When people back home had said how different it would be in Mercia, Ezio hadn't understood just how much.
For a start despite being sunny, it was cold, bitterly, he was fortunate that he had a cloak to rap around him as they travelled to Rochester, the capital. Though that was nothing when compared to the first sight when entering the harbour; the Florentine shuttle they travelled on was dwarfed by the Mercian battleships and galleons, everyone in Florentine knows about the legendary Royal Navy of Merica, only seeing it first hand could Ezio could understand the power of this Kingdom. No wonder Florentine is so eager to be allied with them.
As Ezio, and his family, entered the Royal Palace and were guided toward there temporary accommodation, the palace's guest apartments, Ezio and his sisters, Margaret and Jane, gazed in fascination at their first sights of the court's formalities, style and fashions. Mercia wasn't so much famed for it's ostentatiousness like Aquitaine, but still this court must gave them a good run for there money. Margaret and Jane were mesmerized by the gowns, shoes and head dresses, the creative designs, the rich colours and jewels. The sheer beauty of it all had them both near infatuation.
Ezio too was fascinated by his surroundings, male fashions were also very different from back home, some of the most exotic and extravagant styles here would be considered quite feminine back home. To most, perhaps, but Ezio would disagree. His admiration went beyond the beautiful clothing, to those wearing it. Young blonde, pale and handsome Mercian boys, Ezio almost scratched himself for thinking of such a thing, about someone of the same gender. He forced himself to look away, as they moved past the bustling court rooms towards the guest apartments.
"Here we are" the servant guiding the family opened the door to reveal a spacious apartment. "Your arrival has been announced, I'm told a Lord of the Privy Council will be along before long to welcome you and make further arrangements"
"Much appreciated" Ezio's father replied graciously handing the servant a pouch of coin.
"Thank you very much, your excellency" The servant respectfully gave a slight bow. As he left the door closed heavily to a thump.
"Mother" Jane finally broke her silence, "when can we go clothes shopping"
"We look so drab, and our heads look positively naked!" Margaret added.
"You have nice clothes girls, don't belittle your god appreciated privileges"
"We'll need some new clothes" Ezio's father conceded, "It may be vanity on the girls parts, but we must be respectful of this court's traditions.... especially when we meet Queen Mary"
Ezio had disappeared into the room that was to be his, and lied on his bed and gave a large sigh, it was stressful and depressing suppressing his feelings, but it was his duty to his family and his city to do as expected of him. And other guys wouldn't fit into that. From his room, Ezio could hear a loud knock on the apparently door, he got up and entered the room as a servent opened the door and announced the visitor, the Duke of Northton.
"Your Grace" Ezio's father bowed, second's later Ezio, his sisters and mother followed suit.
"Your Excellency, I hope you've settled in" The Duke replied.
"Yes... it's a lovely city and palace. The girls are in awe"
The duke chuckled, "I am not surprised, court is an exciting place for ones so young. The Queen has informed me that as a welcome gift, you are all too place orders from the court tailors. She looks forward to meeting you tomorrow lunch time."
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