The invitation
The morning sun arose over the country of England, waking it's civilians.
However, James had already been awake for hours. Or maybe he just didn't sleep at all that night? He couldn't really remember.
He was sat at his desk which was overflowing with old books that have started collecting dust and ripped parchment stained with dry ink. James groaned, burying his head in his hands with frustration. He had so much work to complete, so many letters of complaint to answer, but he couldn't seem to focus on anything.
With his father being left bedridden, it meant that James was put on board with the tasks his father would normally do. Seeing as he is the rightful heir to the throne.
But he couldn't deny that he was struggling. So much to do with only so many hours in a day. The work that was put on him only made James admire his father even more. At the end of the day, Fleamont always had time for his family, no matter how much tasks were put on his hands, his family were his priority. And James loved him for that. He doesn't know what he would do without his father. The whole country would fall apart.
As James sat there, deep in thought, there was a knock at his door, causing him to flinch. He straightened his back and brushed himself off, before getting up to open the door.
He opened it to find his mother, Euphemia Potter, standing on the other side of the door. He gestured with his hand, letting her inside the room. "Morning dear," she smiled, "How did you sleep." She was holding a small stack of some royal-files that she placed on his desk as she walked in.
James sighed, forcing a small smile, "Fine, thanks mum."
She looked at him pitifully, "I know you too well, son," Euphemia walked up closer to him, placing a hand on his cheek. "I wish you would stop over-working yourself so much."
James shook his head, causing his mothers hand to drop from his face, "I didn't think this would be so hard, mum. I'm doing everything I can." He said, his voice breaking.
"I know love, I know." She started, "I'm here to help you with whatever you need. you know that, right?"
James nodded, dropping his head from embarrassment, "I know," he muttered.
Euphemia stepped forward toward James and kissed his forehead, gently. "I love you. Give yourself a break today, okay?" She said before leaving the bedroom, leaving James isolated in the middle of the room.
James walked back over to his desk to look at the new documents that his mother gave him. He briefly flicked through them, when he noticed a rather strange looking envelope. It was a royal blue colour with a golden lace stitched around the edges. It was addressed "To The Potter Family,"
He opened the letter and started reading it,
Your Majesty's, you are invited to attend the annual ball at Château de Chambord on Tuesday evening of the 21st of May 1803 at 8 o'clock pm.
James hummed, reading the invitation over and over. He remembers his parents always going to these Ball's and them telling him stories about how magical they were. He's never actually been to one before. He left his room to find his mother in the main living room.
"Mum?" James said, walking into the large, open-spaced room.
Euphemia was sat on one of the couches that faced the floor to ceiling windows, which allowed the sunlight to flood into the living space. She looked out into their colourful, flowery garden as she drank her morning coffee.
"Yes, dear?" She asked turning to face him.
"This is for you and dad, I think." He answered, handing over the invitation to his mother.
Euphemia smiled, as she read the invitation. "Yes, I suppose it is." She read over it again, "But, I don't believe your father and I will be able to make it this year."
James' face lit up almost instantly, "How about I go with you?"
His mother considered it for a second, "I guess, it would be rude if we didn't show. But just so you are aware most of this is adults making small-talk with each other and dancing.”
James smiled, "Perfect!"
“I don’t understand why I have to go!” The boy exclaimed. He had long, black curly hair which framed his face in all the right places, and a sharp, defined jaw with deep blue eyes.
”That’s enough! I won’t hear another word out of you, Sirius.” His mother responded, “Regulus will go with you, also.”
Sirius sighed, “I don’t understand why you’re making me go. I’m not king yet!”
His mother glared at him, irritated, “Yes, but when the time comes for you to become king, you will need a wife that will provide you with an heir.”
“That’s what this is about?” Sirius raised his voice, outraged. “You’re making me go so that I can find myself a wife!”
“You are old enough now to understand these responsibilities.” His mother responded, furious. “I won’t hear another word about this. We shall talk later.” She said again, before storming off.
Sirius knew of his responsibilities and the power he will hold after he’s become king, his parents have taught him about this since he was a young boy. But he was also just 16 years old.
He also saw no point in the stupid Ball. Don’t get it wrong, he loves a good party, more than anyone, but this was just a sad social gathering with a bunch of posh, old people.
“Why does she even think I want to find myself a wife, right now!” Sirius said, storming into his brothers room, and throwing himself onto the bed.
Regulus was caught of guard by him, “Maybe knock first?”
Sirius completely ignored Regulus, and continued with his rant. “I’m 16! Father is still perfectly alive and healthy so I’m not particularly in need of an heir!”
“Well-“
“And this stupid Ball!” Sirius lied on his back, throwing a pillow over his face, “I mean they can’t really expect me to find a wife in one night?”
“Just don’t.” Regulus suggested, shrugging.
Sirius sat up, giving him an unimpressed look, “Why thank you, brother. That fixes all my bloody problems!”
“I don’t know what to tell you Sirius. Just make a fool of yourself, that way no woman will ever want you.” Regulus said, sarcastically.
”I’m not trying to get myself killed, Reg. Mum and dad would literally disown me if I caused a scandal at this ‘super important’ Ball.”
”Just try to avoid any princesses and their parents, that way mum and dad won’t assign you a ‘perfect-match’” Regulus said, “And besides, mum and dad will be more busy trying to avoid the Potter’s without making themselves look like idiots.”
Sirius’ eyes widened, “The Potter’s are going to be there?” He asked, excitedly.
”Uh, well, yes. But-“
”Perfect.” Sirius grinned.