Trouble in the Academy

The Ball - Part 2

~Aris' POV~

"So, I take it you are quite nervous to see my brother?" Oliver says, guiding me down the quiet halls slowly. I simply nod in agreement, unsure of how to act to royalty.

A few weeks ago, my step mother arranged a marriage for me to wed the older brother of Prince Oliver, for her own selfish benefits mind you. She wanted wealth and power, as the Brewre's wanted to gain social standing and ties between Aventiva and Delor. There was hardly any leeway for me, as a break in this betrothal would mean my family is sure to decline financially, as the vineyards haven't been much of a success; and the Brewre's standing in their monarchy would surely crumble and cause anarchy within their state. Aventiva is one of the last monarchies still standing, but as it has had a history of gruesome war and poverty, it is likely it could spur into a Civil War. This is why my marriage with Edwin is so important to my father.  With Aventiva weakened internally, it could cause neighboring countries to attack it, causing an even bigger conflict.

But not all is entirely bad. Aventiva has a wondrous foreign charm, which I in fact am very fond of. That and yes, of course, Prince Edwin has grown into quite the man, if you can look past his idiocy and immaturity. At least, when it came to ruling the country he will once take over, he managed quite well. The Brewre family hasn't cared much in the past for how other countries and even their own citizens viewed them, making them quite the celebrities.

I am both excited and nervous for becoming a princess and then eventually Queen of a country I have yet to even step foot in. Yet, I still have a strange sense of foreboding that was telling me to remain vigilant. And so I have.

"Miss Aris?" Oliver stops, turning to look at me.

"Oh, sorry, just spacing out a bit is all." I say. With a nod of understanding, Oliver continues to move us along the hall. 'So, he's to become my brother...'

We keep along in awkward silence, nearing the ballroom as indicated by the growing chatter. I quickly glance at my future brother-in-law. He was somewhat short for his age, and had wider features, but was still slender nonetheless. I heard he used to be a chubby bunny growing up. He had medium black hair that reached far enough to cover his ears and frame his pale white face. He wore a black suit, as he always does, covering as much skin as possible.

Thinking back to the only time I've been with Edwin, I realize that the two aren't all that similar. Edwin had a much taller, skinnier frame, but could still lift more than it seemed he could (A/N yes ladies, he does indeed lift). His hair was slightly longer, reaching his shoulders and waving outwards, his long bangs parted to one side. He always wore a vest and slacks when he wasn't forced to dress like the royalty he was. He was normally carefree, but had a serious and rather scary side to him sometimes.

"He should still be here somewhere..." Oliver says scanning the crowd. I jump back to reality once again and search from the other side as well. I spot him easily, being fawned over by women. Edwin is just as happy with the marriage as I am, and told me personally that he had no intentions of having another lover or treating me as anything but his own. He locks eyes with me and gives a nervous wave, as if saying, "Help me". I nod off Oliver and head towards him slowly, as if I was royalty as the crowd was watching the star crossed lovers meet for the first time in a week.

"Hello, my dear Aris, it is a pleasure to be with you once more." Edwin says, placing a kiss on my hand. The women who were with him step back, embarrassed. He gives me a thankful grin.

"Please, the pleasure is all mine." I reply.

"I take it you haven't had the chance to dance yet? I was informed of your earlier incident." He says.