King Adrian stood beside Amie's side and watched as the envoys from the Khul Empire entered the palace grounds. He watched as Prince Ru dismounted and those in the carriage stepped out into the cold. When he saw the blonde hair on a lady who stepped out last, he glanced beside him unconsciously and met Amie's eyes. As though they could communicate through their minds, they came to an understanding with their eyes.
Their eyes only met briefly before they landed upon the three who had separated from the guards and walked up. Amie made a great effort to deliberately ignore the lady approaching with four uniformly dressed maids.
"King Adrian, Queen Amie" Prince Ru greeted.
"Prince Ru," King Adrian answered as Amie nodded in acknowledgement.
"It is an honour to meet you," Prince Ru said.
"Likewise,"
"Your name has not been far from lips since your coronation. Our empire may have sent envoys to attend, but allow this prince to congratulate you on your coronation," Prince Ru said and King Adrian smiled.
"Your Aunt and great-grandmother, I am sorry for their departure. I hope it has been an easy journey here," King Adrian asked and Prince Ru nodded to hide his shocked heart. All only knew of his great-grandmother's supposed death. They had not released information about his aunt, how did he know? He was the only one who had been able to hide his shock. Princess Yun and her elder brother frowned at his words slightly.
"Yes, quite," Prince Ru answered, "This is crowned Prince Shuan and Princess Yun. It is their first time in Juhntt," Prince Ru answered.
"Then you must make time and show them all the sights you have seen, Young Master Ru" Amie answered and King Adrian chuckled.
"Please, come in," He said and took Amie's hand to lead the way. Prince Ru only smiled lightly and followed behind them. He could feel the questioning gazes of his cousins behind him. They were led into the receiving room where Amie and King Adrian took their seats as the host.
"I would have welcomed you with a feast, but it would be seen unfeeling of us to do that," King Adrian said as maids served snacks.
"You seem well informed, King Adrian. One might think it unnecessary to state one's intentions," Prince Ru took a sip of his tea and froze slightly only to look up naturally.
"Prince Ru, it is known that Her Majesty, Grand Empress Dowager gave Khul a will to attach to Juhntt upon her death," King Adrian answered.
"Your words are quite suggestive, King Adrian," Princess Yun finally spoke. She did not like the way they were being received. Whenever they travelled to other lands, many bowed and treated them with care. She was aware that they were coming to seek refuge under Lady Wickshire's name and was sure they knew that too, as such she ignored their attitude. But his words were quite downgrading. Attach to them? They were the great Khul Empire.
"Your Aunt had sent word to Lady Wickshire of this deal," King Adrian said and they paused. Lady Wickshire was said to have travelled far, to who knows where. If she had been told of this before time, did that mean, great-grandmother had already planned to leave for a while now?
"Does King Adrian have any opinions on this?" Prince Ru asked.
"All deals have already been made, Prince Ru. Juhntt does not care for these little things. But we face anger from many for our new title. It would be great to know that Khul will stand on our side if anger begets blood," King Adrian said.
"Is this all you wish for? One would think tributes should be made to verify Juhntt's authority," Prince Ru said.
"The authority of Juhntt is beyond the scope of Thriergor's little troubles. The lands can rule themselves, why do we have to interfere? After all, when Thriergor's future needs to be calculated, it will all come down to Juhntt," King Adrian said and Prince Ru frowned.