The Yule Ball

[Drew deGrey]

Drew had been back in Tresteria for the Yule festivities. Intent on spending it with his immediate family, while having a small check-in with the extended family. Though he was sure he could get Lucian to tell him anything of importance that was going on with his brothers if he needed to later. Still, he wanted at least a chance to see how Triston was fairing as well as hear stories about Wes's travels if he was even here. In all honestly, he didn't expect his Sailor cousin to be at the ball. He was dressed in a black suit jacket with a white tunic tucked into matching black trousers. He wore a red tie for the occasion, and his hair was perfect (like it always was) and he was clean-shaven for once.

After ensuring his Father was set down at table and was comfortable, Drew nearly as bad as Mother in hovering over the man, and that his Mother was situated with a drink and chatting Father's ear off; he left his parents in search of his own drink. As he filtered through guest, he took in some of the guest. Recognizing a few faces, and he did a double take at seeing his cousin Lucian deGrey on the arm of a small blonde woman. Whatcha got there Luuuuuuc? He wondered. The small girls smile practically lit up the ball room, and Drew couldn't hide the crooked grin at catching sight of Wesley deGrey . He had made it the ball. Well this was bound to be interesting...Well, if he couldn't get it out of one cousin, he'd surely have no issue getting it out of the other. Nana was going to love this... And at least it was Lucian and not him. He could draw Nana's attention away from the other side of the deGrey's and the fact they were all divorced and refused to marry. Where was Dani deGrey when he needed her? She would have loved this! A pang entered his chest thinking of his twin sister. Wherever she was. She liked Yule, it meant Drew and Declan had to shower her in gifts and tell her she was even more lovely because of the Yule colors. With a slight shake of his head, Drew refrained from going over to his cousins. Seeing as they were with one of their Demarais cousins, and another man, he continued on his search of a drink.

She might have wanted to go unnoticed, but Drew certainly noticed the small woman clad in red. Looking like a vision as she stood there drinking her drink. He'd know her anywhere. Even if he forgot some mistresses, this one he wouldn't. Her name was on his favorite list in the little black book he kept. (Mostly because he was terrible with names) But also because he liked to flip through it and see what he'd written about them. He was tempted to ignore her, as that's what he normally did. One time flings kept things not messy. But Sienna Rousseau had been more than happy to follow his rules. He actually rather enjoyed her company and found himself actually wanting to drift over to say hello.

He couldn't help himself and found his way to come up behind her. The fingers of one hand rested gently on a hip, before he was reaching down to take her glass from her fingers. Not caring in the slightest if he was being brazen. "What are we drinking?" He asked. He'd had to bend his head down low so his mouth was near her ear so she could hear him before he straightened. Smirking as he lifted the cider to his lips, and looked down at her with dark eyes.

[Sienna Rousseau]

Sienna was standing there, just looking around, hoping to see the perfectly sculpted dark hair he had. It was always kept perfect, she remembered that easily and it made her smile because she had left it alone- well she dared to fix a strand that wanted to fly wayward and then stopped after that.

It had her blushing some but before she knew it a sudden hand was on her hip and her glass pulled from her fingers. She didn't react for a moment, turning her head to look up at him as she then gave a smile at seeing him. Tucked under her dress, he could see the chain of the necklace he had bought for her- it was something she wore constantly, it was a beautiful gift and she cherished it.

"Apple cider...your back, Andrew," she told him. Her tone held a mix of relief and happiness as she turned to face him fully, leaving a little space between them as she didn't want him to find out like that or right in the middle of the ball with people all around, "Does this mean I can steal you later?" she asked him, her blue eyes twinkling up at him as she lifted and rested a hand on his chest. "You look handsome by the way- though I miss the scruff," she told him, adjusting one of the lapels on his coat and smoothing it while she smiled up at him a little playfully.

Drew deGrey

[Drew deGrey]

Drew certainly did see the cold chain, but it didn't click in his head that it was the gift he'd given her yet as the main part of the delicate star shaped opal was hidden under dress. His eyes certainly did look down her form in appreciation as she turned to face him and adjusted one of his lapels. His grin only widening at he took that sip of cider. He pulled the glass away, looking at it curiously. A lady such as herself should have been drinking wine. Maybe a nice white one to pair with her sweetness.

His grin only grew, and he took the moment to tap the rim of the glass against his chin, as if he was thinking about her question, while his other hand went up to cage hers against his chest. "Hmmmm depends." He said slowly. Looking around the room again, to make sure there were do prying eyes on them. Namely his family, but they already knew Drew's habits so it wouldn't be that surprising to see him with a lady on his arm. What would be surprising....it was a lady he'd already on his arm once before...

"Do we get to dance first?" He asked her. He wasn't much of a dancer, but he certainly didn't mind dancing with Sienna. She was rather graceful on her feet last time he checked. "And thank you, I miss it too." He gave her a wink before handing her, her drink back. He lifted her hand that he'd trapped against his chest, and kissed the back of her hand. His dark eyes meeting those dark blues of hers. "You look ravishing." There was a glint of mischief in his eyes, and the "Drew look" crossed his face. The look were you couldn't decide if he was thinking about causing trouble, seducing you, or causing world domination. He lowered her hand, but he didn't let it go, beginning his hunt again for his own drink, and he gently tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "Have you been having a nice Yule?" He asked her curiously. Mine just got loads better... He thought.

Sienna Rousseau

[Sienna Rousseau]

Sienna had happily- well lovingly- worn the necklace that she had been gifted by him. It was beautiful and simple but perfect to her. She never bought herself much of anything fancy or pretty because of what she did, mostly staying in drab clothes to hide what she did and help out those she called family. When he sipped the cider though and looked at it, she tilted her head with a little smile aimed right at him, "It's festive," she told him with a little grin. Not to mention other drinks made her feel ill and she was trying to avoid that right now.

Her heart jumped at the hand over her own, her teeth biting her lip some as he looked around but why? She would let her own blue eyes wonder around before resting up on him again, a curious look in her gaze at who else he might be looking for. Did he bring a date? She truly hoped not, she wanted to steal him away for herself and not share.

"I would love a dance- you haven't gotten out of practice now have you?" she asked, her brows furrowing at the light playful tease. No, she knew he could dance and so could she. "You going to let it grow out again then?" she asked, her eyes closing a little at the kiss to the back of her hand before her head dropped a little in modesty before looking up. That look. She knew that look and it made her bite her lip again- hell she wanted to kiss him right here and now, all she needed was a bit of mistletoe to do so without it being off, "Thank you...I actually made this dress myself," she told him as she happily wrapped her arm through his and took her glass back from him. The question was met with a nod, "It's been...a rather interesting Yule, I got a very surprising present that I will divulge to you later," she told him with a bit of a smile. There was a promise in her eyes, a promise for fun or mischief, it was honestly hard to tell as she looked up at him, "And yours?" she asked him curiously as she would place her cup on a servants tray to be able to rest her hand lightly on his arm while he hunted for his own drink.

Drew deGrey

[Dani deGrey]

Ohh she was late… again.

    Not that it mattered, fashionably late was always better than on time anyway. What did matter was that not one of her idiot brothers had turned up to greet her at the docks. It had been three months, three since Dani had last seen either of them, and now they were both too busy with the Yule Ball to spare a second thought for their poor sister who had been at sea for two weeks and could have really done with being greeted by family. How else was she supposed to comment on the new lines on Declan’s face? How many millimetres Drew’s hairline had receded? Well, Dani supposed she would have to dash from the docks to this grand ball and tell them herself- chastise them both for not being there to welcome her home while she was at it. Three months! Three. And they knew how much she loved Yule. Those bastards had gone to the ball without her, how dare they? She bet they were having a ball at the ball- she chuckled to herself at that thought- but she was still annoyed they were having a good time without her. Their cousins would be there too- the whole brood, everyone except Nana and except Dani.
    
Heels stomped against the weathered deck as the diminutive woman paced back and forth, anxiously waiting for the ship to dock so she could be on her way. If she did not have a ball to go to, Dani would have just leapt into the sea and had done with it. But no, there was no way she was waltzing into the Yule Ball smelling of seawater and with her hair wet. Instead she was forced to endure the agonising wait for the ship to dock and the gangplank to be set up.
    
She did not waste a second, Dani practically sprinted from the ship- leaving behind her luggage and Yule presents for her family. That could all wait until tomorrow, the Yule Ball would not. Besides, Declan and Drew had left her to find her own way- they could wait for their presents until tomorrow, maybe even until next week.
    
One thing the deGrey did grab however, was a gown. One she had acquired in Aralore. It was easy to get into (of course she would have to change in the carriage) and most of all it was beautiful. Dani knew her twin would have fussed and preened over himself tonight, she just had to fufil her sisterly duties of reminding dear Drew that she was the more attractive sibling.
    
The carriage she hailed made it in record time. Twisting and turning through the streets at breakneck speed- and Dani found herself giggling as she enjoyed the ride. Granted, it did not make changing into her gown any easier, but she managed. The deGrey women always managed. Entering the ball without announcement, she didn’t want to make a scene (at least not, just yet), Dani helped herself to a goblet of mulled wine and scanned the crowd for her brothers.

    The first two deGreys her eyes found where her cousins, she would chase them down later- chase them down and find out who that pretty little blonde was on Lucian deGrey ’s arm. Finally, she found Drew deGrey .

    More importantly, those brown eyes of hers found him with a woman she had never seen before. A woman with her hand on his arm. Really? Drew, another one? Dani thought, eyes rolling back in their sockets, her brother was going to get himself into trouble sooner or later- and Dani could not wait to witness it. Slinking through the crowd, Dani was a tigress hunting her prey as she crept closer and closer to her twin. This would be fun.

    ”Drink? Brother?” The woman said, taking hold of his other arm and resting her head upon his shoulder with a wicked grin. ”Oh! Excuse me, my manners!” Leaning around the frame of Drew deGrey , Dani addressed the redhaired woman brightly. ”I’m Dani, the twin this lovely gentleman of yours left at the docks tonight. Cold and alone, though I have to admit I can see why the thought might have slipped his mind. You are beautiful, and that dress- lovely.”

[Drew deGrey]

Drew chuckled, it certainly was festive wasn't it? The Yule ball at the palace was always a treat for everyone involved. He glanced down at the woman on his arm, raising an eyebrow in mock offense. "Certainly not." He said. That mischief reappearing in his dark eyes. Did Drew really stop dancing? There was two different types of dance. The ballroom kind, and the war kind, where the two were completely different, but still required quick, precise, and almost graceful movements. He was certainly still in practice.  "While I'm home." He said with amusement. While on the isle he tended to keep the clean shave, but home he let it grow out. 

He looked at her curiously, his gaze turning even more appreciative as she said she made the dress herself. "Really? Well you did a beautiful job." He complimented. "Oh?" What sort of present had she received? She certainly had his attention now, especially if she wanted to tell him about it. A coy smile appeared on his face as he looked down at her, and his mouth parted. "About to get far more inter-" That voice. He knew that voice, his head whipped to the side to see Dani on his other arm. Where had she come from?! No, the question was, when had she gotten home and how long did she plan on staying this time? He hadn't thought she'd be at Yule this year like Nana. Clearly, he did know his own twin as well as he thought. "D-dani?!" He sputtered in surprise, his eyes wide. "When did you get here?" He blurted. Blinking at her. Did Declan know? Did mother and father know? He stared at her as she leaned around him to introduce herself to Sienna, gaping like a fish. Her words slowly beginning to register in his mind, causing a nervous laugh to bubble up. "It would help dear sister, if you had let us know you were coming." For all the trouble that Dani deGrey was, Drew was actually happy to see her. His partner in crime had returned, and on Yule! What best gift could a brother ask for then his sisters safe return? He dipped his head down to place a quick kiss to Dani's cheek. "You and your entrances." He muttered quietly in her ear, before he grinned wickedly. "Welcome home." 

Straightening, Drew glanced at Sienna. It was not everyday Drew took on the same woman twice as his mistress, and a rarity that anyone in his family even met one, so he grew a bit tense being in the middle of the two women. "And this beautiful creature is Sienna Rousseau. A dear friend of mine." He said quickly. All of Drew's mistress's knew they were no strings attached, so to call them anything more than friends was against the rules. However, Drew actually quite enjoyed Sienna and certainly had no issue of calling her friend. "Have you see Declan yet?" Drew asked his sister. 

[Sienna Rousseau]

His answer would earn a warm smile from her, “I’m glad. I’ve not been able to have a good dance since you left and I’ve missed not having my feet stepped on,” she told him, a little pout on her lips but it soon melted right back into a smile while she looked at him. It felt like a miracle that he was back and here and holding her arm again and she would, rather boldly, reach up to gently touch his soft cheek, “I look forward to see it return,” she told him a bit sweetly as she let her hand fall back as a blush stole across her cheeks.

“Thank you, sometimes a lady has to try her hand at many things. Maybe I should make you a suit to compliment your eyes,” she told him as he seemed eager about this present- he better be it was partially his fault she had it. Before she could retort though another female voice caught her ears and for a hot moment she wondered if he had already arrived with another and slight rise of heated jealousy blossomed in her breast; that is until he said sister.

Sienna would look at the woman and offer a smile as she passed off her wineglass to a server so she could give her attention to this spark of a woman, “Oh no you are perfectly alright and you should be cross at him for that but it is a pleasure to meet you Lady Dani,” she told her before looking down at herself and blushing some, “You are stunning my Lady, that color compliments you very well, you’ll have to let me know who made it because that dress looks like it was made just for you,” she told her warmly, a smile on her face as she really didn’t know what to do. He had a sister and a brother?? Maybe from the sounds. She was starting to panic a little bit and worry and forced her free hand to rest on his arm instead of where it wanted to go which was her stomach. He was also a twin and had a twin sister, how much did she not know of this man? Who was his family? Too many questions were going through her mind right now as she had no clue who he really was.

His words though, a dear friend, rang around in her head. Yes, a dear friend indeed that she was about to turn his world upside down and he might hate her for it. She tried though to keep herself looking happy and excited for him, “How big of a family do you happen to have Andrew?” she asked him with a little chuckle, it was a teasing question but mostly, she wanted to know how outnumbered she was this evening. She should have told her friends that she was coming so that she'd have some sort of back up if things went wrong but, here she was.

For a moment, she thought of excusing herself but that would be rude and Andrew knew she was anything but that. So, she made herself look calm and happy to meet his sister, "Wait...if you came from the docks...may I ask where you were traveling from?" she asked her curiously, wondering if this lovely lady also went on adventures that took her away for months at a time.

Dani deGrey Drew deGrey

[Dani deGrey]

The way her younger brother spluttered out her name was sweeter to Dani’s ears than the music that drifted throughout the ballroom. She loved surprises, but she loved having the upper hand much, much more- and from the look of surprise etched into Drew’s dear darling face suggested that she certainly had it. ”Here as in the Yule ball? Around two minutes ago I suppose, can’t say I’ve really been counting the moments.” She grinned, a sparkle behind her eyes that promised mischief. ”Brother mine, you’re gawping- its unbecoming, little point in being dressed in your finest only to be catching flies in that open mouth of yours.” Dani deGrey spoke quickly, obviously at ease in her gentle tormenting. ”I sent you a letter, Declan and father as well- its hardly my-“ Lifting her hand from his arm, Dani pressed it to her chest in a gesture of mocking surprise- ”fault now if my ship happened to be faster than the messenger’s is it? Besides, when have you known me to miss Yule? Honestly Drew, do you know me at all?” The feigned shock quickly turned into false hurt as she looked up at her younger- but taller- brother.

    You and your entrances.

    Drew did know her, and well, often Dani thought he knew her even better than she knew herself. She scrunched up her nose as a kiss was pressed to her cheek. She had missed her brothers, Drew more than Declan (and that was no secret, the two had been near inseparable as children and that had persisted somewhat into adulthood), but that didn’t mean she was about to get soppy on them. ”Thanks Drew, it’s good to be home- would’ve been better with a welcoming committee but I’ll accept your apology in the form of those sweets I like, you know the ones.” Giving him a wink, Dani quickly then turned her attentions back to her little brother’s companion.

    ”A pleasure Lady Rousseau, my brother’s dear friend” Dani said, eyes flashing towards Drew deGrey for those last two syllables- mischief once again shining in those brown orbs. ”Not yet, plenty of time to catch up with Dec. Besides, I’m much more interested in making the acquaintance of a dear friend of yours- I didn’t even realise you had friends Drew.” Her voice was sweet, each repetition of ‘dear friend’ becoming more and more saccharine and promising him an interrogation later.

    ”Thank you,” Dani said warmly as her dress was complimented, as much as she often preferred donning men’s clothing; particularly on seafaring voyages or long rides, the deGrey daughter did love her gowns. ”I acquired it in Aralore a few moons ago, Tresteria may have the monopoly on silks but I can’t help but adore the styles of Aralore. Unfortunately it wasn’t made for me though, but rather I acquired it through a game of chess- but that’s another story for another time.” Dani paused to take a breath and to allow Sienna Rousseau to pose a few questions of her own to Drew deGrey, the man on who’s arm she had been perched so prettily. The dark haired woman occupied herself with her wine glass in the interim, draining it fairly quickly but still as daintily as she could manage. Oh she had missed Tresterian wine. 

    ”Hmm?” The woman vocalised, eyebrows raising as the conversation was once directed towards her. ”Oh, this time was mostly Aralore, though I briefly visited Teronna because I boarded the wrong ship- another story for another time, if you’ll indulge me- I was only there for an afternoon.  But where are my manners? I can’t say I’m familiar with the Rousseau name, where are you from my lady?”

[Lucian deGrey]

He chuckled gently as she buried her face into his arm. He hadn't meant to fluster her, or make her embarrassed, but he couldn't help but admire how adorable and sweet she was. Lucian felt that he hadn't really done much to win her affections. She felt comfortable enough around him to bury her face into him, and he couldn't help but smile and feel honored by her action.

At her confession, he looked at her both with curiosity and concern. Anemone did not know him all too well, nor had she spent much time with him. If she thought he was being nice now, and being unable to handle it, well, she would learn that he only got nicer the more you got to know him. He frowned only slightly. Had she really been treated so horribly that she truly did not know how to handle being treated nicely? How could anyone treat a woman like Anemone wrongfully? He was rather perplexed.

He finally smiled at her and nodded in response, "you deserve to be treated nicely... So, just go with it?  Accept it.  Because I won't treat you otherwise..." He answered her gently, a warm smile spread across his lips.

When she agreed to the table, he moved to pull out a chair for her to sit before he'd sit down next to her, "a quiet night with just you and me would be nice," he quietly agreed. But that wasn't going to be the case because moments later, his younger cousin, Elyscia was approaching them. He smiled at her and nodded, "Ely...Nice to see you!" His gaze turned back to Anemone and he nodded, "She is gorgeous, yes." He felt he did not need to introduce the two ladies, since they seemingly knew one another. Elyscia was friendly with all of the ladies at court, it was just the type of woman she was. He could handle her, if she was joining them, knowing very well that she'd not embarrass him or Anemone. But again, that wouldn't be the case.

Because then, there was his older brother, Wesley, suddenly appearing at the table. He spotted that mischief on his features and he silently began to panic. Please don't blow this for me, Wes, or I will murder you in your sleep. No really, he loved his brother dearly. "Yes, this is Anemone." He smiled and gave her an apologetic smile, "Anemone, this is one of my older brothers, Wesley."

Anemone and he were beginning to become surrounded, and no one had bothered to sit yet, so he was feeling rather awkward. Kaiden joined them, introducing himself, and he recognized him at least from the military, but he wasn't aware that he was the one betrothed to his cousin. "Can you all.... just sit, or something?" He laughed and motioned to all the empty chairs around them. "If you are planning on eating dinner with us..." He narrowed his eyes playfully at Wesley, "and if you're planning on embarrassing me."

[Elyscia Demarais]

Anemone and Lucian looked so cute together, and she couldn't imagine a more perfect man for Anemone. However, she wondered if her dear cousin knew what he was getting into and the delicate condition that his date currently was in. Of course, she wouldn't say anything of the matter- it was not her place or her business. But she'd offer her support and love whenever she could or whenever it was needed.

But before Lucian or Anemone responded, she was suddenly feeling a breeze behind her followed by the kiss to her temple. She jumped, startled, and quickly looked to find her other deGrey cousin, Wesley. Her smile brightened and she laughed, rolling her eyes at him. Beautiful as always. Oh, he was quite the charmer. "Thank you. And you..." She reached up and smoothed a strand of hair that was sticking up, back down. "There, that's better... You look handsome as always."

At his questioning where her sister was, Elyscia quickly glanced around the room, "oh- No...Not ill." Although, perhaps love-sick, or home away from home-sick? She wasn't quite sure. "Henry is not doing too well, however... So she has been with him most of the time," she frowned, a solemn expression on her features. "She did say she was coming though!" Her bright green eyes scanned the room to see if she had arrived yet. "OH! There she is!" She would have called out, but she was with another woman--one of the Aralore queen's ladies, she presumed. So she refrained and held herself back.
"How are you doing?" She asked Wesley, just as her fiancee- were they calling one another that? returned with the wine she had requested. She gratefully took it and offered him a smile. Before she had a chance to, he was already introducing himself to her cousins, as she was taking a long sip from her glass. Oh yes, this was rather awkward.

Elyscia forced a smile and cleared her throat as if she had slightly choked on the wine. Did she need to inform everyone here that Kaiden was her betrothed? That he was the one that King Edward had arranged her with. She was not even certain of any of it if her family would think it strange that she was continuing on with the arrangement, or what. So she let things linger for a moment before she turned to Kaiden. "Kaiden--these are my cousins... Lucian and Wesley deGrey." She pointed them out before motioning to Anemone, "and this is my dear friend, Anemone Sellar." She smiled at her blonde friend before she linked her arm through Kaiden's. "This is my..." She hesitated in one last-ditch effort to come up with something, "date. Or rather, my suitor..." She admitted. They had agreed to take things a little slow and find out where it would lead, right?

"Thank you for the wine," she spoke softly to Kaiden as Wesley turned his attention to his younger brother, seemingly up to something menacing, by the look on his face.  She leaned into him and whispered quietly, but loud enough for anyone to hear who might be paying attention, "Forewarning... my family can be a little... crazy."  It only made her miss her brother, more.  All of the deGreys and Demarais' in one room?  Now that would be a party.  

[Anemone Sellar]

Anemone was only a little bit sad to see the possibility of a "quiet" evening with Lucian absolutely vanish as they were approached on all sides by family and friends. And, for the first time, she began to worry that her dress might be a bit too much. Everything necessary was covered, of course, but the top was sheer, and while she felt perfectly lovely with Lucian and not too self-conscious, having strangers around was enough to worry her some. She gravitated just a bit closer to him each time a new person approached.

She was met by Elyscia Demarais first, who she immediately hugged and hopped onto her tiptoes a bit to kiss her friend's cheek too. "Ely! Yes, I have!" she exclaimed, then, when she was closer to her ear to kiss her cheek, she added in a whisper, "I guess you won't need to go looking for my flowers since they're right here!"

Next the brother she recognized from the chase was approaching, dramatically kissing her hand and saying it was a pleasure to meet her. She laughed softly. "Correct!" she chimed in at the guess of her name. "And I'm pleased to meet any of Lucian's family, truly. I hear all about you four brothers all the time, but I mostly see the older two." Wesley deGrey seemed prepared to hassle his brother the way he'd been hassled at the chase, and Anemone was almost looking forward to it. She was curious about what Lucian might be like around his brothers compared to when it was just the two of them.

And then another man she didn't recognize, who gravitated towards Ely. Her eyebrows rose in surprise, but she managed to pull herself together and give a small curtsy in greeting. "Always a joy to meet someone who appreciates Ely! She's a rare gem, and she deserves to be treasured as such," she told Kaiden Dellario with a grin, hoping he got the hint that he'd better be nice to her, although it wasn't too aggressive. She was too nice to make any real threats or intimidate him, but she felt the need to protect her friend nonetheless. She thought he seemed nice, so far, but she'd have to keep a close eye on things as the evening progressed.

And then, thankfully, Lucian was asking the crowd to be seated. She laughed. "That sounds like a perfect plan to me! She agreed, already taking a seat in the chair next to where he'd put his things.

[Nathaniel Starke]

Alice was right- the people watching never really ended. Nathaniel smirked and tilted his head to meet his shoulder as he shrugged. "Perhaps not." Since she kept her gaze on the dancing crowd, he turned away from her and allowed his gaze to shift around the room, taking a sip from his own wine.

It wasn't until she laughed and then turned to face him, that he turned his head and looked at her again, his smirk growing into a slight grin He did not turn to face her just yet, not until she mimicked his sarcasm and confirmed he looked just as horrible as she supposedly did. It was that playful wink and smile of hers that made him chuckle softly. "Well, I couldn't very well let you show me up with looking horrible tonight."

She was turning away from him again to face the crowd, so he did as well, taking another long sip of his wine. Though when she admitted to being worried he wouldn't come, he grinned. "Worried? Hmm?" He raised a brow curiously, but he did not look back at her. Nathaniel thought of his words carefully before he spoke again. He wasn't certain if he should read much into her statement. Had she thought of him and was she hoping to see him again? He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel the same- but he wouldn't admit to it. Still, sarcasm and joking aside, he decided to be somewhat honest, yet candid. "And miss out on this banter and people watching with a hideous looking lady?" He smirked and turned his gaze to look at her, his eyes trailing over her to take her in once again. She really was gorgeous. Nathaniel shook his head, "I'm glad you were obligated to come- otherwise this evening would have been a waste."
A waste of what? Time? Energy? Not having someone to talk with? All of the above? Nathaniel wouldn't say, but he knew if she wasn't there, he'd be seated at that table where his family was, bored out of his mind. He just couldn't let on that he was interested. Not to her. Not to his family. At least not too much.

[Wesley deGrey]

Every woman in his life was always fixing his hair, he realized. Mother always made a bad habit of doing it because it always stuck up every which way in little duck tails when he was younger...which clearly progressed into adulthood, no matter how hard he tried. Even Helene had done it. He chuckled softly in thanks to Ely when she did as well, flashing her that crooked grin. It faltered a little at the mention of Henry, though. "That's a shame..." he said quietly. Everyone knew Cassandra had detested the marriage at the beginning, but the duke was a good man, albeit old enough to be her grandfather. Maybe even great grandfather. One would think Cassie would be relieved that he was basically on his deathbed, but those close to her knew better and understood. The mirth returned to his eyes slowly to hear her sister should be attending. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out for- oh." Well, speak of the devil. Cassandra was entering the ballroom with one of Queen Alexandria's handmaidens. "I'm, uh-" His gaze flickered back to his young cousin with her question. "I don't really know." Despite the response, there didn't seem to be a terrible amount of sadness on his face. Confusion, maybe. And more so at the fact that he even confessed that so openly to her.

And that was when his attention had found his brother and the woman on his arm. Shiny objects and all that.

"That's because I'm the elusive one," he told Ane with just a slight waggle of his brows. "I swoop in when there's beauty around...or my dear baby brother needs to be tortured." And right now, both of those things were happening. Still, he appeared distracted- letting his gaze wander briefly again before his cousin was speaking.

As Elyscia introduced the man, Wesley's eyes drifted towards Kaiden Dellario . A suitor, eh? The soldier must have slipped up to his cousin's side while he was preoccupied with Lucian and Anemone. Although he gave Ely a quick, sidelong glance, looking as if he was going to waggle his brows in question, he instead offered the man his full attention and his hand for a shake if he desired it. "A pleasure, Kaiden." His other hand went to his own chest in gesture. "I suppose I should tell you that I'm one of the loud and more forward ones of the family." There was no need for titles and formalities, at least not with him, so he hoped Kaiden didn't mind as he offered him a quick grin. His words weren't so much a joking threat towards the nobleman, like some family would do...but it was more just a warning for any strange behavior or questions that might follow. For Wes had indeed caught sight of the deGrey twins, Dani and Drew, when they entered, and he wondered if he'd be allowed in on any shenanigans this evening.

Everyone seemed to be taking a seat then, but he simply moved to lean against the back of one, facing the rest of the table. "Oh, I intend to do both," he assured Lucian with that telltale smirk before it was slowly slipping away. "I'm just...waiting." Those words seemed to be murmured more to himself. One more look around the room, and those ocean blues fell back to Anemone. "So, I heard you and Luci shared three kisses." Again, he was one of the forward ones.

[Cassandra Demarais]

Green eyes were sweeping around the room as she went for the wine, wondering if Elyscia was already here. They hadn't really planned to meet up before the ball to enter together since things were a bit questionable with Henry, so Cassandra figured she would simply catch up with her when here. Especially since Claire was going to be otherwise occupied. And she better be after the time she spent getting that girl ready for this occasion. If she didn't flash that leg of hers or bat her eyelashes once in Stefan's direction, so help her...

She made a mental note to write a letter to Teagan and fill her in on everything that was going on. Claire would leave out the proper details, she was sure. If Cassie couldn't be in Aralore to ensure the girl didn't chicken out, then Teagan would man the helm.

Her gaze finally found Elyscia over by some of their family, along with a tall drink of water bringing her sister a glass of wine. It was what distracted her and didn't make her notice the vagabond basically rushing at her and the server, snapping her out of her curiosity when she felt a hand brush hers. Quick to turn, those kohl-lined eyes found the broad chest first before lifting up to find a rather handsome face. 'Oopsie.' For a second, Cassandra didn't know whether to laugh or not, but she was certainly grinning slightly. She'd never seen this one around before, yet she'd been gone for a good while, too.

"Well, now you see me," she said, so matter of fact. "And you'll obviously give the lady the wine." Not like Cassie was giving him any space to argue as she was swatting his hand away to take the glass between her fingers.

[Eleesa Demarais]

As the soon-to-be-former queen, she probably should have arrived earlier, but Eleesa had struggled to do so. Although her sons were adamant on arriving as soon as possible, she felt like her feet were dragging. She had her ladies help her get ready, of course, but she wanted them to enjoy much of the day as possible, which meant they didn't have to be stuck at her side. Eleesa was quickly realizing how quiet and lonely it was without them, especially with how things went down in the chase.

She was trying not to think about it, but there was...thinking of him anyway.

Eleesa was dressed in a very simple gown of red that rested just off her shoulders. That blonde hair was braided down her back with strands of pearls woven in while Anemone's gifted paper-flower crown sat atop her head in lieu of an actual crown. Tonight was a celebration and she was to be one of the people. When the doors of the ballroom opened, her chin immediately lifted in that air of elegance as the man announced the entrance of the queen. There was instantly a bright smile on her face even if it didn't entirely reach her eyes, and she nodded and waved in hello to anyone nearby. The princes were running in, chasing each other and weaving through the gathering of people.