Thread: Blood is Thicker than Water. (Ursa & Melevolence)

The soft morning light fell across the small sleeping form on the opulent bed. The heavy velvet canopy did nothing to keep the light from the girl's eyes as she slept, making her moan quietly with frustration as she turned over. Thick fur-lined blankets curved over her body, keeping her warm and safe from the general chill of the palace. Princess, it's time to wake up. Your parents have summoned you. A gentle voice called out to the sleeping form quietly, slightly nervous about waking her, obviously. As the form stirred, the servant stepped back, fully prepared for a fight. The princess did not like to be woken up, and she hated it even more when it was early. The morning dew was still apparent on the grass outside, which meant it was only a little after dawn- far too early for the princess to wake on her own. She was going to be quite angry. The servant stood to the side, hands clasped, waiting patiently for the form in the bed to rise. After several tense minutes, the form began to move slightly. A moment later, the princess was up and looking just as angry as the servant had feared she would. Can't they wait? She asked, her voice high-pitched and cold, angry and quite annoyed. The servant smiled softly, apologetically. I'm sorry, Princess, but they were quite adamant about this meeting. They've called your brother to join them as well. At the mention of her brother, Tenebris's mood began to lighten. The servant could see this easily, the princess's eyes opened slightly and she had a slight glow to her face, her frown seemingly disappearing-- if only a little bit-- at the mention of her brother. Fine.. Draw me a bath. The servant smiled again and gestured to the bathing room connected to the princess's room. I already have, princess. It's hot and waiting for you. Tenebris nodded in approval and flopped out of her bed, landing daintily on her feet, the soft fur rug warm beneath them. As she padded to the bathing room, she began stripping her clothes off, leaving the servant to pick them up as she walked behind her. The air was chilly, and Tenebris was glad for the hot water in the large basin as she sunk into it. Her nipples had grown hard in the cold air, and they were painful as she let the hot water wash over her. Sitting back against the basin, Tenebris let the servant wash her hair and body, not bothering to do a single thing for herself. The water was scented with rose oil, Siren's favorite. After she had been washed and dried, the servant brushed her hair until it was like silk, before pinning it up in an elaborate updo. She then helped her into her gown of choice for the day- a lovely sky blue gown made of satin, with a low neckline and large skirt. Paired with her house shoes- simple slippers for the palace- and a necklace her brother had given her for her sixteenth birthday. It was made of silver and had a large emerald in the center. Alright, off you go, then. Tenebris told the servant, who nodded quickly before leaving the room. Grabbing her fur-lined cloak, Tenebris made her way down the palace stairs and into the large throne room. Her parents sat on their thrones, waiting for their children to arrive. Adrian, Tenebris's brother, was already inside, waiting. Ah, Tenebris. How nice of you to finally join us. I'm quite glad we woke you so early. Her father's voice boomed across the empty room, echoing off the marble floor. Now that you are both present, we can speak to you about the reason we've had you meet us today. As you know, you're both quite old now, much older than we would have preferred for this sort of thing.. But you're both still desirable. Tenebris tensed at her father's words, not liking where this conversation was going. And, we've been having a difficult time with some of the neighboring kingdoms. So, in order to fix things, we're holding a grand ball tonight, and you two shall be the reason why. Tonight we want you to speak to everyone invited, and get to know them. You are to choose a future husband- for you, Tenebris, and a future wife- for you, Adrian. If you fail to do so, we shall choose one for you. As silence settled in the throne room, Tenebris could hear her heart pounding. Swallowing roughly, she smiled nervously. F-Father, do you really mean this? She asked, voice quiet, wavering with emotion. Her father sighed and rubbed his temple. Yes, I do, Tenebris. And I'm tired of hearing your excuses for not finding a husband. You will have one, whether you choose him, or I do. With a flick of his wrist, he was dismissing them, and Tenebris could only stomp out of the throne room angrily, knowing that to argue would only cause more problems. Slamming open the front doors of the palace, Tenebris raced outside, and to the gardens, her favorite place to be. Sitting on a stone bench, she sighed and wiped at her eyes, which had become filled with tears at the thought of marrying someone. She could never marry anyone. She loved Adrian far too much, and the thought of being separated from him... Shaking her head, Tenebris pressed her hands to her face, not wanting to be seen crying.