Thread: A fallen prince and his princess (Candira and Rage)

The times were changing in many kingdoms, but Theranan was remarkably stable. Its royal family, well-loved for their fair and generous nature, was still in power. Despite the rumblings of change all around them, the kingdom remained strong and stable. It seemed as though the only thing that could change it was some kind of international incident or war. Both were unlikely, however. Diplomacy was a strong suit of the royal family--especially of its princess, Rosa. Though it was her duty to ensure friendly ties with surrounding kingdoms, Rosa was having a rather difficult time lately. The kingdom to the East had recently been taken over--the family dethroned. Among them was a dear friend, very close to her heart. Since the upset, she hadn't heard from him--hadn't been able to get word as to whether or not he was alright. Her heart ached for him and she feared the worst--the prince she'd come to know and love was most likely dead. While Theranan waited for its neighbor's government to align itself, Rosa couldn't hope to ask anything. As it was, the princess was just seeing off dignitaries from newly formed governments of kingdoms to the north and south. Both were reasonable and kind gentlemen. Both seemed to have wandering eyes when it came to being in the presence of the princess. Rosa, of course, was a lovely woman. A man would have to be blind to not want to examine her features more closely. Tolerating such behavior was key to a successful relationship, but so was guiding their attention back to more political matters. As Rosa pondered these things, she slowly made her way back to her chambers. It had been a very long day. Her ladies in waiting greeted her at the door and she smiled at the two of them--sisters from the castle town, if she remembered correctly--returning their greeting with grace. If you'll please draw my bath for me, she said softly. I'll need your help removing my gown, but you can leave afterwords. The two blonde girls turned down her bed for her, laying out her night gown and taking the next day's dress out so that it would be ready. While the bath was being drawn, one of the girls helped Rosa out of the elaborate gown and she sighed softly. Was it her? Or were the dresses getting heavier each time? She slipped into a silky robe and thanked her ladies before letting them go for the night. In the mean time, she sat down and began to remove her jewelry, looking in the mirror. Her name, Rosa, had supposedly come from her coloring. She had a creamy complexion with light, rosy undertones. Her eyes were a deep blue--almost violet in the right light. They sparkled back at her as she removed earrings and carefully placed them in her jewelry box. As she took off her necklaces and other decorative gear, putting them away, she considered her lovely red hair. It was long, shiny, and the color of a rose just bloomed. She combed it out and then pinned it up for her bath. She entered the large room. It was lit by a few candelabras and only had an entrance from her room, and the servant's quarters--her ladies in waiting and the maids could easily get here. There was also a large closet filled with linens, scented oils and salts. Tonight's bath had the scent of roses and peonies. Her thoughts drifted back to her friend as she stepped down into the warm bathwater. They had played in the gardens here once--the smell of flowers all around them. Such fond memories brought a smile to her face, even as they brought uneasiness to her heart. She sighed softly and sank down a bit, letting the water cover her before she began to clean herself up. Had she been more aware, she might have noticed that the door to the closet wasn't completely closed. She might have been aware of the feeling of someone watching her if she weren't so lost in thought and in the process of bathing. Had the royal family been more cautious, they would have realized that not all was right within their kingdom. A usurper was waiting for the perfect chance to strike. The princess might not be so vulnerable to the attack that was already planned.