starter for @muradosman !!
Formalities occurred, the usual greetings and announcements that Joseph had grown accustomed to since his youth. Each country separated as they listened to the activities for the day. However, regardless of his thorough training, Joseph’s gaze wandered towards the surroundings. With the snow drifting down as the stalls glittered with rare items, the exchange of culture felt unique in a sense that differed significantly from their empire. The land around them seemed far warmer. After minutes had passed, the countries that had gathered were allowed to intermingle with one another. Joseph knew the duties placed on his shoulders without having to sense his mother’s glare. A man of character and stature, he gave his wife a few parting words and a chaste kiss on her cheeks. After all, their marriage had to seem perfect before he went to speak with his cousins.
They were easier to talk to than the foreign countries he had yet to interact with personally. The Empress had kept it that way with her rule, making Joseph feel less of an heir and more of a shadow. Regardless, he didn’t need to adhere too strictly to decorum. His family from the Ottoman Empire had always been more welcoming. But these were memories from over a decade ago, so he could only guess how true they held. Firstly, he greeted the Sultan and the wives. His movements felt natural as he followed the customs of their empire from what he remembered. Their faces felt easier to read compared to those back home. Once he reached his cousins, he looked at them with a welcoming smile. The pressure to earn their good graces sat on his shoulders, the reminder ringing in his head due to his mother’s influence.
“Sehzade Murad,” Joseph said once he reached the heir apparent, his cousin was in a similar position. There was a pause between them before he continued, “If I can take the liberty, would you care to offer me your time. There is much I want to discuss with my cousin.”
Their relationship dangled between them, but Joseph kept a clear line between them. He did not desire to breach protocol and call him informally. After all, there wasn’t a need to burden his cousin too much.
