1- Derbie's Social Debut

                                        

                                              
In the Kingdom of Taroton, one's social Debut was an automatic enrollment in High Society's Game of scandals and Reputation, and Derbie knew that being the Briggs presented this year would guarantee eyes were on him. Although his Family is a Countship, his lineage was renown and had amassed a great enough fortune that many Families were envious. He would be seen as a rich catch for any Suitor to claim, as were his older siblings. As the eldest, Alaric should be the most eligible, except he seemed oblivious to his own bachelorhood and focused on the rest of the Briggs Family. Blair was outspokenly against being married at all despite being second born, and his elder sister had followed her convictions up by being antisocial at the Debut. As third born, Calvin should draw more attention on the Marriage Market, but Derbie knew his brother was almost entirely overlooked as the quiet one in their loud Family. 
"Her Majesty, Queen Akiyama of Taroton," the herald's voice boomed out and the hall stood silent. 
Derbie felt sweat crawl down his spine, the collar of his shirt suddenly constricting as Queen Akiyama entered at last. Despite the chill still gripping the air outside inside the Debut chambers it was sweltering, and Derbie stared up at the balcony the Queen was waving from wondering if he'd become a literal puddle of nerves. Unlike his elder siblings, Derbie wanted to find love; a wife he could cherish as his father did his mother. Setting a good reputation at his Debut would help him draw in the best possibly of that despite the drawbacks. 
"I am eager to be introduced to this year's new adults," Queen Akiyama smiled, looking younger than her thirty years and giving credence to the rumours that the Taro Family bloodline held traces of immortality. 
Social ranking required that the Hatsune Ducal Family introduce their recently adopted daughter Lady Banika first but then Derbie was formally presented to the Queen. After that he listened as the rest of those Debuting had their turns, amused to find that the Ram Viscounty had three daughters his age this presentation. Triplets were rare and although they were all Ladies, that uniqueness would drawn attention off Derbie from Suitor Families. That meant his eldest brother Alaric would be annoyed. As the future Count Briggs Alaric paid the most attention and deference to the traditions of Society, and being the star of debut year was important for the most possible Suitors. 
The very idea of it left Derbie's mouth parched but he held his chin up and spine stiff. The daughter of Marquis Ruma drew attention to herself in the very worst way once the Queen left the balcony; she fainted from her nerves. Luckily a castle servant was able to take her and her heavily pregnant elder sister to a resting room, though Derbie could hear the spill of gossip staining the room at the hysterical display.
"It seems the ladies of this Debut are determined to be spectacles," Alaric's criticism was muttered for Derbie's ears only as his siblings swarmed around him to escort him to the first Event of the social calendar. 
All newly Debuted adults have dinner with the Queen, without their Families around. It was supposed to give new noble adults a chance to express themselves freely to their peers and Sovereign; unshackled by Familial rank and posturing. In reality it was the first of many Social tests. Who could impress? Who was charming? Would alliances form? Would old Family bonds and rivalries persist?
Derbie has not friends Debuting this year, so he gratefully leaned on his Family's exuberant support as they all gave him last minute advice. Before him the grand banquet hall waited, mahogany table laden with exquisite foods and the first official glass of wine he'd have as an adult. 
"Remember," Alaric cautioned, "who you site with tonight may end up your closet ally and confidante, or the nemesis who'll torment you; act accordingly."
"Watch how fast you drink the wine," his elder sister Blair's advice was more practical, "the servants won't let your cup be empty, so you won't realize how many glasses it's been."