That night, Will went to the palace in a carriage that followed behind Adell's. He was dressed in a wisteria purple long-sleeved shirt with an ivory vest over it and pale cream slacks. Sitting beside him was Arluin, dressed in all white – it made the blue in his hair really stand out.
“Your tie is crooked,” Arluin told Will as they got out of the carriage. He adjusted it for Will before they headed up the steps.
Inside, there were faux walls painted ivory with branches nailed to them to give them a sort of décor. The faux walls guided the guests through the halls to the left, around the building a short distance, and into a large doorway that opened up into a large ballroom.
To get to the dancing floor, the guests had to go down staircases on the right or left. At the base of the staircases were three tables with maids and servants dressed in white and cream ready to pour out drinks. Just left and right of the tables for the drinks were three long tables per wall that were lined with an assortment of foods. At the center of the room in an alcove that was on a dias was a fifteen-person band playing some sort music. At the back was a man at the harp tuning it, and to his left was a woman inspecting the piano's chords while testing the keys. On the wall just behind the band were tall glass windows and doors that led out to an illuminated stone porch and one of the gardens.
“Are we early?” Will asked softly to Arluin. He shook his head, and nodded down to the center floor of the ballroom. Will followed his eyes and saw that Rhys was already greeting and speaking to people as they filed in.
Shortly, people were milling around dancing and chatting. Will stood across from the band on the opposite wall next to Arluin and a large potted plant. Arluin could tell Will had chose this spot specifically so he could use the plant as a veil to hide from some people who might want to talk to him – specifically in regard to becoming King.
Since a while had passed and Will wasn't wanting to hold any sort of conversation, Arluin spoke. “His Lordship seemed irritated with you earlier.” Will didn't make any move to look at the taller man, but did not his head slightly. “Are you two fighting?”
“I suppose,” Will answered softly, watching as a couple of women spun by dancing and giggling in a poor example of a waltz. “I don't agree with his belief that I'll make a good King.”
“Are you against it because he wants you to be King?” Arluin asked, his tone sweet and comforting. The question made Will look up at him, but not speak. “A little rebellion against your father is natural.”
“I'm not so sure.” Will answered, shaking his head. “Being King... It requires both education and passion toward your Kingdom.”
“And you're afraid you lack that?”
“Education I can get easily,” Will looked out to the group of people dancing in front of him. “It's the passion that baffles me. While this is my home, I've never felt the desire to negotiate Her safety.”
Arluin nodded his head slowly, turning his chest toward Will. “What about improvements? As the Grand Duke you'd be able to accomplish a lot.”
“I have no idea.” Will closed his eyes and let out a silent puff of air. “Would you have any?” He asked, re-opening his eyes to look up at Arluin's.
“I'm sure I can find out,” he said with a nod. “It's probably as simple as going around and surveying people on what they want or need.”
“Is it really that easy?” Will's mouth hung open a second. “Giving everybody what they want.”
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