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Soft music floated throughout the room as people of the court danced and talked, exchanging gossip. Some ladies giggled and the princess could hear snatches of their conversation:

"Look at the prince. He looks so handsome in that tunic, it matches his eyes perfectly." One girl said, "I wonder if he'll marry soon."

"Oh, do be quiet Marie!" Another scolded, "You do know he doesn't wish to marry the likes of us!"

Two others giggled, "She can dream."

Sighing softly and lightly clutching her skirts, young Kalisan looked across the ballroom to find her older brother standing by her father. Regal in a blue tunic and hose with a crisp white shirt, trimmed in silver, Roald of Contè was handsome in his own way. Though, as they had gotten older, and with Roald spending more time with Jon, Kally noticed he had become distant. Not the kind of distant she felt when drifting off into her own world at times (Though, she wouldn't admit it) but the type where it seems that you hardly knew the person. It both scared and frustrated her.

Taking a deep, calming breath Kalisan walked over to them. Curtsying low to her father she saw a brief smile appear on his face before it was replaced by a blank expression. Her mother, standing nearby nodded for her to speak, "May I speak with Roald for a few moments, father?" "In private if possible." She added.

Jonathan nodded, "Don't be too long, Kally."

"I won't" Hearing Roald's footsteps behind her, she led him to the hall outside the ballroom. Turning to face his dull blue eyes, she sighed and placed her hands on her hips. "What's wrong?"

The question was simple and her voice held no threat. Roald blinked and an empty smile softened his features, "Nothing, Kally." "Just…thoughts, that's all."

Kalisan dropped her arms to her sides and her gaze softened. He was hiding from her again. "Tell me, Roald. You can trust me, you know that." Her voice came out barely a whisper.

The prince sighed, "Father has told me about the Dominion Jewel and,"—he cleared his throat— "How I am to wield it when I become king."

Kally arched a brow, "I don't understand. How could this be troubling you?" "You're the rightful heir and the Jewel will accept you as so."

"You remember the stories Father told us?" Roald asked his eyes on the floor. "About his coronation day?"

"Yes. Yes I do." Realization suddenly hit Kalisan like a slap to the face and she took her brother's hand, as much for her comfort as for his. Roald faced her again, his face no longer a mask of blankness but an expression of worry.

"I'm just worried my reign will begin that way too. With a war…" He admitted in a soft tone.

Kally felt deep pity towards her brother, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He knew what he felt, with the burdens of his royal position heavy on his shoulders. He was trying to follow in Jon's footsteps and yet it was hard for him. "You'll have me and, perhaps a wife, to support you the entire way."

Roald smiled—a true smile—and chuckled, "Nothing's going to stop you I know"

Kally shook her head, "Nothing at all." "Come on, Father's waiting." The two siblings walked back into the ballroom, blank expressions returning but eyes sparkling.

They knew they could always count on each other for support.