Eridan sighed softly, sending away his tailors. Standing from the large purple-maroon chair in his room, he walked to the full length mirror, examining his reflection for a long moment turning this way and that. Running a hand through the purple colored strands of his hair he turned, grabbing his best scarf and replaced the one currently around his neck with it as he made his way from his room.
"Feferi." He breathed as he walked down the hall toward the main room. That was the name of the new princess they would be receiving to stop the stupid war the other kingdom had caused. At least, that's who his father, King Duel-Scar had said.
Honk
The sound pierced the silence surrounding the hall. A shadow watched in silence as the older prince looked around in confusion. The shadow snickered and waited for the elder prince to move.
Eridan saw the male looking around and gave him a slightly unamused expression. He was chasing those -honks weren't they?- again, wasn't he? "Wwhat are you doing standing there?" he asked, stopping a few feet back from Gamzee. "Wwe do have guests arriving soon." He reminded the purple blood.
"Ah yes, our new sis from the wicked evil kingdom nearby is getting her traverse on to reach our kingdom of miracles. Word from the messiahs is the sis is a motherfucking cutie." Gamzee said with a honk of his horn, a lazy smile forever stuck on his face. He was excited to meet the princess; things had been too quiet around here lately. Some fun needed to bleed through these walls again.
Again with the messiahs. "So wwhat is she's cute? She's close to being a prisoner here, so it shouldn't matter how she looks." He lied, stepping past the strange male and continued toward the main room. After all, she was a princess. Wasn't it written in royal genes for princesses to be cute?
Gamzee trailed after Eridan, his feet dragging along and his posture horrible as per usual. "Now Eribro, you got your curiosity light bulb shining. It's kinda cute really. What do you think princess Fefsis will be like?" Gamzee asked, now caught up to Eridan.
"Howw should I knoww?" He asked in return. "Your messiahs seem to knoww quite a bit about her. Wwhy not ask them?" He continued as he took is seat in one of the four chairs that were placed in the main room for the royal family.
"Hey doesn't hurt anyone to drink the elixir from the grapevine." Gamzee retaliated as he plopped down into his respectful throne. "Besides, you gossip more than any lady here. Honk~"
"I'm starting to think that sludge is wwhy you don't have your matesprit quadrant filled." He said softly before Gamzee's second comment clicked. "And I do not gossip. I merely converse about wwhat happens in the kingdom that may vvery wwell become mine one day."
"Eribro, you're all welcome to claim this place. I'm more than content with watching miracles bloom than watching over a kingdom. And if the messiahs bring a troll with a red ribbon tied around their neck my way, then that's all good."
Feferi couldn't help but sigh as she clasped her suitcase shut. That was everything. She was all packed. All she had to do now was wait for Nepeta to alert her of the arriving carriage that would take her to her new home. She was not happy about this at all. Her mother, Condesce, gave her no say on whether she would like to be the peace offering for the other kingdom. For all anyone cared she was now a pretty gift to stop the war her mother had created. The only optimism the situation gave her was that her faithful lady in waiting was going with her and rumor had it that the princes were very good looking. Especially…
"Eridan…"
Nepeta peaked her head in, offering a playful smile. "Trying out your new purrince's name out?" she asked. "The carriage is here, by the way." She added, hooking her arm around Feferi's. "We should head out befur they leave without us purrincess." She said, giving the other female's arm a light tug. When she had been informed that Feferi would be leaving the kingdom she hadn't even needed to think about whether she would stay or faithfully follow her long time friend.
Feferi jumped a bit and coughed to cover the light blush she would feel creeping on her cheeks. "N-EP-E-TA. I didn't sea you there~" Well, time to go. She thought as Nepeta tugged on her arm, puling her out of her room. She was grateful Nepeta was going with her, as they had been friends since Nepeta's mother showed up with the little kitty clinging to her skirts, her mother begging for work. Unfortunately, old age mixed with brittle bones meant Disciple had to stay here at the Condesce's kingdom. "How's old Disi Nepeta?" Feferi asked as they headed down the hallway.
Nepeta forced a smile to stay in place. "She's well. She says she'll miss us, but she understands she can't go against the queen who was so nice to us al these years." She said, helping pull Feferi's suitcase into the carriage. Offering a curtsy to the conductor, she waited for Feferi to enter first. This gave her a change to give one last look to her mother's room where the beautiful elder watched them with a sad smile. Nepeta returned the expression, then tuned back to and entered the carriage.
"I wish Disi could come with. I feel horabubble for splitting you two up." Feferi said once the carriage was in motion.
Nepeta let out a soft giggle at that. "Please, if I hadn't wanted to come along, I would have stayed with her." She said, placing her hand on the empresses'. "There's no way I would let my best furriend go off to some dark kingdom all by herself."
Feferi couldn't help but smile and squeeze the other troll's hand. "I'll make shore we can visit her. Sound good?" she asked. Looking down at their hands, she added, "I'm glad you're going with me. I don't trust anyglub else." She smiled even more. They had been closer than Feferi was to her own mother. Nepeta was always there to talk to and play with. There would definitely be problems if anyone at the kingdom tried to take her away.
Nepeta nodded, smiling. "You're the only one other than my mother that I trust." She replied before something outside the window caught her attention. Looking outside her eyes widened. "And I thought your kingdom was big." She breathed, staring at the new area. It had to be twice the side of the Condesce's kingdom... at least.
Feferi followed her gaze and felt her jaw drop. "It's beautiful…" she said softly. The castle stones were pale from the salt of the sea. The sun setting added a pink glow that absolutely took Feferi's breath away. "We're here. That's for shore."
Nepeta nodded and as soon as the carriage stopped she burst out of it, not caring to wait for it to open for them. "Maybe this wont be a complete distaspurr after all!" she chimed as she smiled back at the other female.
Feferi couldn't help but giggle at Nepeta's enthusiasm and jumped out of the carriage herself. "Hopefully. Come on, let's go!" and with that, she grabbed Nepeta by her arm and started up the path to the kingdom. The conductor followed suit with their luggage.
Nepeta nodded, allowing Feferi to lead her. Smiling, sh eagerly looked around. "The garden looks like the purrfect place to nap~" she said, pointing to the beautifully kept garden that covered close to half of the grounds outside of the castle. "The queen made it seem like this was a dark and scary place." She added.
"Oh my! You and your cat naps." She said, ruffling Nepeta's hair. "The sun will hit that spot perfectly for you." she poked fun at Nepeta, hoping it would help calm both of their nerves. The queen did have a tendency to exaggerate things. The doors opened for them, revealing the throne room. It was long, with four thrones at the end. Two of which were occupied.
Pleased that the other still didn't have the urge to seize the throne, Eridan offered a nod. Before he could start another sentence, the door opened and whom he assumed to e the new princess walked in trailed by two others. One who was attached to the princess' arm. Eridan stood, making sure his posture was straight and he tried a welcoming smile. "Wwelcome Princess Feferi." He greeted.
Feferi watched the scarfed male stand and greet them, while the other was staring at a spot above Nepeta's head… Or… was he staring at Nepeta? Feferi would worry about that later. Making her way to them, she stopped and curtsied, extending her hand. "The pleasure is mine." She said with a small smile on her face. This one definitely had some good features but gave off a pompous air. Nonetheless, it was the other prince that worried Feferi.
Gamzee watched the pair enter with mild curiosity. The princess was pretty cute, full hair, freckles adorning her face… but… he sat up a bit straighter and leaned forward. The girl on her arm, she reminded him of a kitten. This one… she was the motherfucking cutie. "Well, well. Miracle number one."
Eridan's eyes flickered back at Gamzee when he heard him speak but pushed it aside. Taking Feferi's hand he thought the proper thing was to offer a kiss to her hand. Bowing his head he did just that before he released her hand and lowered his own, taking a small step back. "I hope that you find your stay here somewhat enjoyable at the vvery least." He offered. "Shall I show you two to your room?" Eridan asked, finally looking to Nepeta.
However, her attention went past him to the other prince. Her head tilted to the side a little, her wide eyes studying him. He certainly didn't look like any other prince she had seen. His posture was the most noticeable abnormality, most likely because posture had been driven into her skill since she would walk on her own. "Miracle?" she repeated aloud.
Gamzee's smile grew to that of a Cheshire cat's as he swung himself out of his seat and walked over to Nepeta. Her clinging to the princess a bit tighter did not go unnoticed to him. He practically went onto his knees so he could get a bit below eye level with her. "Motherfucking miracles, kitty. Just cal me Gamzee. May I know the name behind that cute face of yours?" he asked as he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She was soft, her skin was anyway. And she was so small, he thought, but he could see determination in those piercing eyes, mixed with a bit of shyness.
Feferi had quickly had enough of the tall male's behavior. He was scaring Nepeta for cod's sake. "Yes. I sink it's time to find our rooms and freshen up!" she said a bit too fast as she pulled Nepeta away from the lanky male and started down the hall, Eridan trailing behind with a light worried and confused expression. He only glanced back to offer a disapproving look to Gamzee, then hurried to catch up with Feferi.
"Pay no mind to him. He's… not like the rest of us here and usually doesn't act like that at all." He explained, hoping it would before he stopped in front of a pair of double doors about half way down the hall. "Here wwe are." He said, opening the door for them.
The room came with a pink colored four poster bed twice the side of a king sized bed, a large wooden wardrobe, desk and vanity as well as a foldable wooden changing stand.
Feferi was still a bit huffy about the prince, but was able to appreciate the room. It reminded her a lot of her old room, and she could picture her cuttlefish scattered over the bed. The closet filled with colorful dresses. Her viola on the dresser maybe? She walked over to the bed, running her hand along the wooden post. "It shell do, once it's been lived in." she said as she turned back to Eridan. "Gamzee… is he always like that?" Feferi asked. She had seen her fair share of eccentric fold, but never a prince who was so forward with a lady in waiting… Whom of which was spacing out in the chair in front of the vanity.
He… He had been talking to her of all people? Especially when Feferi was around? That amazed and completely confused Nepeta. This kingdom was strange. Or maybe it was just the taller prince that made it seem that way? She had never seen Feferi get so protective over her so fast.
Eridan nodded at the first comment and shook his head at the latter. "Nevver havve I seen him act in such a way." He said. "He is strange, but I don't remember him crossing that line of wweirdness." He said. "If it wwould make things any better, I wwill speak wwith him about it."
Feferi sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Yes, that will make me feel more at ease. Thank you." she curtsied and approached the prince a little curiously. "Anyfin I need to know aboat you? PRINCE -Eridan?" she tilted her head, her hands clasped behind her back.
Eridan watched her for a moment, and then shook his head. "I don't believve so." He said. "Other than my room is across the hall if you evver need me." He said, pulling a little at the rim of his scarf. "Is there anything I should know about you as well, Princess Feferi?"
She giggled, finding it cute that he was hiding behind his scarf. "Hmm…" she pondered and she placed a hand under her chin, rocking back on her heels. "I never say no to cuttles. And I like your eyes. Hehehe~"
Eridan coughed a little as he felt a blush creep onto his cheeks, and he cursed himself for being so easily flustered. He wasn't even sure as to why she flustered him so. "That's vvery kind of you, princess. Your… your eyes are vvery appealing as wwell." He replied curtly.
To be lighthearted she put her hands to her face and swayed side to side slowly. "Oh my cod. You're such a charmer –Eridan." She said. By this point, a couple of maids had arrived with Feferi and Nepeta's belongings, beginning to unpack them. "Oh! Our stuff is here! TIME- to unpack!" The princess said excitedly. Walking to the nearest box she opened it to reveal her stuffed friends who began to overflow the now open box.
Feferi picked up one in particular and crushed it to her chest. "CUTTLE-S! I'm reely sorry you had to ride in this box." She made her way back to Eridan, shoving the cuttlefish in his face. "Say glub glub to –Eridan Mr. Cuttle-s." she squeezed the plushie to make it squeak as if to say hello.
Eridan took a small step back to catch himself and he examined the plushie. "I guess this is the cuttles you wwere saying you nevver say no to?" he asked. Of course she couldn't have meant cuddling. That had been the place his mind had gone for reasons he wasn't sure of quite yet.
Nepeta stood from her chair, seemingly out of her daze now and back to her usual self. Giggling at Eridan's reaction she moved to Feferi's side to help unpack.
Meanwhile, Gamzee was sitting on the floor, his hand on his cheek. The hand that had graced the kitty's warm cheek. His eyes were closed and he sighed contently. Yes, he had already decided that she was special, and she could help him back a pie full of fun to feed every brother in the castle. He slowly rose to his feet, starting off in the direction the three of them had disappeared off in.
"No sealy! I never say no to cuttling with anyone." She placed the plushie in his arms and went back over to the box to unpack it with Nepeta. "Where should RoseCollor go?" she asked, holding up the dragon her mother's newest advisor's daughter had given her.
Nepeta opened her mother to answer when a soon-to-be-familiar voice stopped her.
"Hey, any motherfuckers need assistance with getting their unpacking on?" Gamzee asked peaking his head in the doorway.
Nepeta looked back at him, almost hesitating with her answer. "I'm purrty sure we can handle it." she replied. He was so strange. Everything about his was. Not to mention he hardly acted like a prince at all. She turned back to Feferi, catching the confused look that Eridan was giving the plushie that he now held. "The shelf above the bed looks like a good place." She said to Feferi.
Without asking, Gamzee walked into the room and over to Feferi, taking the dragon plushie from her hands. Gently, of course, he'd never put the hurting on stuffed bros. With a lazy grin on his painted face, he slouched over the shelf and placed the plushie there. Then he stepped back to admire his handy work. "Motherfucking miracles." He said, turning to go to the box to get another one out, but a certain princess stood in his way.
"I sink Nepeta just said we don't need your kelp." She huffed. Her patience with this prince was growing REELY short. It didn't help that she was a bit tired and cranky from the trip. The last thing she wanted right now was Gamzee touching her things.
Nepeta moved between the two of the, concern over powering her caution toward Gamzee. "Thank you for your help purrince Gamzee, but I think that if you purrsist then the purrincess will become angered." She said.
Eridan took a step toward them, setting the cuttlefish on the bed. "Let us leavve them for noww. I need to speak wwith you anyway Gamzee." He added.
"Well, if the Nepsis kitty says so, then I'll be making my exit now." he reached out and ruffled Nepeta's hair and slouched past Feferi over to Eridan to sling an arm around the shorter male's shoulders. "So what conversation bits will Eribro be passing my way?" he asked as he guided them out and closed the door.
Eridan resisted the urge to roll his eyes as the other dragged him away and he sighed softly. "Wwhat I'll be 'passing your wway' is asking wwhat you think you're doing." He said. "You're acting wweird. Wwell, wweirder than usual." He corrected.
"The understanding pieces in my thinkpan aren't clicking to what you're saying bro." Gamzee said, walking down the hall and barely avoiding running into a pillar… but walked into the next one. He didn't really show that he felt it, simply sliding down said pillar to sit there for a moment, then turned to face Eridan.
His blood was far superior than his intelligence sometimes, wasn't it? Eridan blamed the pies that the purple blood was constantly eating. "Wwhat I'm saying is that you're upsetting the princess by howw you're acting towward her lady in wwaiting.
"Aw, shit, bro. didn't meant to rain on Fefsis's parade. I can't help it. Nepsis kitty…" Gamzee didn't finish his sentence. He just stared past Eridan's shoulder, thinking about the kitten in question.
Eridan waved in front of the other's face in an attempt to try to catch his attention once again. "-Did not arrivve wwith a red ribbon around her neck as a gift from your messiahs." He finished for the other. "So she is not of your concern."
Hm? Oh right, he was talking with Eridan. He did catch the last bit that his bro said though. His head rolled to the side. "You can think what you want bro. I just want to get some knowings of Nepsis right now. I won't push for no more than that. Bt if I need to back up a foot for now, I will. Now, I saw Fefsis with a pale ribbon and your name on it too." He added.
"Yes, you do need to." Eridan said, and the latter comment soon caught him off guard a little. Pale? Well, a quadrant was a quadrant and he wasn't exactly looking to redrom with the princess at the moment. Having a friend who could focus for more than five seconds would be nice as well. "Either wway, I wwould advvise you backing off some before the princess tries to behead you."
"If you say so Bro, would feel a bit weird to walk around without my head." Gamzee said, tapping his own head for emphasis. "Now, my green bros in the garden are caking me. They're in need of that clear elixir. I'll see you around." And with that, Gamzee turned and walked off. Managing to only hit three of the six pillars, sadly being a record for the highblood.
Feferi huffed as she approached Nepeta. "Did he hurt you? Oh dear, your hair is a mess now. Where is my brush?" she muttered as she studied Nepeta's hair and set off, opening boxes and checking their contents.
Nepeta ran her fingers through her hair while Feferi searched for a brush. "No, I'm not hurt." She replied. "Just confused. You're the purrincess that they may marry. Not me." She added, keeping her gaze from the other female as she spoke. Her mother had warned her that only princesses got princes. Not everyone got to have their own fairy tale,
Feferi looked over at Nepeta, who was looking everywhere but at her. She couldn't help but frown at her friend's comment. She found the entire class thing stupid. She also had found her brush at this point and walked behind Nepeta to fix her hair. "I wish it wasn't like that. That only paupers can parry paupers and princes marry princesses. No one can go beyond their blood class." Feferi sighed as she ran the brush through her friend's hair. Due to how active and hyper she tended to be, Nepeta had to keep it about chin length so it wouldn't get tangled all the time. Where as Feferi had no choice and had to keep her hair long, no matter how tangled and pain it was. "I've heard of paupers marrying royalty. Back when the bloodline didn't matter. There hasn't been a case of it in decades… but it's not completely unheard of." Feferi finished. If Feferi could have one wish, it would be for Nepeta to be her sister rather than Meenah. That way she would be treated as fairly as Feferi was herself.
Nepeta shook her head lightly. "I don't need to marry a purrince. That's your thing, Fef." She said, smiling back at her friend once her hair was finished. "Besides, this way you have two purrinces to pick from." She teased, pretty sure that Feferi would never shoot for Gamzee, especially if he kept acting like he was.
Feferi groaned and hid her face in Nepeta's shoulder. "Don't remind me." At this point she would pick Eridan, no hesitance. Nepeta giggled, patting her friend's hair for a moment, then picked up one of the cuttlefish. "Come on, let's finish here so we can explore!" she said excitedly.