Connal's gaze was firmly fixed on Cerridwyn as she descended the steps ahead of him, gliding so very fluidly, as though she had done it a hundred times.  He wanted nothing more than to take her, leave with her, be with her, show her that she was his, but this was not the time.  There was no room for passion here, only false modesty and unqualified arrogance.  It sickened him.<br/><br/>Connal sighed heavily, attempting to banish those thoughts from his mind.  It wasn't going to make his task any easier, certainly, so it was best to let it go.  For now, at least.  He followed the princess to the foot of the steps, and she paused, drawing him to a halt behind her as he glanced at her curiously.  He followed her eyes across the ballroom, his gaze falling on the other princess, Aria of the Unseelie.<br/><br/>It was not his first time seeing the young Sidhe, but it was the first in quite some time.  She was undeniably beautiful, ethereal, moving with a fluid grace and confidence.  Regardless of her split parentage, she was thoroughly Unseelie. Connal found that he was loathe to look away in spite of himself, and his brow wrinkled in thought as he watched her approach Cernunnos.  She seemed totally and completely at ease, even as attentions were turned to her from all directions.<br/><br/><em>So comfortable in her role,</em>Connal thought to himself.<em>Will Cerridwyn be able to keep up?</em>He hoped so, for all their sakes.  The assembled court likely had lingering doubts about her, having been raised by humans... She would have to work hard to dispel those doubts.  Connal's expression was one of thoughtful concern as he moved closer to the princess, laying a hand gently on her back as the King and Queen began to speak.  Such long-winded speeches bored him to tears, and he made no attempt at feigning interest.  Instead, he looked around the ballroom, taking stock of those in attendance.