Thread: Once Upon A Time . . . (ScarlettRose & T-Mase)

The country of Mordonia was a small but magical kingdom. It was riddled with stories of ancient times, magic and sorcery. However, these days it was just your normal European country. One that was still ruled by a Monarchy. As Tess Morgan set foot on her homeland again after an incredibly long absence of eight years, she felt a certain trepidation. She had left Mordonia a teenager, slightly lost and at a very tumultuous time in her young life. Now at 25 years of age she had returned. A graduate. A scientist. With the hopes of making her homeland a leader in wireless energy. The future. She had always wanted to help change Mordonia for the better. This was her chance. Of course, she had no intention of returning to her old life in Mordonia. Many would think her mad for this. Who wouldn't return to a life living in the palace? A woman who had far too many wonderful memories there but who left under strained circumstances. Of course, Tess had left of her own accord. It had been the best thing for her, and for everybody else as far as she was concerned. Stepping off the plane and into the airport, she inhaled deeply. There air was simply different in Mordonia, the country her homeland had almost a sweet scent to it. No, there was no going back to the palace, she had a hotel booked and everything until she found somewhere more permanent. The opportunity to move back had been very sudden but she knew she couldn't keep running forever. As Tess made her way out of checking in, somebody barreled right into her. There was some sort of saying about how you attracted exactly what you were hoping to avoid. This was one of those times. I'm so very sorry Miss- The man stopped when he caught sight of her face, stopping midway between helping her pick her things up. Tess! He beamed wrapping her in a tight hug. It's really you! Maximilian. Tess couldn't help but smile at her old friend, tapping his back as he hugged her. Maximilian Rathbone, the spare to the Rathbone Earldom. His older brother Montgomery 'Monty' being the heir, had both grown up around the palace, spending summers and other holidays there with the royal family and had both been great friends of hers. Even with their elite bloodline and their positions, they had never made her feel like the commoner she was. Of course, this was not the case with many of the other nobles of the land. Tess was the daughter of one of the King's Guard. Her mother was an American and had moved back to the US herself. It had been hard for them all when Tess' father had died protecting the King from an assassination attempt almost a decade ago. The royal family had however endeavoured to take care of the fallen agents family. Ergo, Tess and her younger sister had had a place at court and grew up there. Of course most of the other noble children had gone back to their own domains in the Kingdom through out the year but Tess had grown up with the Prince and his younger brother. What are you doing back? Maximilian questioned her happily. Ariel never told us you were coming back. Err, I hadn't told my sister I was coming back. Tess replied a little sheepishly. It was all very sudden, I haven't had the chance to tell anybody. I'm just going to my hotel now but I'd love to get together sometime and have a catch up? Hotel?! Max looked at her slightly disgusted. You're staying at the hotel? No-no. We can't have that. He said steadily as he began to usher her towards the exit. You know what time of year it is. It's the Season and the opening night is tonight at the Palace ball. You can't. You won't miss that. He told her in his crisp accent. That is how Tess found herself standing at the top of the grand staircase in the Palace that night. I haven't told anybody. He informed her as he wound her arm through his, waiting in line for them to be announced as was proper. Do you realise how many people are going to be happy to see you? Not as many as you think. Tess jested starting to feel a rise of anticipation and somewhat nerves. She felt more out of place than she had ever done in this place. She was, she liked to think a completely different person now, not letting the opinions of others, especially those of her betters effect her. She patted down her borrowed gown and tried to tame her long hair to the side. She was unrecognisable. When she had left Mordonia she had been a seventeen year old tomboy, with short hair and a penchant for ripped jeans and sweatshirts. The queue shuffled forward and it was their turn to be announced. My Lord Maximilian Rathbone of Nevaria and Miss Tess Morgan. And in they swept on a deep breath. . .