I can't give up, I can't give in

The color red has become a prominent color in Nova's life. It's dark to light contrast spreading like a wild fire. The iron taste and smell that is emitted as it spills from the body, blood. The most prominent red. It made her sick to her stomach. Watching the red leak from a slash that was as wide as her hand, as deep as a canyon over looking the sea's edge. The same location she's dreamed of falling off multiple times.

Standing next to the Leonard Knight, the King of Vateron. Genesis could feel the darkness radiating off of the man. Many times, his cold demeanor's been turned to her. Reflecting on the shiner she sported under a cloud of make-up for the servant who went against him and tried to poison him.

The King slowly raised his right hand. The captured person, who was being held up by two guards, to weak to stand on his own, was forced onto his knees. The guards pushed the man into a kneeling position. "It's not too late to pledge your loyalty to me." King Leonard said as he waited for the man to give in and forget the matriarch of Drandid and pledge his loyalty to a sick and twisted King.

"Long live Queen Genesis." The man uttered in Drandid, and that was all it took. King Leonard's hand went down and a guard came up behind the man, sliding his sword down into the man's back. Right through his heart.

The sound of clapping brought Nova back to the present. Her bright green eyes moving up towards the landing as the King finished his speech. This was his son's twenty-sixth birthday, after all, it was a big deal. It was also the day where the Prince's bride was to be announced, Vateron's customs are weird to Nova even though she'd been here for thirteen years. The families pretty much sell their daughters off to men to marry, calling it a dowery, an insurance policy. These people were all so sick and twisted, she hated it. She hated all of them.

"Now, it is my pleasure to announce my son, Prince Nikolai's betrothed." The King said, and the whole room erupted in excitement. Nova, on the other hand, stood still by the pillar she's been standing next to the whole night. Being ignored by the majority of the party guests. No one wanted to interact with a disgraced Princess after all. "Lady Nova."

A rush of cold washed through Nova's veins as she stared up at the man who's been tormenting her since she was five. Forcing her to relive the death of her people whenever he found a rebel or punished for someone else's misbehavior. This can not be happening. This isn't real, right?

"I know, I know it's a shock." King Leonard went on to say, motioning for the party-goers to quiet down. "But believe it or not, it is a well thought out move, you all must not fear anything, for Lady Nova, has proven herself to be a true Vateron woman, doing her part for our great nation. Now! Let's all enjoy the rest of the evening. To Prince Nikolai and Lady Nova." The King raised his glass, the majority of the room doing the same in a silent cheer, then taking a sip of their drinks.

Meanwhile. Nova felt like her whole world was frozen. She, a disgraced Princess, was engaged to the Enemy Prince of her people. To the man's son, who slaughtered people in front of her. The King had always told her, every year on her birthday, that her life would end when she turned Eighteen. She's been waiting for her death, is this, what he meant? Closing her eyes, Nova willed her emotions down, to be stoic as she usually was. She'll have to figure things out later. When there weren't hundreds of Vateron eyes now on her.

@ FallenHope95

As the announcement was given, Prince Nikolai smiled warmly at those who stared at him. This was supposed to be good news, something for them all to celebrate and he needed to act like it was such. Though, in all truth, the prince wasn't overly pleased when he learned the news from his father just two days before the announcement. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the princess, because there wasn't, as far as he knew. But he didn't know her. Despite the fact that she had always been there, Prince Nikolai knew nothing about her. He always kept his distance from her.

Plus, the prince had thought it would be better if he married a woman of true heritage. Not the princess of the country his father took over. She may still hold royal blood but her power was gone. She had very little say in the world now and the rebellions of her people grew less and less as the years had gone on. Though his father put his foot down and Prince Nikolai knew better than to continue to fight. This was the way things would be and in reality, Nikolai had very little say in changing it. At least not until he took his father's place as king.

Prince Nikolai looked over to the young princess, continuing to use the fake smile over his face. It seemed it would be time to start a connection with the woman. They were to be married so he might as well get to know her. Perhaps, this arrangement wouldn't be too bad. There was a chance that they could be happy together. And Nikolai thought himself a rather pleasant man to be around. If they could find common ground, they could be great together, right?

Before the thoughts of their future could consume him, Prince Nikolai was soon pulled back into reality but a few nobles. They came up to congratulate Prince Nikolai on the engagement, as well as to have some light conversation. Though, the prince was only able to get through the first few minutes before politely excusing himself. Even though the prince was sure that many would like to speak with him, it seemed more important to at least speak to the princess. He barely knew anything about her and it was very rare for them to even say a few words in passing but all of that would need to change.

Once he was in front of Princess Nova, Nikolai bowed his head before offering a hand to her. "May I be given the honor of having you as my dance partner?" He asked her. It seemed like a good first step. Prince Nikolai saw this as a sign of goodwill. And at least they wouldn't need to talk quite yet. It seemed best to try to get to know each other after the party, when they didn't have eyes on them.

@ BearGirl
Once Nova was certain that her emotions were under control, she slowly opened her eyes. Unfortunately, her gaze traveled up those haunting steps once more. Straight towards the King, who held her life in his hands since she was a mere five years old. The man who changed her name to rip her identity from her. An all he's ever done as she silently cried for him, was a smile. Smile like he'd done nothing wrong. Like he's not the one who's tormented a mere child. Just like he was smiling now, mocking her, exerting the exact same power he's always had over her. Only, this time. It was a public display.

Much to her dismay, Nova's stoic expression started to slip. It was only a small movement, but to Nova, it was an embarrassment. Her lips moved into a frown, her displeasure of the news was written on her face like it was a blinking red arrow painted on her. She wasn't happy, she did not want to marry the man's heir. She did not want to be condemned to the Prince. No, she wanted to be severed from the servitude that she's been bound to for the past thirteen years.

Shifting her gave when a voice met her ears. Nova's stoic expression slowly came back into place as she looked towards the Prince. She heard him out, and against her best judgment. Nova slowly, with a hesitant hand, placed it in his palm. Her bright green eyes glanced towards the king for the last time tonight. His sickening smirk playing along his lips as he raised his goblet in a mock cheer and then turned to leave the new love birds to enjoy their first dance together.

Looking back towards the Prince as he led the way towards the dance floor. Nova could feel her pulse quickening. Not because of butterflies though, no, she wasn't a love-struck fool who was enchanted by the Prince. No, the attention. The eyes that were on her, judging her from head to toe. Her dress wasn't the latest or most fashionable, the tiara she wore at the King's request didn't shine as brightly as the royal families. Her complexion wasn't as dreamed about as theirs. She was just all wrong for this atmosphere. Nova didn't belong here, in the Vateron kingdom. Dancing with their prince, sipping their drink. No, she was just a charity case.

Placing her hands lightly in the correct position's on the Prince as the music got ready to play. Nova was careful to not look Prince Nikolai in the eyes. She didn't want to see his father in him. So, she looked towards her right for most of their dance. Playing the shy card instead of the anxious fear-filled girl that she was.

@ FallenHope95

Prince Nikolai was gentle as he moved his hands to the correct position to dance. He was careful with the princess as they moved along the dance floor. The prince also did his best to ensure that neither of them would make a mistake while all of the eyes were on them. He didn't want to listen to the gossips snicker away for the rest of the night if either of them misstepped for even a moment. They were always ready to prey on anything and he didn't want it to be them on a night Prince Nikolai was already trying to figure out how to navigate.

Once his eyes glanced down at the princess, he took a moment to look over her facial features. Despite how long they have lived together, he never took the time to really look at her. Nikolai had always done his best to avoid the princess, thinking that it would be better for both of them if he did so. Though, that apparently did not work out in his favor. Perhaps, if he had tried to reach out before this, their engagement wouldn't be so awkward. And, worse of all, it seemed that the princess was not even willing to look him in the eyes. Harsh, but also fair considering everything.

Clearing his throat lightly, Nikolai started to speak towards the middle of the dance. He didn't want this all to go by without him saying anything to her. Though he was also highly aware of everyone staring, and many would do their best to eavesdrop on the new couple. "I would like to invite you to dine with me tomorrow, for lunch," Nikolai whispered quietly to her. "If you are agreeable to it, we could dine out in the gardens if the weather permits. Though we could also eat inside if that suits you better, Princess."

He was hoping that Nova would give him a chance. It was true that he had avoided her all these years, and Nikolai was rather concerned that she wouldn't be willing to try. There was a chance that she wouldn't care to. Though it would make both of their lives very difficult if she really decided to go that route...

@ BearGirl
Step, step, turn. Step, step, turn. Nova's body moved with the Princes. She was forced to memorize the dances of his people so as not to embarrass the royal family. Sure, Nova may just be a charity case to the outside world, but to the royal family, she was the King's punching bag and each time she did something wrong or her people did. She paid the price for it. Each and every time.

The sound of the Prince clearing his throat caught Nova's attention and she couldn't help the small glance she gave him. Just a smidge of her attention, not a moment more. His words sending a feeling of dread down her spine. She didn't want anything to do with him, not now and certainly not tomorrow.

Pursing her lips together, her grip of the Prince flinching at the word that the King used to toy with her. Princess, Oh how she hated that word. A Princess was a noble with people who looked up to her for guidence. Learning to protect their people. Nova was a failure, she was not a Princess, she was the shepard that failed to protect her flock. She watched her people get slaughtered in front of her. Tortured and beaten, she was no Princess. She was a disgrace.

Still though, Nova played her part. This was a party after all and who knows how many ears were listening in on the young couple's quiet conversation. "Yes your highness." Nova said quietly, her gaze only briefly flicking up to meet his before looking away. She was still holding onto the shy card. "I would love to join you for lunch tomorrow, where ever you prefer, is fine with me." She told him, lying about the whole thing. She didn't want to join him for lunch, and she didn't care where he chose. More likely then not, she'll hide from him tomorrow instead of joining him. An if questioned, she'll simply say that she forgot.

@ FallenHope95

A light smile moved over his face as the princess agreed to have lunch with him tomorrow. He would have understood if she had said no, or told him that she was busy. Not that he thought that she was busy very often, but of course he had no idea what the princess was up to. What did she do while she was stuck in their palace? Did Nova have any friends that she visited with? It was hard for Nikolai to say as he truly knew nothing about her.

"I am pleased to hear that," Nikolai told her quietly, still trying his best to keep their conversation between each other. "I would truly like to get to know you better," The prince's words were true and he hoped that there was a way that Nova could see that. See that he was being honest with her, that he did want to build a decent relationship with her. Who knew if it would be a loving one but in the least, for them to get along would make him happy.

As the song ended, the prince took a step back and bowed as the dance required him to. Though, as he stood up, he gave Nova a small nod and a gentle smile. She seemed to be a shy one. It would be difficult to get the princess to open up, it seemed, but he was ready to try. Besides, how long could she really hide herself away from him with her shy demeanor? Not long, he thought.

"I will have one of the servants let you know the time and place tomorrow then, Princess," Nova told her. Then, with that, he turned and slowly made his way back into the crowd. Even though this party was about their engagement, Nikolai knew his responsibility was to the guests. He needed to speak with them, seem charismatic and the like. Tomorrow, he swore, would be about Nova.

@ BearGirl
A fake smile, an innocent twinkle of her eyes. Nova played her part, acting as the shy and defensless girl that his father wanted her to be. That he had formed her to be. A small nod of her head was her reply towards the Prince's words about being glad and informing her that he'd send someone to inform her on the time for their supposed lunch. Which she planned to not attend, unbeknownst to him.

As the dance came to an end, a wave of relief washed over Nova as she curtsied towards the Prince. Just as he had bowed to her, acting like the refined royal Princess that was whipped and beaten into her since she had arrived at this godforsaken palace when she was but a small child. A slave to the Vateron kingdom.

Standing up straight, Nova accepted Nikolai's parting words with a smile and a grain of salt. then, she slowly turned and stepped off the dance floor. Her green eyes glancing towards the podium that the King still stood on. His dark eyes were instantly on her when Nova looked up at him. Had he been watching her dance the whole nice with his son? Was he keeping a tab on her in the ballroom as well? A small frown slowly appeared on Nova's lips at the thought and suddenly her dress felt too tight. She needed to get out of it, now.

Moving through the crowd, Nova moved swiftly but also delicately so that she didn't disturb any of the partygoers. She didn't need to hear about how the royal family needed to pay for someone's ruined dress or something. Then, once she was in the hall, a large gasp escaped from Nova. The fresh air was welcomed, especially since the windows were open and were letting in the night's air. After a couple of deep breaths, Nova headed towards her room, ready to get the night over with.

--

It was seeming like the gods above could feel the pain that Nova was feeling in her chest and her mind. The rain came down from the clouds in waves, drenching everything in mere seconds. Thunder rippled through the sound barrier and the lightning danced in unrhythmic waves. Flashing it's light in different colors if it felt like it. Beautiful chaos was going on outside and inside, Nova was hiding in the one place she truly felt safe. The forgotten library on the third floor of the Castle. The room was pretty dark most days, except for the few candles that were lit enough for one to be able to see where they were walking. Most avoided the room because of it's a spooky aura, but Nova loved it. She thought it was peaceful.

Relaxing on the chaise lounge, Nova sat so that she was taking up the whole lounge. Her legs brought up slightly to prop the book she was currently reading up for her. Bare feet dug into the soft fabric of the lounge. Her dress was crumbling slightly because of her unladylike position, but Nova didn't care. She wasn't set to meet anyone, even if she had agreed upon it. No, Nova wanted to stay in her spot, situated under the window as she watched the storm and read her book about the myth of dragons seen in the Vateron Kingdom long ago.

@ FallenHope95

The prince let out a small sigh as he glanced out of the windows. It was storming heavily outside, which ruined some of his plans for the day. Though worse than that, it meant that he would not be able to have lunch with the princess in the gardens. Typically, Nikolai did not mind the storms. There were even times where he welcomed them but this was not one of those days. He thought that the gardens would be a rather beautiful and private place for the two of them. But it was not in the cards.

At least it would not ruin their plans completely. Instead, they would dine in the more private dining room. The room there was smaller and the table was not as big, but they didn't need it to be. Nikolai liked the idea of it being more intimate and liked that it was less prone to eavesdropping. Besides, it was still as lovely as the main dining room. The chandelier was still eyecatching. And the stained windows were astounding to look at.

Once he was alerted that lunch would be ready soon, Nikolai had one of the servants tell Nova to meet him for lunch in, what they liked to call, The Rose Dining Room. After the servant headed off to do so, the prince took a moment to ensure he was well pulled together. He wanted to look nice for the princess. Of course, she had seen him around before but it was important to show that he wanted to make an effort for her.

As he pulled his jacket down slightly, Nikolai made his way to the dining room, wanting to get there first.

@ BearGirl
The sound of a knock jolted Nova from her thoughts. Not many knew where she hid most days. Although, she was sure that the guard at the door was a dead give away. Meaning that there was no worry that the caged Princess was doing anything harmful. Still, though, it was weird to have someone coming to find her.

Slowly, Nova got up from her comfortable position. She slipped on her shoes and walked towards the door. Opening it a smidge, Nova blinked in surprise as she saw a servant. Then, her lips slowly dipped as she listened to the message. She had all the idea to make up a lie, say that she wasn't feeling well. That she didn't want to get the Prince sick as a result, but one look over the servant's shoulder was all that Nova needed to accept. The King had eyes everywhere after all.

Closing the door quietly behind herself, Nova started to tread towards the Rose Dining Room. Her guard keeping a couple of steps behind her to make sure that she didn't try anything funny.

@ FallenHope95

Nikolai patiently waited for the princess to arrive to the dining room. He was nervous about their meet up. After all, Nikolai did not think the two of them have had a full conversation yet, and the princess had lived here for most of his life. And now, he somehow had to find some kind of middle ground with the woman he had tried his best to avoid. It was difficult to understand why his father had made this decision.

Though once the princess was walking into the dining room, those thoughts were quickly pushed to the side. He had to make the best of his situation. So, a warm smile moved over his face as he headed over to her chair and pulled it out for her. "Good Afternoon, Princess Nova." Nikolai waited for her to sit down before pushing her chair in and sitting down in his own seat. "I hope you are enjoying yourself today despite the weather."

@ BearGirl
A cold shiver ran down Nova's back at the mention of the word Princess. She hated that title, and yet, she hadn't been referred to that in years. Whenever his father summoned her, he always called her Lady Nova, a reminder that she's nothing but a disgrace on the land that he walked on and ruled with a bloody fist.

"Afternoon, your Grace." Nova replied quietly as she took the seat that was offered to her. Muttering a small think you as he pushed her chair in for her as well. Acting like the gentleman that she was sure the Queen pushed for him to be. "I have been, thank you for asking." Nova's reply to his question about her day was suttle and short. Just like how she hoped that this lunch would be.

Although, as much as Nova didn't want to, she ended up relaying the same question. "W-what about you? Your Highness, hows your day so far?" She asked, her voice quiet, quivering ever so slightly since she was nervous to be in the same room as someone she barely knew.

@ FallenHope95

"It has been pleasant," Nikolai responded to her as he sat down in his own seat. "Admittedly, I am rather disappointed concerning the weather today as I was hoping to go out for a ride this afternoon, but I can always go tomorrow if the weather perks up. Not that I mind stormy weather but it was rather bad timing for me."

He motioned his hand to the one servant in the room, who then started to set their plates down in front of them. The man then poured their wine before setting the bottle in the middle of the table. Nikolai looked up to the servant. "Thank you, James. You are dismissed for now." The servant bowed to both of them before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Now that they were alone, Nikolai turned his full attention to Nova. "I would like you to call me Nikolai when formality is not needed if you do not mind. Now that we are engaged, it feels rather odd to be formal, unless you disagree?"

@ BearGirl
Pleasentries. Smiling and nodding as she listened to Nikolai speaking about how his day was. It took everything inside of Nova to not roll her eyes at his words. Thankfully, she had quite a bit of self restraint and managed to keep her neutral tight lips smile from giving her away.

Shifting her gaze towards the servant, Nova watched as the man started to serve them. Her bright green eyes staying locked on the wine bottle for a moment to long. Oh, how she craved to just drown herself in the alchohol and drift towards a different place. Anywhere other then this boring lunch that she was being forced to deal with for the sake of the King.

Reaching out, Nova grasped onto the thinnest part of her wine glass and brought it to her lips. Not realizing that one of her few scars was on display for the Prince to see. The thin white line on the side of her wrist would be easily missed if it wasn't for the way the chandalier above them didn't show it.

Hearing the Prince's request, Nova nearly spit her drink from her lips as his request. "I-I don't know about that." She stuttered as she composed herself. "W-we may be engaged, b-but we don't even know each other."

@ FallenHope95

Nikolai eyes widen slightly at Nova's shock by his request. His smile dropped slightly at her reactions. He understood what she was saying, and could see that she was uncomfortable with the idea. Though, Nikolai didn't find his question that strange considering their circumstances. But, none the less, he wanted the princess to be comfortable. "I suppose you are right, Princess Nova. We will remain formal for now until we know each other better."

Thinking that it was best to move on, Nikolai took a moment to look down at the food on his plate. He could tell that the staff put in some extra effort into today's meal for the engaged couple. The prince took a few bites of his food before continuing on. "I do hope that you will give me the chance to get to know you well.... I know I have not been forthcoming in the past." His eyes lifted up as he looked over Nova's face, trying to gauge her willingness. "But I would like to know you better,"

@ BearGirl
Not daring to look towards the Prince as he spoke, Nova pursed her lips together. Not a sound left her as she reached out and set her glass back ontot he table and only then. Did she dare to glanced in the direction of the Prince. Her features were soft, filled to the brim with worry and dispare. It's been years since she's looked at anyone with anything but her well developed neutral expressions.

"You don't want to get to know me, your highness." Nova finally said after a long pause. "I'm not someone who gets close to people, my apologies." Nova's bright green eyes shifted down towards the food that was on her plate. It looked amazing, definitely not like the meals she was used to eating when she dined alone in her room. Only did she eat this well was when she was in the pressense of the true royals of this castle.

"My apologies, my words were a bit harsh." Nova said, knowing that if word of her turning down the Prince met the Kings ears that she'd be in danger.

@ FallenHope95

Silence fell over the prince at the princess' words. It seemed that his attempt to grow a decent enough relationship with the princess was already falling apart. And he was unsure of what to say in response. It was harsh. Especially since she was rejecting him while knowing that they would still be wed despite it.

It felt like hours had gone by before Nikolai was able to lift his head again and look to Nova. Though, still, the prince did not fully understand it. "I am sorry, I do not know what to say." He told her honestly. It was rare that the prince found himself speechless but this woman had managed it from him in less than a few minutes.

"Is there a particular reason?" Nikolai asked her after another few moments. "That you are unwilling to allow me a chance?" He hesitated for a moment before continuing on. "If you are looking to break off the arrangement, you will need to discuss it with my father. If your goal is to push me away in the hope it will no longer happen, I am afraid that will not work."

@ BearGirl
Nibbles, that's all that Nova had managed to do witht he meal in front of her. That, and push it around so that it seemed like she had been eating the whole time it was quiet between the two of them. She really shouldn't have been so rude to the Prince. She really didn't mean for it to come out so rash. It seemed that the young woman still held some of her spitfire attitude.

Hearing the Prince speaking once more, Nova instantly flinched and stiffened at the mention of having to speak to his father. Anything but having to talk to that man would suffice, anything. Anything at all, she just didn't want to go and speak to that man.

Slowly, Nova set down her utincils and looked towards the Prince once more. Her lips were set in a deep frown as she looked at him. "I'm broken, your highness," Nova said quietly and stretched out her arm for him to see the faint scar that was on her arm. A leftover from her fist whipping. When the King accidentally whipped her arm instead of her bareback. "I am your father's punching bag, nothing good will come of this. It's just a game your father, The King, is playing at."

@ FallenHope95

Nikolai looked down at the arm that Nova showed him, revealing the faint scar that was on her arm. In truth, it was hard to see it in the first place and impossible for the prince to tell what he was supposed to be looking at. Though he knew what her words were inferring to and it caused the prince to frown deeply.

Moving up onto his feet, Nikolai took a step back away from the table. "I am sorry if the engagement was not what you wanted but I would like to think that you are above lying to me in order to leave it." The prince turned to the woman once again. At this point, the main was uncomfortable, disappointed and even a little mad about what was occurring in front of him. His father had his downsides but he was not some kind of monster.

"Like I said, if you wish to get out of our engagement, you can discuss it with my father. Though, if not, then I hope you can find it in yourself to give me a proper chance to make this work between the both of us." With that, Nikolai turned and made his way out of the dining room. There seemed no point in continuing this when she was being unreasonable.

@ BearGirl
Lunch was a disaster. Nicolai seemed to have been so wrapped up in his father's lies that he didn't see things clearly. Nova had shown him a scar that the King had marked her with. She had tried to tell him what a horrid man he was, but alas. Like father like son. Right? Nor caring to listen to the begging of others to see their side of things.

It didn't help that the same night, the King had summoned her. The guard that was supposedly standing guard over her leading her to her punish. Dread had filled Nova the rest of that day and she was glad that she barely ate anything from their lunch because watching the King behead another young soul from her Kingdom as her punishment made her feel sick. The way the child's eyes bore into hers as their head was cut from their body. The thought still gives Nova chills, she couldn't do anything for that child, but hopefully. She'll be able to stop that for others.

The sound of violins brought Nova back to her senses. A soiree was being held in the castle's east garden today. Just a little something so that the King could mingle with a couple of his closest advisors, generals, and other noble people. Looking around the area, Nova looked for the Crown Prince. Spotting him near the fountain, a couple of younger nobles surrounding him. Rather they were friends of his or not, she didn't know, but what she did know was that she needed to speak to the Prince.

So, pursing her lips together and keeping her gaze down, Nova approached the Prince. Her betrothed, the man who would hold her life in his hands once the King past away or retired. "You'regrace," Nova said quietly once she was near enough. She curtsied like she was expected to and then glanced at the people he was with before looking back up towards the Prince's dark eyes. "May we speak?" She asked in her quiet voice, fidgeting slightly with her hands that were in front of her lower abdomen. "Privately?" Nova could feel the wary glanced and long looks she was receiving from the Prince's company, but she did her best to not pay them any mind. Her attention to the sole person who could change her life.