Chapter 1
I used to never get tired of hearing this story. A story of danger, of heroes and villains.
Justice, pure evil, and hope. A story of true love and heart break. And a million memories to last
a trillion life times. It happened when the entire population of Gaia, our planet, was in a war.
And it was an amazing and beautiful miracle, when every continent, every country and kingdom, pulled back together, to save their home. When only days before, plans where being made to destroy each other. But even that much, was not enough to save Gaia. It was eight heroes, who truly saved us all. They traveled the world in search of the answers to stop the madness. Risked their lives everyday to save others. Defeating all the monsters and demons that crossed their path. And even journeyed to the great beyond to accomplish their mission for peace. They succeeded, and were praised and glorified for their devotion. Two of the great heroes, are my parents.
My name is RoseAnna Alexandros. It has been nineteen years since the New Age has begun. My mother and father, are the Queen and the Prince Consort of the beautiful kingdom Alexandria. I have a younger brother and sister, Alexander and Cassandra. I have a wondrous
life here with them in our castle. But, I dream of so much more. I am starting to get tired of their story... I feel its time I make my own.
I sit in the large hall, up front in the lavish seats with my family and the other six glorified heroes. Me, and my two siblings sit off to the side as the speaker goes on to tell the long version of the grand adventure I have informed you of. I fight so hard not to day dream, to stay focused and take in every word that is echoed off the great marble walls. But I have heard it so many times, I could recite it. The entire audience is filled with nobles from every corner of the world. Familiar faces, that I have seen to many times to count, and a great deal of new ones.
The castle has this reunion party every few years, to remember the fateful days that Gaia barely survive through. It is the largest ball, and the most respected Nobles attend. Anyone who is anyone, is here tonight.
All of their eyes are locked on the speaker or the heroes. No one pays any mind to me, or my brother or sister. Although, Alex and Cassie couldn't care less. They haven't heard the famous story as many times as I. So they are just as memorize as the audience. I sigh all to loud, and receive a few snobby glares. Uggg. I can't stand Nobles.
My eyes study every face in the room, until I find the one that makes my heart skip a beat. My eyes gaze upon him. I feel the butterflies in my stomach break free of their cocoons, and begin to flutter around my heart.
He is the son of a Duke in Burmecia, the kingdom of eternal rain. A great and powerful Dragoon Knight, by the name of Draco. He is dressed in a fine, dark blue velvet shirt, and his fabulous light brown eyes have their usual shine. His pointy, brown ears twitch slightly, and his eyes lock on mine. I feel my face flush and I am forced to move my eyes away. He is the only one that makes me like this, and I wonder if he even remembers my name.
My strange colored eyes then make their way to Alex. I give him a stern glare
"Stop it." I hiss at him in the tiniest whisper.
He sits in between me and Cassie, and he is pulling at the pearls that are holding her hair in place. He grins, and seems quiet pleased with himself that he annoyed me.
"She started it." he said slyly.
I roll my eyes, and bite back on my tongue not to say anything. I have been yelling at people a lot lately, and I don't know why. It makes me mad that my patience had grown thin. I am lead to think that the reason is, it is just my hormones. That I'm changing. But that makes me even more annoyed, I don't want to change. A few years ago, I was happy with who I was. Now, I always seem to have something to complain about, and I always have those thoughts about Draco.
I have to shake my head lightly and focus on something else.
I smooth out the wrinkles on my lap, and turn my attention to the speaker again. He is describing the one part of the story that I enjoyed the most. The meeting of my mother and father. Although,
he doesn't go into the romantic detail that Daddy does. Love at first sight, that is what they discovered when they met each other. I think of Draco again. I wish I knew what he thought of me when we first met.
Another hour or two we would be sitting here, soaking in our history. Then, the ball would begin.
Dancing until the crack of sunlight. Drinking champagne and having intelligent conversations with new people. I, however, would be sent to introduce myself to a few of the important people who sat in the audience and then rushed to bed. I wasn't old enough to experience this, life style, as my mother would put it, just yet. When I'm eighteen, she tells me. By the time she was eighteen, she had saved the world from mass destruction and met her true love. I only grow
frustrated when I think of this, and I notice that the hormones are taking over again. How I wish to run to bed at this very moment, and bury myself in my own dreams of adventurous stories.
Instead of living in the shadow of one that has taken its toll. The thought of running for cover leaves my thoughts, when I notice Draco hasn't taken his eyes off me. I gaze at him again, and I see a lovely smile cross his face. I can't help but smile back, and a sigh again.
I hear applause, and look up sharply, to see the ocean of nobles standing with bright smiles and tears flooding their eyes. The grand story telling is over, already? I must have fallen asleep...oh dear... I glance over slowly to my right to gaze upon the eight heroes, trying to create a lovely smile across my lips, even though, sleep is still heavy in my eyes.
I study my mother and father, I see such pride light up their faces. He takes her hand, and they smile lovingly at each other, before returning their eyes to the crowd. Then he glances at me with that knowing smirk. Oh dear! He knows! He knows I fell asleep! Oh I am in no mood for a lecture, or maybe he will let it slide? In all the years I have know him, my Father has always proven to surprise me. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. He may tell mother, or does she already know? Oh DEAR. If she knows, then I'm doomed. I'll be punished for weeks. Oh dear...was I...did I...snore?
His smirk falters slightly, and he raises a brow at me suspiciously, silently asking me if I'm alright. He must see the worry on my face. I blink a few times, before smiling back, maybe a bit too joyful, showing all my teeth, and nod as I turn my head sharply at the crowd with a little laugh. As if they are in on the joke. Oh, yes. So funny. I was just teasing, wasn't really snoring, I assure you. Ah ha.
I am pulled from my crazed state of mind, when I hear annoyed whispers beside me, and I glance down, still grinning, at my two younger siblings. The little boy is poking the small girl in the shin constantly, with a a grin, that is all too similar to my fathers. Its a bit eerie how similar he looks like my father. Beside the dark brown mass of hair that sits on his head, you could easily mistake them as the same person.
"Alexander..." I whisper sweetly, "Could you try not to act like the little demon you are for five seconds?" Cassandra, my six year old sister, has the sweetest face a child could have. Huge dark eyes, full, rosy cheeks, and red lips, that would surely fill out nicely as she grew older. She would be an unbearably gorgeous woman one day, and I secretly envied her, as I'm sure, many other girls will find they do too. But as for right now, even though she kept her innocent, adorable smile on the crowd, I could tell,she wanted to burst into tears.
"Aw come on, Rose." he whispered back just as quietly, "She doesn't mind all that much. She even let me pull on her hair, and jump on her dress, when you were rattling the windows with your monster snores." He glanced at me coolly. I could kill him. Strangle every last breath out of him. Instead, I responded;
"Leave her alone, or I tell Mother about what really happened to her rose bush." I narrowed my eyes at him. And for a moment, he looked horrified.
"You wouldn't."
"Oh, I wouldn't, darling little brother?" I leaned in a bit closer, "Try me."
"...if you do that...then... I tell Daddy, about the time you kissed that boy that came to visit from Limblum."
"That would be a dirty lie, Alex, and you know it." I growl.
"Daddy would believe me." he said quickly, his pride rising again.
I felt my face burn with rage, and scanned through my list of the naughty things he had done.
"I'll tell about when you broke Mother's vase." I come back strongly.
"Then she would quickly learn that you were the one chasing me."
"Father would be very disappointed to hear his little boy stole those pickles from Captain Steiner."
"And Mother would be devastated to find her darling eldest daughter sneaks into the kitchen way after bed time to hog chocolate cake all to herself."
That was one time. Oh, this child is truly a beast from the great beyond.
" The cheese mess." I snap.
"Then I tell about the giant spot on Mother's white dress and how it got there."
"And how about the smell in the dinning room rug? How would you explain that?"
"I would-" he faltered, and I grinned nastily,
"...I...would.."
"You will stop tormenting your baby sister, and look like you are having a glorious time sitting up here with Gaia's heroes, do you understand?"
"I will go to Mother and-"
"Do you understand?" I repeat darkly, and he slumps in his chair, arms crossed glaring at the floor. Cassie, smiles lightly at us, with a tiny giggle, as she rubs the spot on her leg that has been poked countless times. I smile back at her, and turn back to the crowd, sitting up straight, with a happy face, as if I were just having a grand conversation about how lucky we are, being able to join in this festivity.
The applause finally dies down, and the cheers disappear into echoes. Everyone is seated again, but my Mother rises. She is wearing a magnificent lavender dress, that fits her perfect form charmingly. Her dark hair, is wrapped elegantly into braids that twist together and sit on top of her head, giving her a graceful atmosphere. Her warming smile only adds to the affect.
"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, I would firstly like to thank you all, for so kindly venturing to us and our beloved kingdom, from far and wide. I am so pleased to have you with us."
There was polite clapping again, and my Mother, the Queen of Alexandria, continued on for a few more moments, thanking certain people, like Lord So and So, and lady Whatsherface, for all their help in making tonight so lovely and blah blah blah. Then we were all escorted to the ballroom. The Nobles were sent first, to take in the castle, and speak among themselves about useless gossip, as they so love to do. Once the room was Noble free, the heroes stood up. They were an odd group. That was for certain. There was Lady Freya, from Brumicia, wearing a simple, but lovely red gown,her white silky hair pulled back into a simple bun. There was Amarant, who wears a clean tan shirt and brown pants. Nothing special, and he was clear on the subject, that he couldn't care less. There is such a sense of danger and adventure I get especially from this one man. He is taller than the rest, and has muscles larger than my head. His red hair is untamed and hangs past his back.
Then there was my aunt, Princess Eiko from Limblum, who looks magnificent. A yellow gown clings her slender form, as her bare shoulders must seduce all men that pass by. She is quite lovely ,my aunt, and I wish to be just like her when I am her age. She has a sense of independence and power to her that intimidates even the highest points of power. Her purple hair cascades to the middle of her back, and a golden bow is placed on top where a ponytail spills out. Amber jewels drip from her neck and ears, and catch the light. She looks as me with a smirk, and winks.
"Hey there Rose, how ya holding up kiddo?"
"Fine, thank you." I smiled back.
If we weren't surrounded by all these people, I would tell her everything, but now isn't the right time. She nods, and continues a conversation with a black mage, who is one of the many sons, and stands in for his father. The hero who is no longer with us, named Vivi. They speak highly of this boy, and I wish I could have met him. He apparently was the reason why black mages walk freely around with other people now. I am told that they were once just slaves. How dreadful. I mean, we all know, there life span isn't as long as most, but I hate to think of them being used as slaves. I have met some very nice black mages in my life, most of them smarter than Nobles.
Then there is the oddest of them all, in my opinion. Quina, a Qu from a marsh outside of Limblum. I asked once, if Quina was a male or female, and my Father told me, it was best not to ask.
He/She works in our kitchen here in Alexandria, and makes the most delicious gourmet foods I have ever tasted. A bit on the crazy side, but I know He/She means well.
"Time for yummy yummies!" Quina cheered as he/she hopped up, licking it's face as it wobbled down the isle, following the path to the ballroom.
Freya stood up slowly, her simple dress spilling out behind her.
"Age hasn't slowed that one down, has it?" she said with a small smile.
"Yeah...still annoying as hell..." Amarant added smugly, as he used the arms of the chair to help him up.
He stood up straight for a moment until his back cracked, quite loudly, before slumping his shoulders forward and taking his usual stance. I can't say it didn't give me shivers. Cracking bones is most unpleasant to hear, and it leaves your bones weak and achy in old age. I don't understand why people do it. Even though, everything Amarant does, disturbs me. I know how harsh that might sound. But he is incredibly tall, and shady. If I saw him while not with my father around, I would simply have a heart attack.
I studied him for a moment, his clothes, his long hair, that blue skin...his face...wrinkles. He was growing old. I had never noticed, never thought about how old they all were before. My eyes soon began to study all of them... Freya,Captain Steiner...Mother..even Father...
For some reason, this made me sad. I felt a great wave of loneliness, even though I was surrounded by people. Some wrinkles were deeper than others...none were very obvious, but they were there. The next thought that sprung to my mind, was death. Old age brought death. Another reality dawned upon me, and I felt empty for a second as these thoughts swarmed my mind.
"RoseAnna, darling, are you alright? You look ill." my Mother asked gently, standing to place her hand on my cheek. All eyes were on me with curiosity.
"Yes, Mother...I'm, fine. Really, just a bit dizzy is all, stood up to fast I suppose." I smile, a carefree smile. I have no worries Mother, no dark thoughts you should concern yourself with. I'm your happy Rosie dying to dance with handsome men. Well, half of that statement would be true if I said it, but I like to keep some things to myself.
"Are you sure? Maybe you should lie down for a moment.." She started.
"Aw come on Dagger, she's fine." my Father to the rescue,
"Maybe anxious to get on the dance floor and dance with a certain someone.." he smirked. Rescue. Ha. I shall yank his tail for that one later.
My Mother looked at me curiously.
"Oh? Is this true Rose? Have you an interest in someone?"
"Father!" I say blushing, and they all laugh lightly. I cannot find the humor in my embarrassment, so I roll my eyes, and look back at my brother and sister.
"Come on you two .Stand up." I help Cassie slide off the chair as Alex hops off himself and walks over to Father, as my Mother fixes his hair tenderly. They begin to have their own conversation, and now their eyes have forgotten me, and moved on to something interesting.
"Oh, Rose, is my hair alight?" Cassandra asked me in her sugar coated voice as I tightened the huge purple bow on the back of her dress.
"Yes Cassie, you look marvelous."I said with a smile, and kissed her cheek quickly.
"Oh, do I? It took me hours to decide on the perfect dress!" she giggled.
I laughed with her, and stand up straight again.
"You do look like the prettiest princess I've ever seen." Eiko joined in as she walked over to us, placing a hand on my back.
"Aunt Eiko, you are so kind." she said with a clasp of her tiny gloved hands and another giggle, before she bopped over to the rest of my family.
"Your dress is gorgeous Aunt Eiko.." I say as I scan her quickly, taking her hands in mine.
"Mine? Look at yours!" she smiled and fixed my bangs, so my horn stood out more. "There...wear it proud." she smirked.
I lowered my eyes for a moment.
"Aunt Eiko...I would like to talk to you about that.."I whisper.
A look of worry crossed her face.
"Whats the matter?"
"...in...private." I glance over her shoulder to see the others soaking up Alex's charm. The little beast. If they only knew how he acted behind closed doors.
She nodded lightly, and I saw her emerald eyes move to my horn again, taking a closer look at it.
"Its nothing terribly serious," I add reassuringly, "just something I would like to ask you about."
"Well come to me during the ball then, alright honey?"
I really hate those sweet names. They make me feel like a child.
"Of course."
"Alright everyone, shall we?" my Father says linking his arm with my Mother's, leading the way, and we all follow. I walk up beside my Father.
"Mother, please, let me stay up, don't send me to bed early." I beg.
"RoseAnna, there is no way I will allow that." she adds sternly.
"But why? I am seventeen, I am old enough now to join in on the late festivities."
"I will be the judge of that. You will say goodnight when I tell you, do you understand?"
"Oh come on Dagger.." Father says trying to save me again.
"No Zidane, and please, don't call me that in front of our guests. This conversation is over." She sighs and straightens her posture.
"Sorry kiddo, but Mom has made up her mind." he frowns at me, then whispers, "I'll try and work on it, alright? Just behave, and don't get yourself into trouble."
I smile brightly. "Me? Trouble? Father you kid me so."
"Yeah, I know you missy. Behave." He kisses my forehead, and walks up farther with the Queen.
When we enter the castle's largest room, decorated with drapes made of lace, and large silk ribbons, it is crowded from wall to wall. Many people spin and twirl on the dance floor, as others drink champagne and gossip and laugh loudly and joyfully. They would love to talk with me, I am the princess. Although I have no gossip to chat about, I cannot drink, and I find obnoxious laughter quite irritating. I much rather become one with the dances. I love dancing. The music, the grace of it all, and the joy it brings me to feel light as a feather. I cannot say I am very good, I forget steps all the time, but I know how to laugh at my mistakes.
Marvelous gowns bustle about, bringing so much color and life to the party, and it makes me smile. There are no worries here. Everyone is carefree. And even though the Nobles make me twitchy, the atmosphere makes my heart warm. So I try and let go of the horrid thoughts I discovered back it the hall, and become tipsy with the joy in the room.
I was immediately approached by a few women, that offered their names and showered me with complements. I thanked them and returned in exchange a moment of my time before moving on to the next group of loud Nobles. As soon as their gossip would begin, I would make my way to somewhere else. I had no care for that. I found it mean and inappropriate. I suppose I should be dying to hear about the latest scandal in Treno. Or how Lady Idiotic wants to marry for the fourth time. But I'm not. And I suppose I should have some stories of my own to share, but I feel that those are private. And I like it that way. They are mine, and no one else's.
I am approached by many other Ladies who wish to tell me how lovely my hair is, how attractive my dress is and how much I've grown. Several Lords come and discuss simply things with me, talk to me like a proper gentlemen. And they all love to mention their son or nephew, who would make a marvelous husband, and is a 'real' man. Whatever that means. I am asked to dance several times, and even though it may sound mean, they were worse at dancing then me. I 've become tired of this party, far too quickly. I suppose everything seems more exciting when your a child. I glance around at all the laughing people again. Or maybe...its just me..
Oh, but this Lord has actually brought his son. The man introduces the young man to me like the boy could walk on water. Describing all the heroic things he has accomplish in his short life. Once saved a cat from a tree? Oh, my, how interesting! Were you harmed? Was it scary? Was the tree any bigger than that ridiculous hat on your head?
I smile charmingly at the young man, who is a few inches shorter than I, and stairs straight ahead. Has the boy even looked at me? Can he speak or is he a mute? His eyes snap to me, and I flinch.
"I would be honored if I could share this dance with you, your Highness." came a strong deep voice from the little man.
"...O-oh..I would...but I just-" I stop.
My eyes lock on a set of pointy, brown furry ears across the room. They stand tall above most of the heads that crowd my view. I try and strain my eyes to see, stretching my neck. And then its like everything else has gone into slow motion, as just enough people move out of the way so I can see him.
Draco.
He is smiling, and laughing, and is without a care. His hair falls perfectly across his face, and I feel a smile tease my lips. My mind melts to mush. He is lovely, flawless , and I am love struck.
He glances over the crowd, and finally, his eyes meet mine. For a moment he just stares at me, and then smiles so brightly. He excuses himself from the people he is conversing with,then turns to me, and begins to walk across the room.
My heart skips a beat. Was he smiling at me? Is he really headed this way?
"...Your highness?"
"Yes?" I say blinking and turn my attention back to the boy, who suddenly grabs my hand, and leads me to the dance floor. I am stunned, and look around for Draco again. I see him for a second, and he looks a bit surprised as well. I try to call out to him, but am pulled into a waltz. Surprisingly, the boy isn't half bad. He holds me tightly, but respects my space at the same time. He holds his head high with a bright smile.
"So, did you really do all of those marvelous things your Father informed me about?" I try to sound curious.
"Yes." he says quickly, and it is quiet for a moment.
"...oh, well, you are very brave sir." I complement with a forced girlish giggle.
"I know. And you are very charming your Highness. I had been told many things about you."
"...you have." I narrow my eyes slightly.
"Oh yes. Nothing bad, I assure." he adds, glancing quickly at me, then back at my horn, "I hope my dancing is satisfactory?"
"Yes. My I ask what you are staring at so intently?" I ask, a bit harsh.
His eyes move again over my head, and then to the side. He knows I am insulted.
"Magnificent ball. I have been to many, and this one is by far the loveliest. Once, I attended Lady Margareta's ball, from Treno, and there was a man there who..."
Gossip again. I focused on my footwork and drown his babble out. Is Draco watching? Was he insulted and stormed out? Did he even notice me at all? We did only meet once before. A few months ago. At another ball, a party for my Great Uncle Cid in Limblum. We talked the whole night. He was very kind and funny, and not once talked of anyone else. He was interested in me, and I him. It wasn't until I was home in bed, I realized I could not take my mind off of him. Everyday I think about him. I should start writing letters to him. Yes. And visit him monthly. That would be a lady like thing to do wouldn't it? And if he felt the same- oh...Rose, your getting ahead of yourself. I let out a huge sigh.
"I...I'm sorry your Highness, I...didn't mean to bore you."
"O-oh, no no! I just, it just came out.."
"I understand, I never was very good at telling stories." he tried to clear his throat.
"Your too kind, Lord..." oh no. "..Lord...um..I'm so sorry I have seem to have forgotten your name.."
I saw the poor boy's heart break in his eyes, and I felt incredibly horrible.
"Lord Gerome...Princess..." he said sadly.
"Right...lovely name." RoseAnna, you twit.
More awkward silence filled our dance that felt like it had already lasted a century. I can't believe how terrible this situation was, I couldn't even remember the man's name. Where will I be in ten years? No, one year, a month, a week! How far will I already have disgraced my family's name? Oh bother, Gerome has began to stumble and destroy this lovely dance we were sharing. I feel that urge to run to my room build up again...
"Excuse me...may I cut in?"came a smooth voice from behind me.
I saw Gerome look up above my head and nod lightly. He kissed my hand, and retreated to his Father hastily. I spin around, and there he is. His caramel eyes twinkling at me, a smile still on his lips.
"Good evening Your Highness."
"Good evening Draco. You look very handsome."
"Thank you, RoseAnna...and you look absolutely amazing.." he whispered and kept his eyes on mine for a long moment, before I laughed lightly and lowered my eyes, feeling my cheeks grow hot.
"Sorry," he said rubbing his neck with a smirk, "..um...I'm supposed to be cutting in. I think we should be dancing."
"Yes, that would be the proper thing to do Draco. Not to gander at me all night." I smile as he takes my hand in his, and feel the warmth of his large clawed hand on my waist.
"Ah, but I'm afraid, it was you, Dear Rose, who was gandering at me."
"Is that so?" I raise an eyebrow at him.
"Yes your Highness."
"Positive?"
"Yes, your Highness."
"Oh, alright then. In that case, forgive me dear Burmician."
"Do not step on my toes, and all will be forgiven." he grins at me, and holds me a bit closer, before we begin to dance.
I'm not sure how long we twirled to the music, it must have been at least and hour or so, but I was in a complete state of bliss. Everything that bothered me before had slipped away. Many men asked to cut in, but I pretended not to hear. Draco noticed though, and laughed at my stubbornness.
"I see you are completely taken with me Princess, is that it?"
I laugh. "Oh, you do jest. It is only that these other Nobles frighten me so with their elaborate clothing and fancy hats, but you... well there is nothing much about you to be frightened of."
"Shall I give you a reason to be scared?"
"Only if you wish to stop dancing with me." I smile confidently.
"Hmm... Yes. I think I am done anyway. Give me a moment to think up something horrifying." he smirks when my mouth drops suddenly.
"You are cruel, Sir."
"I suppose I get it from you."
"How sweet."I roll my eyes and he chuckles again.
"My legs are tired, your Highness. Let us take a short break." I nod, and he leads me away from the dance floor.
"Tell me Draco, how are you? Your home? And do you have any new stories from your travels?"
"I do wish there was somewhere more private for us to discuss." he says to me quietly. "I feel as if everyone is always listening for something interesting to pop up."
"Oh...well, yes..." I glance around shyly, before my eyes widen.
"Draco, I'm afraid I must leave you for the time being. But, I..." I look again before leaning closer to him and whisper, "...meet me on the balcony on the third floor in, say, oh about an hour. We will be able to speak there."
He frowns lightly, and kisses my hand.
"Alright, I will speak to you then."
"Yes," I curtsy and smile, "until then." I then turn and hurry off to find my Mother.
She is seated at the front of the ball room with my father on top of a platform. They are talking to each other in whispers, harsh and quick. They are arguing over something. My father seems very concerned...and Mother looks as if trying to stay calm. Captain Steiner and General Beatrix stand on either side of the structure.
"Captain..." I say approaching slowly, "What seems to be the matter?"
"Ah, your Highness." he salutes me proudly. "There is no problem, nothing to concern yourself with. I do hope your having a grand time? No men are getting too friendly are they..?" he asked warningly.
"No, Steiner." I say tiredly. "Please let me up to see my parents."
He thought for a moment, and glanced back at them.
"One moment your Highness."
He saluted them, and talked with them a moment, before returning.
"You may proceed" he nodded to me before walking out of the ballroom quickly, his armor clanking behind him as he went.
"Zidane, its too dangerous..."
"...Garnet think about it.."
"Mother, Father." I said to get their attention, and they both looked at me quickly, "May I be excused to go talk with-"
"No." Mother said quickly, "Its time for you to go to bed."
My mouth hangs open slightly.
"But Mother, I need to speak with Aunt Eiko."
"You will speak with her tomorrow morning. Now you are going to take your brother and sister into your room tonight, and sleep together."
"What? Why?"
"I...I just don't trust everyone here." she said sternly.
"Then why would you invite them?" I ask anger rising in my voice.
"RoseAnna." Father joins in, "Do as your Mother says."
"But, but Father-"
"Your Majesty." Steiner has returned, with his son, Gabriel.
The boy is a few years older than me, but we have grown up together. He had become a Knight of Pluto and is such a hard worker. Incredibly fast, and amazing with a sword. He is a good person too, and has always helped me sneak around the castle, knowing the consequences if we were caught. But he is also shy, and has the worst time talking to girls. He is like a big brother to me, and he is suppose to be enjoying the party.
"Whats going on...?" I ask looking at Gabe confused. He is very tall and built, and has his mother to thank for his good looks. He gives me no signs, which tells me he has no idea either.
"RoseAnna, hush." my Mother scolds me again. "Where is Cassandra and Alexander?"
"They are already in bed, Your Highness." Beatrix offers helpfully.
"Good.." she sighs, and closes her eyes for a moment, before opening them and smiling at me.
"Forgive my temper, dear, I am a bit tired myself."
"But I'm not tired Mother.." I whine childishly.
"...but it is late, and time for you to get some rest." she places her hand on my cheek again. "Alright?"
I study her eyes...she is terrified...of what, I don't know.
I nod, and she stroked my head before kissing my forehead softly.
"Off to bed dear...I'll see you in the morning. Gabriel, please escort her to her room."