Dinner and Diatribes

[unreflected_shards]

Meeting his Friends
Speak with the King
Kiss of Reassurance
Shovel Talk with Vax
Meeting Una
Dinner with the King
Post-dinner Intimacy
Giving Doggie a Try
Discuss the King's Interest

Comments

[unreflected_shards]

Sweeney isn't sure how long her preparations will take, but his are easy enough. That's not to say they're particularly quick; in addition to the hasty wash and upgrading of attire, he has to sit for his hair to be re-plaited. He sighs midway through, finding the whole mess rather taxing, now that his thoughts are wandering back to Vex, and then on to the den of lions she's about to be walked into.

He wets his lip as he can feel the process coming to an end, and the last binding is barely in place before he's pushing up to standing. Sweeney's not going to wait for her downstairs; he intends to escort her properly. Not only does it create an air of unity, it protects her from being cornered into some awkward encounter before he can reach her.

Soon after, he's at her door, free of additional guards or attendants. The one outside her room is plenty. He knocks heavily, unsure if she's actually in her quarters or theirs. He's erring on the former, given most of her clothing is in there.

Sweeney waits in silence, not wanting to have his words echoing in the corridor.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex's maid, Aelora, answers the door when he knocks and blushes red when she's confronted with Sweeney. Vex is behind her, standing from her vanity chair. She's nearly ready, though it's clear her preparation took a bit more work than his. She's changed from the dress suitable for going outside to one meant for the dining hall—one made in preparation for her wedding, so she could show off her father's wealth.

The result is a layers of fabric in blue and white, trimmed with fur and expensive lace, and worn with a veil of impossibly sheer silk to cover her hair, which has braided back again in intricate patterns.

"Husband," she greets him. "I was just finishing."

[unreflected_shards]

His lips part to address Aelora, but when Vex speaks, the thought is abandoned. Sweeney's attention darts to her instead.

"I ain't lookin' ta rush you," he assures her.

"Just..." What the hell is he ready to confess to? "...didn't want ya ta hav'ta go down without me."

Perhaps that is a little too honest, but it's out on the air, now.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Her expression softens, a little relief flushing her features. She hadn't quite put that anxiety into words, but it lessens as he says it. Vex reaches for his hand, taking it in both of hers.

She doesn't seem bothered by his honesty.

"I would prefer to enter on your arm."

[madaboutit]

Sweeney manages to keep his smile small and private, even though her maid obviously has full sight of it.

"I can wait out here fer you ta finish up," he states, making his intention plain.

If he steps inside, who knows if they'll make it down to dinner.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

She gives his hand another squeeze, acknowledging his offer before she releases him.

It's probably for the best, though he might have a harder time distracting her with so many layers of skirt and her maid present.

"I'll only be a moment. Then I'll join you and we can face this battle together."

[unreflected_shards]

'Harder' doesn't mean 'impossible' or even 'discouraging', as their romp in the stable would swear to, but he understands that sometimes, they're just going to have to stick to the plan. So, for now, Sweeney offers a smile and nod.

As if on queue, additional distraction appears in the form of a young attendant jogging down the hall towards them. In his hand, he bears the thin coronet that Sweeney had hurried off without, and with a heavy sigh and roll of his eyes, the prince extends his hand to take the band from the youth. He keeps intense eye contact as he fits it on, and the effort is punctuated with a tight cock of his head, as if to silently state 'There. Done. Is that better?', as if the fellow could answer that it wasn't. Instead with a quick, nervous smile. The attendant nods hurriedly and is immediately rewarded by a dismissal, via a bounce of Sweeney's chin.

To his credit, the thing is on mostly straight, probably enough to make him passingly presentable.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex emerges a moment later, her veil secured and the last jewelry in place, cape fastened around her shoulders. She's every inch a princess, suitable to be on the arm of a prince.

A smile curls her lips as she sees him.

"Come here," she says reaching toward his circlet. "Let me see this. It's new."

[madaboutit]

Her smile is reflected readily, but her comment puts a small crinkle in his brow. A moment later, Sweeney takes her meaning, but instead of letting her adjust it where they are, he peeks down the hall in both directions before touching her upper arm.

"In here," he whispers encouragingly. Sweeney doesn't bother to shut the door, but he does urge her further back so he can take to one knee without being out in the corridor. Then he tilts his face up to her, presenting himself for the righting.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

She hadn't expected him to kneel for her. In all the world, there's only one man who could compel her husband to kneel, and that is the king. But he presents himself to her willingly, and Vex feels a pang at it.

She swallows it down, then reaches for him. She straightens his simple crown carefully—it wasn't far off, only a slight adjustment. Then she's brushing her thumbs gently over his forehead.

Vex leans in to kiss his brow, something she can't imagine she'll have the opportunity to do often, considering his height, then straightens to nod.

"Ready to face the court."

[unreflected_shards]

He blinks slowly at the delicate touches, savoring them, but at she rises again, Sweeney follows suit and takes her hand.

"As ready as I expect either of us ta be." Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, he starts the way downstairs. The guard follows at distance, but when they emerge in full view, they're on their own. Not that it's an issue; it's the point.

Sweeney starts looking around, getting the lay of the land as people mull about, socializing and snacking as they wait on the couple. The king is engaged at the far end of the room, and for a moment, the prince is grateful for the reprieve. Still, he knows that conversation can't be delayed forever. It's the focus on his brother that distracts him from the blond fellow's approach.

"Yer Grace," he starts, teasingly dramatic as he bows. Sweeney's quick to turn and face him, and the relief the sight provides is not subtle.

"Just when I needed you." As always. He pats the man on the bicep in a way that expresses familiarity.

"This is her, then?" he asks, and Sweeney hurries to catch up.

"Aye." He nods once and looks to his new wife. "The princess Vex'ahlia." Sweeney wets his lip and returns his attention to their guest, tipping his head to the man in illustration.

"This is Fionn."

The blond bows again, in respect for the lady.

"Yer Grace," he repeats, this time, more appropriately.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex gathers herself up with all the dignity she can muster—which is a fair amount, when she tries— and inclines her head very slightly in greeting.

"It's good to meet you, Fionn," she says carefully. This is the kind of language that she's been most practiced in, so while her accent is clear and she speaks slowly and with intention, the delivery is clear and strong. She does intend not to embarrass Sweeney. "I have heard your name. My husband speaks well of you."

[unreflected_shards]

"He better," Fionn teases, leaning in, as if to share a secret.

The good-natured air about him doesn't seem confined to Sweeney; he's pleased to meet her as well. Especially if his prince can have a spring in his step the day after he faced unexpected burden and obligation. Vex has to be doing something right. Fionn lets his attention linger on her; Sweeney can interject if he wishes, but he's more curious about the lady on his arm.

"I'm honestly surprised that I've made the list fer mention. Didn't expect you two'd have much time fer talkin'."

Sweeney rests his hand over hers, letting her know that she's safe and that he's here for her, should she start to struggle. That said, he wants her to get along with his friends, so he would like her to have the opportunity to try.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

Vex tries not to let the surprise show on her face. She also tries not to blush. She doesn't have perfect success with either. Heat rises in her cheeks, aware of the fact that her and her husband's passionate response to one another has been a source of gossip.

She glances up at Sweeney, briefly, looking for a sign how to respond to this.

"I assure you, we've been getting to know each other. I want to know who my husband's friends are."

[unreflected_shards]

That fucker. Sweeney inhales slowly, and though he doesn't move, he leans a fraction, to put his arm more fully against hers in solidarity. He's not cross with Fionn; he knows it's all in jest; but that doesn't mean he isn't aware that the man's testing the fences.

"I'm very lucky," he states with a hint of weight, glancing down at her with a soft smile before looking back to the blond.

"We are gettin' along well."

No fucking shit, Fionn's expression answers with a smirk.

"Well, that's quite the blessin'." The blond is happy for his companion, if he's already speaking highly of the woman.

"She e'en likes ta hunt," Sweeney adds; an additional point in her favor. Fionn's brow lifts high as he looks back to Vex.

"Truly?"

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"My husband is not the type to lie." A fact she's already seen for herself and has no doubt at all as she reports.

"I have usually hunted on foot, but I'm an accomplished archer. I look forward to showing your people my skill sometime."

[unreflected_shards]

Fionn's smile goes wide without reservation. His eyes linger for a moment before they flick up to Sweeney.

"Oh, she already has ya pegged, Red." That seems to amuse him more than it probably should. "Sounds like you might be in fer some trouble." It doesn't seem to be a bad thing. Perhaps, there might even be the faintest flicker of jealousy. Sweeney rolls his eyes as Fionn returns his focus to her.

"I hope that means ya might come with us sometime. After yer settled," he's quick to add. He glances between the two.

"I promise ta give ya at least a week."

For settling.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

She tries to maintain her poise, but Vex can't control the way the blood rises to her face, turning her brown cheeks a very distinct shade of pink. It would seem her husband's friends are very forward with him, which could be a blessing.

But it's not one she's sure what to do with.

"I understand there will be some time needed to find a suitable horse."

[unreflected_shards]

A small crinkle finds it's way to Fionn's brow.

"I though ya liked ta hunt on foot." The question is implied by the lift of his voice at the back end.

"I'm sure Valor can handle ya both on the way out."

She's a sturdy lady, and the ride isn't likely to be all that far.

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"I do. But I thought your people favored hunting from horseback." She glances at Sweeney again to confirm. Her impression had certainly been that getting her a horse had been a priority for him.

"If you are willing to hunt of foot, of course we can do so."

[madaboutit]

Her answer is met with a cheeky roll of his eyes.

"There's a reason the kitchen's full'a spices," he notes. "No one wants ta eat the same thing every day, e'en if it's their favorite dish."

Sweeney frowns at that. Fionn didn't mean any harm by it, but the prince instinctively turns in a touch, as if to warn that he'll step between them, if the fellow isn't careful. The blond sobers a little and continues without pausing.

"Could do us all good ta stretch our legs." A swallow puts a beat before his query.

"What game do ya fancy?"

[whatsinfrontofyou]

The answer tightens Vex's lips slightly, unsure how to response, or if she's being teased. It feels a bit like she is, and she's not sure how to tease back or even if she's allowed to.

Sweeney's presence leaves her a bit more assured, but she doesn't want to need his protection.

"I would say deer are my favorite, though I would not limit myself to them. More finesse than boar."

[madaboutit]

Sweeney's shoulders ease a little when Vex answers, and he peeks down with a dimple starting to creep.

"What's wrong with boar?"

[whatsinfrontofyou]

"Nothing wrong at all, darling," Vex says, though she slips into her own language for the endearment. Perhaps a bit of privacy to match the informality.

"But you can't hunt them with a bow and arrow, and I'm not fit for spear hunting."

[unreflected_shards]

The foreign word on her lips puts a stutter in his lashes, and a dusting of color in his ears follows closely behind. Sweeney doesn't have the time to recover fully before he catches sight of the large man headed their way. He starts to turn a little more, trying to hasten their departure.

"We'll see 'bout doin' somethin' soon," he assures Fionn with a quick smile. Unfortunately, he isn't fast enough to prevent the interruption.

"Whad're we doin', now?" The fellow's grin is wide and unapologetic, as he drapes his arm over Fionn's shoulders.

"Huntin' with Red's wife," he answers. Sweeney frowns slightly, but doesn't abandon the conversation. He doesn't want to avoid it, per se, but he wishes that the other fellows would be less familiar in the formal setting. Rocking his jaw looser, he speaks with purpose and a sharper edge in his tone.

"Conchobhar, this is the Princess Vex'ahlia." The rest is implied: show some fucking respect. The message comes through, and the man straightens, giving a tight bow. It's not hard to tell that this is not his natural environment.

"It's a pleasure, yer Grace." He second-guesses himself, and his focus darts up to Sweeney. "...Highness?" The Prince nods tightly, and Conchobhar reiterates more confidently.

"Yer Highness."

Sweeney turns his attention to Vex, his expression softening.

"This is Conchobhar. Please forgive him for being..." What's an accurate word in her tongue? He feels disappointedly limited in his options. "...inappropriate." It's the other man's turn to frown, being left out of the conversation in front of him. Sweeney continues.

"He is not at Court many times." Coming to a realization, he makes an addition to the statement. "Neither of them are."

Which is a surprise to no one.