The Queen and the Theif

The Party

A week later, there I was in Scotland, in a grand suite getting ready for the party. It seems a bit silly when you think about it. Here I was in a castle frolicking like I hadn't been having sleepless nights a week ago, about someone who is a Lord in the same place as the party. At least it is an attractive castle. It looks lovely under the stars, but all I could think on the way in was how it would look better up in flames.
Here I was, about to meet the crown prince of Scotland for the first time. My betrothed. Doing exactly what I had promised I wouldn't do. I'm going to put on a face, and act like a good person like I'm not 'The Blood Queen'. I suppose I'm a bit fond of Mariland, that's the only reason I'm here.
I had picked out a dark green gown. That really says power. It was off the shoulders, with a cinched waist and flaring skirt. I wore a golden tiara to mark my status, so there was no doubting that I was the queen of the most powerful country in the world. Green and gold are Saton's country colors. If I'm going to fake frolic, I'm going to do it right.
I heard a knock at the door, my escort. A younger man was my escort. I might have thought he was attractive, but I'm above a serving social class. I took his arm. The poor man was practically shaking from nervousness as he realized who I was. We headed down numerous hallways, towards two enormous double doors, marked with the Scottish crest. As we got to the door he bowed low, and handed my card to the announcer at the door. As the party came into view I became dazzled. The hall was decorated in all black, as were the people. Everyone except the royal family, which made it easy to spot. The room was designed with golden details, so the art would pop, and the black currently painting the room only made it pop more. Ladies were twirling in giant skirts, accompanied by handsome men. As I approached the balcony, a silence swept over the crowd, making it clear to me then, that not everyone was announced up here. There I was announced by a short balding man who couldn't be over thirty. As he looked at me, he seemed lost in a trance at my presence. He glanced at my card.
"Que-" His voice came out in a squeak. The man started doing a double take at the card. He cleared his throat with a new blooming nervousness. "Queen Juliette Ambrose Grimaldi of Saton."
I gazed at the crowd a second more, as now, if not before, all eyes were on me. I made a sharp right down the cascading stairwell. I slowly made a beeline for the Queen who was vibrantly talking to a man who looked like he couldn't care less, as all eyes stayed on me.
"Lovely party darling" I said, brushing her shoulder from behind.
She swiveled around, eyes narrowing, then softened as she recognised me."Ah, Juliette Dear. You look intimidating." Her eyes trained down my gown with a mix of shock, pride, and satisfaction. Her eyes trained back to my face, and resumed her demeanor. She quickly exclaimed "May I introduce you to a couple people?"
"Yes, and thank you for inviting me to such a stunning party."
"Oh! I didn't plan it! My son did." She said with pride. "He did a lovely job." She turned to the two she was previously talking to. "Everyone, this is Queen Juliette, as you definitely heard." She chuckled and looked around the room to where eyes started to leave me and mouths began to talk. She is my dear friend. Juliette, this is Loreli, my daughter." She pointed to a brunette who looked about 6 dressed in light blue, who curtsied at me with the most genuine smile I have seen in a while, which I did in return. The best smile I can muster. I'm not completely heartless. "This is Haaris, he is a Colonel in my army! He is definitely on his way to becoming my general, I'm sure! His fighting skills are never before seen."
"Lovely to meet you." I said politely to Haaris, who seemed a bit distracted as he greeted me. I glanced at where he was looking, a lovely young lady. Noted. When I took Scotland, I would fire the Coronal. He is too distracted.
Suddenly I felt a presence behind me as someone lightly touched Marilands arm and hugged her from behind. Mariland turned around and her face lit up. "Perfect timing! This is Cassian, my son.'' I swerved around, and was caught off guard. Wait. This is the crown prince of Scotland? My betrothed? He was gorgeous. Dressed in all black as everyone else, he still stood out. I wasn't just saying that. Perfect black hair and dark eyes you could get lost in, and a smile to end all smiles, that quickly turned from the fond look he was giving Mariland, to devious as his eyes landed on me.
"So this is the famous bloodthirsty Queen I've heard all about" He said, eyeing me down as a smirk spread across his face. A blush creeping up my face. I narrowed my eyes. "My betrothed in the flesh."
"You must be the crown prince then" I said, feeling a bit wary of him. Too friendly. Either manipulation or his guard is completely down.
"In the flesh, Love" He said with a wink that could stun a man. "15 new land additions in the last year alone, eh? Shouldn't you find a new hobby?"
Oh, he did not. I can play too. "Why would I when this one is so..." I let my eyes trail up his body, playing along, barely noticing as Mariland excused herself to talk to a Lady. "rewarding. I was invited to this exclusive event, wasn't I?"
He looked his eyes widened for a second, clearly not expecting me to fight back, before returning to his seductive demeanor.
"So the blood queen does have some kick after all." He grinned, enjoying himself, "ButI know what you mean," he said, eyeing me back. Just then a dance song began, and he bowed and said "Last dance. May I have the honor of this dance, m'lady?"
"That's your highness to you," I said, before curtsying before taking the gloved hand he held out and walking on the dance floor. "I hope you can keep up" I said with a wink as we started dancing. It turns out that he can keep up, and we twireled across the dance floor, his hand keeping a firm grip on my waist, never breaking eye contact.
"Do you know why everyones in black?" He says "it's my favorite color."
"Ok, you are sounding like quite the arrogant ass" I say, letting out an unladylike snort, startling myself by the action. "You're that sought out huh? Do they know you've been betrothed for years?"
"Funny story, I didn't know myself until the tragedy of your kingdom happened, and you became queen." Suddenly he twirled and dipped me, knocking the breath out of me. "The news just came out about what happened, and your new decree. Everyone thought you had gone mad. Then mother dearest decided to tell me I promised to you."
After the song ended, he led me off the dance floor and stared at the flush in my cheeks and my out of breathness. "So, could I keep up?" I didn't even have an answer. As I left the dance floor, I could see Mariland grinning so hard it must hurt.

I walk off the dance floor, Cassian escorting me, and he leads me towards the big doors opposite the one I came in. We exited, and once out in the hall, He turned towards me.
"Juliette" He said hesitantly "I understand if you don't want to, but this is all I have been thinking about since we started dancing. You know we are betrothed, and we are likely going to get married eventually."
I nodded
"What would you think about getting engaged tonight?" That startled me. "We could set our own pace, but we are both old enough, and I'm ready to settle down. The only reason I was hesitant about meeting you all these years, is because I had no idea if you were young, or pretty, or if I would like you. Now I can see that you are the kind of person I'd be ok being with, and I would like to get engaged so I can take my birthright."
"Cassian," I said hesitantly, "I'm not sure. I like you, but I guess we have to work out some things."
"Is that a yes?" He said, eyes widening.
I smiled at him, "Yes, that is a yes."

We walked back into the throne room, then up the stairs I went down at the beginning of the party. A man sounded a single trumpet note, calling attention to us. Everyone's eyes looked at us expectantly. The announcer looked at us, and announced.
"I present to you Crown Prince Cassian Agustene Willamer of Scotland" The crowd clapped "and Queen Juliette Ambrose Grimaldi or Saton" The crowd clapped again, and turned to us, where we stepped to the railing. Queen Mariland looked excited.
"Hello, my wonderful subjects, and mother!" A chuckle ran through the crowd, looking the picture of ease and excitement. Unlike my subjects ever do. "I am very excited to announce my engagement! To the wonderful, beautiful Queen Juliette." Whispers of shock ran through the crowd, though Marilands beaming face showed through all. I smiled back at her.