I Would Ask You To Dance (Mareven)

Part Ten: Part Two (Iris)

     My eyes flickered back towards the Arven. He made me more than uncomfortable in the sense that he could easily take away my abilities; however, he provided a sense of comfort in knowing that he would protect me from any attackers. I knew exactly why the Young King assigned him to my transport: it was for the same reasons I would keep a Silencer on him. The Sentinel's eyes left me only once during the trip, and that was to make sure the driver knew to head to the back gates.

   

    My agenda was simple for today: formally apologize to the King for the loss of his mother, present to him the information we have on the attackers, and meet whomever will soon be my husband. Maven was supposed to be who I married, but he's engaged to the Red girl. I presume that their marriage is forced, most likely a plan drawn up by his deceased mother, but the Boy King might have known that his marriage could help reduce some of the rebel outbreaks.

    I look out the window and nearly loose my breath; the city of Archeon is beautiful. Although the style of the city is nowhere near my own city's, it is still stunning. The view lasts only a few seconds before we turn and heads towards the back of Whitefire. I frown slightly at the lack of temples the city has, in fact I notice that is has none, but I have no doubt that I can arrange for one to be built.

    When the transport stops, I have to refrain myself from looking out; I would see it all in due time. When the door to the transport opened, I took a moment to compose myself, as Mother always told me to do, before stepping out. It would be a lie to say I wasn't surprised to see the Red greeting me. She looked royal as could be, her black gown looked stunning for being so simple, save her rosy skin. As I walked up to her, she went seamlessly into a curtesy.

"Your Highness, Princess Iris Cygnet," she greeted, her voice was everything a royal's voice should be.

"Lady Titanos," I replied, "It's a pleasure."

"The pleasures all mine," she brought her gaze to mine, "Shall we make our way to lunch?"

I gave her a curt nodded and a smile, "We shall."

    As we made our way down the halls of Whitefire, I watched as Mareena refused to let me get ahead of her, or even fall behind, but instead keep in stride with me. Although no words were spoken between the two of us, her message was clearly received: Here we both hold the same power; a princess and a Red girl. The only thing I wasn't sure of was if her message was supposed to be a threat, but I doubt it was. After a while, I realized that besides ours, there were hardly any footsteps.

"It's awfully quiet in here," I observe.

"Yes," she pauses for a moment, "After last night's attacks many of Whitefire's seasonal guests have elected to go home until the weddings," spoken like a true Queen.

It bothered me that she hadn't slipped up yet, that she had the perfect answer to every question. I thought for a moment, I need something the would test her ability to be queen, and eventually found the perfect question.

"So," I begin, "Wouldn't you say that Whitefire's security is poor considering that the Late Queen was murdered here?" I question.

"Yes, I suppose you could say that," she paused for a while before continuing, "But don't you suppose the same could be said about the Lakelands?"

I couldn't help but laugh. Who would have thought that the Red girl could outsmart me? The more I talked to her the less I would mind having her for an ally. I was starting to see the usefulness in having her for a bride, but court is a dangerous place, especially for a Red.

"You're very wise Mareena. Can I call you Mareena or would that be to informal?"

"Mareena is fine, but I do prefer Mare," she sighed.

"Of course, I imagine you do," I nod.

    By the time our short conversation ends, we have arrived outside an atrium. Through the glass doors I can see two young men conversing with each other over what I can only assume to be politics. I'm pleasantly surprised to hear them actually discussing a game of chess when we walk in.

"Your Majesty," I curtsey.

"Ah, Princess Cygnet," the two men bow.

    I quickly take a chance to take in their characteristics. The one on the left had somewhat curly hair, most likely from its growing length, and piercing blue eyes. Besides the crown he worse, I recognized him to be the king by his even paler skin. The man to his right was his near opposite; silver hair and nearly black eyes. In odd combination in theory, but he manages to more than pull it off.

"Ptolemus Samos," the Silver-headed boy extended a hand.

I placed my hand in his and he gently kissed it, "It's a pleasure," I returned.

"The pleasure is mine," He offered me a charming smile.

"Why don't we have a seat?" Mare suggested.

    I followed Ptolemus towards the table while taking in the scenery. I hardly noticed when he pulled a chair out for me, but I managed to mutter a "Thank you". After I sat down, I turned my attention to Mare and Maven. Mother wanted me to find out, to the best of my ability, what their marriage was based on: political agendas or love. The pair were walking side by side as the made their way towards us. Like Ptolemus, Maven pulled out a chair for Mare, but she responded with a smile instead of words. After Maven saw the look on her face, his face relaxed and he dropped his tense look and went as far to smile as well. As he sat down next to her, I noticed he grabbed her hand and she too relaxed.

    Then I found myself smiling also. Maybe their marriage was based on love.

Word Count: 1038

Sorry this was late! I'll be posting a thanksgiving special later today. Next part will be released at 15 votes or 100 reads. Happy thanksgiving everyone!!!