As the car pulled up and the herald announced their arrival the entire Imperial Family stiffened up a bit, now the cameras would begin to flash frantically as this was one of the few opportunities they would have to see the couple together and the other guests. The media while free in Parthenopias was rarely allowed into government or imperial matters. When they were they took full advantage of the opportunity to get as many shots as possible. Privacy was paramount and the members of the household did enjoy more than some of their colleagues around the world.
Ioulian couldn’t help but laugh a little at Ayli’s comment. He had been privately tutored in her language so as to better acclimate if this courtship panned out. He was by no means fluent however and while he did grasp the concept that she was complaining about her shoes, he wasn’t sure on the exact wording.
“Welcome to Parthenopias, your Royal Highness.” Ioulian said bowing to her. The others followed suit though Alexander neither bowed or lowered his head as he was the reigning sovereign of the lands they were in. “I hope your journey was not difficult.” Ioulian added. Though she butchered his name, he had to admit to himself that he had been considering changing it if they married. He’d been thinking of picking something in the local dialect similar to his but different.
“Welcome Ayli of House zæ Rænn. We greet you this day and the days going forward.” Alexander said with a smile. He was wearing a black suit with a ocean blue sash decorated with several medals and honors. He had opted for the golden lily crown rather than the state crown as it was lighter and less of a burden to wear on the move. The other women present were wearing sundresses though they too wore sashes though theirs were crimson rather than blue. The men wore suits with crimson sashes as well. It was to denote they were members of the Imperial House but not the Imperial Family. Alexander wasn’t married and had no children thus he was the lone member of the Imperial Family.
The group after greetings would be ushered into the Palace and through the immaculate halls of white marble and large glass windows. Paintings of the past Emperors of Parthenopias lined the right wall while the left was the windows. Above were beautifully crafted white gold chandeliers. The floors were white marble though there were beautiful wave like designs of blue marble. In fact if one paid close enough attention there was an epic being told in the blue marble of the myths of Parthenopias’ past.
The meeting room was flanked on three sides by banks of windows while a skylight further let in the natural light. It was technically a sunroom that had plenty of plants and just outside the window sat a tall tree. It was thicker than a car and taller than the palace. Alexander motioned for Ayli and company to sit across from him. Ioulian sat next to Alexander on his right which was a bit of an honor at this point but mattered little to those present. It didn’t take long for idle chatter to break out among the Imperial Household and Ioulian began to ask Ayli some more questions about the journey.