(Untitled)

[eiattu_pride]

Rial is about to get married.

This is pretty much the only thought in his head as he stands next to his father outside the doors, attempting to breathe.

Rial is about to get married.

"...help."

Comments

[sw_npc]

Grand Duke Gror Pernon, dressed in distinguished Eiattu finery, glances over at his son. "What?"

[eiattu_pride]

"Um. Nothing."

A flash of a nervous smile.

[sw_npc]

"You will be fine, son." He reaches up and straightens the lapel of his jacket with the faintest of smiles. "Your mother would have my head if I had let you go out like that."

[eiattu_pride]

"She would, too."

Fidgeting.

"Is it normal to be nervous?"

[sw_npc]

He nods slowly. "Yes." Though perhaps, his doubtful look suggests, Rial has slightly more to be nervous about than most.

[eiattu_pride]

"Okay."

He wipes sweaty palms on his trousers.

"Uh - is there time for me to sneak away quickly?"

[sw_npc]

He glances to an ornamental chrono on the wall. "Yes," he says guardedly. "Where are you going?"

[eiattu_pride]

"'Fresher?"

It's not meant to be a question.

[sw_npc]

"Your mother and I didn't raise our son to run and hide," he says mildly.

[eiattu_pride]

"It's a tatical retreat."

[sw_npc]

"It is hiding, Rial." And the duke is watching him carefully now. "You don't wish to marry Isplourrdacartha?"

[eiattu_pride]

"No, I wish to marry her."

Sighs, scrubs one hand over his face.

"It's confusing."

[sw_npc]

"How is it confusing?" he asks, an eyebrow quirked.

[eiattu_pride]

"It's for duty, not out of love."

[sw_npc]

"That is what royal marriage is, Rial."

[eiattu_pride]

"I know."

Looks away.

"Just doesn't feel right."