As the reception neared its end, Victoria found herself on one side of the room with just her mum and Enzo.
"Welcome to our family, Enzo." Her mum accepted a kiss on her cheek. "I do wish it had been under more normal circumstances, but nonetheless we're happy to have you."
"I feel much the same."
Victoria wondered if everyone could see the tiredness that had settled around his eyes or if only she could thanks to the amount of time they had spent together.
A few minutes later, they realized the only ones left were the three of them and Frederick and Elise who were walking their way. The conversation didn't last long, but plans were tentatively made for breakfast the next morning. The Southern Santierians knew Enzo's schedule could still be a bit up in the air. Victoria didn't anticipate any reason for her to be unable to join them.
Despite their now-familial relationship, the Southern Santierians left the palace for their own accommodations elsewhere.
Once again, Victoria found herself walking down corridors with her husband until they found themselves back at their quarters.
Now, if only they could rest.
Dark gray suit,teal tie.
Still subdued.
Not black.
Enzo was happy about that.
Laying his mum to rest and surviving the reception with all the dignitaries had lowered his stress far more than he thought it would. He'd postponed his massage the week before, but needed to make time for it now. What he really needed was a real stress-free holiday, but it would be a long time before he was able to take one of those.
"You look very nice."
He turned to see Victoria walking out of the en suite wearing a navy pantsuit. The top underneath matched his tie. The whole family would be putting away the black and it relieved Enzo more than he would have expected.
"Thank you. You look very nice as well."
She spun on the ball of one foot until she made a full circle. "Thank you."
"I wish we were able to make this announcement in our own time and with a greater choice of wardrobe options." He fiddled with the cuff link on his left wrist, trying to get it straight.
"I know, but it will be fine. Everything will be fine." She sounded like she was trying to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince him. "How long do we have before we need to leave?"
"A couple of minutes." He gave her a wink. "They can't start without us."
She laughed. "True, but neither one of us want to set a precedent for being late."
"Also true." Finally satisfied his cuff link was straight, he extended his elbow toward her. "May I escort you to our first joint photo call?"
Victoria moved to his side and slid her hand into his elbow. "I would be honored."
As they started toward the door, Enzo stopped in his tracks.
"What is it?" Concern tinged her voice.
"Should I change into a navy suit instead of gray?" He had plenty of options. It would only take a moment since he wouldn't change his shirt.
"That's up to you. If the blues don't match just right, it could look more off than it would with a gray suit."
She had a point, but he turned toward the closet anyway. "Let's see what I have."
The third blue suit they looked at was virtually identical to hers. He quickly shucked his jacket and toed his shoes off at the same time. Victoria took the hanger with the navy jacket as he quickly changed his trousers.
She held out a hand. "Hand me the gray ones and I'll get the belt out for you."
