They had been arranged since the age of fifteen. A unity of two Empires that was sworn to be given many things for the marriage from the Aphres Family of the Venus Empire and the Viocosmo Family of the Saturn Empire. The unity to be between the eldest daughter of the Saturn Empire and the eldest, and only, son of the Venus Empire.
It is what this very banquet was for, to celebrate the union of Chrysanthe Vioscosmo and Eros Aphres. the Imperial courts of both Empires were within this Hall, several families of different backgrounds conversing of their importance within the court.
Yet, it was all a simple noise fading from existence as Eros stared about, his gaze landing upon every noble whom spoke near his mother and father.
It shifted then, the way of which all eyes we're upon Eros as he walked down the grand staircase. Each one lingering, a jaundice tree had sprouted as every step of Eros Aphres was taken— to what was he to do when engaged with the eldest child of the Saturn Empire?
Humorless, really, it was a simple rumor, a few words that had spread through the five Empires as if it were a deadly disease— Eros Aphres to marry Chrysanthe Viocosmo!
As little as it contained a gag to him, Eros found the notion a simplistic way the people of the Empire were passing their idle time. Perchance, it is why everyone of every Empire was invited to this banquet; for them to know who the true fiancée would be.
Through black lashes, rouge colored eyes lingered upon any face that seemed mesmerizing— girl or boy. He gripped the banister of the grand staircase, his fingers curling before undoing such and action and turning to leave.
Not that he was picky, far from it. Rather, he chose to entertain the thought that every fifteen year old his age would be enjoying themselves in the Banquet Hall. Diving into exquisite meals, refined drinks; the most lavish of food.
"Her, I choose her." Quite faint, quite quick— a long pointer finger had been pointed in the direction of a girl his age, not Chrysanthe Viocosmo.
"I heard he is having an affair with Lady Psyche."
"Really? A boy his age to have such a want?"
"You would be surprised!"
The guffaw that it was, how he had indeed chosen Psyche, it seemed as if the disease died and what took it place was that of a fire. Flames of bright orange and yellow, the color turning red the moment it lingered, had caused a uproar between the people.
Not that his rumored fiancée was to be the eldest child, far from it. Although, yes, he had allowed those words to continued, had let the borders of every other Empire catch wind. It was his fault, no doubt, but it was also those of his Empire whom continued to spread the fire. Igniting every torch— it is them that has convinced themselves that he was to marry Chrysanthe.
"Her? Lady Psyche, that of whom truly does not pose a threat towards her elder sister?" A noble of the Imperial court whispered to her husband as Eros walked by.
"I suppose not. But, who are we to judge? He is the Crown Prince of the Venus Empire," the noblewoman's husband whispered, his weary eyes following Eros. "He has the right to choose his bride."
"Surely Lady Psyche is jubilant of this, yes?" Another older lady had whispered, eyeing Eros the moment he went by. Of course it were the way it was, how he had chosen Psyche.
"Refined, regal, he simply wants a girl that will listen to his demands."
"Yes, yes, of course! He will be as every man of the Empire!"
Psyche, however, felt the weight of her relaxed shoulders, slump as if carrying buckets of water. Pulled against the grain, she knew her own two feet would not help her at all. This rising tide would swallow her whole until her limp body hit the ocean floor.
Even within the Banquet Hall, eyes peering, her own mind was muddled together as if tangled by vines. To be married to the Crown Prince, to be his wife, it was a notion as old as time.
The faint tap as she took a step back was heard. Basil colored eyes widening, hands shaking. The familiarity of what she knew to be her nerves had risen higher and higher. Her heels continued, until the faint warmth of another had seeped into her forearms.
Gazing behind her, she saw the slight quiver of Chrysanthe's fingers— trembling in either rage, or the lowest emotion, jealousy.
"He is your betrothed, Psyche, surely you know you must accept this with grace." The comforting, warm as a blanket voice, had reached her ears. The tips turned a hue of pink, her wide eyes looking back to Eros.
"I mean no harm, Lady Psyche. But, I have chosen you to be my wife, and I will be quite glad to marry you. We may only be fifteen, but I do hope we will marry to be together for centuries." With his hand outstretched to be just mere inches from her belly, moved to be the arm he had against his stomach as he bowed over. Eros's other one was behind his back, against it as he did the movement. "if you will allow me, of course."
Faithful to her own ambitions, Psyche could not go against marrying the Crown Prince. If it were not Eros Aphres, it would be another Crown Prince or Prince of one of the five Empires, and they would treat her differently than Eros. Now, at least, he was showing to be a fifteen year old boy full of substantial surprise.
Of manners that did not cause a frightful void where her heart goes.
His hand, although steady as it held her's, held a slight tremble. He was afraid as well, doing an act that was far from his own zone. No less either, he was in a Hall where all eyes were watching with expectant gazes. The tips of their toes were hard on the marble floor, bodies jumping over the other, shoving the other's to get a glance— surely, Psyche understands the way of which the favor tips.
"I will... allow you to have my hand, Crown Prince."
In the end, it were not Chrysanthe, but Psyche whom held the hand of the Venus Empire's heart.