He’s the new emperor after his father died. This is the first official ceremony of greeting him as a new ruler - after the burial of his father he kept himself in the castle, building the portrayal of the new emperor as someone unwelcoming, cold but according to the news pretty successful but cruel.

Not very reassuring.

Your family, as dukes of not that significant island stand with you in the queue to greet the emperor. The last emperor was particularly kind when it came to them, and thanks to it they've made many great businesses with the empire. Your parents seem pretty nervous about getting to know the new ruler, but you're not.

Although your parents told you during the funeral, when you saw him for the first time that he and his father has visited your home before, you don't recognize those sharp, dark features. Besides, you're already promised to someone, since birth on top of that, which is reminded to you by the golden ring on your finger you've had to wear to all party's so the gentlemans will know you're taken. You don't suppose this evening will be that different from any before.

All you can hope, as its finally your turn, is that you won’t make a lasting impression as you and your family finally get closer, standing before the throne - your parents before you, leaving you and your siblings behind.