The Wolves and the... Unicorns? [4/23, afternoon, DeLaunceys/Banners/Adrien + whatever council]

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

Cassius had given them ample time to get ready, and yet they were still making him late.

Well, granted, he hadn't allowed them to settle in the chambers first to freshen up -- there was plenty of time for that later, and knowing his family, getting into their appointed wing of the castle would mean seventeen different distractions and directions for his large family, and gathering them again together would be nigh near impossible. The girls had whined to him, complaining of their first meeting with the King still in traveling clothes, but Cassius didn't understand -- hadn't they all changed dress practically three times before they departed the ship and the docks? Women. Absurd.

Nonetheless, Cassius had managed to wrangle his family in a somewhat presentable fashion, as his entire retinue made their way to the grand castle. Comments were passed among them all, cooing over it's size and regal nature, but Cassius cared little for the surroundings. He could marvel at the architecture later. His focus was set on meeting the King.

Or, rather, the King's council. Cassius was a solid ten years older than the boy-King, and doubted even as a youth that Adrien would have met his father, Marcus. Adrien's only knowledge of DeLaunceys would have derived from Julius, and that put Cassius at ease. He knew first impressions were important, and Cassius had no fear he would leave a significant one on the young King. As they were waiting to be announced outside the grand reception hall, Cassius stood straight, and Eveline stood beside him, brushing a bit of dirt off her brother's tunic before accepting the arm he offered. She wrinkled her nose, and Cassius could read the expression upon his sister's face -- this isn't proper attire. But that mattered little to the Guardian of the Mark. Confidence and charisma made a more significant impression than a tailored suit. He intended to set off on the right foot, and that meant making one thing clear.

The Vandermark was a force to be reckoned with. And fancy garb meant little to a DeLauncey wolf.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline leaned over and brushed something off of Cassius' tunic, as she watched the familiar clenching of her brother's jaw. He was in deep focus now, his thoughts retreating somewhere deep enough that she couldn't read them upon her brother's face. She knew what this meant to Cassius, even if Eveline didn't share the same concerns. Perhaps it was her own naive reckonings of the situation, but Eveline did not harbor any doubts as to how well their first meeting with the King would go. She understood the importance of first greetings, but Cassius had long held the support of the banners of the Vandermark since Rufus' murder, and he had maintained cordial (if not frigid...) relations with the Lords of the Westerlands. He always viewed himself as a replacement, a second son, but the man with whom Eveline looped her own arm was a Lord -- Eveline did not see now a brother, or a friend, but a true Guardian of the Mark.

He had grown so much in such a short time. He was certainly not the same Teddy he had been two years prior, but try as he may to shirk the honor of his position, Eveline believed Cassius was thriving.

"Just relax. You'll be fine," Eveline said softly, smoothing out the lapel of her brother's jacket before taking a step back to look him over. "You look fine," Eveline concluded, smiling, tucking a lock of her own hair behind her ear. Glancing behind her, Eveline saw the twins muttering something close together, catching Lucius with a grim look on his face. She winked at him and saw the shadow of a smile from her brother, but that was all.

[Isabelle DeLauncey]

Isabelle stepped into the throne room and moved across the room to the far side. She was both a princess of the court and a DeLauncey, and this greeting would be the one she enjoyed most of all. Seeing her daughters again had lifted her heart and she wore a huge smile upon her face. Adrien was seated on the throne with Aurora, waiting for the large party of DeLaunceys and their banner houses to arrive and enter the room.

He had done a fine job so far, Isabelle thought. Her nephew was making her proud, although if she was honest he could have spent a little less time staring at that Lacharn girl and more time greeting her mother and father. But he was still a boy. Isabelle remembered all the stares she received in her youth, until her father had decided she would wed Gaius. Then they stared as well, she supposed, but she stop bothering to notice. A princess betrothed would never been seen acting improper.

Even having seen her boys and girls already, Isabelle shifted impatiently. She would never get enough of her children.

[Josephine DeLauncey]

Josephine got a new gown from her trunks straight away. She wasn't preoccupied with clothes, but no one wanted to be presented to King and Council in a gown that had just recently seen the seas. It didn't look presentable at all afterwards.

She stood with her siblings, aside from the main branch, waiting to walk down to the council room. Josephine was definitely nervous, but this was just a first introduction. Cassius would do most of the talking, and the Banner Lords. And she'd see her father again... She'd just have to relax and do the best she could.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

Lexington stood beside his twin, the two making an imposing pair behind Cassius and Eveline. He'd tried to straighten up as best he could to be presented to the King, but there had been little to do; he'd changed his shirt just before disembarking from the ship, and it wasn't like his closely-shorn hair could get messed up, really. So instead he kept a relaxed smile on his face, stood up straight, and just sort of...waited.

He knew this introduction was all about show. It was the King, or rather the king's council, sizing up the people it was supposed to be governing. And, really, for the lords to size up their supposed King, too. Lex had no preconceived judgements, really. The fact that the king was so young made him raise an eyebrow, but he didn't decide whether it was a good or bad thing just yet. This whole trip would do a great deal for him making up his mind.

[Adrien Fontenot]

And there they were. Adrien waited as the members of House DeLauncey entered the room. The lord was nearly twice his age - weren’t they all so much older than he? But with this family, Adrien had two men on the council, two men that seemed to care very much about the state of the kingdom. Julius, for one, nearly a second father to him, and Gaius, who was wed to his aunt. Adrien couldn’t help but smile at the thought that House DeLauncey would (hopefully) be there to support him no matter what.

Duncan would tell him that was a naive thought. Julius would have encouraged it. Bradyn would have encouraged him to consider all possible strategies when dealing with any lords. And Geoffry would have expected him to keep his guard, even around family.

Still, he smiled.

“Welcome to the court, Lord DeLauncey!” Adrien called out, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. And there were the DeLauncey twins! He remembered playing with them so many years ago, before they’d been sent back to The Mark. “And your family and banners as well.”

[Aurora Fontenot]

Aurora sat beside Adrien, as had been standard for arrivals. Though greeting people was tiring, she was excited for the DeLauncey arrival. Perhaps not as excited as Adrien who seemed unable to contain himself, but excited enough for Aurora. Her lips were sincerely turned upwards as she waited, trying not to fiddle with her dress.

Then they were there, and Aurora’s smile was in full bloom as she saw the large DeLauncey family filter in. Sure, she didn’t know most of them, but Julius was close enough to family even she pretended to hate him most of the time. The banners trailed behind the family, whom Aurora mostly ignored, though greeted when necessary.

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

As they walked in through the double arched doors, a stampede of footsteps echoing across the hall, Cassius felt as though he stood taller. For the first time, his eyes lay upon the boy-King of Forsilvra, and Cassius wondered who was the influence behind a boy so young. Growing up in the Mark was vastly different than the sunny shores of Forsilvra, and while Cassius may have felt he was a man at such a young age too, he had done a great deal more of growing in the past five years than any before it.

"King Adrien. Princess Aurora. The pleasure is all mine," Cassius spoke, his deep voice echoing across the expansive hall. He gave a half bow to the King, while Eveline by his side curtsied, her arm still entwined with her brother's. "This is my sister, the Lady Eveline Fallon DeLauncey. And these are my brothers: Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey, the heir to the DeLauncey seat, his twin brother Thelonius Larson DeLauncey, and our youngest brother, Lucius Kaedon DeLauncey." As Cassius spoke, his three brothers fanned out beside him, Lex taking the position to Cassius' immediate left, while Lucius moved to stand beside Eveline and Lars stood beside his twin. Standing there with his siblings arrayed on either side, Cassius felt an unexpected and intense surge of power -- with them, he was immense, standing at the forefront of the DeLauncey family, his cousins and banners behind them. Even now, while the King and his sister sat upon the dais, the seemed almost small and insignificant to the prowess that was the five DeLauncey children, whose shadows were cast long across the dais, their backs to the waning sun, pouring in from the western windows. Cassius was filled with pride, watching his impressive siblings take their positions beside him. He supposed it was unusual, for them to be presented as equals and on the same footing, but that was how he saw them, and represented what he wanted Adrien to know of their family.

"We thank you now, in advance, for your generous hospitality and the accommodations you have provided for our family."

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline felt a flutter in her stomach as they walked into the grand reception hall, a nervous butterfly settling in her abdomen, but she quickly tried to quell such notions. She supposed it was just the hype that was surrounding this event -- the first greeting, the first words exchanged. As they came upon the dais, Eveline first laid eyes on the King and his sister, the Princess Aurora. He was very young but looked eager, while the Princess -- well, what would Eveline describe that look as?

As Cassius spoke, Eveline watched the excited look blossom upon the King's youthful face, but could not help as her eyes tried to drink in the rest of the council assembled. She curtsied when it was appropriate, but remained silent, standing tall beside Cassius as her brothers made their ceremonial greetings to the King.

[Marcheline Forthwind]

Marcheline had tried on too many gowns. Four dresses later she finally had the right one and was off with the rest of her family. They were going to see the King! She was already bursting with excitement. Yet as they entered the throne room she felt nervous. At least she had looked pretty!

She stood behind near her sister and her mother. Her father was around here somewhere after all, he was a councillor. Yet she once more noted the Princess. She really did need a new wardrobe didn't she? Yet she cast a smile at the King and curtseyed when introduced. He was so handsome and young.

Yes, young. "Your grace."

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

The king was...not at all what Lex had expected. Yes, he'd been told he was young, but this man seemed barely old enough to hold a sword up without wobbling. How was he to rule so many people, so different and full of problems? Or rather, how was he to take control from whoever was steering him now, when the time came? But those were not considerations for a time like this. Not when one's face could betray something that would mar the effect Cassius was going for.

And so Lex kept silent, an open and friendly expression on his face and dignity and pride in his posture. Taking his place beside Cassius, he bowed deeply when he was introduced, his eyes taking in those around him. Standing as a united front with his siblings made an impressive front, of that there was no question; it was hard to not stand up just a little bit straighter with them beside him.

[Adrien Fontenot]

Adrien hadn’t seen the DeLauncey twin in years, and so as the family spread out, they were the first to catch his eye. As young children they had been playmates, until that unfortunate incident had them sent away. At the time he remembered both he and Aurora asking over and over for their friends, but as time went on, like always, they were forgotten. And in the midst of all the death, while the friendship would have been welcome, Adrien had clung to those he had - Aurora, Bertram, and Julius.

So as Cassius showed off his family, Adrien felt a twinge of jealousy for all the man had. So many brothers, and cousins and people. Not that Adrien would ever trade the two siblings he had for anyone else. Still, looking at the DeLaunceys made him think of Laurine, and what their family would be like if she were still with them.

He rose, as he’d done with other families. “Lord DeLauncey, the crown is glad to offer our castle for you and yours.” He stepped down off the dais, offering his arm for his sister to follow, and the two walked out to meet the Lord of The Mark face-to-face. “I have much respect for your house. Julius DeLauncey is... well, he is like a second a father to me, and Gaius DeLauncey is my great-uncle. You are always welcome here.”

[Josephine DeLauncey]

Josephine was happy that she had changed her dress, and nervously curtseyed to the King as they approached. She didn't even know if the King remembered who she was, after all this time, but seeing the King and Princess now, she started to remember games they had played as young children. But he was a King, he had probably met hundreds of people since then.

She stood back with Marchie as the two rose and approached Cassius. They were exactly what royals should be, really, he was handsome and she beautiful. Perhaps she could imagine herself up on the dais someday, standing beside him as his Queen. But she could not let herself get so lost in fantasy, not yet. She barely even knew him.

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

Larson could barely remember his time as friends with the king, but he knew it happened, he still kept next to his brother and silent. When he was introduced, he let a knowing smile show just before bowed and spoke, "Your Grace."

He'd made sure to be well dressed at least but he didn't feel clean, that was his biggest problem, but he had to get over it. Representing his family at this time was the most important so he really just smiled and did what he was asked.

[Isabelle DeLauncey]

Isabelle stood next to her husband as her family came into the room along with the other DeLaunceys. Her eyes immediately went to her own children, watching the way they walked, how they presented themselves, how they carried their shoulders. She couldn’t have been prouder. But then, DeLauncey blood was strong and proud as well, and while she felt a Fontenot birth was better, she could not deny that her children’s father had given them strength as well.

“Ah, look how the King praises you,” she whispered to her husband. “As well he should.”

[Elysia de Valle]

Elysia stood with her family, clustered amongst the gaggle of her blonde sisters, with Octavius leading the pack. She was nervous to meet the royal family, especially surrounded by such a large group of people, but she managed to look calm and serene with the comfort of her sisters close by. Fortunately, the DeLaunceys were a huge family, and would take some time for their introductions to be over. As well as several other banners besides her own would be presented. It meant plenty of time to watch the proceedings before having to curtsy.

Watching the proceedings, Elysia marveled at the situation. King Adrien was young looking, but also incredibly handsome, and his twin sister was a stellar beautiful. They completely looked the part of royalty. The best part, however, was how well Lord Cassius and his family was received. This was a good sign for The Vandermark, and helped set her at ease. “Everyone is so pretty,” Elysia whispered to Dahlia, who she was standing next to, as they waited for their own introduction.

[Aurora Fontenot]

Aurora took Adrien’s arm, following him down the dais to great the large DeLauncey family. She was not disdainful towards them, mostly because Julius was a DeLauncey, and though she had her issues with the man, he had been an invaluable asset for Adrien and her. Plus, they all seemed so friendly and charming, it was hard to dislike them.

“Welcome Lord DeLauncey, it is a pleasure to have you here. I hope you will find Castle Licorn to your liking,” Aurora added, doing her duty as princess. There were so many to greet, but it seemed that it would go by quickly.

[Lucius Kaedon DeLauncey]

Lucius stood with his brothers. He hated this type of thing, with the stupid fanfare of the court and the need for everyone to see who could stand the tallest. The kid was the king. Simple as that. As long he didn’t interfere with Lucius’ pastimes, Lucius couldn’t care less about him. The only thing rooting him to that room was his own sense of DeLauncey pride, and the fact that Eveline would be more than disappointed if he screwed this up for them. Really, he shouldn’t have come...

But then that princess was pretty nice to look at. A little young for his tastes, but she would be of age soon enough. He thought. He couldn’t remember her birthday. There were probably others arounds here that would suit his tastes more. Like one of those blond girls from de Valle, or someone spicy from Ahestere.

Yeah, that would do. Still, he could look.

[Dahlia de Valle]

"Yes, everyone is." Dahlia whispered back, giving her younger sister's hand a gentle squeeze. She was more than aware that her own family were lovely as well, just as she was aware of the admiring looks they received. Of course, that wasn't to say that the Fontenots were not beautiful as well, nor the DeLaunceys... It was more a matter of bias, and family being best.

Waiting along with Elysia, the de Valles and the rest of the Vandermark banners, Dahlia turned her gaze to watch as the provincial family made themselves known.

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

Aurora had caught his eye, but he didn't really notice how attractive she truly was until she spoke, her voice drifted lightly through the air. He looked over to his twin but kept his mouth shut still, one shouldn't say things, good or bad, about the princess when she's less than five feet away.

Adrien had that rugged charm, to match his sister, he'd always been like that if he remembered correctly. But they were the royal family, and he was in their shadow, when was all this crap going to be over? He needed snacks.

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

Cassius watched as the youthful King rose from the dais with his sister on his arm to greet him. "My uncles have carried on the tradition of bringing honor to the DeLauncey name through service, and I am proud to be walking in their footsteps," Cassius agreed, knowing fully well what kind of influence the DeLauncey's had within the royal court.

His eyes then shifted to the blonde girl beside Adrien, and Cassius bowed lightly. "Princess Aurora. The pleasure is all ours," Cassius said lightly, moving to take the young Princess' hand and press his lips to her knuckles, as was customary greeting a refined young woman in the Mark. He flashed a smile before releasing her hand from his grasp, and stood upright.

"Perhaps you remember my cousins, the Ladies Josephine and Marcheline, from their brief stay here in the capital," Cassius said then, stepping lightly aside, gesturing for the rest of his massively extended family to come make their greetings to the King. Cassius was pleased; believing he had sufficiently made the initial impression he desired. Now he announced the rest of his family, and would in turn present his faithful banners.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

Lex caught the look in Larson's eye when he looked at him, but having lengthy, if silent, exchanges whilst in the presence of the king seemed like a bad idea. He'd just have to harrass him about being hot for the princess later. And, granted, she wasn't bad to look at...but there was a coldness in her eyes, a distance that made it so he was unable to fancy her. Which wasn't a big deal to begin with...it wasn't like he was even close to being able to marry her!

Having already been introduced and such, Lex simply smiled warmly, bowing once more to the King and Princess. "It is an honour, Your Grace, Princess Aurora." Gods, but he felt awkward doing things like that. Cassius needed biological heirs, and now. But, his duties fulfilled, he stepped aside so the rest of the family could step forward and greet them.

[Josephine DeLauncey]

Josephine was nervous at having been singled out to be introduced by Cassius, but she tried to calm her nerves before stepping forward and curtseying to the King again. "It's an honor to be here and meet you again, Y- Your Grace." There, she only stumbled once. She hoped he didn't notice too much that she had stumbled, wondering what he would think if he found her to be nervous. "And you as well, Princess Aurora."

He was handsome, and he had said kind words about their family, her father and Julius, which made Josephine feel he could be trusted. After all, her family was the most important to her, and she trusted their judgement. Even her mother felt they could be presented before the King like this, so she must know that Adrien was a good man. They called him a boy King, but he looked nothing of the sort up on the dais. He was taller than most men, and looked the part of the King exactly as Josephine felt he should.

[Aurora Fontenot]

There were so many handsome DeLauncey man, and sigh, not a single one interested her. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Cassius was the only one who even remotely kindled anything in her, but he was already taken. Besides, she had other interests. Aurora looked momentarily at Lucius, and she pursed her lips, almost as if in distaste. Definitely not for her, in any respect, it would seem. Something about him seemed to need to be avoided.

Then Cassius was bowing, and touching her, and a small blush crept up on Aurora’s face. It was the liveliest she had looked in a long time. “I’m not quite sure about that, but the sentiment is appreciated,” Aurora replied, trying to keep a straight face, but she giggled at the end. And she hated herself for it. How would anyone ever take her seriously if she were to act like all the other little girls prancing about?! It was disgusting.

“Yes, I do remember Lady Josephine and Lady Marcheline. It is wonderful to see you both again,” Aurora said, though she was mostly looking towards Josephine. For some reason, she wasn’t annoyed that Josephine had fumbled… Instead, relieved. She wasn’t the only one mucking things up. Aurora gave the girl a genuinely warm smile, hoping it would help her relax.

Aurora then looked to Larson, while he was cuter than Lucius, he was still not cuter than Cassius. He seemed interesting though, as his disposition read differently than the rest of them. But then Lexington introduced himself, and her attention was drawn towards him. She wasn’t sure what to think of him, though he was certainly the second cutest. But she couldn’t get much of a read on his personality… If she would seek him out later on was still undecided. “Welcome,” was all she said in response to him, though her tone was friendly.

So far, the DeLauncey family was proving to be the only one she was outwardly fond of.

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

Following his brother's lead he swept a bow to the princess and smiled in the most dashing way he knew how. "It is truely an honor to be in your presence, your grace, Princess Aurora."

He watched as the princess examined his family, ths girl may be a lost cause, but it's the thrill of the hunt. Even if he never got far enough to speak of with this young lady, he was going to try to make an impression on her, he promised himself that much.

[Adrien Fontenot]

He remembered them from all those fun games of hide and seek in the gardens. He remembered whining to his mother about why were his friends gone? Why couldn't’ they come play with him? Where did they go? But Adrien wasn’t about to mentioned that. Instead he answered briefly, “Of course I remember Lady Josephine and Lady Marcheline. We were playmate as children, when they lived here in the capital.”

He paused as each DeLauncey introduced themselves. They were a handsome group of people, and very polite. He would be dining with them one of the nights of the tourney... he couldn’t remember which. There were already so many dates and times to remember.

And he was pleased that Aurora finally seemed to have a warm spark somewhere in her. Perhaps the DeLauncey family would be people she enjoyed being friends with. He was so busy all the time now, and he hated that he couldn’t spend as much time with her. “My sister and I are more than pleased that you are all here. And one night during the tourney we will host you for dinner here in the hall. You and your banners. Speaking of, would you like to introduce them to me?” He glanced around to the men and women standing behind the DeLaunceys. They needed their moment too.

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

Cassius gave a sly wink to the Princess as he let go of her hand, watching her stifle a giggle and lose. She was a pretty young thing; he couldn't help himself.

He took a step back and let his cousins introduce themselves, and then it was time for the banners. "First let me present, the da Valles, of Goldenmoore. Octavius de Valle and his wife, Idabel, and their son and heir, Sergius," Cassius paused, allowing time for Octavius to move forward and bow deeply to the King, his lovely wife's hand in his own as he presented her, and immediately after, his only son Sergius, a slight youth of twelve, whose eager face and obvious excitement at being at court was the only thing overshadowing the sickly pale look on his face.

And Cassius would have laughed, if he had not seen the sight of the de Valle daughters, all in a line, many times before -- it was as if from a surreal painting. Six tall, beautiful, blonde daughters, all variations of each other; one had to get to know them individuality to see the remarkably different personalities, but even now, only a few feature differences on their faces and form made it possible that they weren't merely six copies of the same person.

"The da Valle daughters," Cassius began, a slight lilt of humor in his voice, as they each stepped forward. "Dahlia, Adamaris, Elysia, Cornelia, Aurelia, and Livia."

[Cornelia de Valle]

Cornelia and her sisters had waited behind for Cassius to announce their father and mother, and as was customary, their brother, the heir to House de Valle. Sergius had been so excited to see the royal throne room, he had almost made himself sick again -- an easy feat -- and prior to their entrance, the sisters had been trying to keep their little brother calm and under control. But now that they were there, Sergius was under the best behavior, and looked like a regal little prince as he stepped forward the be presented to the King and Princess with their parents.

The daughters had lined up, falling in to place that was natural for them, even as silly as it might have seemed; Dahlia, Adamaris, Elysia, Cornelia, Aurelia, and Livia. It flowed off the tongue like honey. ... But there was one missing, and even though none of them said it, Cornelia knew the same thought was pervasive throughout all six sister's minds. As they stepped forward by name, one by one, Cornelia could see her sister's each fidgeting, reacting in kind, as was their unique personality to do so, five faces fixated on the King before them -- but Cornelia had eyes for only one person in the room, and from where he stood beside Cassius, regal in all his splendor as heir to the DeLauncey name, Cornelia could feel a flush rise to her face.

Did he see her? Did he even remember her, out of the bevy of her sisters?

Cornelia was so ensconced in these thoughts that she almost missed her cue, and with a slight gasp and a quick step forward, Cornelia dipped into a deep curtsy alongside her sisters, out of respect for their King. And all the while, Cornelia wished she had eyes in the back of her head -- was he looking at them?

[Aurelia de Valle]

Aurelia followed behind her sisters as they arrived at the great hall of the king of Forsilvra. One look at him was all she needed to know that he held no more interest for her than a fly. His smile was too sweet. And he was too young. And he looked like a boy and not a man. Their kingdom was being ruled by a sweet faced boy who probably still had pimples and wet dreams!

She resisted the urge to laugh. It would not be considered proper and while Aurelia de Valle was not proper, she was looking forward to the wild moments she would have as a visitor to the capital. She was not about to ruin that with a gestured wasted on the boy king who was too busy playing goo-goo eyes with the DeLauncey men. Attractive they were, but the eldest had been Atlanta’s husband and Aurelia would not touch them if her life depended on it.

She heard her name called and moved forward with the rest of her sisters, performing her curtsy like the perfect lady she could easily pretend to be. This introduction was already taking far longer than she’d have wished. There were places to explore and people to watch and things to do... anything, she thought, anything here had to be better than home. In fact, if she had her way, she hoped she didn’t have to go home....

[Elysia de Valle]

They were shuffled around a bit, Elysia losing her position next to Dahlia to stand next to Cornelia and Adamaris as they waited. Elysia was very taken with everything, loving the ceremony of it, even if she felt inadequate and undeserving of participation. The royals look young to her, and the council looked old and imposing. What Elysia was mostly fascinated by was the DeLauncey family… She wondered what it would have been like to have so many brothers, though she wouldn’t have traded her sisters for the world.

Once her name was call, Elysia curtsied like the rest of them, though she blushed slightly as she did so. It seemed absurd for a 20-year-old woman, but Elysia couldn’t help it. They all seemed so… evolved compared to the simple de Valle family.