Are You Supposed to be Impressive? [Rex]

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel had just finished fixing her own hair when Amelia called her over to help with hers. It was a good thing Isabel actually liked her, otherwise she'd be tempted to refuse. Amelia was one of the few people Isabel did like, despite the fact that she was so damn happy all the time and she completely took her position for granted. Isabel had had to work hard to be where she was now, unlike Amelia she wasn't born into wealth and privellage. Not that that mattered at the moment. For the time being, she was as advanced socially as she could, all she needed now was a husband of appropriate standing. That was why she had taken such pains to befriend Amelia, she, being Cantia's princess, mixed in the best of circles. Isabel had expected to find a husband, but she hadn't expected to find a friend.

She crossed the room to where Amelia was sat in front of the mirror, not looking quite as enthusiastic as she should be. If Isabel where in her position she would be looking a lot happier. Amelia was being given security, and further cementing her social position. From what she had heard, the prince was quite handsome as well, so really, Amelia had nothing to complain about. "What's wrong now?" Isabel asked as she started fiddling with Amelia's curls.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Amelia smiled at Isabel through the mirror. It wasn't a convincing smile, but it wasn't unconvincing either.

Isabel just raised her eyebrows, waiting a proper answer. "Is that why you look so...uninterested?"

Amelia shrugged, "I'm reserving my judgement."

"Ah," Isabel ran a hand through Amelia's hair, trying to make the curls look softer. "So you think you could like him then?"

"I want to, isn't that the point of tonight?"

Finishing with Amelia's hair, Isabel went to sit on the bed. She was looking at the back of Amelia's head, but she could see her face in the mirror. "You aren't...worried, are you?" Amelia was never worried, Isabel didn't let her.

"I don't think I am."

Amelia clearly wasn't prepared to give anything away, so Isabel decided to drop the subject. She didn't particularly want to discuss Red d'Aufai anymore than Amelia did. Isabel had already decided she didn't like him, purely on the principle that he'd been born into wealth and she hadn't. Well, she didn't suppose it would matter if she liked him or not seeing as she wasn't planning on interacting with him.

A few moments later, a servant entered the room to inform them that the guests had arrived. Giving Amelia what she hoped was a reassuring smile, Isabel followed her out of the room and into the castle's main hall. She was not looking forward to this.


Tagged: Rex d'Aufai
Timeline: Series 3

[Rex d'Aufai]

Phillipe was banging on about everything he could to ensure that his brother would want to strangle him by the time they reached Cantia, and it was working - because Rex could throtle him had he not been on a horse. Of course his brothers attentions had turned to one particular reason as to why they could be making a very vague trip to a Kingdom that they'd never really bothered to discuss before. Their father had said that Lambole and Cantia were on good trade negotiations, but there were a few agreements needed to be made. Right, so the whole family needed to go?

"Amelia...meaning work, effort and strain..." Phil smirked, "Good luck brother, rather you than me."

"I have no doubt about that" Rex rolled his eyes and rode on ahead so he was riding next to the carriage where his mother and sister Adelaide were sat, making light conversation with one another. He;d had enough of his brother, so any talk of dresses and anything femanine would be welcome right now "You look positively bored sister." he noted, seeing Adelaide's face of dis-interest. She shot him a look of daggers.

"I would have much preferred to ride along with you and Phillipe, but of course father forbid it and sentanced me to hours of endless needlework - which is hardly friendly whilst travelling" she moaned, showing him her finger, where the needle had punctured it a good couple of times. "You and Phillipe always get to ride" she finished muttering.

Rex chuckled slightly, "You won't be saying that after riding a couple of hours with him, i'd much rather be sat in there with you and mother right now."

"Well you can't" Adelaide smirked, "Anyway, you have to look all dashing for Princess Amelia."

He gave a slight shudder at the name, knowing that his father and the King of Cantia would no doubt try to thrust them together for some bonding. If she was pretty then it would be worthwhile, but if she resembled a mare then he was sure that any kind of arrangement drawn up by his father and the Cantian King would be the path to an endless torument of a marriage. Never the less if there was a marriage to be contracted between the pair, he would go through with it anyway, even if he didn't want to. He couldn't let his father down, he would also be letting his kingdom down and that wouldn't do. No - he would go along with everything as always. "You forget yourself sister" he replied through gritted teeth, she'd hit a nerve.

"Of course I do" Adelaide shrugged and looked out, "Oh! We are there! Well that wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."
Yes maybe not for her, but for Rex? Alongside Phillipe, he dismounted and handed the reins to a stablehand, looking around at the castle. It was satisfactory he supposed, spying King Edmund walking down the steps with a broad smile.

"King Erbin!, Welcome! Welcome!"

"Edmund! Good to see you again my friend." Erbin gave his hand a firm shake, "Allow me to present my wife, Queen Eleanora, my sons Rex and Phillipe, and my daughter Adelaide."

Edmund bowed his head, "An honour" Rex was sure he'd just given him some kind of knowing look, and he wasn't sure if he liked it.

Edmund was now beckoning them inside, leading them into a rather large hall. Rex could see Phillipe's smug look as he walked in, he wished for once his brother could just stop being himself. "My daughter should be around here somewhere, probably making herself pretty for our honoured guests" Edmund chuckled.

"Or for Rex" Phillipe muttered, wincing slightly as Rex nudged him in the ribs to keep his mouth shut. "Ouch!"

"Another word and I'll see you sleep with one eye open tonight" Rex muttered back, sending his brother into silence for a rare few moments.

[Isabel de Massard]

As it happened, the two women were a few minutes late and their guests had already arrived. Amelia was immediately pulled away by some nobleman or other but Isabel wasn’t really paying attention. It wasn’t just Amelia who was trying to find herself a suitable husband. It was all part of Isabel’s plan, once she was married to a wealthy, titled man it wouldn’t matter if anyone found out the truth – not that anyone would. She would be secure, both socially and financially. With this in mind, her eyes scouting around the room, trying to see if there was anyone who looked interesting. She found two men, who judging by the fact that they were stood by an older gentleman and King Edmund, were the two princes. She didn’t know which was which but they both looked too arrogant for their own good. Amelia could have both of them. Then again, Isabel was not at liberty to become so fussy.

A servant handed her a goblet of wine, and she stayed where she was stood, just watching the men talking, trying to work out which of the sons was Rex and which was...what was his name? Philip? Something like that anyway. Amelia had now joined the group, called over by her father and forced to stand closer to one of the men. He must be Rex then. Interesting. She took a sip of her wine, deciding whether she should try and make her presence known or not. The decision was quickly taken away from her though when she caught Amelia shooting her a look. It seemed her presence was required after all then, how fortunate.

When she joined the group Edmund took no time to introduce her, “May I introduce the Lady Isabel de Massard, a friend of my daughter.”

Isabel curtseyed to the king, before turning to the other men and repeating her action. Her eyes fell briefly on Rex before quickly falling to the ground. Men seemed to like it when she pretended to be modest.

[Rex d'Aufai]

Rex felt a nudge from Philippe as the woman who could quite possibly be his future wife, entered. Hmmm she wasn’t so bad he supposed, a pretty face and that was most certainly a bonus. Her servant however looked quite something else. He caught his brother’s brows raise at the pair as Princess Amelia was made acquainted with the family. Rex bowed his head and kissed the top of her hand as dutifully as he should. Perhaps this wouldn’t be a boring journey after all, especially now her servant…wait, friend? Was being introduced. He caught her eyes as they looked into his then averted their gaze to the floor. Frowning, he bowed his head.

“Lady Isabel, please excuse my lack of courtesy earlier – by the way you were loitering away from Princess Amelia, I quite mistook you for a servant” he smirked. She looked the type who would certainly rise to the challenge in having her buttons pushed. Philippe merely snorted at his brother’s comment, shooting a coy look to the lady in question. “You must forgive my brother; he appears to find anything comical. Although I am not exactly sure if that would be you or I.”

On hearing his father clear his throat, Rex turned to Amelia. Of course, how stupid of him, he shouldn’t be talking to the ‘friend’ of the Princess; he should be wasting precious time on the Princess herself. “Lady Amelia, it is very kind of you and your father to allow our family to trespass on your hospitality.” Light conversation, that was the key – he supposed the less she talked then the better, “and of course, the weather is very pleasing.” The weather, good subject! Then again that meant more conversation. “Philippe?” he turned to his brother for back up.
“Indeed…” Philippe yawned slightly, “The clouds are very dull…” Well done Philippe, a conversation killer right there.

Edmund was now beckoning his daughter over which allowed Rex to turn his attentions back to Isabel. “You play the shy card Lady Isabel; I didn’t expect you to be both clever and pretty.” He smirked. This was going to be fun.

[Isabel de Massard]

Isabel had not been paying all that much attention to the conversation around her. Surely no one would be expecting her to do anything remarkable, so she allowed her mind to wander. There were a great many nobles in attendance tonight, most of which only present to see the visiting royals. Sycophants, the lot of them, Isabel thought as she saw several young women looking rather annoyed that Amelia was currently the object of two princes' attention, and not them. Or rather she was the object of their attention. She stared at the eldest one, trying rather hard not to let her expression betray her shock and annoyance. A servant? A...servant? The impudence of the man! How could anyone think she - the Lady Isabel de Massard was a servant?

Unfortunately, present company disallowed her to react the way she wished. The man should count himself lucky. It had often been said Isabel had a wicked temper and she had no intention of restraining herself for a prince. She smiled sweetly, or as sweetly as he deserved. “Oh think nothing of it, your highness. I myself must confess I quite mistook you for a gentleman.” His brother was certainly finding the proceedings amusing, well, at least someone was. Amelia just looked like a chastising was called for. Isabel wasn’t surprised, Amelia often had that look about her; it was a look that was often ignored.

Already she did not care for this Prince Rex; still, she wasn’t the one who was going to be forced to put up with him. That fell to Amelia, poor thing. Then again, Isabel could put up with a lot more than his “wit” if it meant acquiring a kingdom. She was about to reply to Rex’s next words when she felt Amelia elbowing her ribs.

”Not at all,” Amelia smiled, trying to stifle her nerves. She cast a look over at Isabel, who was glaring at Rex. Already this meeting was going so smoothly... “I am sure your company can only be quite charming.”

Isabel just rolled her eyes and wondered how long it would be before she could make her escape. Surely she wouldn’t be needed for long? Rex and Amelia would be expected to have a conversation alone, and that would give Isabel an opportunity to leave the man’s presence. It couldn’t happen too soon.