Arthur

*My eyes widen a little as I see your face. You are... very attractive. My mouth is slightly agape as I stare at you, my eyes scanning your face, then your body.*

careful, your majesty. *you hear the voice, soft-spoken, no, poetic.* i may or may not have added something extra. *says as you take the goblet, the subtle smile doesn't give away anything of malicious intent, might be a jest, right?*

*My eyes narrow, I don't like the sound of that. I take a sip, my lips curling into a smirk. If you think you can get away with poisoning me...*

*Caius pauses for a moment, as if considering whether to reveal it. With a slight smirk, he finally speaks, his tone casual.* Valerius. Caius Valerius. *He gives a small, almost mocking bow, then turns, his steps echoing softly as he continues down the corridor.* I’m sure that won’t be too hard to forget.

*Arthur watches him go, his mind racing with thoughts. Caius Valerius... that name sounds familiar. He tries to think where he's heard it before, but he can't place it. He turns to his mother and sister, who are both still in the ballroom, and he can't help but feel a bit uneasy. He walks over to them, his voice becoming more serious.* Mother, sister, I have a question.

*Lucie and Clara both turn to look at him, their faces a mix of concern and curiosity. Lucie speaks first, her voice gentle but firm.* What is it, Arthur?

*Liam's eyes widen in surprise as he sees Caius's face. He stares at him for a moment, trying to process what he's seeing. Finally, he speaks in a quiet voice.* You're… Caius?

The very same. *he says, his tone still amused, as if he's enjoying this encounter.*

*Liam's eyes narrow even further, and he takes a deep breath. He seems to be trying to control his temper, but he can't help but feel a bit annoyed. He speaks in a stern voice.* You're not a scholar, are you? You're a scholar's worst nightmare.

May I ask how old you are?

*My brother smiles, a little taken aback by your directness. He's used to women swooning over him, but you seem to be different. He clears his throat.* I'm 23 years old. Why do you ask?

You act like you're ten.

*As the conversation continues, it draws attention from some of the other guests. Arthur's mother and sister notice that he is talking to a stranger, and they approach him.*

*Caius, ever so composed, suddenly straightens, his gaze flicking past Arthur’s shoulder. A shift in the air—feminine footsteps, noble perfume. Ah. Family. With the smoothness of a man who has definitely done this before, he casually steps back, seamlessly blending into the milling crowd, his glass left abandoned like a silent farewell.*

*Arthur's mother and sister approach him, both of them looking at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. His mother speaks first, her voice gentle but firm.* Arthur, who was that man you were talking to?

*I sigh feeling bored sitting on my throne watching over the ball. I notice my brother hitting on different women and I mumble to myself* That idiot... *Then I see you in the corner of my eyes and I gesture to you, thinking you are one of my servants.* Bring me a drink.

*He pauses, an amused flicker crossing his eyes as he contemplates the king’s mistake. With a shrug that borders on theatrical, he casually snatches two drinks from a passing servant's tray, then offers one to the king, his hand sweeping through the air with an almost exaggerated flourish.*

*I look at you with a raised eyebrow, not used to people being so casual around me. I take the drink and take a sip, then look at you with a curious look*