Luciano paced outside the grand chamber, absently smoothing the emerald velvet of his doublet as he waited for the herald’s signal. The polished brass sconces lining the hallway cast a warm glow, but Luciano’s thoughts were decidedly cooler. He pursed his lips, casting a critical eye down at his outfit.
This shade of green is all wrong, he muttered to himself. Too predictable. And these boots… Who lets a prince walk around with boots from last year’s collection? It’s scandalous, truly.
He turned slightly, inspecting his reflection in the gilded mirror nearby. The cut of his doublet was still fashionable—just barely—but he couldn’t ignore how the stitching along the cuffs seemed to cry for mercy.
An overhaul. That’s what I need. A new wardrobe to rival the gods themselves. A smirk played on his lips. Perhaps after this little chat, Gio might find it within his kingly duties to fund such an undertaking. After all, I must represent the royal family properly, mustn’t I?
The herald’s voice broke through his musings, announcing a pause in the king’s schedule. Luciano’s smirk deepened into a full-blown grin as he swept through the double doors into the chamber.
Luciano’s entrance was as deliberate as it was dramatic. His boots clicked against the marble floor, his posture poised, and his expression one of practiced ease. Stopping just short of the throne, he clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head ever so slightly, emerald eyes glinting with mischief.
Well, well, brother dearest! How fares the mighty king of Antiva on this fine, chaotic day?
Luciano's entrance was met with a scowl, as the king examined Naboru's fingernails. She'd draped herself across his lap, really straddling was the more appropriate word, after a courtier with a low-cut gown had asked the king to attend brunch with her. He'd declined, the poor thing's favor was dashed when she noticeably worked too hard to catch his eye.
I like this one, and this one, he murmured, kissing the tips of the fingers in question, that sported the approved shade. Get rid of the others. A quiet order, but an order, nonetheless.
He shifted her, so that she straddled one knee, and took up less of his field of vision. I could use another drink, to make my day a bit better. He spoke, offering his brother a thin smile.
The other man wasn't a particular threat; but more of a pest at times. Not to mention the unriddled jealousy that occurred because Luci was allowed a normal childhood, and was not groomed for a particular role. A servant prepared another platter of drinks; presenting them first to the king and the woman in his lap. And then, finally, to the princeling.
What bring you to visit me, on such a chaotic day? He inquired, raising an eyebrow carefully. For the moment, the girl in his lap did not exist; she never did, when he was dealing with someone else or something else deemed more import.
Luciano’s gaze flitted briefly to the scene before him, lips pressing into a subtle smirk as he took it all in. Naboru, lounging as though the throne were designed solely for her convenience, and Gio, ever the picture of nonchalance as he parceled out his attention.
Luciano accepted the offered drink with a gracious nod, but his eyes never left his brother. He let the silence linger for just a heartbeat longer than necessary before speaking.
Oh, you know me, brother. Just here to bask in your magnanimous presence and perhaps remind you what charm looks like when wielded effectively. He sipped his drink, his tone light but laced with the barest hint of pointed teasing. Luciano’s gaze flicked meaningfully to Naboru before returning to Gio.
As for what brings me— he paused, swirling the liquid in his glass as though considering whether to share. Let’s call it a matter of kingdom pride and education. With Orlais fallen, I feel we have a real chance at having the university in Antiva be the beacon for all of Thedas, but it could use some tlc.
Giovanni's lips pursed into a sneer, as his mother played with his ego, and dashed his charms. I don't need to be charming to get what I want, Luciano. Though he could be charming, if he cared enough to be. Otherwise the woman in his lap wouldn't be so enamored with him, would she?
He raised his eyebrows, as his twin began to talk about the university. His dreams for it. I could see the usefulness, in the university opening to the public. Elaborate on your plans to get it where it needs to be. Did you bring the numbers?
Oh, Gio, darling, you wound me, Luciano drawled, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. To think you doubt my ability to prepare! I’m not just a pretty face swathed in regrettable green. He cast an exaggerated glance down at his doublet before sighing. Tragic, really.
With a graceful flick of his wrist, he produced a folded document from the inner pocket of his coat and placed it on the nearest polished surface with a flourish.
I had the numbers compiled last week, naturally. Enrollment projections, cost breakdowns, the necessary renovations—oh, and a delightful little section on how a thriving academic institution could, in fact, make you look quite the visionary monarch. He leaned forward slightly, emerald eyes glinting. I do so hate for you to be overshadowed, dearest brother. You might not need charm to get what you want, but public adoration? That’s another matter entirely.
Luciano took another sip of his drink, letting the implication hang in the air like expensive perfume.
