Anxiety

"It is such an honor to be invited by the Duke and Duchess of the Akkadian Empire. My Family and I greets and thanks you for this wonderful invite." The Earl and the Countess greets them with a bow.

"I see that you have come from a far away land, please, enjoy yourselves to this wonderful night." The Duke's voice was deep and resonant, with a hint of steel underlying every word.

The Earl approached the Duchess with a respectful bow and took her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back of her palm. "My Lady, I am honored to be in your presence," he said, his deep voice carrying a note of admiration.

The Duchess delicately curtsied to the Earl, then raised her head to meet his gaze. "My Lord Earl, Thank you for coming. I hope this day finds you in good health?" she inquired, her voice soft and polite.

While they we're having a conversation, from upstairs, Geirraven stood there, hiding from the crowd, behind the pillars.

The Duke's daughter fidgeted with the hem of her dress as she stood nervously behind, her heart was pounding in her chest, and her palms felt clammy with sweat. She had never been in the presence of so many important guests before, and she couldn't help but feel intimidated by their presence. Her eyes darted anxiously around the room, and she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"It's alright..I have nothing to be anxious about. I'm going to be fine Infront of them." She encouraged herself and finally went out from her hiding spot.

Geirraven thought about herself being introduced to the royale family by her parents and seeing how can her father confidently introduced her towards the esteemed guests, Although that was just a imagination for her to boost her confidence.

But before she could stepped on the Grand Staircase, The most awaited Family arrived.

Her eyes shimmered from the bright presence of the royale family entering the banquet hall. The guests we're astonished by their appearance and most of all how they elegantly looked from the crowd.

But the Emperor and Empress we're nowhere to be found. The Second prince and Princess of Akkadian Empire arrived from that scene.

"I-it's the Royale Family De Burgh!"

"But where is the Crown Prince?"

"Look at the Second prince, isn't he majestic to look at?"

As the Royale Family enters the banquet hall, the guests all stand up and bow their heads as a sign of respect. The band starts playing the national anthem, and the atmosphere becomes more solemn.

As the Royal Family makes their way to the head table, guests move aside to give them a clear path. Each member of the Royal Family is greeted with a polite "Your Highness" or "Your Majesty," depending on their title.

The guests then follow with a polite curtsy or bow before the Royal Family. They may also express their gratitude for the Royal Family's presence by saying, "Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Your Highness."

After the initial greetings, the Royal Family may engage in small talk with the guests or proceed with the banquet program. The guests continue to show their respect and reverence by maintaining proper decorum and etiquette throughout the event.

"Look at the Princess, isn't she lovely?"

"Her Auriv hair is shining through the lights and even her eyes are sparkling from innocence."

"The second prince have a similar face towards his brother, isn't he?"

Geirraven stood there, amazed from the appearance of the royale siblings.

"I have to meet them." She said to herself and carefully went down the stairs.

The daughter of the Duke descended the grand staircase with grace, her feet gliding down each step like a dancer performing a delicate routine. Her long, flowing gown trailed behind her, the fabric whispering against the polished marble steps. As she reached the bottom, she paused for a moment, her hand gently resting on the intricate railing as she took in the grandeur of the banquet hall before her.

The Noble guests, her parents, and even the Royale Siblings turned their way towards her. Some mouths are agape, some envious, and even mesmerized from her stunning beauty.

Geirraven held her head high and kept a serene expression. Once she got infront of them, Geirraven curtsied towards all of them.

"I greet all of the esteemed guests especially the devoted Royale siblings of Akkadian empire. May God bless all of you and our empire." She greeted in a calm manner while all the guests focused on her.

When she stood properly. She caught the eyes of the guests staring at her, especially she drew the attention of the Princess.

The duke gave a clap to draw their attention and he cleared his throat and spoke in a loud and clear voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please." The chatter in the room slowly died down as the guests turned to face the Duke.

"I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you who have graced us with your presence tonight. We are honored to have you here in our home and we hope that you will enjoy this evening's banquet," he said with a smile.

"The food has been prepared by our finest chefs and the wine has been carefully selected to complement each dish. So please, sit back, relax, and enjoy the feast that awaits you. We have put our hearts and souls into making this evening a memorable one for each and every one of you," he continued.

"Once again, thank you for joining us tonight. May you have a wonderful evening in the company of good food, good wine, and good company," he concluded, raising his glass in a toast. The guests followed suit, lifting their glasses in a toast to the Duke's words and the beginning of a delightful evening.

Geirraven stood nervously beside her parents while they watch the guests.

"Geirraven." The Duke called her in a strict voice and she quickly straighten her posture up.

"Y-yes F-father?" She stuttered nervously, her eyes straight to the crowd while both of her hands Infront, clasped together.

"Don't embarrass me Infront of the guests especially towards the Royalties." He warned which made her anxious. While her mother from her left, didn't dare to interfere.

"Ah~! The second prince! Greetings, your highness. We humbly submit ourselves to your august presence and the majesty of your empire. May our friendship and goodwill be fortified by this occasion." The Duchess greeted with a courtesy when the second prince approached them.

Geirraven courtesy Infront of him as well.

It was her first time meeting such a important person in her life.

His dark blue hair falling in sleek waves around his chiseled face. His eyes, a striking shade of gold, sparkled with intelligence and wit. He stood tall and proud, his broad shoulders filling out his royal attire. His regal bearing and striking features drew the attention of everyone in the room, making it clear that he was someone of great importance.

"G-greetings, your highness." Geirraven greeted anxiously. She clenches on her dress to ease her tension Infront of the prince.

Instead of being stunned from his captivating looks, Geirraven was overwhelmed by curiosity about this person. Her eyes shimmered upon meeting his eyes.

The prince couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration wash over him. With a gentle smile on his face, he extended his hand and bowed slightly, showing his respect for her. "Good evening, Your Grace," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "I must say, I have heard much about your beauty and grace, and now that I have the pleasure of meeting you, I can see that those stories were not exaggerations." He looked up at her with his golden eyes, and continued, "It is truly an honor to meet you, and I hope to have the pleasure of getting to know you better throughout the course of the evening."

The second prince, also known as Letholdus De Burgh carried himself with an air of dignity and grace, his posture erect and his movements precise. He exuded a natural authority, commanding the attention of those around him without the need for words. His expression was often reserved, but his eyes held a keen intelligence that suggested a sharp mind and a strategic thinker. Despite his regal bearing, he was approachable and possessed a genuine warmth that drew people to him. His manner was always courteous and respectful, indicating a deep-seated sense of honor and duty. Overall, he presented himself as a man of great character and integrity, one who was fully deserving of the respect and admiration afforded to a prince.

The Duke, after exchanging pleasantries with the second prince, turns to his wife and nods indicating that he will be leaving their daughter in the company of the prince. With a small smile and a nod of understanding, the Duchess takes her husband's arm as he begins to make his way towards the guests.

Geirraven started to feel nervous and didn't know how to start a conversation.

"I already rehearsed this, A quick greet is just a piece of cake. Why not give it a try?" She thought to herself

The second prince stood tall with an air of confidence as he took the hand of his younger sister, the princess. "May I introduce you to my beloved sister, Her Highness, Princess Genevieve," he said in a polite and respectful tone. "She is thrilled to be in your presence and hopes that tonight's festivities will be enjoyable for all." The princess gave a curtsy and a warm smile, radiating kindness and grace. The Duke's daughter felt a wave of admiration for the prince's family, impressed by their regal presence and manners.

"It is so nice to meet you Princess, I hope you will enjoy this night's banquet" Geirraven said softly but with respect.

"Your highness, Prince Letholdus? May I ask your permission to talk with you? About the matters of business perhaps?" The Earl approached him.

"Ah yes. Of course." He answered with a hint of hesitant. "I'll take my leave ladies. I'll leave my sister to your care, Geirraven." And he left with the Earl, leaving her dumbfounded.