customary ;
@dalhyukun / from here:
“It is customary, Crown Prince Woon. Of course I have to.” Greetings had to be exchanged with the royal family members present at the celebration – they were more for pleasant acknowledgments than anything else – but Woon was correct: Hyukun did not have to pour the Prince a glass of wine. There were servants and slaves for such a chore, but it was to convey his respect.
After all, there was no harm in the tree swaying towards the brightness of the Sun.
“The celebration is joyous. Cups should not be empty of sweet nectar; it reflects badly upon the future of the marriage.”
the queen tells him often enough to keep his guard up; it’s only common sense to do so in court. woon doesn’t want to stay in the defensive. he is no coward. instead, he invests in the future. these ministers and councillors will die and it’s almost certain -- if not entirely -- that their heirs will take their place. ( isn’t this the rule of thumb? isn’t this the way of things? ) it would be foolish not to.
he is not as simple-mindedly aiming to please as others may think. and it may be his mother’s blood in him -- too much of it -- that has him reaching out to potential backers, to people who can help his cause, and stop this bloodshed for power. the lord before him is one of them.
“agreed,” he says with a smile as bright as any. it falters when the slaves depart, and it’s easier when everyone else’s eyes are more trained on the bride and groom. “and you? -- are you seeing marriage in your future, my lord?”