The young ruler keeps his hand steady on the older prince's hand, thin fingers memorizing every crevice in his palm, his other hand atop the other's shoulder.
Kai's grip on him is firm, as if the other monarch knows what Aichi is planning, and his expression is stoic as usual, emerald green eyes being the only thing giving him away. They shimmer in the dim lighting as usual, as the lords and ladies titter around, and full skirts swish, and heeled shoes click against the smooth marble floor.
The song ends, and Aichi is whisked away by Dame Curti to prepare him for his speech.
The Dame removes his disguise, brushing his hair into perfection, placing the long haired wig onto a stand, and unzipping the eminence shaded gown, directing the monarch to a changing curtain.
When she is done with the prince, he is clad in a long, white coat that brushes the floor. Golden tassels hang off of his shoulders, and the lapels of the coat are lined in a shade of blue similar to his hair. His pants are grey, Rati has tucked them into knee-height, pitch black boots.
As she fusses with his cravat, Rati looks up at the teenager. "Aichi-sama, are you certain that this is really necessary? You can wait until you're ready, you know."
Aichi looks at the Dame, a certain sadness tainting his pure sapphire eyes. "Rati-chan. What must be done, must be done. I don't want to delay it any further." And Rati can only assume his sadness is from the passing of his parents.
Rati looks down, and up, then down again. "Yes. I think you're missing something..." A light shines in her amber eyes. "Your crown, Aichi-sama!" The girl trots over to the vanity, removing a silver crown from a velvet cushion. Sliding it onto the bluenet's freshly brushed hair, Rati steps back to admire her work, from the sheen of Aichi's black boots, and the sharp edges in the triangular lapels that frame the monarch's slight chest, to the gleam of the scarlet ruby atop the silver crown. "You're done, Aichi-sama." She shoves him slightly, grinning.
"Aichi-sama, good luck!"
And he nods, gulping as the curtain opens on the balcony, the crystal sconces lining the high balcony flickering to life. All eyes are on him, and Aichi faces the crowd.
"I thank each and every one of you for gracing this hallowed hall with your presence..." The speech is familiar, and the words slide off of his tongue like butter. But in actuality, Aichi's eyes are focused solely on Kai. The prince from the neighboring kingdom is clad in a diplomatic outfit, and the crown upon his brow is golden, a black gem sparkling in the crystal lighting.
"...and now, let the festivities begin!" The speech is over, and Aichi makes his way over to his betrothed.
"You were nervous." It isn't a question, nor an assumption, Kai is certain of it. Loss for words, Aichi nods, slumping against Kai's chest.
And needless to say, the rest of the night goes smoothly.
And as to any other festivities, (including the one which had been announced that very night,) those are stories for a later date.