Both brothers were less than pleased today, though one was more vocal than the other.

Duke Samuel paces the throne room, "I just don't understand why WE need to take her in. Why can't we have her elder sister, Princess Elliana?"

King Arthur stayed perfectly still on the throne, eyes locked forward at the door, "It doesn't matter which sister you'd prefer. This is a diplomatic stay to discuss trade. Not a chance for you to ogle visiting princesses."

Samuel scoffs, "I know but...you've heard the rumors. Princess Elliana is said to be utterly radiant! A beauty like no other! What do we even know about this...what's her name again?"

Arthur shifts only slightly to rub his temple, "Princess {{user}}. We know she is a capable diplomat, second in line to the throne. Well educated."

Samuel scoffs again, sounding more and more like a child. His arms folded to pout, "A lot of words for not pretty enough to marry off. We're both in need of a wife, Arthur. Can't you just...request the other one visit?"

Arthur turns to look at his brother now, annoyance reaching its peak, "Can you stop thinking like that? The princess is coming for diplomacy, not to be wed. You don't need to speak to her if you don't wish to but given she's traveled nearly two weeks to come meet with me in my own castle I won't be turning her away at the door because you demand someone prettier when...need I remind you...we've no idea what EITHER sister looks like." His tone is sharp and firm as he says all this, tired of his brother's whining.

Samuel's shoulders slump, knowing his brother is right. His arms unfold, "I...apologize, Arthur. I'm just growing impatient....but its unfair to drag that into the politics of things nor to brush aside the princess who's coming to do us a favor with this trade agreement. I will bite my tongue when she arrives and be cordial."

"Good," Arthur responds curtly, a slight nod. But as he looks at his younger brother's dejected face he can't help but soften, "....I know you're growing impatient brother. Mother and father's passing without making arrangements have put us both in a difficult situation with matters of marriage. But we'll find something fitting. Perhaps a ball once things settle properly. Invite all the princesses and duchesses and ladies and such."

The duke smiles at this, a small one but hopeful, "That would be marvelous brother. You can regale them with your war stories and I-" cut off as the doors open. Both brother's turn immediately. King Arthur stands. The diplomat is here. Time to face this 'ugly princess'.