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Noon.
Gazebo, Third Prince Chambers.
Wyfkeep Castle. Wyfellon, Wyfn-Garde.
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"He's different from the others. He is more laid-back, and likes to keep to himself. His hair is light brown, and he has blue eyes. He's only 5 '11 ", not as tall as his brothers, but he's young. He has a passion for poetry, of all things. He's intelligent, but... detached,, he's never around, he travels searching for inspiration all the time."
Salviana smiled faintly at the idea of a poetic prince, she hadn't seen him and with how Sarah spoke of him, she might not be seeing him anytime soon but she'd like to meet him someday. "What about the princesses?" she asked instead to continue the conversation.
"Oh, the princesses..." Sarah sighed, her expression growing more animated. "Where to even start? There's 'Genevieve Velthorne', the eldest. She's 5'7", slender, and always dressed to perfection. Her golden blonde hair is styled impeccably every day, and her light blue eyes are her pride. She's... proud, let's say. Loves attention and being the perfect example of royal grace." Sarah appeared to adore this particular princess with the way her face was brightening.
Salviana chuckled lightly. "Sounds exhausting." truthfully.
"It is, my lady, and I believe she has a thing for your husband," Sarah agreed and whispered with a wink. Salviana didn't know how to recite to that, she'd indeed caught the princess openly glaring at her and the way she'd stormed out of the dining hall that first night hadn't bode well for the newcomer that is her.
So she stayed silent and simply waited for Sarah to continue. Genevieve and Alaric were siblings she believed and his sister harboring feelings for him doesn't sound right.
Sarah swiped her tongue over her lips, embarrassed for having said that before she continued, "Then there's 'Christiana Velthorne', the second princess. She's a bit different—more gentle, and nurturing. Her hair is always in intricate braids, and her amber eyes give her a warmer look than Genevieve. She's curvier, with a motherly air about her. Though, she has a slight limp from an illness she had a few years ago."
"That must have been hard for her," Salviana murmured.
"Yes, but she doesn't let it show, she's a princess after all," Sarah replied, making Salviana nod.
Sarah continued. "Then we have 'Abigail Velthorne', the third princess. She's a bit of a rebel. Light brown hair, grey eyes, and slim but muscular from horseback riding. She's the black sheep among the sisters, more into sports and adventure than royal duties. The others don't always know what to make of her."
"I can imagine," Salviana said with a small smile.
Salviana remembered her to be the princess who'd been looking at her with so much interest that she'd felt uncomfortable, not that she'd been comfortable with the others, but she drew her attention with having a different gaze than the rest of her. Unlike Genevieve, who was glaring, Abigail genuinely appeared curious and appreciative.
"And Jollene?" Salviana prompted.
"'Jollene Velthorne', the fourth princess, is more serious," Sarah explained. "She's got light brown hair like Abigail but keeps it in a practical bun. She's tall and lean, with long legs, and always dressed in muted, formal attire. Takes after her father—ambitious, practical, and focused. You won't catch her in anything frivolous, and she is always with Princess Christiana."
Salviana already noticed the two princesses and their cohort.
"And the wives? Who are they?" Salviana asked, curious about the women who had married into the family. Were they all royals or nobles before?
"Ah, yes. 'Lilian Velthorne', the fifth princess by marriage—she's the crown princess, married to Benjamin. Golden blonde hair, short and chic, with brown eyes and a slightly curvy figure. She's assertive, diplomatic, and fiercely protective of her position. Known for her sharp tongue."
Salviana pouted, with what she saw, she didn't think Sarah had done a good job in this explanation, maybe the description, but that's all.
"And Spencer's wife?" Salviana asked instead, leaning in.
"That would be 'Beatrice Velthorne', the sixth princess by marriage," Sarah said, a little more subdued. "She's quiet and reserved, with golden blonde hair and light green eyes. She's slim, almost willowy, and often underestimated because of her soft demeanor. But don't be fooled—she's got a strong will."
Salviana was impressed by how much detail Sarah could recall. "You seem to know a lot about them."
Sarah beamed, pleased. "I've been around a while, my lady. And I enjoy watching how the royal family interacts. Each one has their own strengths... and weaknesses." she said.
Their conversation stretched on through the morning, and by the time the sun had reached its peak, Salviana had a newfound understanding of the Velthorne family. She was impressed not only by Sarah's knowledge but by the intricate dynamics of the royals themselves.
Soon she decided it was time to visit the Ninth Princess, the events of the morning had been unfair and against her and her husband but Irene was a wounded mother and she'd been crying so much Salviana felt the need to check on her and the innocent kid that'd been burned. She hoped it was not a large burn or a visible part that the water had poured.
As she moved towards the entrance with purposeful steps, a voice interrupted her, Emma rushed to her and asked politely, "Where are you going, my lady?"
"Emma," Salviana breathed before replying, "I need to reach the Ninth Princess's chambers, do you think you can escort me there?" She invited, immediately reminded that she didn't even know the way.
Emma looked taken aback, "Oh, my lady, the guards would follow you, they know the way, I'm only a chambermaid and can't follow you around," she explained.
Salviana was still thinking about how the dynamics are when Emma added, "Your lady-in-waiting should be here now but…" she trailed off instead, they had all seen how off she was yesterday and they weren't sure to call her a proper lady-in-waiting.
Salviana would actually appreciate it if the woman didn't come, "Thank you," she whispered as she moved ahead to reach the guards, they rushed to her side
"I need you to show me the way to the Ninth princess' chambers,"
"Of course, your grace,"
She nodded and started to walk but none of them would walk ahead of her, making it awkward because she didn't know where they were going.
They continued the dramatic point and bow walk until Salviana stopped abruptly, she turned to them and said, "I have a question,"