The ballroom hall was decorated elaborately, with glittering silk draped from the ceilings and crystal chandeliers lighting up the expanse of the room. The freshest of flowers dotted areas of the room and down the length of the massive mahogany table, causing gentle wafts of floral scents to accompany that of freshly baked goods and sweets in the air. There were side tables of all sorts of treats, as well as shimmering faeire wine. It was very finely set, elegant and bright and everything that Aurelia had grown up around. That blessed and angelic atmosphere had long filled the room, but she and Loxley certainly brought a sense of darkness to the shining room.

She wore a smile with him, ignoring the subtle gasps and surprised looks as the pair walked by. No opinions mattered aside that from the high court, and she was certain that a smile and friendly demeanor would do enough to impress the lower fae anyways. Regardless, things were going just fine so far, even if Loxley was being quietly dramatic at her side. She had been aiming to guide him to the left side of the table to sit in the first set of chairs, but he sat faster than she was able to counter, and in her father's seat at the head of the table no less. Well, technically it was now her chair, but she could never have dreamed of sitting where her father always had. Even more daunting? She was closer than she'd ever been, comfy on her husband's lap.

A quiet gasp hitched from her throat as his hand met her bare thigh, her hand moving to rest over his in a silent 'not an inch further' as she worked through whether she was shocked, pissed, or thoroughly impressed. Her free arm slid around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair in a deceptively sweet way as she leaned closer to his ear to speak only to where he could hear. "What the hell are you doing?" She murmured, a fake smile curving her lips for anyone who might be watching as she gently tightened her grip on his dark hair. "Might you be taking things a bit far, my love? Perching me upon your lap in my father's chair?" She questioned almost skeptically, trying to ignore the way her heart pounded against her chest. Sure, she was well and accustomed to physical affections, but not from him. Not from a man who rarely even dared to touch her. He was slowly turning the tables on her, and the hint of red embarrassment that tinged the tops of her ears screamed as much.

To anyone watching them, she merely looked as though she was whispering sweet nothings or devious little words into his ear, but truly she debated calling off the whole charade then and there before he made a flustered mess of her. She knew she couldn't, however, and she had no doubt that this as the beginning of his tortures.

Loxley felt her arm slide around his neck but it was barely noticeable to him when his main focus was on performance. The lighting pierced his eyes and he did what he could to maintain the illusion of being fine with it. In front of all these people, there’s no way he would break the mask he just put up. Confidence, arrogance and dominance are the main things he was aiming for today. And, maybe help her… our cause of keeping the parents from pestering about who knows what blah blah blah relationship stuff. In truth, he had never done the meet the parents thing before and this was certainly something. It wasn’t normal in any framing, only because they were such important figures during their modern era.

He couldn’t keep the smirk off his face when he felt her fingers running through his finely textured hair. He glanced down at her while she spoke, keeping his voice soft and low so that nobody else could hear. Only her. He noticed the faint red stain on her skin and he quite enjoyed the effect he had on her. It meant another win for him, another win that he hadn’t been thinking of this time. But he would take it, oh absolutely he would take any victory he ever got handed to him.

“It’s not your fathers anymore, dear. It’s mine.” Lux whispered in her ear, lowering his head to rest on her shoulder casually as if this was a normal thing despite having been incredibly touch averse previously. His words carried like a summer day breeze that could barely be noticed unless you paid special attention to it. “Power isn’t given, it’s taken.”

Loxley lifted his gaze from her over to one of the deliciously smelling treat tables. His kind weren’t known to wait around, wherever they could find a reason to slide in and steal anything dominant in any sort of way.. They took it. They were thieves and scavengers in that manner. The head of the mahogany table was nothing, just a small gesture. Besides, he had been nice enough to include his ever dearest and most loving loyal companion on his lap. That was good enough for being acceptable, was it not?

His eyes landed on a plate of strawberry cake squares. He had never seen these before. It looked light and airy, which were very rejected things in his realm. But while he was here it was the best looking sweet treat to him at the moment. It almost looked like mini squares of tiramisu with a frozen over glaze of natural strawberry sauce and a couple of chunks of strawberry on it. It seemed… aesthetically pleasing, if not to his usual tastes. He might want to sneak away and get one or a couple for himself later on when he could safely get up without losing position and status.

Aurelia probably didn’t understand the way he operated just yet, and that was fine. So long as she didn’t blow this entire event to smithereens by ending the event early or something disastrous like that.

If Aurelia was to honest, her husband dearest was getting her into quite the tizzy. She was quite the affectionate person, but admittedly she wasn't used to being pulled into one's lap and treated as.. warmly as she often teased others like. Her stomach was in twists at the idea of being confronted by her family, though, her fingers tightening around his on her thigh absentmindedly. They weren't there yet at least, giving her a little time to prepare herself and calm down. That was just easier said than done when he kept being so deceptively sweet. She huffed in annoyance ever so quietly, just praying he couldn't hear what he was doing to her on top of being able to see it— she knew he could see it. She could control a lot of things, but that pesky flush of her skin was not one of them.

The warmth of his breath tickled her ear and a sharp chill ran down her spine moments before he laid his head upon her shoulder. She wanted to spit spicy words back at him, to shrug away from his feigned affection, but she knew she couldn't. The evening hadn't even properly started yet, so she chose to just continue stroking soothing through his hair, perhaps giving a gentle tug here and there to silently voice the irritation that still plagued her. "Mm. Best hope he's in a good mood tonight then.. otherwise he might not take kindly to this theft," she murmured, a teasing lilt to her voice as her lips brushed ever so gently over his skin. She even started to relax after the silence took them again, finally looking as if she belonged right where she sat. She knew that the fact that she was in his lap would either solve their problems or make them, but for now she just trusted that it was right of them to be there.

Her cheek was pressed lightly against the top of his head, her gaze lazily scanning the crowd until she heard that familiar murmuring and whispering that always announced the arrival of the older royal pair. She stiffened a little, her head listening from his as she locked eyes with a pair identical to hers from across the room, and boy did they look angry. Her parents made a bee-line towards them, her mother bearing a tight lipped smile and her father a cold faced glare, as expected. "My.. don't you two look to be getting along just fine. You look... hem.. Comfortable," her mother spoke first, trying to keep an air of warmth and friendliness, though her daughter could see right through her as the other woman carefully eyed their outfits and position.

Aurelia gently lifted Loxley's chin with the subtle guidance of her fingers before nuzzling against his cheek affectionately, her gaze challenging that of her father's from the corner of her eye as she spoke. "We've been getting along just fine, like you wanted. Isn't that right, my love?" She purred as she met his eyes for a moment, her tone perfectly free of bite and malice. Her father, Terion, cleared his throat in a deep rumble before finally speaking and drawing Aurelia's attention "A bit too well, if you're already taking up different customs so easily. This.. bewitched look is not nearly your best," he hummed curtly before continuing the conversation as if not paying insult to her, "but I suppose seeing the two of you so cozy is a relief. At least now there won't be any worries about heirs." With that, her father walked away, leaving her mother smiling awkwardly. "Ahem, well then.. It's truly a gift to have the pair of you here, as well as to make your acquaintance," she spoke, her words directed solely to Loxley considering the way Aurelia seemed to be simmering at the current time. For once, she was certain that Loxley wouldn't be the reason she ended anything early. No, any disaster she caused would be purely to blame on her father.

Loxley had begun to use a small thread of his magic to float over one of the treats without the notice of Aurelia, or any of the other lower ranking fae workers. Each time someone risked spotting the subtly floating dessert, he hid it behind a shelf of other snacks or put it down if it looked like it could fit in well enough. He was only pulled back to attention when Aurelia’s parents showed up. Of course, it looked like he wasn’t as focused on the food as he really had been. Truth be told, he didn’t entirely mind the feeling of her fingers through his hair.

“Of course.” He nodded softly, barely able to make the movement on her shoulder. He wouldn’t leave her hanging during an interaction with the royals. His voice really couldn’t be switched like hers, to take on a lightness without malevolence. He did his best, and that was merely keeping it low and honey sweet. His darker version of high fae could only do so much, and they should be used to it or getting to that point. It was surprisingly gentle for what he could have done.

“You know, for the record, I think he’s deeply incorrect. There couldn’t be a better mien for you than on my lap in my court’s clothes.” Lux smiled, somewhat genuinely. He moved his arm tighter around her waist to underline his claim just a smidge more. His word clearly meant more than Terion’s… especially since he wasn’t the one sitting at the head of the table, now was he?

“Yours as well. It’s been a.. pleasure.” Loxley murmured, directing his words toward his wife’s mother. His tone made it perfectly clear he wasn’t a fan of Terion so far, but he was at least neutral with the Queen. He had no more to say, unless he was dragged into conversation again. His plan here was entirely to let Aurelia lead, however boiling over with anger she may be, and only answer when he must.

He lifted his head off her shoulder, moving his hand off her thigh at the same time. His eyes stayed trained on the parents, while the appetizing sugary treat floated into his waiting fingers. He took a quick bite, glancing down at Aurelia while he chewed. It looked incredibly out of place for him to be holding something so themed to her Court. For a split second his mask almost slipped from how excellent it tasted, but he shut that down before anyone had the chance to see. Well, except for her due to proximity.

There was something about playing in his hair that soothed her. Perhaps it was because it occupied a portion of her brain, keeping her from thinking wholly about how she didn't want to be there. It definitely wasn't because just wanted to touch him... Gods, she was a mess and it was almost completely his fault. Though she was sure no one was any the wiser, she was struggling to keep her composure and that pretty and sweet voice. She despised that her father dare be opposing when he was the reason she was even married to Loxley. He had made the arrangement, and he needed to deal with the consequences and be happy.

She looked at him as he spoke, his words causing her look at him with surprise as she turned a bit more pink in color. She was stunned a little, his arm around her waist pulling her closer as he tightened, pressing her firm against him. Not that she minded, of course. "Heavens above... You're trying to give me a heart attack," she murmured, drawing her lower lip between her teeth as she looked away, nibbling on the soft skin. She was almost.. anxious? She kept telling herself it was all a ruse, but what was she to do when it felt so real? When he kept putting butterflies in her stomach and saying things he couldn't possibly mean in completeness... He despised her, she knew that, but he made adoring her look so easy. His words felt so truthful. She was failing miserably in their war and she was beginning to realize it.

The Queen offered another tight smile before taking her seat at the right of them, creating idle conversation with Aurelia and avoiding subjects she knew would cause a fuss. She had always treaded more lightly than her husband, considering she knew the temper that her daughter could have. Even then, Aurelia and Terion exchanged heated looks of silent arguments, and the only sign of her red hot irritation was the way that her skin bloomed with new warmth beyond the realm of normal. The seelie fae may be all things good and spiritual, but not all of them had the patience or actions of saints.

Soon enough, the event became bustling with people, but her attention had turned to Loxley as she heard him munching on something. Her brows furrowed as if to ask where he'd gotten that before she put two and two together, making her almost smile. What she couldn't help was the giggle that slipped at seeing her intimidating husband holding such a dainty treat, and enjoying it. "I think you'll come to find that there are plenty of treats just as good for you to indulge in," she mused, knowing he had probably expected not to enjoy anything quite as much as he just had. She shifted into a more comfortably position on his lap, snagging a glass of shimmery wine as a servant passed by with a tray. She sipped from the glass before her attention was drawn to the king again.

"If things are going so well, then when can we expect more? Heirs, perhaps?" He asked, his arms crossing over his chest with a perked brow as Aurelia gave him an incredulous look after narrowly avoiding spitting out her wine. "Do not be ridiculous. It is far too early to be thinking about such things. We've got all of our lives for heavens sake," she shook her head, that sweet tone slipping for a time. She knew the King aimed to get under her skin, to show her that he knew better than to believe the pair were a cheery couple, and it was almost working.

Loxley had to hide his face by pretending to nuzzle into Aurelia’s neck when the king spoke next. The idea of Lux having kids was.. Ridiculous in his mind. So much so to the point he almost fully laughed out loud in front of everyone to see as if he was the funniest joke ever told. He couldn’t believe anyone in the room could keep a straight face through that. He tilted his face back up, resting his chin on her shoulder when he heard the bite in her tone. Unveiled this time. He almost liked her more for it, not pretending she was sweet all the time at least.

“Heirs is a big ask. She’s right, fae are immortal. We have an abundance of time on our hands, especially since the wars should be over between Courts. There’s no need to bring little hellraisers into the royal family without properly settling down first.” Loxley purred, though he couldn’t help the faint lightness that tainted his voice and gave away how he was just finding something delightfully amusing. He never imagined himself having children before, not yet anyway. They would certainly act like little devils as long as they took after their father.

Loxley nodded, letting his head rest before pulling back once more. He leaned back more casually into his seat, stolen but still his until they left. The sun was beginning to give him a migraine, but he kept that hidden as usual. All the glares in the world couldn’t tear down the smug smile Lux always wore on his face. He gently took the wine glass out of her hands for a moment, taking a sip himself before handing it back. He easily could have reached over and grabbed one for himself, or even called over one of the lower fae servants but why bother when he could do a quick bit of thievery?

The wine coming from the Seelie Court tasted a lot lighter than he was used to, and he couldn’t say he hated it. He didn’t exactly enjoy it either. At best, it was probably mediocre for his tastes. His eyes idly roamed over the sweet section again. They landed on what looked like caramel coffee fudge squares with the caramel and coffee running through it like patterns through wooden surfaces. They really put effort into decorations for their food over on this side of the two species, because for each bar they put a delicate little flower of sugar on top. Perfectly centered.

At least, he hoped it was sugar. It must be. A trick like that would more likely be pulled back in his own Court where they may give you a mouthful of salt just to watch your disgust when you take the first bite. He had to admit, many many moons ago when he had done it.. It was quite amusing. Though that was back when he was a kid. He turned his gaze towards one of the servants, “Get me one of those. Would you?”

It wasn’t a request, it was an order. And he didn’t speak to the lower fae like friends as he did with the other royals. It sounded as if he even looked down upon them, and he was happy when they scurried away to fulfil his request. He had no clue about the culture here between royalty and lesser fae, but there was a very clear divide from his territory. He seemed to be making a considerable effort for the royalty, but none whatsoever transferred to his interactions with the workers they employed.

Aurelia found herself relaxing into Loxley, her body warmly leaning into his own with a contentness that had not been there previously. It was easy to be comfortable there, even if her mind had first screamed that it was wrong. However, all of that comfort couldn't keep the heat from simmering beneath her skin from all of the vague insults and dirty looks. Of course, she hid that rage with her typical soft smile, which only faltered as Lux helped himself to her wine before handing it back. She had even given him a little glare, but it disappeared just as quickly before anyone other than him could see it. Oh well. It wasn't as if it really bothered her.

The Seelie wine had a lower alcohol content, with a light and sweet taste containing floral notes and hints of decadent berries. It was a favorite of Aurelia's, but it was safe to say that she wouldn't be used to much more. The seelie court rarely ever explored different flavors or bolder choices of drink. But sweets? Those were indeed their specialties. She was caught up in boring, idle conversation with her mother, their small talk consisting of "how are you" and "how are you settling in" rather than of anything else productive. She knew this entire event had been a test to see how the pair would interact, but she did wish they could have put more effort into conversation and such, or even have them caught up on the latest of politics.

As it typically did, the small talk died down, giving Aurelia the ability to put her attention on Loxley as he gave orders to one of the servants, who of course scurried away to do his bidding. She gently nudged her elbow against his ribs after witnessing that, shifting in his lap so that she could pretend to nuzzle against his neck before whispering in his ear. "Be polite... They won't come this way again if they fear you more than they respect you," she murmured, her voice just loud enough for him to hear. The lower seelie fae were indeed meek creatures, happy to do whatever the higher fae have asked of them, but nervous enough to purposefully avoid one if fear is incited. He didn't have to be warm and friendly, but a less demanding tone would certainly go a long way in her eyes. Aurelia dipped her head once more to hide in the crook of his neck in a rather believable display of affection. She sighed softly, resting there for a moment of peace. She had forgotten how exhausting it was to be there with all eyes on them.

Loxley sighed, a quiet sound only she would be able to hear coming from him. He wanted to roll his eyes, but of course he wouldn’t in such a setting and an event with at least a glimmer of importance. He hadn’t met anyone that he’d scared off so much they never returned, most often they were simply frightened into obedience. But they had never run away in the past. Even if he tried to change his ways, it would not be a fast process in any sense.

“Thanks.” Loxley almost hissed, trying to tone down his arrogance because of his wife’s recommendation. He held the caramel fudge bar and inspected it before taking a cautious bite. It wasn’t salt, it was sugar. This time he schooled his expression and body language entirely, self aware and not wanting Aurelia to notice his enjoyment again. It’d be off brand not to be brooding, even if he had faltered earlier on.

His gaze flicked across the table to her father. The sun around them was bright as could be, and it seemed like it would never set. At least not as fast as Loxley would like. He chewed slowly, locking eyes with the king in a subtle show of dominance while his wife wasn’t looking to object just like she had when he stole the head chair. He was daring the king to speak first, and find a topic that would be more accommodating than the last question about children that had nearly conjured a fight.