The next morning I woke up to a very happy duo of Angela and Margo.

"What makes you so happy pray do tell me."

They hesitated a bit, to open up to me. Angela was about to speak but was cut off by a rather awkward land embarrassed looking Margo.

"Your highness, the prince comes today; there is a very delicious meal and supper arrangement not only for you at the ball but for us after it too." she said

"The thought makes you happy, I see."

"Aye! Your highness. Not only that, but the whole palace is pleasant this morning. It's as if the walls and the surroundings know of his arrival and wish to rejoice."

"Well then I must say you need to hurry up and dress me so that you be a part of the festivities."

"We may?"

"Of course, though you must ask the heads of the task about assisting, and you need to help me dress for the ball. Other than that I see no wrong with your wish to participate."

"Oh! How I would love to see Lady Tanya's and Lady Lauren's maid help. They never let them help always trying to outdo each other to catch the prince's attention."

"You must not talk about them this way, Margo. I may be liberal, but I have no wish to participate in such gossip and nor will I allow you to talk in such distasteful manner about them despite whatever my opinions may be."

"My apologies, my Lady. I truly am sorry I forgot where I was."

"You are pardoned. It is not that I forbid you to voice your opinions but that I cannot encourage but rather comment on my disapproval of such manner of speech." I said a bit kindly for I rather felt that I was harsh in my own manner of speech; for she had merely put into words what I saw, others felt.

They helped me dress up in a much decorative fashion than I would have allowed on any other day. I wore a neat golden coloured gown made of combination of silk, satin and velvet with deep green intricate embroidery. It's the colour of his eyes they exclaimed.

I must comment that their excitement was rather infectious. I did find it rather odd that maids would find the prince's arrival so interesting. I by noontide was myself looking forward to see the prince for myself. From when I had seen him last I now consider both of us young then.

Margo's observations were further proven right when I saw Lady Tanya and Lady Lauren dressed in such finery that one would wear on one's wedding. I would find myself unfair if I did not complement them on their appearance. Dressed in deep red velvet gown with golden embroidery, Lady Tanya looked a bit over dressed but exquisite. Lady Lauren on the other hand had dressed in a pale cream coloured gown full of lace and a train behind her; she looked beautiful in the dress.

I could see that the festive mood was not limited only to the prince's mistresses but to everyone. The king and the queen were very obviously delighted that morning about their son's arrival.

From Lady Alice I had gathered that the prince had been gone for almost a month and that the discussion had been with a hostile party. Despite all the security measures and the soldiers that had been sent with the prince everyone had been scared for his well being. Hence, all the preparations for his welcome.

Just when the noontide meal was announced the waiting staff announced that the prince was entering the gates. The food was long forgotten and everyone rushed to the entrance of the palace and took their positions according to their rank.

I silently stood between Lady Rosalie and Lady Alice, for by now they had taken me under their wings by the queen's request.

All too soon I spotted a large carriage pulled by six horses. The occupants disembarked regally. It was very obvious to anyone who saw that the people were of outmost grace and importance.

The party stood in front of the royal couple and bowed to them and who i could only remember vaguely remember as the prince proceeded to hug the queen tightly.

Lady Alice silently explained that the man on the right behind the prince was Sir Benjamin and on the left was Sir Demetri; the rest were who she thought were representatives from Dabney

The prince introduced the gentlemen from Dabney as Lord Marcus and Caius the governor's brothers and that they were here to meet the king and further proceed the negotiations.

We all proceeded to the halls for the noontide meals. As we sat down, I took to observing the new arrivals among us.

I observed the gentlemen from Dabney to be vary of their surroundings. This I understood for there had been tension amongst the people of their province for a long time. To make the matters worse when their state had been taken over after the battle Aro's army had been crippled and Aro had pledged his allegiance and his state in return for his life.

He had been instated as the governor to prevent further unrest among the already miserable people. But now as rumors ran amok that Aro himself was supporting the rebels the crown was proceeding with caution.

The environment of the dining hall was tense. The courtiers were clearly relieved that the prince had returned safe and yet were doubtful of what had been and what could be achieve from the discussions ahead.

The court was dismissed for the afternoon and it was decided that it would commence for two hours in the evening where the arrived party would present all that had been discussed in dabney.

It was when we all retiring to our chambers to rest, that the king called me.

"Child, I have read your father's letter wherein he has made me requests as a friend and a brother. The reason as to why you were not informed about the contents of the letter was the doubt whether I would accept his wishes."

"You must understand that had I been anyone other than the king, the matters would have been very simple. But now if I do this for you people may consider me to be partial to my friends. This is not something that I can let happen for I am essentially the father of the nation and a father cannot be partial."

I felt crestfallen for what must have been the only hope was now gone. I knew that this was the only hope for my father would never force the king to make difficult decisions, especially not for his own self.

I must have gone into a trance. I was startled when the queen touched my knee.

"Forgive me your majesty; I was contemplating my further actions."

"Oh dear! You must have been really lost in your own thoughts if you haven't heard what the king said!"

"Your majesty?"

"well, my child; I said that I was yet to come to a decision. I wish to contemplate the problem with my son and he is resting. So I just ask you to grant me some time."

"When I come to a decision I shall intimate you and shall also give you the letter to read."

"Thank you sire, I shall eagerly be waiting for your answer."

The evening came and every one assembled in the court to hear what news the prince had brought.

"Tell me son what news do you bring."

"Father, Lord Aro swears that he is in allegiance with the crown"

"So what did he suggest we do with matters regarding the rebellion movement that is increasing in intensity in the past months?"

"Sire, he simply suggested that we wait and watch. He is of the opinion that it will eventually die down."

"Is it the opinion of all the members of his council?"

"No sire, I am afraid that a few were hesitant in agreeing with the governor."

"Did you see the rebellion sites for yourself?"

"No sire, it was deemed too dangerous at this point in time. Lord Aro claimed that the rebel camps are filled with ill informed and fueled youth, and that they my attack without provocation."

"So you say that you do not have a detailed knowledge of the issues."

"Sir, I had private audience with those who were actively participating in keeping the crowds calm. They are of the opinion that the rebel leaders would be willing to participate in negotiations once they find out that their exaggerated movements are not garnering reaction from the crown."

"Good! You've done well my son. You may take your place."

"Sir Benjamin, what do you think of the situation?"

"Your majesty, I too confirm that Lord Aro said that the rebellion will die down. I, on his highness, the prince's order talked to the gentle folk of the town and canvassed the surrounding area, the people are anxious my lord. They fear the rise of rebellion and our reaction to it."

"If I may add something by my side; sire?"

"Proceed, sir"

"Sir I think that it is imperative that we insist on negotiations and dialog with the leaders of the rebellion. For I fear no attention may give them more encouragement."

"Very well, you may take your position sir."

"Thank you your majesty."

"Now, Lord Demetri, go forth with your observations and suggestions."

"Greetings your majesty! While I have heard exactly the same as his highness, the prince and Sir Benjamin; on his highness's orders I personally talked to those among the council who we thought were hesitant to agree with Lord Aro. Sire with all fairness I say that I felt that they were forbidden to express their views even when I asked them with the prince's authority."

"The court is dismissed for the day. I shall continue the discussion with my council tomorrow in the morn. For now you may do as you please. Enjoy the ball and the feast laid out in the honor of the prince's arrival."


Okay, this is the Third chapter and Edward has finally made an appearance.

the next chapter will most probably have the ball.

I would like to explain the names of the kingdom 'Amadeus'. It is a Latin name which means 'god's love'.

And the province of 'Dabney' which is again a Latin name meaning a 'white settlement'.

Now one of the most important request: Please review! They not only make me happy but also encourage me! New to writing remember!