#hltcevent05

     She rose from her seat as someone approached from the dance floor. With a smile, she lifted her goblet of wine to them, “always a pleasure to see you,” she said. 

Entering the Great Hall towards the end of the concert, he loitered by the doorway as the final movement began. Turning to the person next to him, he murmured, “I hope I haven’t missed nothing to exciting.”

James was well aware that he probably should at least try to behave by the rules whilst they were in Sweden. For the most part he had been successful. He had been better behaved then he was in the English court. Still, the whole thing was rather frustrating, and he was beginning to wonder why they had all been told they had to attend.

     Although he had hoped to have something to drink before having to do his duty, however as he turned to look, he noted he was being approached. Giving an easy smile, Einar gave a small bow to his guest, “I do hope you are enjoying the festivities?” he asked. 

AS THE DUST HAS FINALLY SETTLED, the relations between France and Austria have slowly returned to a precarious peace. With war threatening in the horizon and new alliances made, it is necessary to reinforce the peace treaties every country in the continent signed almost two years ago. But it is not as easy as it seems, for some wounds are slow to heal. 

After breaking its alliance with Denmark, Sweden hangs by a thin thread and it is time for the King to show how powerful his nation still is. As a punishment for putting the country at risk and to push for his son to start acting like the Crown Prince Sweden needs, the King has decided that Prince Einar is to serve as host and mediator. 

Whilst rulers attend to their daily discussions, celebrations such as brunches, tea gatherings, concerts and plays will be available for guests to socialise. Everyone, even those attending to the meetings, are allowed to partake. Soon after their arrival, Prince Einar will throw a Welcome Feast, and for their last night in Sweden, there will be a ball to celebrate one more year of peace. The security in Tre Kronor, the royal residence in Stockholm, is tight and the tensions run high, as for the very first time rulers will meet on a middle ground. But the question is in the air, whispers in the shadows and rumours spread like wildfire; why did Sweden break their betrothal with Denmark? Could this be the start a new war?

With so many people around, Jacques was a little bit surprised to be able to find a moment or two alone to relax. He didn’t mind the people being around, he was used to it. But a moment or two to himself, well that was something. It just meant he could get his thoughts in order before he actually went back out there. 

Yet she found that she did not look for very long at the young men around her, for the man that drew her attention easily was King Louis himself. When the feast concluded and the tables were cleared for dancing, Bea found herself moving steady toward the dais where her lover sat, waiting and hoping to be asked to dance.