The Archduke waited on the steps to Lothric Castle with an air of serenity, his eyes closed against the sun. Almost everyone was inside, chasing their tails, trying to tidy the place up for Gwynevere’s visiting family, lest Lord Gwyn think his little girl had been married into embarrassment. Izana chuckled at the thought. If only he could arrange for them to bump into Gwynevere’s new husband first thing in the morning, yawning, hair at right angles, scratching his--
There it was; the arrival he was waiting for. Not Lord Gwyn, not yet, and not in such an understated carriage. No, no, this was his other daughter.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Gwyndolin.” he said, offering a deeper bow than was really appropriate.
As he straightened up, the look in his eye changed; his reserved manner fizzled out, replaced by a sudden excitement. Almost as quickly, he threw his arms around Gwyndolin.
“Gosh, you’re even prettier than I heard! Was your journey okay? Do you need a massage? Didn’t you bring her with you? Your friend, the lady? I was so looking forward to seeing her... meeting her, I mean!”
He laughed, pulled a fan from his sleeve and flicked it open.
“I should let you inside before I start interrogating you, right? Silly me! Come in, come in! I wonder if Gwynevere will throw a party...”