Chapter 3

"Please tell big sis to feel better! We'll miss her!" Katilis says with a pout, her doll lolita appearance looked right at home sipping tea at a fancy demonic table. "She'll join us for dinner, correct Bavorias?"

"I do believe so your highness, Princess Doniverea's ailment isn't being kind this evening." Bavorias replies with a slight bow.

"Oh no, I do hope our beloved sister doesn't overdo anything tonight." Veriona frowns at the prospect, her leaning her chin delicately in one of her hands.

"I'll make sure the cooks make something to help aid her in energy then." Brightana announces before drawing a motion in the air, commanding some of her servants to do her bidding.

"I'm sure we won't need to worry about that, sis is always well taken care of." Gripillia chimes in, taking a sip of her tea before turning her attention back to the servants. "Right, Bavorias?"

"Of course Princess Gripillia, it's our duty and honor to see to her highness' needs." He replies easily, not phased by the fact that each powerful princess before him was gaging every word he spoke. The princesses simply cared too much for one another.

"Thank you for carrying Doniverea's message, you're excused now Bavorias." Natalion decides to dismiss him, waiting for his leave before continuing. She knew she had the others' full attention now, which made things easier. "I'm not sure how aware you all are of the importance of this task. We cannot let neither father nor Doniverea down with this. Not only are we expected to have a long lasting partnership with our chosen consort, but they are to aid us in building our own territories. We must consider what we want our lands to be from this time forward, and whom it is we wish to build it with." She pauses, allowing the younger females to mull this over before she continues, turning to face them fully with her arms crossed as she remembers each being a bouncy baby girl. "We don't have to take things too seriously now, but we do need to consider how we can each best help our kingdom."

"So serious Nati, but I guess it's for a good reason…" Katilis grins at her before biting into a cookie. "We have much to think about, but we have guests to entertain tonight!"

"Yes, that's very true…" Veriona agrees as they turn their attention to the arriving carriages. "I wonder what father is up to with these ones."

"We must find out! We must!" Gripillia adds with excitement as she watches them.

"Your Highnesses, King Alixuran would appreciate you greeting Prince Verocul and his attendees before you dine this evening." A demoness asks of them with a respectful bow, one of their father's favorite servants.

"Thank you Sixuliana, we shall then if father asks." Brightana intones with a nod.

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"Hello again Prince Verocul, you look well." King Alixuran greets the son of one of his dear friends warmly as he leads him through the halls to his sitting rooms. "Shall we share a drink before dining?"

"Yes, that sounds like a welcomed idea! I'm glad to see you well as well, King Alixuran. My father will be pleased to hear word of it." Prince Verocul replies amicably as he follows.

King Alixuran gives a smirk thinking about his old friend. "I do hope old Ziques is able to make the next tournament, jousting isn't the same without him."

"Yes, I do believe my father plans to make the next one, he was rather reluctant to miss the last when Lady Juilianette went into labor." Prince Verocul chuckles a bit with his response.

"True enough, none of his concubines are due I don't believe!" King Alixuran laughs as he opens his door to his parlour. "Please make yourself at home."

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King Alixuran looks over the group of ladies that just entered his greeting rooms. His daughters and their servants all present, with his harem and consorts lining the walls of the room. He could sense the young prince's interest peaking at the princess' entrances though, as not many outside of the kingdom has caught sight of them. This third son was sent to him for an important task though, so him meeting them was inevitable.

"Introduce yourselves to Prince Verocul Howlsend, third Prince of the Kingdom of Thropanio." King Alixuron nonchalantly orders his daughters. The werepanther prince looks each princess over with intrigue, lust and appraisal. The King keeps a small smile to himself, holding back a chuckle.

"I'm the second eldest daughter, Princess Natalion Scalius." The proudful demoness offers a slight smile as she eyes the prince and his procession after stepping forward. She places a hand on her hip with an arched brow as she does so.

"I'm Katilis Scalius, it's ever so nice to meet you!" The ever cheerful daughter came forth, her eyes gleaming with interest as she eyes the group with a playful expression. She holds a rather cute poppet that felt like it stared into one's soul.

"I'm Brightana Scalius, I hope you find your time here pleasant." The next in age steps forth with a slight curtsy before she nonchalantly pulls out her journal once more and starts to write in it once more. She held the air of indifference as she spoke.

"Oh! I'm Gripillia Scalius, please do feel free to share any stories with me." The next daughter states with a blossoming smile after being prodded to attention by her sisters. She clasps her hands in front of her as her eyes sparkle with anticipation.

"I'm Veriona Scalius, I'm glad to see the tales of how handsome the demons of Thropanio are is proven to be more than just tales." The final daughter in line steps forth with sensuality running through her very movements, offering a wink and smirk as she brazenly looks the group over.

The doors open, drawing the attention of the room to a smaller, daintier female surrounded by guards and attendants, her being helped to walk on both sides as she comes over. "Ah, this is my eldest daughter." King Alixuron announces before turning to address her as she reaches the line. "I'm glad to see you're feeling well enough to join us today my dear."

"Thank you father." She replies, leaning against her sister Katilis before turning to the prince. "I am the eldest daughter to King Alixuron Scalius, Princess Doniverea Scalius. I apologize for my late arrival, but do hope we can be friends." She looks at the prince with the calmest energy one can imagine, serenity coming off of her in waves.

"It's my pleasure to make the acquaintances of ones so famous and beloved as your majesties. I look forward to us strengthening relations of our empires!" Prince Verocul Howlsend offers a bow, followed by others of his party while all of both sides have smirks on their faces.

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Prince Verocul isn't one to take lightly, but he's also considered a bit of a rake and less worldly than his siblings. He was well liked by his subjects, but still wasn't favored by most of the royals of his father's court. That being said, his mother was a ferocious and blunt woman that was begrudgingly respected. Her being the mother to only one of King Ziques' children though still put her towards the bottom of his favored list regarding the mothers of his children. Honestly that meant one thing, and that's that the two didn't get along well.

All of this Doniverea took into consideration as they all enjoyed their meal. Though her energy was waned, she kept up the proper pretense and air about her. She slowly ate her food, made separately just for her she can tell, and listened in on the conversations happening around her. She and her sisters made mundane but polite conversation as they sneakily took notes on Prince Verocul's entourage, each curious as to who they all were and their relations to the royal Howlsend line. Then again, Doniverea was aware of many things regarding this prince already.