Ivor was certainly not what she expected, the way he kissed her hand and looked at her with a sort of...<span style="font-style: italic">was it caring?</span>It felt like he'd more than accepted the arrangement for what it was and was making the best of it. Perhaps it was little more than knowing her kingdom had followed through, or perhaps it was simply because she wasn't like that of the royalty surrounding their respective areas: unfortunate looking.<br/><br/>Whatever it was, it left her feeling guilty in a way, that she wasn't happier to see him and to unite their kingdoms as a whole.<br/><br/>Her smile remained demur while his grew excited, hoping to use the excuse of exhaustion from the events of the day should it come up, waving and trying to make some sort of eye contact with as many as she could. It was a process, trying to keep engaged while her thoughts continuously went elsewhere, went to BrÃ¡dach and how he was doing, if he'd made it. Occasionally, she tried her hand at an adoring sort of expression, glancing over at Ivor while he spoke.<br/><br/>Everything he said was what they'd set out to achieve, was what was needed to end the war and make sure life could move forward and leave the bloodshed behind.<br/><br/>In her mind, she couldn't fully commit to it. Not yet. Not until she could wrap her mind around the arrangement itself, and that it was really happening.<br/><br/>With the last words spoken, she took hold of his arm, happier to be back inside instead of putting on a front for her future subjects. Or she was until the wine was brought out. After her journey there, wine was tempting, but almost too convenient in a way. She'd just escaped twice during her journey, from a gang of men who'd wanted to make sure she didn't make it...and now the wine was brought forth, no pouring seen; For all she knew, it could have been poisoned when brought over.<br/><br/>...But, if she didn't drink it, it could very well start the war back up.<br/><br/>Taking hold of one of the goblets in a gingerly grasp, she tried to return his excitement, lips pulling into a larger smile, but the violet of her eyes remained untouched. "I look forward to the chance to speak to them," Maria replied with the smallest of nods. "I only hope that I do your country, our countries, proud." She'd wanted to ask about the plans for the dinner, whether it'd be kept within the family, or if other dignitaries and the like would be there.<br/><br/>Where they weren't yet married, and it would have been too proper, she remained silent.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">He drank from his goblet without hesitation, â€œOh I am sure you will be fine. Your father spoke very highly of you and my father seemed more than please with what was said. Really, just a few words from you would brighten their days to no end.â€ A nod then another drink before he set his goblet down on the tray, â€œWe shall have dinner in 4 hours,â€ he glanced at the large clock that was against the wall. â€œThere are private chambers waiting for you, with servants waiting to take care of your every desire. Is there anything else that you would like before we part ways?â€ he asked. <br/><br/>The question was as sincere as the look in his eyes, as if he truly wished for her to be completely comfortable and happy. Like any future husband would do for his future bride.</span><br/><br/>As he drank, she followed suit, pleasantly surprised by the taste, though it paled in comparison to what she'd tried the night before.<span style="font-style: italic">Maybe it was the company then that made it better...</span>she mused, quickly pushing her thoughts aside to focus on his question, on the look in his eyes, on how she should be focused.<br/><br/>Replacing her own goblet on the tray, having only taken the one sip, she glanced at the clock and then back at him. "I'd only like to ask one question, m'lord," she started hesitantly. "When I was first attacked, I lost my carriage, and my clothes with it...My question is simply about what you'd like for me to wear tonight at dinner."<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">That gave him pause as he allowed himself the chance to look over her,â€You are indeed in a situation. However, there were some dresses bought and placed in your room that were more of our style should you have wished to to try it out. Given the situation, I can have a tailor sent to your room and alter the dresses right away to fit you. Would that be acceptable?â€ he asked with some hope that his suggestion would enough.</span><br/><br/>"That would be most wonderful," she replied with a low sort of nod, only to falter. There was something else on her mind, something she desperately wanted to know, but was almost too shy to ask.<span style="font-style: italic">No, no you'll seem too eager. He's only supposed to be a hired ranger, and you've been asking for him far more today than you should have. You can find out later.</span>"I cannot possibly thank you enough, m'lord."<br/><br/>When the young girl was waved over to bring her to her chambers, she dipped into a curtsy, keeping her eyes away from the kiss he placed on her hand. Though the gesture was one she was used to, but his lips weren't the ones she wanted to feel right then; A guilty thought.<br/><br/>"I'll see you at dinner," was the last thing she said as she was hastened away down the hallway, the young girl talking to her the entire time, regaling her with the knowledge of what each room held, for future reference. There were half-nods, and the occasional, "Oh?" but her mind was further away with a certain ranger.<br/><br/>The castle, the prince, all of it, took a back seat.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">The time wore on and Ivor did everything he could think of in order to not dwell on this wedding. Ioan was of some help, but mostly he found himself throwing whatever he had at hand at his guard. When it came time for dinner, he dressed up a bit more. It was to be just the royal family, so formal but intimate in the family sense. To set off his dark features he wore a dark red and black suit trimmed in gold stitching.  <br/><br/>For their dinner that evening, the dinning hall was dressed for a full and formal dinner. Candles were lit, gold and silver plate ware was sat on on the long mahogany table. To try and make her feel more at home Ivor saw to it that her favorite dishes were prepared, it also did not hurt in showing his parents that he was committed to this relationship/arrangement. When he entered he took it upon himself to pull out her chair for her. He even sat her just to his right, so that they could chat softly from time to time without having to raise their voices. <br/><br/>In total, those of his family that would attend the dinner were his parents and three other siblings. An older sister and two younger brothers. For all of their sakes, he hoped they were on their best behavior, he was not in the mood to deal with them this evening. It all had to be perfect.</span><br/><br/>Her chambers weren't quite what she was expecting, much like everything else hadn't been since she'd arrived. It was more than she'd had back home, but almost made her feel more cut off, like she wasn't expected to leave the room. She had her bedroom, complete with the bath, vanity, wardrobe, and a larger window than she had previously to look out over the foreign view. In addition to that, she had her own sort of common room, a sitting room of sorts equipped with a fortepiano, couches, and a writing desk. In a corner, there was a shelf filled with...needle point.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Of course...</span>she'd thought in bemused fashion.<span style="font-style: italic">Because I'm supposed to be dimwitted as a post with a lack of intelligence.</span><br/><br/>Not that she could dwell on it. Her new ladies-in-waiting had immediately hopped to work, her bath drawn and ready for her to soak and wash away the filth from the forest. They set about to combing her hair out and fawning over her, as her own used to do, occasionally asking her a question rather than mindlessly complimenting, only to then switch back to their sporadic murmurs. And, though it was like pulling teeth, Maria had finally manage to find out about BrÃ¡dach and his condition, a small sigh of relief escaping before the expression quickly vanished, not wanting them to think she was lingering too long on a simple ranger when her affections were to be lying elsewhere.<br/><br/>Over the next few hours, she was primped and preened, hair constantly being brushed out while they set to work on her face, making sure she didn't look nearly as tired as she felt. All while having the tailor taking measurements and asking her preferences in colors. Her hair was then piled almost completely atop her head in an elaborate array of curls, only a few well-placed dangling about her delicate features. Her cheeks were pinched to give them a temporary glow as she appeared to be "looking slightly peaky", and a dress was slowly worked into now that the real "work" was done. It was a simpler dress than she normally wore, though dressier than what she'd worn earlier that day. No corset was in sight, so she silently praised the gods for that small miracle, and she wasn't made to wear ridiculously high shoes.<br/><br/>Then her ladies walked her down the winding hallways and a stairwell to find the dining room, the familiar scent of her favorite food wafting to her, causing her stomach to growl. A curt nod at the servants and the door was opened, the long table a semi-familiar sight, glad that at least some things remained the same, led inside to her seat beside the Prince. Those who were there stood as she entered, feeling the usual flush flood her cheeks as she felt the eyes boring into her, a small nod in greeting before properly curtsying to the lot and settling into her seat.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">And so it begins...</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">The servants brought the first course, a salad that was fresh from the garden, a red wine poured into their glasses and then stepped back to wait until they were needed. <br/><br/>â€œMaria,â€ Ivor's voice was smooth, soft and nearly a caress with how he said her name, â€œI know you have met my father the King Randal,â€ the older gentleman with salt and pepper hair nodded his head. â€œTo his right is my lovely mother, Queen Meredith and to her right should be my sister, but she is late as always,â€ he rolled his eyes  but continued with the introductions. â€œLastly are my younger brothers, Edgar and Earl.â€<br/><br/>All as they were introduced gave a small bow of their heads and smiled, though his brothers also gave a small wave. <br/><br/>â€œHow about we all eat and get to know our new <span style="font-style: italic">daughter</span>?â€ Randal said with a smile and wink at Maria before he set into his salad. <br/><br/>â€œSo, Maria,â€ his mother began. â€œHow are you liking your stay so far? I hope that the trip here did not tarnish your opinion on our country?â€</span><br/><br/>This would be the only time she'd be thankful for anything her etiquette teachers had taught her. They'd instilled a sense of urgency with remembering names, should you meet new diplomats or the like. â€œCalling them by the wrong name, the wrong title, could result in yet another war,â€ they'd always said. So, when the new names were rattled off (Ivor's tone not going unnoticed), she filed them away, nodding in greeting with a small smile on her lips.<br/><br/>The one thing she wasn't sure how to return however, was the wink from her future<span style="font-style: italic">father</span>,from the king. It wasn't as though the gesture was lewd, but he'd always been far more formal in the few meetings she'd seen him present at. This side of him was different,<span style="font-style: italic">much like everything else here...</span>Thankfully, however, the queen spoke to her, which brought her out of the awkward thoughts that she'd begun to sink into to focus on something else.<br/><br/>â€œWhat's a little adventure?â€ she asked, her tone trying at good humor, even if still on the quiet side. â€œMy stay so far has been wonderful, your highness... Ivor's was kind enough to see to it that all my needs were met upon arrival. And the room you've allowed me use of is beautiful, truly. My only regret is that I didn't pay more attention to the scenery on my journey here.â€ Had that been too much? She hoped it didn't sound off, or forced, as the accommodations and everyone she'd encountered thus far had been plenty kind to her, considering the circumstances of their union, and her breeding.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">"WE COULD TAKE YOU ON A TOUR!"the twins said together which earned a look from everyone at the table. <br/><br/>â€œDown boys! She is promised to your brother,â€ Randal chuckled and shook his head. â€œThough a tour would be a good idea and for all their young appearance, they are the most knowledgeable in the area, since they just roam the country side like regular ants on a anthill,â€ the King chuckled once more and earned a swat from his wife. <br/><br/>â€œPlease forgive their...enthusiasm,â€ Meredith said with a look to both her sons and then husband, â€œHowever, if you would like a tour we can arrange one for you. We have some of the finest rangers in at our disposal.â€<br/><br/>â€œNone as fine as that burly piece of Ranger down in the infirmary,â€ came a female voice at the doorway. <br/><br/>Ivor noticeably became uncomfortable in his seat and a look passed across the Queen's face, â€œSo, nice of you to finally join us Abigail. Did you get lost? Or forget where the dinning room was?â€ Ivor asked.<br/><br/>â€œNo. I just lost track of the time is all,â€ her tone dismissive while she took her seat. â€œI was busy checking on our other guest. I hear he saved Maria and nearly died doing it,â€ she barely through a glance at Maria while she settled into her seat. <br/><br/>â€œYes. He is being cared for by our best. It is the least we can do for what he did for us,â€ Ivor said, the point of his knife now in the table which he spun between his fingers. <br/><br/>â€œI am sure you are doing all that you can, my dear brotherâ€  she said in a condescending tone. <br/><br/>â€œMaria, my Elder sister Abby. She likes to spend her time among the male staff when not neglecting her other lessons.â€<br/><br/>â€œIvor!â€ his Mother's voice cut in and silenced whatever remark that Abby would have said. â€œI am sorry Maria,â€ she gave a warning look to her children again. â€œThey forget their manners at times.â€</span><br/><br/>Their enthusiasm had her eyes widening, almost half-jumping at the sudden response. For what it was worth, they seemed genuinely nice; Nothing like the stories had painted them. In the eyes of the people of Veruu, Sirmians were ugly inside and out, their actions generally dictated by a rash sense of self-importance and an arrogance that couldn't be matched. They were known to be cut-throat, men lacking honor, but this...This was just like back home...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Many changes indeed.</span><br/><br/>Just before she could express her willingness to see the country side, to get to know the place she'd be calling home, another voice spoke up...<br/><br/>And everything else melted away, save for one emotion, panic.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">She couldn't possibly be talking about BrÃ¡dach...</span>she told herself, praying that there was another ranger somewhere that happened to be injured at the same time. Despite knowing her luck wasn't that good, she clung to that hope, her eyes finding her form and a new emotion started in.<br/><br/>Was it jealousy? Did women of their stature feel jealousy? Well certainly, this sister, this<span style="font-style: italic">Abigail</span>was pretty enough. With her...dark curls, and her dark eyes, and her perfect complexion...<span style="font-style: italic">She's not so pretty,</span>Maria tried to tell herself, her stature becoming noticeably stiffer while her violet eyes continued to give her a brief rundown, only partially relieved to know that he was being cared for.<br/><br/>...But that she was apparently a woman of ill repute in her spinster age didn't help matters...<br/><br/>â€œNo need to apologize...â€ she murmured quietly, pointedly focusing on her food rather than the woman she wanted to glare daggers at for checking in on her ranger.<span style="font-style: italic">Er...BrÃ¡dach...</span>came her silent correction.<span style="font-style: italic">Though he is being paid by <span style="font-weight: bold">my</span> family, so, technically...he is mine for a time...</span><br/><br/>The last thought had a small smirk, ever so slight, pulling at one corner of her lip before allowing the â€œnot-jealousyâ€ to slip away.<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">For a few moments they finished their salads, then the servants removed the dishes, refreshed the wine and brought out the main course. Rack of lamb, mint sauce on the side, with a chickpea panisse and a few small roasted potatoes. Nothing was spared to make sure that Maria was comfortable and felt at home there within their walls. <br/><br/>Ivor wanted her to be comfortable or to at least seem like the dutiful husband, even if he was not really too pleased with this whole endeavor. <br/><br/>â€œI do hope it is to your liking, we tried to match the spices exactly from your home. I thought it might be nice to have a home cooked meal on your first night, to help you settle in,â€ he smiled at her and his hand reached over to rest lightly upon her own. It was there for but a moment before he returned to his own space, the simple gesture caught by everyone at the table, which had his parents smile with joy at how well the arrangement seemed to be working. <br/><br/>â€œWhat did you eat while on the road?â€ Abby asked rather bluntly. â€œI mean you had nothing on you when you were found. So, how did you survive without someone catering to your tastes?â€ last bit said with a snippy tone. Almost like a challenge to see just what kind of woman this Maria was.</span><br/><br/>The salad was well enough, the rack of lamb the warm surprise she'd smelled while walking the halls to the dining room. It'd been a welcomed surprise, making the gesture from Ivor received better than it would have been prior. The simple gesture of his hand on hers for that moment, just had her meeting his gaze with a smile, glancing back at the food before her eyes met his again. â€œIt really is a sweet gesture,â€ she remarked, only to stop, her violet eyes slowly roving back to the<span style="font-style: italic">thing</span>.<br/><br/>For a moment, she didn't say anything, a hand reaching forward for her wine glass, sipping thoughtfully on it, eyes remaining on Abigail all the while. â€œYou'd know all about that catering with those male servants of yours, hmm?â€ she asked rather simply, her head tilting to the side as she took the daintiest bite of her lamb. â€œNot that you'll have much luck elsewhere, hmm? How old are you? Well past child-rearing age, surely...Though, I couldn't<span style="font-style: italic">possibly</span>see why no one chose to whisk you away...â€<br/><br/>There was a sideways glance at Ivor, eyes almost apologetic, but...not, half wondering what he'd say and half wondering if he'd do anything against her for speaking so boldly. â€œSo, about that tour...â€<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">The entire room fell silent. Still even, while all eyes were on Abby, whose face held nothing but hate and her lip twitched as if she might say something, when Randal spoke over them all. <br/><br/>â€œAfter dinner, the boys will show you around, Maria. With the three of them there is no doubt to your safety or your fun,â€ now he gave a look to Abby which caused her to relax back into her seat with  slight pout. <br/><br/>Ivor had a hand over his mouth to hide the smile he knew shown in his eyes, â€œYes of course.â€ He said after a moment to Maria, â€œAfter dinner we can show you about a bit before the evening gets too late, we know you are tired from your amazing journey here.â€ <br/><br/>Again his hand found her own, though this time it stayed and even gave it a bit of a squeeze. The rest of the meal was eaten with some idle chit chat before they all retired to their own activities.</span>