#event010.

“ are you still busy playing host or have you got a split second to spare ? ” she pushes a glass into his hand. “ drink before you exhaust yourself to death. ”

it’s astonishing, that in the time it takes to blink an eye, word of a scandal so quickly reaches everyone in the hotel. they’re not friends — the tension between their families had made certain of that. but they were friends, which is why armani cannot seem to ignore the fate of seating arrangements that landed natalia beside giovanni. “ lia — ” the name was unfamiliar, but she used in anyway, taking the princess’ hand in her own. “ viggo’s off pretending to be useful, come sit with me. ”

slender fingers wrap around the other blonde’s wrist before she manages to slip past. “ you’re not busy are you ? no ? good. olimpia’s dress. i have to talk about it. the details ? breathtaking. how long do you think it’ll take for future brides to start wearing dupes ? ”

“ i haven’t seen you look this shit at a party since the duchess of brabant rejected you in 2011 for being too young for her. ” it wasn’t in his attire or complexion. his clenched jaw said enough. “ should we leave ? we’ve stayed for the ceremony, the photos and the majority of the reception. ”

“ what is this — your third glass ? ” eyebrow raised, ani takes a sip of her own. “ just let me know when it starts hitting you. i suppose i have to take extra precautions, seeing as you’re both a little... vulnerable today. ”

perhaps the alcohol hadn’t quite reached lisette just yet, or her bridesmaids duties had kept her tense. “ i’m sure you can’t be too pleased about this, ” she realises her tone isn’t quite as warm as she’d intended. “ — but you looked stunning by olimpia’s side. that dress is beautiful. ”

“ thank god. mamma said it would have been poor form for you not to show up, ” but this was bastiaan. simply assuming he’d care would likely result in disappointment. “ i’m glad, and i’m sure i speak for many others, you’ve finally gotten rid of that moustache. ”