CARDVERSE AU | Plotted starter for @carnationsails
Today is finally the day! The day that the townspeople have all been talking about for months! The crown prince of the Diamond Kingdom, Antonio, has arrived on royal dragonback and is passing through what they call the “Sun Gate” of the Spade Kingdom capital’s outer walls. For a Diamond royal, this was a long-standing tradition. This huge, beautiful gate, inlaid with intricate mosaic and stained glass designs, was built to commemorate the close bonds between the two kingdoms. Even though the Diamond Kingdom and Spade Kingdom were neighbors, it was still such a long journey for the royals if they wanted to visit each other. After riding for far too long, the crown prince is tired but still keeping up his regal appearance at least until they get past this crowd of people, smiling and waving away. There are quite a lot of women screaming about him, complimenting him and welcoming him with overwhelming excitement. Antonio can overhear his men walking behind him laughing about it and can hardly resist whipping around to yell at them in front of everyone... but as the crown prince, he must persevere. This was a very important trip for him. Antonio was here to meet and possibly also marry the Spade Kingdom’s princess. It was another tradition... but not one Antonio could say he was ever fond of. Knowing that he was just going to be married off against his will, he’s spent his time, well, sleeping around with just about anyone he wants. This was something his Father suggested he do. ‘To get experience’, he had said. A young Antonio wasn’t going to argue with that. As they make it to the royal stables, he carefully climbs down from his dragon and hands him off to the attendant. “Goodbye Soler! Be a good boy, okay?” The dragon huffs and turns away, going with the stablehand obediently. Antonio, though tired and stiff, is abundantly excited to finally BE here and down on the ground again. The air feels great. There’s a cool breeze here in Sky Harbour. He stretches as he waits for the rest of his party to catch up so they can head to the castle. Soon enough, they are all walking in to the grand Throne Room together. Prince Antonio can’t help craning his neck upwards to admire the intricate and symbolic details hiding in every corner of the architecture. Of course, he had been here before, but only a few times and when he was much younger. It’s time to pay attention, though, and he steps up to bow before and address the royal family. “King and Queen of Spade Kingdom, I Crown Prince Antonio of the Diamond Kingdom, have arrived. I humbly thank you for your hospitality.” It’s just what his Father told him to say. He hopes he hasn’t messed anything up but you can’t tell he’s worried by the confident expression on his face, visible when he stands back up straight.
