In comparison to most days, one would almost mistake today for being one of the Argyris's children's birthdays or that the king himself would he arriving. His attire was black as the night itself, with silver linings that were undoubtedly expensive.
She recovered quickly as Phius nudging against her brought her back to reality. "Eleventh daughter Theia Argyris greets father." She smiled, trying her best not to shrink under his gaze as she made eye contact with him. All the training in the world could not compare to the Duke's gaze.
It was much easier to meet as a baby and when she knew they were in private, but now it was much harder with such a big crowd around that also feared him. "Rise." His only order she found herself obeying before she realized as he handed her what was in his hand. A beautiful box that he did not pick out, she thought. If anything, it had to be his attendant who recommended it or from someone else.
She didn't have time to think of anything as his eyes practically screamed open it, and everyone else was watching. She tried her best to not let her hands shake, both for herself and Phius, as she opened up the box. Inside were a card, and beneath it was a key. She was unsure what it'd meant, but still smiled and thanked the Duke while reading the card.
"Thank you for the gift, father. I," she immediately paused as her eyes widened reading the card. Was this man sane, by any means? The answer was always a no, she knew that, but still. "greatly appreciate this, I will treasure this." She made sure to place the key back and the card on top properly, handing it to Arkadios to put on her table.
Nodding, it seemed like he approved as his eyes turned towards where Arkadios was heading over to, following after and taking a seat in what was supposed to be his seat. She blinked again, not expecting this. Was he there to watch her, or perhaps the third prince? The third prince wasn't here, anyways. Is it because of the other ducal houses?
That couldn't be it, he always ignored them regardless. Just what was his purpose of attending? Looking over at Rosalyn that was calm, she supposed that he did plan this ahead of time and it weren't spur of the moment. She'd piece together that Rosalyn had something to do with the third prince and the Duke did too, but not the complete extent.
"I do hope everyone gets along," she spoke back at the crowd as Phius that was begin to cower came back out and glared at the people around, matching her presence. "it is my pleasure to say that my tea party shall now begin." Arkadios returned by her side, handing her a drink and bowing as she took a sip.
The crowd of people were still a little shocked, but Duchess Leventis saved the day by immediately starting to talk to her father and the others. Rosalyn did her part of talking with others to the point the awkwardness dissipated quickly. She took a few more sips of her drink while talking to Arkadios briefly.
"I didn't know the Duke would be here, we've got to put it off for now." She brought her fan to her lips as he nodded. Their initial plan to bother Penelope that afternoon could not be done if the Duke were there. Even if he didn't care about his children, he likely wouldn't let someone else walk over his name in his presence. Operation teleportation was put into a corner for the moment.
Taking a look around, she noticed quite a few people staring at her, wishing to speak. Putting her feelings aside, she walked over to a ginger haired girl at a nearby table that tried to confidently smile at her. "Good afternoon, Lady Mellis." The girl returned the favor with her own curtsy and greeted her respectfully as a few other children watched.
She made sure that everything she did was perfect, from the movement of her fingers to the way she stood and spoke. She was the daughter of a famous merchant, someone with influence that it wouldn't be too much of a burden to speak to his child. "Your dress is beautiful, from Tres Omorfi?" A place in the capital which sold dresses to nobles at outrageous prices despite only being decent looking. It was a brand by a foreigner, which added to the excitement around the boutique.
The girl was happy to talk about her dress as she listened briefly, petting Phius while keeping her eyes on the girl who was beginning to slow down, instead complimenting her. "It's nothing compared to Lady Theia's dress," she added. "it makes her look like an angel." She was good with her words and quick to pick up on what she wanted.
"You're far too kind," and like that, she continued speaking with people nearby and making her presence known, along with greeting the wives and noblewomen with influence in noble society that Rosalyn suggested she get to know.
She'd also made sure people took note of Phius, casually laughing about how docile he was as he hissed and glared at other. Making her way over to the table she'd been dreading, she took a seat right next to the Duke, who took the seat of her guard. He didn't seem the least bit remorseful, either. He stared at her but said nothing as Duchess Elyas was the first to greet her and talk about her son.
A mother through and through before all else. "I hope my son hasn't been causing you too much trouble these past few days, little lady." Well that was a new nickname for her. A little lady, it's not her fault she was so small compared to the giant named Arkadios, or really the entire Elyas family.
"None at all, Lady Elyas. He's been extremely helpful and a wonderful guard." She could see out of the corner of her eyes the way her father's nose crinkled slightly. He didn't seem to like anyone at all very much.
Clapping her hands, Duchess Leventis couldn't help herself any longer as she turned from the quiet and refined Duchess Vasilakis to her and Duchess Elyas. "I've wanted to ask since earlier, but are the two of you matching? Ah he's guarding her which is so cute, are the two engaged? I'm so jealous that the two of you are so close." She rambled on again as she could barely keep up with the woman.
Even Duchess Vasilakis joined in. "I never knew the Argyris and Elyas family were so close. An engagement already? Is that the purpose for inviting everyone today, and our pleasure of seeing Duke Argyris?" If she were drinking, she would of coughed and spit out everything. Don't go spreading rumors, lady.
She was about to deny as the Duke glared "There's no engagement between my daughter and him." he shut them down quicker than she could as they begun prodding him, one intentionally and the other unintentionally as he denied everything with a disgusted look. The Duchess on the other hand seemed to be enjoying herself as she laughed at the accusations.
While the parents were busy she found herself being stared at by two separate directions. One by a certain blue haired boy, and the other by a certain pink haired girl. Something told her that this was going to be a long afternoon.