King Vatore waved a hand, uninterested in and unimpressed by formalities. He equally ignored the heavy chests of treasures that had been brought in. No matter how frequently he dissuaded King Rolfe from sending gifts, he couldn't curb the human King's bad habit. He would have the messengers return with the treasures as well as double what had been initially brought. He had no need for baubles.
The emissary practically crawled forward on his knees to offer the red letter embossed with a gold seal, and Vatore had a difficult time keeping his impatience in check, taking the letter out of the emissary's hands with his superior speed before he could spew out more formalities.
The entire court seemed to hold its breath as he read the letter, it most likely involved the upcoming wedding so it wasn't information he needed to keep hidden from his subjects. It was why he had read it out in the open instead of retiring to his study like he usually did.
King Vatore's dark and imposing brows drew together in a troubled expression as he perused the contents of the letter, an expression that he quickly curbed and hid behind an unperturbed mask. However, he knew that even that flash of emotion had been caught by his subjects but it was no matter.
Regardless of whether he had read the letter in private or not, the matter was still one he had to bring before his court. He closed the letter and put it aside, addressing the messenger. "Vallyn welcomes you. During your stay here, you're guests of the King." He said the necessary things and dismissed the messengers who were relieved to get the chance to rest, having been on the road for days.
"Don't keep us waiting, Your Majesty," Viscountess Giolla said lazily, her dress sleeves low on her shoulders to show off her pale shoulders. "Is it about the wedding?"
Vatore ignored her casual tone, "The human Princess is dead." He said bluntly, catching everyone off guard.
The glass of red liquid in the Viscountess's delicate hands fell to the ground with a crash, red spilling on the finely cut stone of the castle floors. "W-What?"
"Silence," Vatore said leisurely but there was power behind the simple command. No one dared to say another word, not even to rebel for the sake of it, too interested in this piece of information.
"King Rolfe explained in his letter that the Princess had always been sickly but he had good intentions offering a Royal wedding to strengthen the alliance."
There was a snort from someone in court, an audible voice speaking. "Hardly."
Vatore ignored that as well. If he paid attention to every petty slight of his court, he would have been driven insane. "Regardless, the human Princess is dead. King Rolfe has then made an offer to send his son in place of the dead Princess, to show his good faith." The last word was said wryly.
Vatore would rather the human King didn't go through the trouble. If he really wanted a Royal wedding to strengthen the alliance, he could wait till his heir took the throne and then have his granddaughter fulfill his promise. "The Second Prince will be coming in the Princess' stead to be a part of the court."
Excited whispers filled the court at this, the court beyond pleased at this development. As bored creatures with little to fill up their long lives, this was a rather big deal.
"What is Your Majesty's decision?" A Count spoke up from amongst lavish cushions, his face hearty and round with a tinge of red in his chubby cheeks. He patted his rotund stomach as he spoke, a table laden with food in front of him.
"Humans can not join the court unless they marry a Vampire," A Duke with shrewd eyes interjected before Vatore could speak. "That rule won't be broken, not even for Royalty."
Whispers started up again, louder than before, their eyes glittered with excitement at the thought of how the situation would play out. A noble Lady turned to the Lord by her side with happy red eyes to whisper.
"So will his Majesty have his son marry another man or turn down the human King's offer completely-"
The Lord sneered, uninterested in gossiping with her. "Keep your crooked fangs out of my face, Anilla."
Anilla wasn't offended, instead, her round eyes went rounder. "Oh, how could I have forgotten, as someone fucking a man it's clear what choice you would go for."
"Crass words become you," The Lord said flatly, deliberately ignoring her after that.
"We didn't need you to remind the court of that Duke Tassone," Vatore said mockingly, "We are all well aware."
Muffled snickers erupted in the court, very few daring to openly mock the Vampire Duke.
King Vatore carefully considered the matter despite his lackadaisical attitude, this involved Alessio and a newly formed alliance. Despite Duke Tassone's words, after a wedding for the sake of ceremony, the two Princes wouldn't be required to play the part of a happily married couple.
"Naturally, we have to honor Asten's efforts to strengthen the alliance," He said calmly. "Even during the grief of losing a child, he still worried about the promise he made to Vallyn. To step on such heartfelt intentions would be villainous."
An amazed silence filled the court, they hadn't expected the King to so easily agree. Same-sex dalliance wasn't unheard of, but was uncommon enough to be viewed as indecent. However, the King had spoken so no one could raise protests. After all, they had expected that King Vatore would refuse the offer for his son to marry another Prince, that was why Duke Tassone had been so quick to point out the fact that the human Prince wouldn't be accepted in court until vows were exchanged.
King Vatore rose to his feet after speaking, "Naturally, some changes have to be made to the preparations. You're all dismissed." He said flatly, sweeping out of the courtroom with his black cloak billowing, shoulder-length black hair held in place by his crown.