They were the rightful rulers of the land. Not only that, but they were wonderful people from what he could tell. Each of them were kind, fair, just and a defender of their people. The king was a truly great man, worthy of his deepest respect and devotion. He noticed the Queen resting at a table. There was no one on earth that could convince him the she was not only a regal force alongside her husband but a diligent believer in instilling values in her children. He watched James leave his mother's side. The prince was fine man. He trusted his judgement the same as he trusted the king's. He rested his eyes on the beautiful future queen still sitting with the Queen. He knew nothing of her family or her origins. He was not even sure if she was from foreign royalty or local nobility. However, if Prince James fell in love with the young woman, she had to be as fantastic of a person as he was.<br/><br/>Arthur smiled as Cassandra approached. He knew the least about the princess. She was not as much of a force in circles as her parents or the heir was. It wasn't that he doubted her. She was a daughter of Queen Ember. He'd never bet against her, he knew that much. He appraised her as she approached, trying to figure her out a little more. This went on as she walked over. Suddenly, he realized that he had been staring at for for almost a minute!<span style="font-style: italic">Oh, God! I'm ogling the Princess!</span>He turned bright red and quickly looked away. He downed his champagne like a shot, a most ignoble gesture his mother would point out.<span style="font-style: italic">Did she see?! Oh, worse! Did the king?!</span>A cold fear filled his stomach. Now I am a traitor! He suddenly had images of the king lying into a rage and ordering him beheaded on the spot. He looked up when he heard his mother speak. He jumped when he looked up and Cassandra was standing there.<br/><br/>"Evening, Princess!" he belted out far too loudly.