Princess Alexis frowned at her big brother. "That sounds suspiciously like you’re moving us to a backwater holding, as far as possible from any chance of violent conflict."
The Prince smirked at her. "I’ve heard that it’s a wilderness territory, with plenty of wandering monster issues. I am certain that you won’t be too bored even if you are not caught in the middle of a civil war."
Alexis smiled at the thought. Living in the woods with a bunch of Paladins and hunting monsters for sport was a much better life than the Royal Palace with all its rules and oversight.
While the posting might be seen as a punishment by many, both Dominic and Princess Alexis knew that it was just a different kind of opportunity, and perfect for people who didn’t mind putting in the hard work to get things started.
Prince Alex sighed as he realized that they had both stopped paying attention to the conversation and had returned their attention to the book.
"We need to get ready. There is an evening social event, as we managed to come to a tentative agreement today.
We will also be sending you two off first thing in the morning, but without the Natural Sons, who are needed here to secure Albroles."
Princess Alexis frowned at him. "And without their Royal Commanders to guide them and keep them supplied with munitions, how are they to function if the city is actually attacked?"
The Second Prince smiled down at her. "That’s part of why I am remaining here. If possible, I will ask Advisor Dominic to make me one of those most lovely Mortar creation Magitech Orbs.
If not, the four that the Regiment has now will have to be enough."
Dominic sighed, and handed him a spare Magitech Orb.
"I always have more, in case one is lost in combat. Here, you can make all the mortars you like with that. I’m sure the Regiment won’t have any issue adapting to your command style.
But how are we getting back? By truck or with an escort on mechanical horses?" He replied.
Prince Alex shook his head. "By airship. One of the airships from my Regiment will return to the Capital to restock and bring supplies to Albroles City, along with additional funds to pay soldiers.
You will return with the cargo airship, but I have prepared something for both of you."
Alexis giggled and made a grabbing hand gesture at her brother, who handed her a small box, then an identical one to Dominic.
The Princess opened the box, then laughed. "You really do know me well, brother. Thank you."
Dominic flicked open the small box and saw that it contained a ladies wedding ring. The Second Prince had prepared the wedding rings for their exchange in advance, fully expecting that Dominic and Alexis would need them, and that they wouldn’t have prepared one in advance.
The maids came in force only a few minutes later, with piles of cloth, and determined looks on their faces.
"Your Highnesses, we have been ordered to help you prepare for the evening’s Gala." The head maid insisted.
"You’re looking at me like I’m going to try to resist." Princess Alexis laughed.
The maid looked a bit pale. "The Cygnia Crown Prince is here. And he requested that you be in full Royal Regalia."
Now, Princess Alexis really did look like she was going to resist.
The gaze that she was giving the pile of cloth was nearly hateful in its intensity, but Dominic found himself bustled out of the room by a pair of butlers, who also had piles of fancy clothing for him.
"Alright, my Lord. Let’s get you ready for the evening’s festivities.
We didn’t have a Wavemates ceremonial robe available, they were all destroyed after the nation fell. However, we do have a Cygnia formal outfit available for you.
Now, which mask do you prefer?" The butler asked.
Dominic looked at the two options that they offered, and then laughed.
"I didn’t realize that it was a masquerade. But I already have both fangs and horns, so we can skip that one. What about a simple black mask to match the outfit?" He asked.
"These are the two traditional options, Sir. They are the only ones provided by the Crown Prince."
Dominic frowned. "We’re being set up for something. I don’t recall anyone in Cygnia ever wearing this to a banquet before. But given the option, I will take the simple golden mask."
The butler fitted it to Dominic’s face, then smiled.
"Yes, that works well. Alright, time for the outfit. This could take a while."
They had a light linen under layer, then two simple silk layers, then a decorative silk layer, all in the traditional folded style, where the different colours of the silk layers showed at the collar. Then he was given a cloak, held over his shoulders with a golden chain, a decorative sword belt, and a new scimitar with a scabbard.
Then his hair was styled, and a black metal headband was placed like a crown to hold the mask in place.
"You are ready to go, but we need to wait here for a while longer. The Princess needs to enter first, and her outfit will take longer, even if she doesn’t assault the staff." The butler explained.
Dominic chuckled. The outfit was a pain, but he had to admit that he looked pretty good in it.
He just wondered why he’d never seen anything like it before.
The closest that he could recall were the formal robes that his Uncle wore to welcome important visitors. They were in a similar style, but not nearly as fancy as these ones.
They did still have dragons embroidered on them, though.
Dominic stood, patiently waiting until the staff came and placed a veil over his head.
It was thin black silk, and he could see through it well enough, but it was the very presence of the veil that triggered the memory in Dominic’s mind.
He did know this outfit.
This was a Royal wedding outfit. His Royal Wedding outfit.