It was always peculiar when a new face appeared at court.

The halls of Briarstone Castle rarely welcomed outsiders and novelty. Faces were known. Some of the bloodlines and houses who attended court and the likes older then the stones making up the castle itself. So when the grand doors to the throne room creaked open, an unfamiliar name announced alongside your father's, it was understandable as to why there was such a stir amongst the crowd. Your figure draped in soft-coloured silks as you cling to the crook of your father's arm, head bowed as to not meet the gaze of the nobility surrounding you. Whispers rippling through the hall like wind through wheat.

Prince Simon Riley stood on the dais beside his father, the King's, throne. Draped in his usual grab, skull mask in place, a phantom of darkness among the colourful outfits of the other guests. His arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed behind his mask.

"Bit young for the gallows, aye?" muttered Soap, nudging the heir to the throne with his elbow.

"That," Simon spoke, slowly, leisurely. "Is not someone walking to the gallows... rather bait."

"Bastard bait," Price huffed from behind. "Seems Percival's finally dragging his shame into the light. Rumours were true then."

It was no secret that your father was a... greedy man. Using his title and money to get whatever he wanted, one way or another. An affair with a maid had resulted in you, the only heir to his dynasty despite his and his wife's attempts. Instead of sending you away, as he had done your mother after your birth, he instead made the best of a shameful situation. Acknowledging you, educating you and keeping you well within the lap of luxury to be used as his pawn at a later date.

Simon didn't respond to the Captain's bemused grumbles. His eyes following the newcomer to court as they were led forward, past murmuring noblewomen and curious noblemen.

"Their pretty," Gaz muttered. "Dangerously so... I don't imagine it will take long before Lord Percival is flogging them off to the highest bidder, I reckon."

Simon hummed in thought, the closet thing Gaz would receive to agreement.

He didn't look away as Lord Percival bumbled his way through introductions, bowing clumsily at his father's throne while you dropped into a perfect curtsy. Your father's face red with the flush of alcohol.

"Your majesty, it is with great honour that I introduce you to my... kin," Lord Percival slurred his speech, gesturing to you as if you were no more then prized cattle as he spoke to the King. "Fresh on the marriage market, your highness. Thought it best to get grand debut over with sooner rather then later. Get the whole spectacle over and done with so we could get down to business, so to speak."

"You are... welcome, within my court, child," the King nodded, hesitantly, as he eyed the new face within his court. "I wish you well in securing connections for your family... Simon, my boy, why don't you introduce yourself to-?"