Royal Secrets

Dawn had finally managed to slip away from her guard, having been attempting to for the past hour. She had no interest in meeting her sister's fiancee, but the guard had seemed intent on insisting that they head back to the castle so that they wouldn't be late for the prince's arrival. Really, though, Dawn knew she was lucky her guard allowed her to go to the market at all.

Still, it always felt tense when she had a guard looking over her, keeping watch. It usually attracted attention to her and, since Vera was the heir and better known by the people, it often left Dawn feeling rather awkward. She preferred to avoid the attention and instead wanted to just enjoy herself without worrying about others realizing who she was.

With this thought in mind, she found herself wandering the market, watching people and examining trinkets. There was always something new to discover and she loved seeing all the handmade things especially.

---

"Sir, are you sure making a stop here is necessary?" Alistair asked his prince as he glanced over at the man. "You're meant to meet your fiancee in just over half an hour from now. Wouldn't it be best to focus on the trip there, rather than these pitstops?" Then again, he wasn't sure whether the prince was all too eager to meet his fiancee, anyways. Regardless, the prince had a duty and it was often Alistair's job to remind him of it.

Sighing, he looked out over the market as he kept pace with Elias, though his eyes were mostly scanning for any threats. He doubted any of these people even knew who Elias was, though, so he hoped the most he would have to worry about was the possibility of a thief or something.

"We really shouldn't linger long," he added, "Being late would make the union difficult."

---

Queen Maria watched over her daughter, occasionally asking for Vera to do a twirl so that she could ensure the clothes Vera wore were appropriate. It had to look elegant but also suitable for an occasion as simple as meeting her fiance.

"Now, remember your manners when he arrives," Maria said firmly as her eyes scanned over her daughter's features, "Though I have no fears of you managing to do so. But, we have to make sure you leave a good first impression on your fiance, because it will affect how things play out from that moment."

She nodded once and stood, straightening the skirt of her dress for a moment. "Prince Elias should be arriving any time soon. Let's make sure he has no doubts about this union when he does arrive."

@ momentai.
Princess Vera stood before her floor length mirror looking over her reflection. Her mother had been watching her all morning and fussing over her. Vera wanted her to disappear the blonde wanted time to collect her thoughts and try to get the nerves that were fluttering in her stomach under control but that was not the case. Grabbing the delicate diamond and pearl tiara off of her beside table she placed it on top of her head and did a small spin.

"Yes mother I am aware that I am to make a good impression on the Prince, you have been grooming me long enough. You don't need to keep telling me how important this is. I promise it will be fine," she assured turning to look at her mother. She bowed as her mother turned to leave before turning her attention back to her reflection.

You can do this Vera. You have to do this for the sake of the Kingdom! she reminded herself. The truth was Vera had never met this Prince Elias so she wasn't sure how she felt about it or if it would even work out between the two of them. Heaving a sigh she knew she should be getting to the throne room where she would greet the Prince and thank him for all his troubles of travelling so far.

---

Elias had been listening to his Captain and good friend Alistair and he figure how much this was beginning to weigh on the brown haired male. He knew Alistair hated to be late to anything. His punctuality was something he prided himself on. But Elias had been caught by a female he had saw walking through the markets so instantly he jumped off his steed and began walking through the swarm of bodies.

"Alistair we will get there in time I promise. I just..." he went to continue but he saw her. She stood before a table decorated with trinkets, he watched her for a few moments before beginning to make his way toward her. However a burly man came up beside her whispering something in her ear and just like the she began to walk off. He tried to follow her but it was hard to move in such confined spaces.

"Alright, let's get going," he called over his shoulder before turning and heading back to his horse, jumping up he looked out over the people to see if he could find the woman again. Unfortunately he could not.

Though Dawn had been enjoying herself, her eyes wandering over trinkets and anything that caught her eye, it wasn't really a surprise to her when Marcus, her guard, found her. Leaning down, he murmured a simple, "Princess, we really should go. It is an important day, after all." With a quiet sigh, Dawn set down the necklace she was looking at and nodded slightly.

"Okay," she murmured in response before she followed him to the castle. It wasn't a long walk and she preferred that over taking a ride that would attract attention. Regardless, as they approached, they were quickly ushered inside by the servants, who then took her to her room to get her ready. She didn't see her sister during this time, but she wondered if Vera was alright.

Once she was dressed, she was permitted to leave her room and she came downstairs to spot her mother, who was heading to the throne room as well. "Dawn, you're late," Maria said firmly, her lips forming into a small frown, "Come, we should join your sister."

"Yes, mother," was Dawn's simple response, though she did trek after her mother to the throne room.

---

Alistair stared at the prince for a long moment, wondering what in the world had distracted the man so much from their present goal. Sighing, he simply waited for it to pass, hoping that Prince Elias wouldn't take too long to give up this small sidetrack adventure. When he finally relented, Alistair nodded. "Let's be on our way, then," he said as he climbed back onto his own horse.

Without a second thought, they were back on track to heading to the castle. Hopefully, they wouldn't be too late, though Alistair was certain that they were late in general. He just hoped that the King and Queen and Elias' fiancee would forgive their tardiness.

As they approached the castle, Alistair announced who they were and climbed off the horse. Some servants took the horses away to put them in a stable before another servant came over with a smile. "If you would, follow me," she said with a small bow before she led the way inside and to the throne room.

@ momentai.
Vera stood in the throne room next to her mother and father who were seated on their rightful thrones. The blonde's stomach was doing somersaults and her hands were slick with sweat. She wanted to run back to her room and hide but she knew she couldn't do that she had to be here to meet her future husband. Her feet were beginning to hurt in her heels, she instantly regretted her mothers choice in outfit it was suddenly the most uncomfortable thing she owned.

Just as she was about to kick her shoes off the doors to the throne room burst open causing her to look up. Walking in behind one of the servant girls were two men. One with hair the colour of corn and the other hair a dark mahogany colour. She instantly knew which one was to be her husband.

The blonde one.

She couldn't deny that he wasn't handsome but there was something about the dark haired captain beside him that made her look twice. He was most certainly handsome in a roguish kind of way. The servant girl made the introductions and she learned that her fiancé's name was Elias and the man who entered with him was Alistair. She curtsied respectfully like her mother had taught her. She wondered why her sister wasn't in the room with her. Or her mother for that matter. However Vera knew her sister and she guessed she had been at the market mingling with the people and collecting trinkets and keepsakes.

"Your Highness," she greeted straightening up her eyes locking with the blondes. "Captain," her eyes shot over to Alistair.

---

Elias entered the throne room and eyed the King who sat in his throne but noticed how the Queen's was empty. As he got closer the servant girl that had led them in made quick introductions before bowing and exiting the room. Elias bowed before the King.

"Your Majesty," straightening up his attention turned to the blonde haired Princess who had greeted him with such grace, she curtsied before him "My Lady," he returned the gesture with a bow. The blonde was surprised when she also acknowledged his friend who stood behind him. He had been about to speak when the doors burst open causing everyone to turn.

Elias's eyes widened when he saw who entered behind the Queen. It had been the maiden from the market. She was walking toward him dressed in red and wearing a smile. She was a Princess, he was startled at the news. And not just any Princess but the sister to his future bride. This was going to be interesting. He thought to himself as he bowed before the two royals which had just entered.

(Since they're all together now, I'm going to combine the parts.)

Alistair, like the prince, was surprised to hear Elias' fiancee formally greet him. Regardless, he offered a small bow and the proper greetings to the pair before him, though his attention was soon caught by the sound of the doors opening. Glancing back, he spotted the Queen and another girl approaching.

"I apologize for my tardiness. I had to ensure that the guest rooms were ready for the two of you," the woman told them, though a sharp look at Dawn brought the dark-haired girl to offer a smile.

"I apologize as well," Dawn said with a small nod. "I was a little busy. Regardless," she offered a small curtsy before she continued, "I'm sure we'll all enjoy having company. And I do hope that you'll forgive my mother's and my own tardiness. We meant no offense."

Though Dawn wasn't really the best with being punctual or doing proper things that royalty should, she was good with words. At least that much pleased their mother.

"It is quite alright," Alistair assured with a nod before he looked to Prince Elias, "The Prince and I were running late ourselves. We apologize for that as well." With a small smile, he looked back to Princess Vera and offered one more bow. "I'll make sure that Prince Elias is no longer tardy to anything when it comes to his fiancee. You'll have my word on that."

"I'm pleased to hear that," Marie chimed with a smile, "Now, don't you think it's time you show your fiance around, Vera?"

@ momentai.
(okie dokie)

Vera turned in time to see her sister and mother walk in, she couldn't deny that she was a little annoyed that her sister, the one person she wanted there wasn't there as soon as the Prince and his Captain arrived but she simply smiled at both women. When the Captain spoke her attention turned back to him and she gently bowed her head when he did to her.

Prince Elias couldn't believe what he was seeing, she was right there before him. Mere centimetres from his grasp.

"Of course... I am sorry for my tardiness, it will not happen again," the blonde stated bowing before each of the women. However his eyes moved over to the brunette. When the Queen suggested her daughter, his fiancé show him around he instantly looked at her smiling kindly.

"Yes mother, please come this way," she smiled holding out her hand and wrapping it through his however as she passed the Captain she allowed her eyes to trail down his face and she felt warmth creeping across her cheeks. She tried to hide it from view leaning forward so the strands of her hair fell in front of her face.

"Was your journey comfortable?" Vera asked the Prince as the two walked through the castle door and into the other rooms. "You must be awfully tired. If you do not wish to see the castle I can show you to your room and you can rest I will not be offended."

"Yes My Lady," Elias smiled nodding his head, "Oh no by all means show me the castle," he nodded his head as the two continued to walk through through the rooms. However the Prince's mind went back to the dark haired female.

Vera could't help the way her thoughts shifted back to Alistair as she showed her fiancé around. She didn't know what it was about the male but she was interested in finding out more about him.

(I hope this is okay)

(It's great, no worries!)

Alistair watched as the pair left, though his attention had been mostly on the princess at that point. In all honesty, he felt a little envious of the prince in that moment and he'd never felt that before, not when it came to wealth or royalty or anything else. He couldn't quite pin down what had him envious, though. He supposed it was the princess's beauty; Elias certainly was lucky.

"Dawn, why don't you go ahead and show the Captain to his sleeping quarters?" Maria suggested after a moment, though her attention was on the Captain. To be honest, she didn't like his attention on her daughter and she had caught the flash of red across her daughter's cheeks. She'd have to keep an eye on the two, she decided, less they ruin the union of the kingdoms.

Dawn hesitated for a moment, not quite fond of the idea of showing somebody around when she would much rather head back out to the market and get the necklace she had been eying earlier. Regardless, she knew her mother wouldn't take no for an answer and offered a small nod. The market would have to wait. "Certainly," she said after a moment, "If you would, Captain, follow me."

Alistair waited for Dawn to begin leading the way, though he was certain he could feel Maria's eyes on him. Ignoring that, he began following Dawn, though they mostly walked in silence as they headed through the corridors and up staircases.

Upon coming to a stop at a room, Dawn turned to him. "I apologize for not being a better tour guide. I'd show you around more, but I'd likely get you lost," she said honestly.

"It's no trouble. I'm sure I'll find my way around along the way," Alistair assured with a small nod.

Dawn offered a smile, then. "Well, I do hope you find your living arrangements to your liking. If you'll excuse me," she announced before giving a parting curtsy and turning to leave.

Once she was out of sight, Alistair headed into the room, his mind focused on Princess Vera so much that he didn't really bother to pay attention to the details of the room.

@ momentai.
Vera had finished showing Elias around and was now showing him to his sleeping quarters. Once they were at the entry she stopped and turned to face him.

"Well I do hope that the tour was entertaining and didn't bore you too much," the blonde began looking up at her fiancé, he looked down at her and smiled exposing his perfectly straight teeth.

"It was wonderful thank you very much Vera," he thanked before leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. A blush spread across her face she curtsied before the male.

"I will see you at dinner," the male nodded his head before bidding her ado. Vera nodded before turning and walking away, the blonde had enjoyed her time with her fiancé her thoughts couldn't help but wander back to the dark haired captain that had accompanied her betrothed. Vera headed toward her bedchamber where she would change for dinner. As she was walking back to her room she hadn't really been paying attention to where she was going and she ran into another person.

"Oh, I am so sorry," she apologised quickly, looking up to see who she had run into. It was no other than Alistair, the male she had just been thinking about.

---

Elias stood in his room he still had a while before dinner, he looked out the window in his room. His thoughts were wandering to the brunette, the one he had seen seen at the market, the one who happened to be a royal and a member of this family.

As he looked out his bedroom window he looked out at the royal gardens, they were calling to him, he had only just got to the castle and knew he should rest up before dinner but he wanted to go for a walk and he knew the gardens would be the best place. To clear his mind and try and figure out what he was going to do about the brunette that had captured his attention. He wanted to talk to her, get to know her, sure he was engaged to her sister but that didn't mean they couldn't be friends. Grabbing the coat he had pulled off and exited the room heading toward the exit.

Alistair had been planning to go make sure that the prince had returned to his chamber by now, since he was certain they would need to get ready for dinner soon and he didn't really want to risk being late twice in one day. However, he hadn't the chance to make it to the prince's chamber, because he instead ran into the prince's fiancee. When he heard her apologize, he offered a polite smile and shook his head. "It's not necessary to apologize," he assured her quietly, "I was in a bit of a rush, so it's likely more so my fault than yours, anyways. I apologize for that."

He offered a small nod as if to make his words seem more firm, but he smiled nonetheless. "I apologize if I'm intruding on your business, but might I inquire on why you seemed a little distracted?" he asked her, as he hadn't been able to help but notice that she hadn't really been paying attention.

---

Dawn moved to grab her coat, as she intended to return to the market. While she knew that her mother would likely prefer for her to join everybody for dinner, she really just wanted to go get the necklace she'd seen. She let her guard know to meet her in the garden on her way out, as she was sure that he would likely take his time to join her but he would be angry if she left without him. With a quiet hum, she made her way out of the castle through the back entrance, where the gardens were, and she glanced around for a moment while she waited. Eventually, she moved to sit on a bench by the fountain.

Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to relax while she waited, though she idly wondered what was taking Marcus so long. Knowing him, though, he was likely grabbing some form of snack for them, to avoid her getting hungry while they were gone. The thought made her a little amused.

@ momentai.
Vera couldn't help but smile at the male he was so courteious even though she knew full well it had been her fault as she had not been paying attention as to where she was going, however his apologies were sweet.

"How about I take half the blame and you the other, that way it is fair," she smiled looking into his dark eyes. Vera was taken aback by his question and instantly had no idea how to answer it. She couldn't tell him the truth, the real reason she was so distracted knowing that he was the reason, especially considering she was engaged to his Prince.

"Oh..." she stammered over her words, "I-I just have a lot on my mind... the engagement... and wedding... it is a lot for me to think about," it wasn't the truth but it was believable a wedding and engagement is a lot for anyone to think about.

---

Elias had been walking through the Gardens for a while and was heading back toward the entrance, as he got closer he noticed someone sitting on the bench. Instantly he knew it was the girl from the market place. He had never caught her name, she was never introduced so now was the time to change that.

"Hello your Highness," he greeted as he walked up beside her, she really was beautiful. A different kind of beauty to her sister, where Vera is blonde she is brunette, Vera's eyes are blue whereas hers are dark and endless as if they hold many stories and secrets. "I'm sorry I never got your name?" he apologised before nodding to the spot beside her. "May I sit?"

Alistair offered a small smile in response to her words, though he eventually offered a small nod. "I suppose that is fair. I couldn't possibly allow you to take the full blame and it seems that you won't allow me to take the full blame, either, so half the blame shall be mine and the other half, yours," he agreed with a small nod as he watched her, taking in her features.

He truly felt that his prince was quite lucky to have been arranged to marry this woman. She was beautiful and clearly kind and thoughtful. Mentally, he made a note to remind his prince of this, but he also wanted to keep his opinions of her beauty to himself.

"I see," he muttered with a small nod before he sighed quietly. "Yes, I suppose it's expected that it would be a lot to take in. Unfortunately, these sorts of responsibilities are expected for those of... higher power."

He offered a small smile, but he did feel bad for the woman. He felt bad for his prince as well. This wasn't something they chose; it was what their parents asked of them and what their kingdoms needed. "If you ever need somebody to talk to about your worries, I'm always open to listen."

---

Dawn peeked her eyes open when she heard somebody speak and she turned her attention to the source. "Oh, my, my sister's betrothed is out so late," she chimed casually, though she looked faintly amused. He was handsome, she'd give him that, but she didn't want to admit it aloud or even to herself. No, this was her sister's fiance, and she knew it was pointless to think anything unnecessary.

"Hello," she greeted nonetheless, offering a small nod as she shifted to sit up in a more proper manner, her hands moving to rest upon her lap. "My name is Dawn and... Well, I suppose you can sit, but I likely won't be around for long," she said with a small nod before her attention went to the entrance to the castle.

She knew that, before long, either Marcus would show up and they would escape to the market before it got too late, or her mother would show up and drag her back inside. She definitely hoped it was not the latter, because her mother would likely berate her for speaking to Vera's fiance. It wouldn't surprise Dawn if her mother thought she was up to no good, really; her father was the parent that understood Dawn the best, whereas her mother favored Vera. It didn't bother her, but she wished for nothing more than to enjoy her life and her mother preferred to suffocate them with rules and requirements.

"Did you escape to the Gardens to hide from my mother or to bide your time and gather your thoughts before dinner? I'm almost certain my mother would chase you around the castle for wedding planning and, if she doesn't do it throughout the day, she'll definitely take the opportunity to do so during dinner."

@ momentai.
Vera smiled when Alistair said that he was always open to listen but if she was being completely honest she would probably never talk to him about what she is thinking and stressing over even if it was her engagement. She didn't want to burden him with her complaining, instead it would be her mother that would be bearing the brunt of all of that.

"Thank you sir," she nodded her head, "Well I must continue, my mother will be wondering where I am. I'm supposed to find after I have finished showing his Highness around. Once again I am sorry for running into you, please excuse me." with that the blonde hurried off to find her mother. It had been a lie, her mother had not wanted to see her after she had shown Elias around but she would rather be around her than Alistair at this moment. Especially since he seemed to be clouding her thoughts.

---

"It is a pleasure to know your name," Elias nodded before taking a seat down beside her, he made sure there was a safe amount of distance between the two of them just incase someone walked passed and assumed something that isn't true. "Where do you plan on going? If you don't mind me asking?" Elias turned to look at the female. He wanted to make small talk with her even if it was only for a short while before she leaves again.

Elias tried to hide his wince at the thought of the Queen chasing him around asking about wedding plans in which Elias had no idea about, he would have to leave it up to the bride to organise which he felt bad for but it was what he thought would be easier. "Well now that you say that I had better start getting my thoughts together if what you say is true," his tone was light and playful, he didn't want to offend the Princess at all.

Alistair blinked with mild surprise when Princess Vera was so quick to rush off. He watched her leave, though, and didn't interrupt her departure because he believed her excuse to escape. His thoughts were still consumed with the princess, though he wished they wouldn't be. He absolutely could not get in the way of his Prince's engagement, so he certainly could not allow himself to continue being obsessed with thoughts of Princess Vera.

So, he decided to leave her be. Instead, he turned and went to search for his Prince, because he was sure they'd be requested to dinner soon. Unfortunately, the Prince was not in his room, so Alistair now had to search the castle for him, though he somewhat hoped to merely run into Princess Vera again.

---

"To the market. My personal guard and I were there earlier and I spotted something I was interested in. Unfortunately, he decided that it was time to come back here, so I didn't get the opportunity to get the item. I'm hoping it's still there now so I can get it when we leave soon," Dawn explained, though she blinked when she realized she was rambling and ducked her head slightly in hopes of gathering herself.

"I apologize. That might be a lot of information to take in at once." Offering a small smile, she lifted her gaze back to him and shrugged. "Though I do wish you luck with my mother. She can be a little more than overbearing."

@ momentai.
Vera walked through the castle knowing full well where her mother was and instead of going to her she walked to her bed chamber, entering her room she sat down at her dresser and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She scolded herself mentally for what she was thinking about. She was engaged to a very handsome man yet it is his Captain that she cares more about, his Captain that she would rather spend hours talking to.

The blonde knew she had to sort her thoughts out before the wedding but she wasn't sure if she could. Perhaps she needed to spend more time with Prince Elias and try and avoid Captain Alistair which she was sure would be no easy feat. Taking a deep breath she reached for her brush and began to brush out her hair. Brushing her hair was one thing that soothed her and helped her straighten out her thoughts, she hoped in this case it worked she knew she would see him again tonight at dinner so she had to get herself sorted out.

---

"Oh really? I hope you don't mind me asking, but what was it?" he was interested in what she had found at the market, there was always so much to be found there. Perhaps it was an item of clothing, perhaps it was flowers, maybe even jewellery the list was endless.

"Oh no that is fine..." he paused as his thoughts went to both her and Vera's mother, he wasn't sure he was ready for everything that he was going to be thrown into. He hoped she wasn't too overbearing. "Thank you." he shot her a smile that was until he heard his name being called. Looking up he tried to see who was calling it however he knew straight away it was his best friend and Captain.

"A resin necklace," Dawn answered with a small smile. "My mother probably won't like it much. It's not flashy, like she prefers, but she'll tire of troubling me about it and focus on yours and my sister's wedding before long." She wasn't extremely fond of using the wedding to her advantage to avoid listening to her mother trouble her over her choice of spending money. She was about to speak further with the man, but she looked up when she heard the Prince's name being called. His Captain came before long, though she spotted her guard coming as well.

"Prince Elias," Alistair called as he approached, though he offered a polite nod to the princess next to him. Mentally, he made a note to remind his Prince that it would likely be best not to be alone with the Princess that wasn't his fiancee, due to the possibility of servants spotting the two or even guards, and rumors arising. It was likely best to avoid any unnecessary issues and he wasn't sure the King and Queen would be fond of such a rumor. "We should head inside and get ready for dinner."

Dawn stood once her guard got close enough and the guard bowed to the trio. "In that case, I think Marcus and I shall take our leave," she mentioned before she glanced to Prince Elias and his captain and offered a small bow of her head. "Do enjoy your dinner." She made little more attempt at conversation and left the garden with Marcus, heading to the exit they often used.

Alistair watched the girl leave before he dropped his gaze back to Elias and sighed. "Prince Elias, I mean no disrespect when I say this, but I do think you should be more careful," he mentioned after a moment. "Although I'm sure you were merely speaking with the Princess, I worry that you being completely alone with her might raise suspicion from the King and Queen and your fiancee."