ramachandra gaekwad

“thank you.” he initially responded, taking the drink that was offered to him. “i don’t think it’s getting ahead of yourself when so many are already taking advantage of the free bar... if anything, you are probably behind.” trying to reassure her rather than speak in malice. “whiskey is predominately what i drink, though is that too cliché royal? how about you? are you the princess of gin?”

rami: please

“very tempting offer.” rami paused to try and think of something that he might need, though found himself at a loss. “i’d say surprise me but that might be a waste of time for you?”

“i suppose you have a point. do you think that things would be interesting with more or less alcohol? just imagine greece being a dry country. half the people would probably cry before even stepping off the plane.” rami pondered, knowing that his own country could be fickle surrounding the subject. “at least we can both be assured in the fact that we won’t be causing trouble. unless something changes over the course of the evening.”

rami: fancy being a tour guide? or a personal trainer?

rami: maybe i'll just walk out and see what happens

rami: i'm always down for that. when are you free?

rami: until coming here

rami: i just assumed there wasn't one from everyone's description

rami: problem is, will i be too exhausted to sightsee afterwards?

“i should hope not. this entire event is already enough of shambles, no need for them to add on an extra charge.” rami mentioned, shrugging off the matter entirely. “it is always a double-edged sword when it comes to royals. some behave better... almost sedated ever. whereas others thrive off a glass of champagne or two — which are you?” a brow raised to the princess, trying his best not to smile, though not entirely successful.

“an open bar?” rami quizzed with a raised brow, aimed towards the other. “i wouldn’t want to be the one picking up that bill. although i suppose alcohol might be the only way to dull down some of the personalities that are here.” 

there was a slight lift of his lips that could almost be taken for a smile, moving away from his reserved demeanour to show that he had become relaxed by the introductions alone. “a pleasure to meet you, ariana. i’m not sure about princess elisabeth, but i do prefer to go by my name rather than title.” the words were spoken softly, not commanding or severe — just inviting away from the one formality he’d always bypassed. “mother knows best. they were right about that one. do you often get to see your parents? most members of the royal household back home are related, but i don’t suppose it is the same everywhere.”

rami had been grateful to take the drink as it began to warm his hands in the cold. he was still adjusting to the temperature compared to home — even if the change was not drastic at present, it was still an adjustment.  “thank you.” he mentioned, offering a chuckle to her comment. “i think mothers often like to set rules for us to break, or at least that is what i would tell myself as a child.” there was a small pause before he gave a slight shake of the head, “here i am drowning on about my childhood, and i haven’t even introduced myself. i’m rami... wish i had a fun fact to go with that.”

there had never been any objection from rami when it came to the idea of arranged marriage. though, he’d always imagined he would meet his future wife nearer to the date of their wedding, rather than early in the process — not that he minded. his only worry was doing or saying the wrong thing at this point. “do you always hand out flowers?” he raised a brow, curious rather than malicious.