Thread: In a Kingdom of Unrest [Seraphina X Just Another King]

When Kaden shouted to wake her up, Clara jumped, jolted right out of her dream in a panic. Her eyes were wide as she sat up, pieces of hay sticking to the braid down her back and around her face. It took a moment, her chest rising and falling rapidly from her sudden fright, for her to realize what had woken her up. Her head still hurt as she looked up to see Kaden not too far from her. K-Kaden? She stammered, lifting a hand to rub the sleep from her eyes. Finally, Clara started to calm down, rubbing her temples gently to work away the headache that just didn't want to budge. What's going on? How did you find me? She murmured. But before he even gave her a response, she nodded her head in understanding, My father... Clara mumbled. The man knew all of her hiding spots. Slowly she stood up, wavering a little on her feet before she brushed the hay from her dress. I'm not going... Clara mumbled, lifting a defiant gaze to look at Kaden. I have no interest in whoever my father invited... She muttered irritably, But I don't really have a choice do I? She looked at the man in front of her and sighed, her shoulders slumping in a rather unladylike fashion. He was given his directions from her father, he couldn't exactly disobey them, could he? She already knew he'd been directed to find her and bring her along for whatever her father had planned. But she really didn't want to go. Meanwhile, the King was entertaining the visiting Lord and his Father. Both individuals were from a wealthy land far to the north of the Kingdom, their darker features giving them away as foreign. Their hair was jet black, their eyes almost appearing garnet, the red hue eerie among the rest of their sharp features. Killian and Victor. Victor was a tall man, his shoulders broad, and his face aged well. His son, Killian, and Clara's apparent suitor, though handsome, looked cold and unwelcoming - at least when nobody was looking. When the King's focus shifted to him he turned into the most charming of men. All smiles and compliments. The King led them through the castle, giving them a formal tour of the grounds as he tried to entertain them. He saw the pair as a great chance at an alliance with distant lands. And since Killian was looking for a bride, it only made sense to use Clara's hand as a bargaining chip. Clara stepped away from the pile of hay she had been sleeping in and passed Kaden, her eyes heavy with her unease. She didn't feel well at all, her headache still lingering from whatever bad dreams she had been having in the early morning. Are you escorting me to this little meeting? She asked softly, turning on her heel as she passed him so she could walk backwards and watch him follow her. Clara carefully moved out of the stables, headed back towards the main castle. She sighed, rolling her eyes in frustration, I assume, my father wants to meet in the Gardens? She asked, though she already knew the answer. Her father loved the outdoors and had guests in the gardens at every chance he got. Clara turned around, facing forward as they reached the entrance through the kitchens that she liked to use all the time. As she passed through, she grabbed a small roll from one of the tables, as well as an apple to munch on. She hoped the food would help her head. They ascended the stairs, heading through the back hallway that would lead them to the corridor where her chambers were located. She stopped in front of the door, looking over her shoulder at Kaden, Come in...I want your opinion... She said softly, pushing the door open and then taking a bite of her apple. Clara motioned to her room, Sit wherever.... She murmured softly, setting the roll down in front of a vanity table and keeping the apple in her hand. Kaden had his choices between the stool in front of the vanity, her bed, and a small setee bench not far from her closet. I don't want to impress this nobleman that my father has invited...Which I am sure you have already assumed... Clara looked over at Kaden with a small smile. So will you tell me which dress you think looks the least likely to impress one?