cause my heart to stop

Luke rolled his eyes as his father went on and on about passing the crown to him. Luke was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and reigning over the South as the Prince was a task that could rarely be messed up, although Luke had a tendency to mess up anything he tried to do. Still, Luke bit the inside of his cheek to keep his composure as he spoke, not really paying attention when his Father told him he was holding a feast with the neighbouring Kingdoms - the Yorks of the East, the Cliffords of the North, and Gibsons of the West, and he certainly stopped paying attention when his father told him that he wanted Luke betrothed to one of the Princesses to bring the four Kingdoms together as one.

Valentina gave a curtsey as she stood in front of her mother, unsure if she heard her correctly. A banquet was to be held in the Kingdom of the South, and Valentina's mother, a widow, had already spoken to the neighbouring Kingdom of the North to discuss possible matrimony between the Prince and Princess. Cringing slightly at her mother's words, Valentina knew better than to debate, or outright refuse, knowing that the Queen was ready to pass down the crown to her daughter after her husband's death - if this was what she wanted, then it was written in stone, and so it shall be. Valentina understood, her Father and Mother had reigned with grace and kindness, and the Kingdom had come out of mourning and all eyes were on Valentina, and trusted her to make the right choice.

Noelene listened quietly to her parents as they spoke about her duties as Princess. Her Father was old and weak, her Mother right there with him, and neither were certain they could rule much longer. Because of this, they wanted to grow an alliance with a neighboring kingdom through Noelene and, since Noelene was the only living heir of the Kingdom of the West - her brother having succumbed to a disease he'd been born with, - she knew she didn't have a choice in the matter. Curtseying, she took her exit to prepare for the travel.

Michael wasn't quite sure what he'd been expecting when he'd been summoned by his parents to the throne room. As the heir to the Kingdom of the North, he knew that there were many duties expected of him, so he'd expected this announcement to come eventually - he just hadn't expected it to come at this point in his life. The announcement? That they were sending him to a banquet in the Kingdom of the South, to forge relationships but, more so, to attempt to forge an alliance through marriage with the Kingdom of the East.

Valentina shifted uncomfortably as she watched maids pack her things - a dress for the banquet, clothes to wear for the time she was in the South, and she suddenly felt her chest tighten in fear. Valentina knew it was coming eventually, being the only heir for the throne of the East, and although she sometimes felt that an arranged marriage was unfair, she knew better than to argue - but still, Valentina wished that she could marry for love, rather than marry for success and alliance. Standing as the maids offered her a curtsey, Valentina exhaled a nervous breath, preparing herself for the journey to the South, having said a brief goodbye to her Mother already, wanting to get this over with as quick as she could.

As Luke watched the servants prepare the Palace for the arrivals of the other monarchs, Luke found himself more intrigued than annoyed. He knew that marrying the Princess of the West Kingdom would be a fantastic opportunity for better trade and alliance, but he still couldn't help but wonder if there was still time to rebel against the decision that was made for him since before he was three years old. Luke had always enjoyed a good banquet, but knowing there was so much resting on his shoulders, not only to be a good host but to make a good impression on the other Kingdoms, Luke felt more compelled to actually make an effort and not disappoint his parents.

Michael watched as his things were packed, not all too eager to really have it done, so he was mostly patient, not bothering to rush the servants. He wasn’t all that eager about this entire plan, or that it had been planned without even a moment of his input. Once his things were packed, he said a brisk goodbye to his parents, not wanting to linger to talk to them, wanting them to at least have a sense of how much he opposed this decision, and he turned to head out.

Noelene waited for her things to be packed, giving a little input on what she preferred to wear, just because she wanted to be comfortable, but otherwise, not speaking much, her thoughts jumbled up. Sighing out, she followed the servants out once her things were packed and it was time to leave and she offered a polite curtsey and goodbye to her parents before she focused on getting out of the castle, anxious but capable of hiding it.

Luke listened as his parents' demanded things from their servants, wanting to make specific, last minute adjustments to the placement of things. A painting moved to the left, a candle moved to the right, everything had to be perfect, and Luke already found himself bored. His parents expected him to be a good host, and although he was eager to please, he wanted to know, more than anything, if he could form any genuine friendships with the others, and a good rapport with his future wife. "I think that looks alright." Luke chipped in, shutting up instantly as his mother shot him a look.

Valentina got into the carriage that had awaited her arrival since the moment her mother had told her about the news, and Valentina settled into the seat, not even remotely excited, instead feeling nervous about the idea of meeting the other monarchs, having never really mingled with them. Still, Valentina couldn't help but find herself curious about the others, wondering if she'd get along with them at all, or if she'd instantly hate her future husband and allies.

Noelene looked out the carriage during the travel, settling back in her seat, allowing herself this time to relax. As the carriage slowed, though, she sighed quietly, closing her eyes when the carriage came to a stop. When the door opened, she accepted the help to get out of the carriage, her gaze settling on the castle.

Michael tapped his finger on his knee, a small frown on his features as he stared ahead, trying to think about the different ways all of this could go. But, he was determined to make sure that he at least did as he was meant to, though he was curious about the others. As the carriage came to a stop, he shifted to climb out, peering around.

Valentina opened her eyes as her carriage came to a halt. As her door was opened, Valentina accepted the help she was offered to climb out, and as she looked at the castle, Valentina felt a nervous twist in her stomach. Looking around, Valentina smoothed out the skirt of her dress, looking around with curiosity, smiling at her server as she stood with her, having never agreed with the way her mother treated Maria.

Luke stepped out of the castle as he saw three carriages outside, his parents behind him. Still, Luke smiled at the three other monarchs before him. Clearing his throat, Luke knew that in front of his parents, he had to behave himself and speak with manners. "Welcome to the Kingdom of the South." He studied the three, but only one caught his attention. "I'm Luke Hemmings the third, and I can't wait to see what sort of allies we can form between our lands." He spoke. "Please, follow me."

Michael watched when another carriage came to a stop and his gaze went to it, watching it, and he paused in shock when he saw a woman step out. For a long moment, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her, amazed by her beauty, swearing he’d never seen anything as beautiful as her, and he wanted to speak to her immediately, but his attention was caught when the other man spoke. Nodding slowly, he focused before moving to follow the man.

Noelene peered around at the castle and grounds for a long moment, admiring the view while she could, all too used to being tucked away behind walls and certain that would still be the case for the time she was here. Her gaze going to the man who spoke and she blinked several times, mildly shocked that he was as handsome as he was. She listened quietly to his introduction and offered a small smile before smoothing out her dress and following.

"Thank you, Maria." Valentina squeezed her assistant's arm as she helped with her luggage, but followed the others up to the castle, studying the other three, but the man who had caught her eye the most was, who she assumed; at least, was Michael, Prince of Kingdom of the North. Smoothing out the skirt of her dress, Valentina watched him as he walked, smiling with how relaxed her seemed. Directing her gaze to the grounds of the castle though, she took in the sights, remaining quiet.

Luke turned to look at his guests. "I hope you all enjoy your time here." He spoke with a smile. "When there is no official business to attend to, please, feel free to explore the castle grounds. The castle itself is rich in history, very interesting." He explained. "Supper will be at seven. I imagine you've all had long journeys. Prince Michael, Princess Valentina, you are in the West Wing." He indicated to the staircase on the left. "Princess Noelene, you're with me, in the East Wing." He bowed his head. "Your things are being brought in as we speak."

Michael looked over to Valentina when Luke mentioned that Valentina and Michael would be sharing a wing together, and he blinked as he watched her, enjoying the sight of her, amazed by her, really and he offered a smile. “Well, since we are free to do as we please, shall we explore together?” he asked her quietly, not wanting to attract attention to the two of them.

Noelene looked up when she heard Luke address her, though she blinked with surprise. “Oh, okay, thank you,” she said with a nod, though hearing that they’d both be in the East Wing did little to ease her nervousness. “I suppose I will go find my room, then.”

Valentina offered a smile in return to Michael as she courtsied when Luke announced they'd be sharing a wing. "I'd be honoured." Valentina smiled, offering Michael her hand, finding that it was easy to trust him. "Just... remember we can't be late for supper." Valentina teased, her voice just as quiet as Michael's, wanting the world to feel as though it belonged to just them.

Luke couldn't help but study Noelene, the beauty she held among the highest he'd witnessed. "Please, allow me to escort you." Luke smiled softly, offering Noelene his arm. "A lady such as yourself shouldn't be left to herself. The castle is large, I don't want you to get lost." And knowing that his flirting just sounded like a lame friendliness, Luke waited patiently. "Besides, I could use some company."

Michael offered an amused look when he heard Valentina’s words, and he nodded slightly with the mention of it. “I’ll do my best to ensure that we make it to dinner in time,” he promised, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before he began to lead the way, wanting to explore as much as he could with her.

Noelene blinked with surprise when she heard Luke’s offer and she grinned slightly. “Of course,” she murmured happily, reaching to slip her arm around his. “I’d like that a lot, actually.” Her grin softened to a smile and she motioned for him to lead the way.