The New Kingdom

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Derrick locked up his shop and cleaned up his tools to make sure he had everything in order for the next day ahead of him. He had not planned on going to Korr, and he still was not going to. His wife however wanted to, so Alice went with her father and mother to Korr. He was confused why, she couldn't go to anything because she was a peasant and the most she could do was see the parade they usually had.​

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Either way, he was in charge of his son who never came back from the errands he had sent him for.​

Derrick left the shop with the money he had made that day in a pouch and he walked down the street. He acknowledged some of the people happily but at the same time was looking around.​

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"Isaac!?"​

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He crossed his arms as he stood the the center, everyone was heading home at this time. How does a boy of his age lose his way from a delivery? He must have purposefully ran off, hopefully he delivered the maces and received payment for it. He could go for a drink right now...​

 

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Gwen didn't stop smiling when the princess asked for directions, she was polite and seemed quite nice. She'd met people who treated servants an awful lot worse, she'd be nice to see around. It crossed her mind that the princess might try to escape but surely she knew how important this was and if she got out and felt happier then it was more likely to go smoothly then if she was unhappy from being locked up. She just hoped she'd return after her trip out, "Sure. You can use the servant's exit if you like which is-" She cut off as she heard footsteps approaching, looking round to see the captain she knew that with him around the Princess was unlikely to get out. Turning back to the princess she mouthed a silent apology, that she made sure the Captain couldn't see.

The moment he started talking she found to her dismay that she'd been right, regardless she didn't want to show the Captain that. With him around, she really couldn't blame the princess for wanting to get out for a bit. "Captain" She bowed her head respectfully but then she quietly laughed good-heartedly. "But at ease dear maiden? Do you ever take a break from being so formal? I'm not a soldier and it wouldn't kill you to use my name for once. Surely you must know it by now, we've known each other long enough. Either way, if you insist. Be sure to treat her well, she's a guest not a prisoner." She smiled sweetly, she knew she was possibly pushing her luck here. The Captain was as strict as anything and she didn't really like the way he acted sometimes but she'd come to be one of the few people in the Kingdom who actually wasn't scared of him. He just needed lightening up a little, plus having the Queen's protection gave her a little more freedom.

 

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She may have been right. Beta was formal all the time. He figured he had to be. That formalities is what people saw and which gave him the rank of captain. Chivalry was an oath of honor, not a position to stop every once in a while. "I apologize, Gwen. As the Captain of his majesty, it is my duty to ensure the safety of the royal family. This includes those who are bound to it by marriage like the princess here and to contract like you." Formal it might have been, but it was true. He couldn't let her have a potential for escape. "It is also of good will that I make sure she doesn't wander off during the hours of the moon."

Maybe respected her wishes would let her gain some trust in him, both the princess and Gwen. Surely he could let her take some time to breathe some real air. He couldn't blame her. This prison of a castle had no enjoyment, nor could it when the warden was of such impurity. "Let me make a proposition. I will allow the princess to go where she likes, as to where is appropriate, as long as she has an escort." What better way to watch her then himself. The king certainly would feel more at ease if his captain was watching the princess instead of one of the soldiers. "I myself shall watch over you. Do not mind me though, I will just be there protecting you and nothing more." He would have one of his men on watch as well, but from afar, just in case he somehow lost contact of her. "Will that do Princess? Gwen?"

 

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Gwen smiled as he apologised, she'd half expected him to tell her off for being bold enough to talk to him like that. She was glad he hadn't. She nodded as he explained what his duties were, she'd heard this before, although she hadn't expected him to include her in those he had to protect. Servants were often simply disregarded as not important, she might be a higher-ranking servant but that was still below everyone else. Plus she was right, he did know her name despite not using it that often. No, they did not want her to wander about and potential ruin something, they wanted to keep her prisoner. She really wasn't proud of her kingdom sometimes. There was plenty of nice people in the kingdom but with the king in charge, he just made all of them look like evil monsters to the other kingdom.

What he said next took her completely by surprise though, he came to a compromise. She really wan't used to being listened to and her words making a difference, well outside the queen at least. It was a fairly good compromise too, it might not give her quite the level of freedom as before but it meant she didn't have to worry about getting caught and she was protected. It also meant that she wouldn't run away from the wedding, though that one she hoped the princess wouldn't anyway. This might hopefully even give her a better opinion of their kingdom, they weren't all bad. Gwen smiled happily and nodded her head, turning to the Princess to see what she thought of the new development. Okay, maybe the Captain wasn't all bad, he did have his moments.

 

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"Sure. You can use the servant's exit if you like which is-" The servant cut off as she heard footsteps approaching. A sense of dread cast over Kaileigh as she too heard the footsteps. How unfortunate it was. Just as she was about to make a proper exit from the castle, someone else had to come walking along. She watched as the figure rounded the corner. He was wearing the royal armor, a sign of being a Korr Knight. The enblem on his chest represented that of the ones to which were the captains.

"At ease dear maiden. I will take the care of the Princess from here. Don't you know you are suppose to be in your room young madam?" She wrinkled her nose at him. Being caught so early on was not intended in the least bit. Of course I know. It doesn't mean I wish to spend all my days locked away like a common criminal.

"Captain" The Queen's hand servant bowed her head respectfully but then she quietly laughed good-heartedly. "But at ease dear maiden? Do you ever take a break from being so formal? I'm not a soldier and it wouldn't kill you to use my name for once. Surely you must know it by now, we've known each other long enough. Either way, if you insist. Be sure to treat her well, she's a guest not a prisoner." At least she seemed to be comfortable around the captain. That would make the situation less tense. Kaileigh opened her mouth to speak, but could not get a word in edge-wise. Did they not know who she was? It was disrespectful to cut off royalty. She did however, appreciate the fact that the servant pointed out that she was not their prisoner. It was starting to feel as if everyone viewed her that way.

"I apologize, Gwen. As the Captain of his majesty, it is my duty to ensure the safety of the royal family. This includes those who are bound to it by marriage like the princess here and to contract like you." Gwen. So that was her name. What a lovely name for a lovely woman. Kaileigh smiled fondly at her.

"I can tend to myself thank you. I have taken many a stroll through the streets of my home kingdom without the need of protection. All I wished for was some time to stretch my legs and step outside of these suffocating walls. I had full intentions of returning." Kaileigh dropped her hood once more. There was no point in hiding herself when she had already been discovered.

"Let me make a proposition. I will allow the princess to go where she likes, as to where is appropriate, as long as she has an escort." An escort? She rolled her eyes. "I myself shall watch over you. Do not mind me though, I will just be there protecting you and nothing more." That sounded less than ideal in her book. The last thing she wanted was to be escorted by a captain of the royal guard. It would only draw attention. She wanted to go undercover, to visit among the villagers without them knowing of her identity. "Will that do Princess? Gwen?" Unfortunately, this seemed like her only option.

Kaileigh sighed reluctantly and wrapped her fingers around the Captain's armor clad bicep. "All right then. We must get going then, before it gets too late. It was a pleasure to see you again Gwen. I would enjoy your company greatly at another date." She smiled back to the red head before turning her escort in the direction of the main entrance.

 

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The princess didn't seem thrilled at the prospect of an escort which was understandable but given the circumstances now she'd been discovered by the Captain, that was going to be the best she could get. They seemed to realise that too and accept it, Gwen felt a little sorry for them that the Captain had found her but what was done was done. Kaileigh's next comment though make her smile, it was nice when someone as important as her would enjoy the company of a servant girl. "Thank you, that means a lot to me. I would like that too. It has been an honour and a pleasure to talk to you, Princess." She bowed her head once more to both of them, she would have curtsied but it was hard with the arms full before turning to go.

She hurried down the corridor quickly, she'd probably be held up by that chat for longer than she should have so now she had to hurry to put this dress away and get down to the Queen. They were meeting someone from the village soon and she really should be there for that incase anything is needed. Putting the dress away, didn't take too long though she was careful not to rush doing that. She did not want to be responsible for creasing the dress. However as soon as that was put away nicely in the Queen's chambers, she raced out of the room and back down the stairs. With a bit of luck the Queen would still be eating with the King. In not much time at all she was stood outside their dining room, catching her breath, it would not be good to go in panting. Once she'd recovered, she silently entered through the servants entrance so that her arrival was barely noticeable. Once there she took her position silently at the side of the room, to be there if the Queen (or King as she couldn't really not do what he asked) wanted her to do anything.

 

Once Dante figured that he'd trained enough, he sheathed his blades and left. Judging by the time he figured that he should go ahead and head to Korr for the wedding. Feeling about the event aside, he still planed on going. As he left the castle he decided to pay an old friend a visit. His journey took his to a small staple not to far away from the castle. The man who own it was probably asleep at this hour, but last time they talked to each other, he said that he could borrow a house anytime he needed one, so long as he left a note. Doing so he walked over to his favorite horse and got on it. After a few moment for the horse to remember him, they were off.

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Romeo was enjoying the nap he was able to take. Though he was awaken by the sounds of a carriage and his bosses voice. Opening his eyes he saw that there wasn't only a horse drawn carriage in front of him, but also his bosses anger face staring him down.
"I hope you enjoyed your little nap."
"Yes I did actually." Even though he knew how serious the situation was, he kept up the playfulness of it.
"Good, in that case." The man paused to hand him another crate. "Take this and the one your sleeping on to the castle now!" Without saying another word, the boss left.
"Great, more work." Romeo sighed as he lifted to two crates into the carriage. Once that was taken care of, he got on it and headed towards the castle.

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Creed was currently making his round about the castle. Though it was late and not much was to be expected, being a castle guard he couldn't afford to miss anything. Luckily all seemed to be in order. Maybe he would step outside for some fresh air. There was nothing stopping him from doing so. Besides, being copped up in a castle all day did get boring, though he'd never admit it to anyone. In order to achieve this goal, he simply stepped outside the castle wall and just stood there. He wouldn't need to do much beside enjoy the peace and quiet.

 

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The King was silent. The day was clear and brisk, and a breeze that would calm even the most aggravated of souls swept across the area. Yet... Archibald Rintz was troubled. How could he not be?​

He was completely alone. No one had been permitted to come along with him, nor would they likely dare. Not to this place.​

He was knelt down and his head was bowed. A position that'd likely be shameful for a King, but there has been one person King Archibald Rintz would ever bow his head to, and gladly. His wife. His wife...- no more. As his Queen, it wasn't that she belonged to him, because likewise he was her King. They belonged to each other.​

Right now, his head was bowed to her final resting place, a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers the King had gathered from the Royal Fields himself lay atop. "Yvaine." He spoke her name softly. ...What was he going to say? What had he come here to say? He didn't actually know. What could even be said...? As King he couldn't afford to grant himself self pity, and as a King, he had done the right thing. However...​

"I'm sorry." While he hadn't failed as a King... he'd failed as a Father. At least that's how he felt. "Kaileigh... she's so strong. Just like you were. She's as beautiful as you were, and she's... I've let her down. My own weakness and foolishness have let her down. She's taking on such a burden, and all I'm able to do as her father is watch it. ...No. That's not right either." He paused, and then raised his head, staring at the name embedded onto the smooth white stone; 'Yvaine Rintz'. "As a King, all I'm able to do is watch. ...As her father, I can do something. The question is... what is more important? As a King, I have to put the Kingdom first. As a Father, I have to put my daughter first. I love both my country and my daughter. ...I've been thinking about this the whole time ever since this whole arrangement was cooked up. I know what I want and I know what my Daughter wants. As King and Princess however, we have to do what is best for the country." He stood up at last, and offered a gentle smile to the sky. "As Royalty, as odd as it sounds, we've always tried to be selfless when it comes to putting the country first. So maybe this is me just justifying my own selfishness, but... I think... That Kaileigh is the best future for our country. That's why... I've decided that since I can't choose one path to take; that of the King or of the Father. ...I'll take both." His smile turned into a smirk. "Besides, if I know Hadrian... and I do. ...He won't let it end just here after warring for so long. He would never be satisfied with this peace offering for long. He'd want to end things on his own terms. This solution is only temporary at best." And again, as he regarded the name in front of him of his true love, his expression softened. "However, I didn't come to you today to just tell you of my plans and my foolishness, albeit the latter was a charm of mine that you claimed to love regardless. ...I came to ask you a favour." He pressed to fingers to his lips and then gently upon the stone in front of him before he turned away and started to walk off. "Watch over our daughter as always. With you looking after her, I have no doubts in my mind that no matter what may happen to me, she will be alright." And at last as his pace sped up, he raised a hand in farewell, an expression that was to say 'next time, I'll return with Kaileigh by my side'. "...Now, I do believe..." That foolish, but charming and passionate half grin/half smirk returned to his face. "That I have a wedding to crash."​

 

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The sea salt fresh air was a relief to breath in and the breeze of the travel was very soothing. Eyes closed, the Vermillion sat on top of the the ships bowsprit. The ship was truly a magnificent one that was well kept despite being owned by pirates. The ship was obviously the pride of the pirates and from his own experience with them he could tell these pirates were an honorable bunch unlike the many others he encountered. "Hey old man how long till land?" Zephiel yelled as he glanced over his shoulder at the bearded man controlling the ship's wheel.

"We shall be landin' in a moment. Korr be broadside." Yelled the old man back to Zephiel as he continued with his travels. "But still I be surprised ye'd wish to head over to Korr out 'o all places. Korr 'n Laznith aren't really th' greatest places to be off to" the old man said over to Zephiel.

"Ahh, but that's the thing about an adventure my friend, even if a place may seem dull and possibly unsightly it still can hold a wondrous treasure deep inside. The possibilities are endless and who knows just what will happen" Zephiel said with a calm smile as he stared out at the calm sea. Just thinking of the unexpected just piked his interest and he couldn't wait to see just what awaited him

A hearty laughter escaped the old man as he listened to the words of Zephiel "True words comin' from th' fabled Zephiel th' Vermillion" the old man said.

"eheheh I'd appreciate it if you don't go telling everybody about me" Zephiel said with an small chuckle as he scratched the back of his head. "Err..besides I cant just necessarily say that my travel here hold no reason" Zephiel said closing his eyes as he gripped the hilt of the broadsword that rested on his back "There is rumor about a man known as the legend...the rumors name him many things, but his skills and strength are known to hold true to his title of a legend. Whats for certain is that he originates from Korr and served as a knight" Zephiel said as he opened his eyes and grinned "I wish to be the greatest swordsman there is...and so it would be an honor to meet a man as great as him and be able to face him in a contest of blades" Zephiel said as he stood up from where he sat and smiled as land came into sight. A gust of wind blew past and rustled his cape and red hair. Zephiel felt this wind was the wind of a new adventure, welcoming him to the new land.

With the boat docked, Zephiel reached into his pocket and tossed some gold over to the old captain "Thanks for the ride old man! May the winds of fate lead us to meet again" Zephiel said as he leaped off the ship and ran off with a smile.

 

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He smiled as Gwen vanished away to do her other duties. He looked at the princess who had been gripping his arm. She needed some reassurance . Some sort of explanation for why this was the only way would maybe make her seem less irritated. "I know it must seem unfair Princess." He said as they walked outside of the main gate. "We only wish for your protection. You are in enemy territory. It would be most disturbing if our future queen was to vanish without a trace. To think how the Prince would respond. We do not wish to keep you prisoner. We only wish to keep you safe." He said this with complete honesty. It really was all about safety that she was locked away in her room.

The two had entered the town. A quiet little place during the twilight of late. Most shops were closing down children were heading to sleep. The only places with any form of gathering were the bars stationed around the town. "Its a lovely place isn't it. Reminds me of my home in the northern continent. Calm carefree, and a sense of hope." He was reminiscing in the past. Back to when he was still at his home. Back when things were safe...

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There was a howl from the distance. The moon was full and bright. The city was vibrant with light and a party to celebrate the new season's success raged on. People were dancing, drinking, and celebrating to the end of the night. A man named Epsilon sat atop a barrel watching his wife dance with their 4 year old son. Laughter and joy from the both of them as they danced together among the crowd. He took a sip from his mug and looked towards the stars. "We have a bright future ahead of us Cordelia. The star show good wealth and joy to come."

His wife walked to him with their child holding a tight grip to her hand. "Star gazing again, are we Epsilon. You know the glitter of the sky cant tell our future." She wasn't one to believe in the stars foretelling anything. She only trusted in God and his teachings. She knew that her husband was only toying with her. Trying to lighten up the mood was what he did best. A light smile came across her face as she went inside to tuck in her son. "Sleep well dear. It is much past your bedtime." She blew out the candle and went back outside. "Well, now its just the two of us under those prophesy stars."

He looked a tad more concerned then moments ago. There was a journey ahead of them that may not turn out for the best. "Do you think we should bring him along? This trip is dangerous Cordelia." He looked into the empty mug and pondered the thought. They would be heading to the nation of Korr in the next week to do trade with the merchants. They would trade a great deal of food that could only be grown there for supplies and valuables. The ship ride itself was long and agonizing as it took around 3 months to get there.

"You don't need to worry. Its good that out son can see the rest of the world at an early age. He will become more wise, just like his father."
"I'm more worried about the scurvy and the possibilities of the flu. He is still a baby."
"I will be watching over him. There should be no worries."
"Alright dear. I think we should hit the hay as well. Its going to be a long day tomorrow." She nodded and the two of them headed for the house to sleep.

It was morning. The chickens were crying and the sun was blooming. Epsilon walked out of the house with his son and wife. They were heading over to the port to go aboard. They had nothing but clothes with them for the ship had already been packed in advance. With some of the men helping place things on and getting aboard, they were ready to set sail. The 3 month journey would be long and taxing for them and the others.

2 months had passed. Cordelia held on to her child. It was hailing outside and the cold wind rushed across the cabin. She held on tightly praying to her God that her child would be spared and unharmed from the brittle weather. Epsilon came in and wrapped his coat around the two. "No need to worry. The sun is soon to rise and safe travels will be met. We only have a month left to go until we reach Korr." He kissed her lips and went back onto the deck. This trip was taking more out on his wife then their child. She needed some good news soon.

The boat could see the coastline to Korr. Cordelia and Epsilon both stood on the bow with a smile that their journey to Korr had come to and end. They were finally safe.. so they thought. A canon could be heard form the distance. A Korr ship was shooting at a Lazinth ship. The explosion and fire power throwing small bits of shrapnel toward them. Epsilon ordered to be moved further away out of risk of hurting any of the crew.

A slight maneuver was not enough. Another ship had come by and saw this as an enemy ship trying to sneak its way to the shore. It fired among the ship causing it to come to a complete halt. Cordelia and Epsilon both held onto their son for dear life. another shot came their way striking the mast. The mast was coming down right on top of them. Epsilon pushed Cordelia and his son out of the way as the mast came crashing down on him.

Cordelia yelled in pain as her husband died in front of her. None of them were going to get out out of this alive. She could maybe save her son. She wrapped him up in a blanket and put him in a basket. She placed him in the spare boat and lowered in quickly to the water to let it freely drift to shore. Another canon was shot. Before the impact Cordelia said her last few words before being impaled by the shrapnel of the ship. "Happy 5th Birthday Beta. Be safe..."

 

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"I know it must seem unfair Princess." The Captain said as they walked outside of the main gate. "We only wish for your protection. You are in enemy territory. It would be most disturbing if our future queen was to vanish without a trace. To think how the Prince would respond. We do not wish to keep you prisoner. We only wish to keep you safe." Kaileigh pursed her lips and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as they stepped into the night. The two had entered the town. A quiet little place during the twilight of late. Most shops were closing down children were heading to sleep. The only places with any form of gathering were the bars stationed around the town, which is exactly where she wanted to go. "Its a lovely place isn't it. Reminds me of my home in the northern continent. Calm carefree, and a sense of hope."

"How sweet. To the tavern we shall go!" She pulled him in the direction of a bar nearby that she saw on her way into the kingdom. "None would have recognized me. I am an unfamiliar face in this kingdom. Enemy or not, I am at no risk when few know my identity." Kaileigh dropped the captain's arm and moved swiftly across the road to the bar. The gravel crunched under her boots and she hiked the skirt of her dress up to her knees. "Best to quicken your pace Captain," she chided. Her hand pressed firmly against the wood of the door and entered the building. It smelled musty and there was a layer of filth coating everything she touched. Patrons sat around the room scattered across various tables. Drunks slept with their cheeks pressed to the murky wood circular tables, half drank mugs of beer in front of their faces. Kaileigh breathed in deeply, inhaling the fumes of the room.

The room was clouded in a haze of smoke as men puffed on their tobacco and the like. A man in the corner played the harmonica and stopped abruptly at her presence. She gave him a nod and moved to the bar. What better way to enjoy fresh air then by sitting in a cloudy bar filled with filth? "Two pints of your finest ale mi'dear." Kaileigh tossed a few coins onto the bar and the maiden behind the counter pulled out a couple of large mugs.

 

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"An interesting farmer girl caught my attention..." she said to the king before telling a guard to send the girl in. Once he carried out his order he returned to his post in the most stiff position physically possible. And once the farmer girl was inside the queen would ask her to describe her farm to them.

 

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Keeva had nodded at the Captain, but didn't say a word before he had already left.​

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When she was finally sent in she realized she knew little to no etiquette when it came to being present in front of Royalty... she hoped, prayed to the lord that at least the Queen would somewhat understand. All she knew was to wait to be addressed and a few other things.​

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When she got up in front of the King and Queen, she curtseyed and then a couple of introduction questions were asked. She said her name and then was asked a question by the Queen.​

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"Could you tell me a bit about your farm?"​

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That was a bit unexpected.​

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She wanted to clear her throat before she spoke, but she felt it was rude, so she tried to speak in as clear of a voice as she could, "Massey farm has been around for about twenty years now. Twas run by my father, Sceolan Massey, before he fell ill recently. We are a wheat farm mainly, but we also grow other vegetables. A while we raised chickens and sold the eggs, then the chickens fell ill and now we solely remain a crop-based farm."​

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There was more she could have said, she could have described the worker's kind attitude towards the work as well as the current success of the wheat crop during the first harvest, but she felt keeping her speech short was the best she could do at that moment.​

 

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The princess wished to visit the bars. This was exactly the opposite of what he wanted her to do. A place of drunk scum who would surely cause a scene with her do to her looks. He had no other choice then to protect her. Once he walked into the bar, the music had stopped and the people that were not conscious put down their mugs and looked over at him. He never came into the town unless it had to do with the king. He certainly never went to drink either. So it was no wonder they were a little afraid. Maybe they thought he went insane. "Please don't mind me. I am only here for a drink. Tomorrow is my 20th birthday after all. I figure a drink would do me some pleasure." With that said he sat down near the princess and the music and drinking continued.

"Tender, give me something strong. I need some sleeping medication." The man gave him a bottle hidden in a cupboard below the main bottles of ale. Beta flipped a gold piece to the tender. "That is for me and the lady. Keep the change. I have more than enough." He took a drink from the ale. It was strong that is for certain. He coughed a little from the taste. He disliked all forms of alcohol. He just needed a way to fit in, and he needed a way to rest his mind. He turned to the princess then back to his mug and began to spoke. "I always thought it was tradition to marry the ones you love, not marry because of politics." He finished the rest of his drink and placed it back on the counter. "Kaileigh, live your life the way you want to, don't live life the way you are told to." He stood up and began to walk to the door. "I'll be waiting outside whenever you are ready." He walked outside and leaned against the wall. A slight tear shed from his eye as the sun had finally set.

 

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Kaileigh sipped at her beer as the captain drank his a little more rapidly. He coughed and she wondered how frequently he consumed alcohol. He looked as if he was rather new at the experience. She let the hood sit lazily around her shoulders and pulled her hair down. The white locks fell in a tussled mess and she ran her fingers through her hair. "I always thought it was tradition to marry the ones you love, not marry because of politics." She almost spit out her drink. Kaileigh's hand flew up to cover her mouth in order to keep it in. What was he trying to get at? He finished the rest of his drink and placed it back on the counter before she could say anything on the matter. "Kaileigh, live your life the way you want to, don't live life the way you are told to." He stood up and began to walk to the door. "I'll be waiting outside whenever you are ready."

She furrowed her brow in frustration as she watched him walk out the door. How annoying. What gave him the right to speak of her marriage in such a manner? She took a large gulp off of her mug and slammed it down on the sticky counter. There was less than two days before she would be wed. As much as she would love to marry out of love like her parents, it just was not an option. Politics, as he put it, come first. She had to do what was best for her people. What was the captain getting at? It was almost as if he didn't want there to be a wedding. She pushed the thought out of her mind. Everyone wanted this wedding. It meant salvation, or so they thought. The nagging feeling that something was amiss pulled at the back of her mind.

Tomorrow would be filled with fitting arrangements in regards to her dress and last minute preparations. Her father would be arriving early the following morning, with the wedding occuring at midday. She didn't want to think about that. She had wanted to leave the castle to get away from it all for a short while, but the captain had managed to ruin such a plan. She did not like him; not one bit.

Kaileigh chatted with the big breasted, red-headed, bar maiden behind the counter. She finished another mug of beer before glancing back at the door. Was he just waiting on the other side for her to come out? How boring. She glared at the wooden door before finally deciding it would just be best to head back. She tossed a few coins on the counter, leaving a healthy tip for the woman and marched a little awkwardly towards the door. Her shoe caught the hem of the dress, causing her to stumble out the door and grab onto the captain for balance. Kaileigh looked up at him, batting her long dark lashes, and scowled. "You-" she started as she used his arm to climb back into an upright stance, "are an infuriating creature."

She held the cloak tightly against her body and walked in the direction to which they came. "Let us go, shall we?" Her body felt warmer, cheeks burning, and a tingling sensation ran down the course of her spine. The people of Korr were far to uptight for her liking. Something would have to be done about that. "The manner to which you speak to me is rather unbecoming of a royal guard," she shouted back at him. "Is thee always so precocious?"

 

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So this girl was named Keeva. What a wonderful name for such a interesting soul. How nervous she seemed though, but she supposed that would be expected. Even so the girl was able to answer her question wonderfully, so this was pleasing.

"With your father ill and you running the farm in his place must be hard. Many must be saying that as a woman you should let another take charge and yet you do not kneel to their wills." She paused to gauge Keeva's reaction and for a breathe. "This is what caught my attention. Such an admirable quality should be rewarded, or least defended. And a contract with myself would do just that. No deal is fit unless both sides gain something, so crops will be needed for the wedding. Perhaps even to feed our troops. What say you?"

The queen awaited a reply.

 

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He stood there thinking back to the days of his childhood. Decisions back then were hard to make. Would he follow law or follow his own beliefs? Law had won his better judgement. After that incident with them though, he could never completely follow the law.

The princess latched onto him and was definitely drunk. Too many booze for certain. He didn't say a word. He only walked her carefully back to the castle. Along the way, she said some odd things. She was speaking her mind of what she thought of him. It was a normal reaction to not trust him after only just meeting. He chose to ignore her until the time came. Arriving at the castle, he took her back to her room. He requested for someone to fetch Gwen. The princess needed some care in this state. Once at the room and the two were inside, he began to speak, "I understand you have some anger towards me. I humbly apologize for any sort of non chivalrous acts I have committed towards you." He bowed to her. "Please forgive me my future queen."

Whether she forgave him or not was not much for his concern. Instead he decided to drop the bomb of the wedding once again. "You probably believe this wedding will make out nations compatible with one another. Let me give you an analogy: A man and woman decide to wed. The man owns a cat while the woman owns a dog. Once they are wed the two animals must get along through force. Eventually they will come to respect one another and live in the unit. However, this can not be said for the entire species of cats and dogs. The rest of the world's felines and canines will still wage war on one another no matter the bond those two have. I am not saying that this will happen between the people of Korr and Lazinth, however it could. The wedding between you and my prince will not change the records of war."

With that said, he left her room, locked the door, and placed the key near it to allow Gwen to go in and help ease the princess. There was a method to his reasoning. This one was the long term method. If the prince does not marry, then an offspring can not be born which would mean the line would die. The only logical leader left would be the highest member of the military, him. Although his words were for a greater goal, none of what he said was a lie. In truth, the wedding may not settle any ties between the two, thus making this arrangement meaningless. Beta continued to walk until he reached his home where he laid to rest until the morrow where he could celebrate his 20th birthday, as well as the anniversary of his hell.

 

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The Queen's hand servant smiled as the watched the proceeding's unfold as the citizen's of the kingdom came to them with their problems, she hadn't missed very much and this was entertaining to watch. It also showed her both the kinder side to the rulers and how they gave justice out. It gave her hope. The farm girl who had just entered intrigued her and she loved watching the Queen being diplomatic but as she came in, someone else entered through the servants entrance to summon her. She was not needed right now there by the Queen and the Princess was important right now so she quickly slipped out. However she informed the guards where she was going and if the Queen needed her, where to send for her. She had to be back for when the Queen retired to her chambers regardless.

She moved swiftly through the castle, they had told her that the Princess was drunk? What had happened down in town for someone of her status to get drunk, especially with the Captain with her. She hadn't expected the Captain to allow her to get drunk and showcase herself in that state. Either way, if this had caused a mess, she hoped that she could help and not just make it worse. Thing's tended to get unpredictable when alcohol was involved and that made her uneasy. She did not know what to expect when she got there.

She reached the Princess's room quickly, finding the key to the room where she'd been told it would be. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door, "Princess? It's Gwen, I'm going to come in if you don't mind" She'd unlocked the door and tentatively opened it, "Hey, are you alright?" She did not try and force herself on the princess, initially, waiting to see if she was okay. She had to stay and help regardless but it was much easier if Kaileigh allowed her too. If she felt Gwen was forcing her to do something, she was more likely to work against her.

 

With the help of his horse, Dante arrived in Korr in no time at all. He dismounted his horse and placed it with the other horses. While leaving the horse here could be viewed as him taking it, the note he left said that the horse would be gone for a while, but that it will be returned to him. Now walking on foot, Dante was currently looking for a place of rest to spend the night. Since he was new to the kingdom it would definitely take some time for him to find somewhere. Searching high and low he found many places of future interest, like the tavern, and eventually the inn. Making his way inside, he paid the man behind the counter the required fee before heading into the room.