Nefarious Adventure

by Evil Orange Crayon

A mysterious prince comes to Enchancia with the pretense of creating a new alliance. As the only available princess in the castle, Sofia is worried and with good cause. There is something otherworldly about this prince that she can't put her finger on. Surely, her parents will do the right thing and not promise her to a man she's never met. Right?

4. Chapter 4

Nefarious Adventure

By Evil Orange Crayon

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters present in this story, whether they are owned by Disney or other folks.

Warning: HO THERE! Mature content is in this chapter! And yea, this story is rated M so if you are uncomfortable with mature content then MAN did you pick the wrong story to read. Somehow in my envisioning the male character in this story he has given himself the reputation (with me) of being a bit of a horndog and I have to satisfy that (sadly i can't do that myself so I give the female lead as sacrifice!). While sex is not actually in this chapter there is adult situations that are like... right there. It's not full on sex, but it's dealing with the anatomy of it. So yea, kinda sex but not really. Rambling, sorry. You've been warned!

So, in the event you were unable to guess just who Victor Nefarius is, I'll educated you. Victor Nefarius is none other than Nefarian, or Blackwing, a raid boss that appeared in Blackwing Lair and Blackwing Descent in the popular mmo World of Warcraft. If you are a player of the game, don't worry. I am not at all making an Enchancia/Azeroth cross over. I'm just borrowing Searing Gore and Burning Steppes and the black dragon-flight. I promise. If you are unfamiliar with the character and my description of him wasn't very good I highly suggestion you just type Victor Nefarius into google images search and see what I meant when I said, "hm... he is smexy."

So, I'm trying to put as much as I can in each chapter to make the story I guess to paint a picture of the situation Sofia is in. I don't want to split it up into smaller chapters because I want each chapter to revolve around a bigger event so that is why they're longer than any of my other works. And yea, it takes me a bit longer to finish the chapters because I'm trying to tie in one event to another and all that happens in between. Be patient.

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A throat cleared and she quickly pulled away from Victor. She turned to see her father, his arms crossed over his chest and a knowing look in his eye.

She felt as if she was caught doing something she shouldn't have, even though it was Victor that had initiated the kiss. She had enjoyed it, the feel of him close to her, his scent and even the ticklish hairs from his beard. But seeing her father there, having full view of what had had happened had her stomach twisting in a knot. He didn't looked phased by it.

"Victor," her father started, "I was hoping I could take a moment of your time?"

"Of course, Roland," he looked back to Sofia. "I suppose I shall have to find you again later. At dinner?"

She gave a shaky nod and watched as he stood and went to join her father. They clasped hands and she had the sickening feeling as if her father was congratulating him. She was a conquest now, though he meant to keep her. Had he seen her father coming? She hadn't been aware of just how long he had kissed her. She had been so distracted the feeling he had created in her. She wasn't even aware of what the feelings were.

"Princess Sofia?" She looked up to see the steward standing before her. "Are you alright?"

She looked at him, not at all sure if she was alright or not. She struggled, "I... I don't know."

"Did he force you?" The older man came to sat next to her. "Did he hurt you?"

She felt dazed, but she shook her head, "I wasn't expecting it. But he didn't force it. He is forward," she looked down at her hands. She took a shuddered breath, "I don't stand a chance at all, do I?"

The steward looked worried and suddenly, he engulfed her in a hug. "I am so sorry you have to go through this, princess. I know it's a lot to ask of you and I hope, I hope you won't hold it against your parents."

She sniffled, "You're not angry with me?"

"No," he pulled back from her. "I know you well enough to know when you're worried or scared of something, your heart is usually in the right place. I know you were angry when you said those things to me, as does your parents." He looked remorseful, "I know this is overwhelming, I know you weren't prepared for it. But you are a strong girl, you can manage this and you can create great things from a bad situation. Remember that."

She nodded and gave him a watery smile, he stood and straightened up the tea service before picking it up and taking it into the castle. She sat in the gazebo by herself for a time, before realizing. If they were going back to discuss things she was likely the topic they were going to discuss. She shouldn't be ignorant of the situation. She stood up and hurried inside, they would probably be in her father's study.

She carefully went through the hallways, trying to make sure she didn't appear to be running or in a hurry. When she got to the hallway that her father's study occupied, she made sure it was empty. The majority of the maids were busy cleaning the ballroom, but there was also the rest of the castle to maintain. Fortunately, this hallway appeared to already have been cleaned.

She took her amulet in her hand and whispered, "I wish to be small." She shrank again to the size of a sprite. She went to the door and started to squeeze herself under it, the fact that she was still wearing her riding gear made it easier. She didn't have petticoats to wrestle with.

She managed to get to where she could peer up at them, though she couldn't see a lot. Her father was behind his desk, all she could see was the top of his head and the occasional wave of his hand. Victor, at the moment, was pouring himself a drink. "Well, I suppose I should give you some credit," her father started. "I didn't expect you to be able to win her over."

"Oh, I am still working on it," Victor smiled from his position at the bar. "She is very much a stubborn girl. Though, when I do find myself in trouble with her, I move the subject to something she enjoys. Though," he grimaced as he came to join her father at the desk, offering him a tumbler. "I wish you would have warned me about the flying horses. I'm sure to be sore for a few days."

Her father chuckled, "She got you on a flying horse?"

"I made the mistake of asking her to teach me, and she is a capable teacher. She has patience that I didn't expect with the cold shoulder she gave me at my last visit. She didn't belittle me or anything each time I fell off the horse, just encouragement," he sat down, seeming puzzled. "How did you manage such a girl?"

"I can't take all the credit, Miranda has done well with raising all the children. Sofia has always had a kind heart, even with her stubborn streak," her father murmured. "Honestly, this is the first time I've ever had her angry with me." He sighed, "Or shown me any sort of disrespect. I wasn't sure what to do with her."

"I think the error is my fault, Roland," the other man said. "I suppose if I made a better effort with her on my first visit, things would not be as they are. I apologize for not thinking of anyone, but myself in the situation. I hadn't considered her upbringing or her origins."

"But, you aren't deterred at all?"

"Not at all, if anything her origins may be the reason for her patience and good nature. Perhaps the reason for her fire, too," he hummed lightly.

"I do have a request, Victor," her father started. "While I am for you try win her over, I need you to please save any serious advances until after your wedding night."

"Oh," there was a chuckle from him. "I know you may have caught us in something of a compromising position, Roland, but I assure you. I would not do something like that until after I've secured her as my bride."

Her father sighed, she thought in relief, "I'm glad you understand. Now, let's talk real business here. How deep do you think the reservoir will need to be?" It was then that she started to pull herself from beneath the door. She started down the hallway, before forgetting that she was still small. She gave a cautious look around and picked up the amulet again, "I wish to be big again."

Once she was at her normal height, she decided to retire to her room and go ahead and prepare herself for dinner. She cleaned herself, first, scrubbing the sweat from her face and beneath her hair and any other places. She removed her riding gear and went into her closet to find an appropriate gown. She decided on her favorite lavender gown, the one with the pearled accents. She dressed and went to apply some makeup, not a lot, but just enough to even out her skin tone. Finished, she sat and gazed at herself in the mirror of her vanity.

She was fighting a losing battle. There was no way, no matter how hard she resisted, that she would be able to keep Victor from his goal. She looked down at her hands. Did she really think she had a chance? At least he seemed to be making an effort to get to know her, to settle her fears. But there was still something, something that didn't seem right that she couldn't grasp.

Daval. She stood up and went to fetch the book at her bedside table. She almost forgot about that. She had to get to Cedric and tell him. Maybe he had an idea. She fled her room and hurried to the tower of her favorite sorcerer. She tapped on the door and waited patiently for him to answer.

The door open and the sorcerer peered out at her, he gave a cautious glance behind her before moving out of the way and allowing her in. "Princess," he said wearily, eyeing her. "What brings you here today? You don't have lessons."

She looked down, slightly unnerved by his formal attitude. "I've found something." She looked back up at him, seeing curiosity. "It's not a lot, but it's something." She offered him the book and he took it, eyeing the title and then started leafing through it, "Daval Prestor is mentioned in it."

"This is concerning the war between Enchancia and Rudistan, Sofia, that was well over two centuries ago."

"Victor said today his father's name was Daval," she was holding on still to the find. "That can't be a coincidence."

"But the last name was Prestor and you said his name was Nefarius," he went to his chair to sit, seeming to find a passage of interest.

"But they're both from beyond the Black Mountains. Maybe they are relatives. And it says in there that Prestor was the cause of the war," she argued. She shuddered then, "The war started because a princess that was promised to Enchancia from Rudistan, but Rudistan backed out and promised the princess to Prestor."

He looked at her, raising an eyebrow, "But you haven't been promised to anyone before Victor arrived here. Do you think he is really trying to start a war? And if he were, with whom would he have us go to war with?"

She grimaced not thinking about that, she went to sit on her stool and sighed, "I don't know."

"It sounds as if you are grasping at straws," he pointed out.

She shrugged, "Has your mother found anything out?"

"Hm, we could ask. It has been some time since I last talked with her," he stood and went to the portrait of his parents. "Mummy?" He waited there a moment, when he didn't get a response he cleared his throat and tapped a fist against the picture frame, "Mother!"

The picture rippled, like water in a pond, and Winifred the Wise peered through the portrait at her son, "Ceddykins, darling, what are you doing? You are lucky I wasn't busy after all the things you've give me to do." She spied Sofia sitting at his worktable and she slid from the painting. "Princess Sofia, deary," she elderly women walked to her and gave her a motherly hug. "I've heard what your father has charged you to do, I am sorry. It's most unfortunate." She gave her son a look.

He looked uncomfortable, "Mother that is not what I called you here for."

"Oh, well, of course not," the woman pulled away from Sofia and sat in her son's chair, eyeing the girl. "What have you called me for?"

"Did you find anything from the other sorcerers and sorceresses from Mystic Meadows?"

"About Nefarius?" The woman shook her head, "The name is telling, I'm surprised King Roland is allowing this. But, no. No one is familiar with it or the kingdom Nigrum."

"She found a name Daval, the man said it was his father's name," he raised a book up to show his mother. "And she seems to have found a name Daval Prestor in this book, the man was connected with the war between Enchancia and Rudistan."

"That was so long ago," his mother comment. "But, names can be passed down the family line. King Roland is the second of his name for example. It is a good catch princess, though I have to ask. What is it that you are looking for?" She looked at the her with a curious look, "Are you trying to give your parents a reason for you not to be betrothed to him?"

She frowned uneasily, not entirely comfortable confiding her ill ease with them. "There is something about him that doesn't feel right. Like, he's not what he seems to be. But I can't put my finger on it. I thought maybe if I did research on him and his kingdom maybe I could figure out what it was. At first I thought he was using magic to sway dad into wanting to accept his goods and request for alliance. But," she looked to her sorcerer, "I guess I was wrong."

"But your instinct still tells you that something is wrong about this man?"

She nodded, "He is persuasive, I guess naturally. He's promised dad a vein of gold and truesilver for my hand. It was enough for dad to ask me to consider it, though, I get the feeling that my feelings aren't really up being considered." She didn't want to tell them about being caught by her father while Victor had kissed her.

Cedric's mother took her hand and patted it in an attempt to comfort her, "It will be alright, deary, I will ask about Daval."

"Is Mister Morshak still with us?"

"Old Morshak will probably outlive us all, he had claimed to have found the cure for death," she chuckled lightly. "But I think I see what you are getting at. He could consult the spirits of the nether world for more answers."

She smiled lightly at her, "Thank you, Missus Winifred. You have no idea what this means to me."

"Oh dear Princess Sofia!" She wrapped her in a hug. "This isn't just for you, darling, but I'm sure you know this," she whispered in her ear. "Was there anything else that you two needed me for?"

"The chore I set you on, Mummy?"

She winked at him and went back to the portrait, "It will be ready when you need it, Ceddykins. I must be off, you two be well." And with that and a whisk of her wand, she stepped back into the painting.

Once it was just the two of them again, he looked at her, "Was that all you wanted? You may have found a foothold, but I am sure this is not enough information to take to your father. He's not likely to drop the arrangement purely on a name."

She looked away from him, knowing he was right. "Right now, I don't know that there's anything I could do that would make dad reconsider. I wouldn't be surprised if he was writing victor a receipt now to settle his purchase."

"I know you are angry, but I can't say I have ever heard you sound so bitter. For all our trouble that we go through looking for something foul on this man he could really be your prince charming," she shot a look at him. "Perhaps you need to let go of this and just accept it, Sofia."

"You're telling me to give up?"

"What other choice do you have?"

"You called him a beast of a man!" She tried not to be angry with him, but she found herself failing. "Now you're telling me to just accept him."

"I said he was a beast of a man, look at him he's three times my size! Even if there was something off about him, I have no hope of measuring up to him in any sort of combat means, he would squash me like a bug under his boot," he whimpered, because it was likely true. "I told you I was rubbish when it comes to combat," he came to take his chair back, sitting heavily in it. "All I can offer you is a means to protect yourself in the event you are caught with him trying to presume too much from you. Which reminds me," he pulled one of his spare wands from the cup on his table and offered it to her. "Keep it on you. At all times. You might also want to consider magicing a pocket into your clothing so you have a spot to keep it in." He opened one sleeve to show her the wand that was hid up it.

She took the proffered wand and pulled it close to her chest, her anger with him banished. "I will be back for my magic lessons next week. May I have a sleeping potion or two?"

"Are you sure you want to leave yourself vulnerable while he is still here?"

"I don't know if I will be able to sleep any other way," she confided.

"Alright," he got up to fetch them, coming back with two vials, "Do not take them on an empty stomach or both at the same time. They won't harm you, but they will make you sleep longer than you intended."

"Thank you, Mister Cedric," she stood and started towards the door. "I better get ready for dinner," with that she was out the door with her hands and her mind full. She left the book with Cedric, though it hadn't been on purpose she wasn't entirely concerned with it. She had a day before ball was to take place and she had find a means to face what was to come from that. She went to her room, placing the vials in her bedside table and looked at the wand he had given her.

She was apt enough at magic that she could probably magic herself a means of escaping. But that would be running away. She couldn't run from her problems, they would just get bigger if she did. With a sigh she went to the vanity, looking at her gown to see if she could find a good place to magic a pocket into the fabric. Then she paused and then waved the wand carefully at the skirt, just at her hip. The fabric separated and opened, not by a lot. She stuck her fingers into the opening to make sure that it was indeed a pocket. Then she placed the purple wood instrument into her newly fashioned pocket. It didn't appear to be obvious.

There was a knock at her door gaining her attention. She had lost track of time, she went to answer and was relieved to see the steward at her door. "Good evening, princess. It's almost time for dinner, I'm just here to make sure you were ready."

She smiled at him, "I'm ready, I'll go ahead and head down to the table."

He smiled at her in return, perhaps relieved that she was no longer sulking. "Thank you, Princess. I'm going to see if I can find your siblings to inform them as well."

She stepped out of her room and moved to go down stairs as the steward went on the hunt for Amber and James. There was something about having a wand at hand that made her feel a bit more comfortable. She wasn't as trained or knowledgeable in magic as Cedric was, but the idea was that she wasn't completely unprotected from Victor's advances made her feel more comfortable.

She entered the dining room to find it occupied by her father and Victor, they were speaking lowly but from what she could tell her father was trying to educate the other man about the kingdoms that would be in attendance at the ball. When they took notice of her both men stood, "Sofia, I'm glad to see that you have decided to join us at the table."

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Princess," Victor said shortly after, giving her a slight bow.

She felt her cheeks grow warm and she gave them both a curtsy. "Baileywick, told me it was almost time for dinner. I thought I would save him the trouble of having to remind me," she took her seat and watched as the other men did as well. "You two are discussing the ball?"

"Yes," Victor answered, eyeing her with some appreciation. "He is giving me a run down about each kingdom that Enchancia is currently with trade agreements and the goods that they trade with them. I suppose, in the event that those kingdoms would like to create agreements while I am here."

"Well, at least talk about it. A ball isn't all work, there is supposed to be some fun to it," her father commented. "I wouldn't want to take away any chances of you dancing or enjoying yourself," he said with a chuckle, he gave Sofia a smile and a wink as if he thought what he saw in the garden was something.

She grimaced and suddenly wished she had waited to come to the table. She had hardly eaten anything today, the cookies at tea weren't going to hold her over. She put her hands into her lap and waited, patiently as she tried to ignore the telling conversation, "How long do you intend to stay this time, Victor?"

"I will be leaving on Sunday, I was sure to allow an appropriate amount of time for the ball and recovery from it," he leaned back in his chair as he looked across the table at her. "My return is still up for discussion."

She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"Assuming that the other parts of our agreement are still set, within a week or two we will begin construction on the Inn and stables as you suggested and the reservoir. I will have my people begin harvesting lumber immediately so there will be a good area cleared for construction. Then the Inn can be declared to both our kingdoms and any that is wanting to display wears there can bring them. I have a man hired to do the management of Inn and he will see to it being manned appropriately." He looked to her father, "These are things that will take work so it is likely that I will be away from Enchancia for sometime. However," he looked back to her. "If you are to accept my final request, the subject of my return could be up for debate. I would return sooner if you requested it."

"It's only been a day," she tried to argue. Surely he didn't expect her to accept after a day they spent together.

"Yes," he offered her a smile. "Kingdoms aren't built in a day, and I'm aware of this. But, surely you see the reason for the pressing for your acceptance?"

"Sofia," her father interjected, "Be reasonable. I know there is attraction there, I have seen it. There aren't many rulers that can say that they were as lucky."

She remembered his words from before, 'I could give you the entire world.' She looked hard at him, "Are the trade for the truesilver and gold still in negotiations?"

He blinked at her then cast a glance at her father, "Their inclusion into the trade agreement was on the provision that you would exception that you were going to agree to be my bride. In the event you decline then I'm sure there would be other things that King Roland would include on his end for the gold and truesilver. Perhaps a farm or two? The idea wasn't entirely discussed upon, though I suppose there is the appeal to them."

"Are you in need of vegetables and fruits?"

"I would be if a certain princess would accept my hand," he shot back at her.

"If a farm was built at the area the Inn and reservoir are intended to go, what could you offer for its inclusion?

He looked momentarily curious, "Does this mean you are accepting?"

"That is not what I asked," she smiled tightly at him.

He smiled and leaned onto the table, looking as if he would like to close the distance between them, "Fresh fruits and vegetables are as high a commodity as water is, while your father has expressed interest in the gold veins and the truesilver veins in exchange for them. For truesilver, I would have to ensure that more than one vein is available, the ore itself is hard to find even in my kingdom."

"Did you make an offer of it without knowing you could commit to it?" She sounded harsh and while she didn't intend to, he didn't seem to be disturbed by it.

If anything it seemed to excite him, "That would be irresponsible of me, princess."

"You don't have more than one vein to offer?"

"It is what I am sure of, I currently have it being mined to have it available in the event my offer was accepted," he chuckled. "If there is more that is found then I would offer it in exchange for the food."

"What about the gold?"

"The gold is not entirely a similar situation, if you would accept the gold over the truesilver than I have that to offer," he shot her father a look, raising an eyebrow.

She glanced at her father, seeing him watch the exchange with a mixture of awe and amusement, "Would gold be a worthy currency for a farm to be added to the land?"

He started to nod then held up a hand, "Who would man it?"

"You could get Mister Cedric to magically produce the produce, as he's done for the village a number of times," she offered. "Though there would be people that would need to maintain it and harvest it when it was time," she looked back to Victor. "I'm assuming if you are going to have your man, man the Inn you would also one of your people to see to the farm."

He grimaced at that, "It was an idea I was considering, however the land isn't entirely fit for farming most vegetables. They manage some, potatoes and barley and maybe a few other things for them to concoct their alcohols, but I am not aware if they are well versed in farming other things."

"If we find someone to man and care for the farm that is from Enchancia it will cost you more," she said evenly.

He didn't seemed to enjoy that idea, shifting back in his chair, "You are driving a hard bargain, princess."

"Be reasonable," she said in turn, "We will be taking people from their current homes and moving them to an unpopulated area. All that surrounds that area is woods, so they will have to contend with the wildlife as well as maintenance of the farm for you and your people. These people will need to be compensated for the move and the hard work they put in."

He turned to look at her father, "It's hard to face her when she's right."

Her father only chuckled, "Her mother is the same way and I have a similar problem. Had I known she was this good I would have had her in there when you first arrived. I could have probably gotten more out of you."

Victor cleared his throat and leveled a hard look at her, the handsome prince no longer but a tough man trying to get his way. "All this is agreed upon, name your price in gold and I will supply it. However, Sofia, the one question you have not answered is whether or not you have agreed to be my bride. This is a term that I will press especially with my departure looming close by. Tell me, do you accept my offer? Will you be my wife?"

He was trying to strong arm her, she gave her father a fleeting look and found that he, too, was looking at her questioningly. "I have conditions," she finally said.

The prince smiled, "Tell me."

"You will allow me to maintain contact with my family, at least a monthly visit with them," she said, meeting his gaze with a glare. "I will not budge on it. Any time you try to forbid me from seeing them I will see it as a breach of our agreement."

"I don't intend to cage you," he answered, looking mildly surprised. "A monthly visit with your family is more than reasonable. I will include holidays and birthdays as additional visits, though, I am not familiar with all the holidays that Enchancia celebrates. I expect you to educate me, anything else?"

She took a breath and struggled to collect her thoughts, she was going to agree with it. She was going to accept him. With a breath she started again, "You will not raise your hand against me in violence. If you strike me at all, I will consider it a breach of our agreement and return to Enchancia."

He looked mildly insulted, but he didn't voice a complaint, "It goes without saying, princess. I will not raise my hand to you in violence. Are there any other conditions?"

She looked away, trying to find something else. There had to be something else that was important. "I will add to them," her father said carefully, "In private." She blinked and looked up, seeing her mother hovering at the door.

"Am I to assume, after the conditions are completely said, that you have accepted?"

Keeping her eyes on her mother, she nodded. She felt a shudder run through her and she turned to look at the man that was to be her husband, "I accept if you are going to agree to the conditions my father and I have set out."

"This is something to announce at the ball!" Her sister squealed as she pushed past her mother and came to sit next to her. "I knew you would finally come to your senses, Sofia!"

Her mother trailed after her sister and sat at the head of the table, next to her father. She didn't look happy, but she didn't protest. Her eyes stayed on Sofia and it was clear, she would be talking to her as soon as she was able.

James filed in not long after, not hearing the news of her engagement. He sat between their mother and Amber, looking curious as to the sudden tension at the table. "What's going on?"

Amber turned to him in delight, "Sofia accepted Victor's offer! She's engaged!"

"Whoa," he looked across the table at the prince in question and offered him a nod, "Congratulations!" Then dinner was brought and set before them, steward stood just behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder to squeeze it, as he announced the main course. He knew how she felt, she looked down at her plate and wonder what she had gotten herself into.

The rest of dinner was a blur, her sister talking excitedly and a conversation between Victor and her parents that she didn't entirely hear. She ate, because she was hungry. But, she wasn't aware of the taste of anything she put in her mouth. She drunk wine with her dinner, perhaps too much, trying to help soothe her nerves.

She felt as if she had made a deal with the devil. She looked up to meet the gaze of what was now her fiance. She hadn't entirely ruled out that he wasn't a devil.

When her father and Victor finished their meals they stood to retire to his study, she assumed to discuss the rest of their agreement. Once they left the room her mother finally spoke, "Are you sure about this, Sofia?"

"I don't really have a choice," she spoke gravely. "I know you tried to make it out like did, I know dad tried to make it out like the decision wasn't already made, but." She swallowed hard, "But, it's already done."

"You're both talking like this is a terrible thing,"Amber said with a huff. "I think you both over looking a lot of advantages we have at our hands. The rest of the world is just now learning of Victor's existence and his kingdom, with Sofia marrying him Enchancia will have first say and anything that his kingdom may have to offer. This is a move that makes Enchancia more powerful, you both should be grateful that he decided he wanted Sofia."

"Amber," her mother hissed at her.

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that and you know it," she turned to look at Sofia. "What I meant was, with the way you reacted to him initially he should have been insulted. You snuffed him and ignored him the entire time he was first here. Really you should be ashamed of yourself for that fact and be grateful that despite all of it, he wants you to be his bride still."

"You're right," she said evenly as she went to stand. "I don't expect you to understand why I acted the way I did, but I understand what you are saying." She looked to her mother, "May I be excused?"

"Are you going to your room? Her mother asked.

"No," she decided she would rather be firm. "I want to find out what they are planning." With that she went out the way they had and headed for her father's study.

She gave the door a hard knock and it wasn't long before the door opened. She expected Victor, but the steward opened the door instead, "Prince Sofia? Did you need something? Your father and Victor are having a discussion right now."

"They are talking about my future, Baileywick, I should be able to have at least some say in it," she didn't know if she could go back to her room to sit while they made the decisions for her. "Please?"

The steward stood back and opened the door so she could see her father and Victor seated by his desk, "Your Highness, Princess Sofia has asked to join you."

"Yes," Victor stood and came to the door, stepping past the steward to grab her hand. "Come, Princess, Join us in the celebration." He took her hand and pulled it close to him, and it became apparent that both of the men had been drinking.

She hazarded a look at the steward and he could only look at her helplessly. Victor sat, though he kept a firm hold on her hand. She sat in the chair beside his, after moving it to be a bit closer. "What were the additional conditions that you added, Dad?"

"Well," her father looked slightly uncomfortable. "Sofia, I see you are strictly business. I've only made a few additional conditions to the agreement. The first that I saw as the most important, is that you are not to," he paused to cough, "have any sort of… intimate relations until after you have taken your vows. In the event either of you have a change of heart, I want your virtue to stay in tack, Sofia."

She didn't feel phased by the condition, though she had remained chaste there were a few princesses that graduated from Royal Prep without their virtue. Her father didn't need to know which ones. "Any others?"

"Mostly political conditions, really," Victor said as he nursed his tumbler. "That in the event of a war that Nigrum will pledge assistance to Enchancia and offer to her any sort of military edge that she might have. And in the event Nigrum is to go to war with any kingdom, you are to return to Enchancia so that you remain safe. Both of which are reasonable requests." He eyed her, "Was there any requests that you would like to add?"

Freedom? She couldn't add it, both men might find it insulting. "Actually, I want to know your expectations from me," she gave him a hard look.

He met her gaze for a long moment, before casting a cautious look to her father. "I want a child," he said evenly. "It would be something I would intend that we work upon as soon as our vows are exchanged. Well, as soon as is reasonable after the wedding party. I am not the ruler of the kingdom, so I would have no duties for you to commit to. Though, I suppose to keep you entertained I could think of things that you are to do." He offered an uneasy shrug. He hadn't considered what he wanted from her outside of children.

Her father seemed to notice this, too, "Wives are more than just producers of children. I'm sure you are aware of this. While as a princess, Sofia has helped me quite a bit since I realized she had such a head for leadership. Not only that, the companionship her mother has given me is probably what has kept me sane in the hardest times. Though," he paused. "I do have to admit she hasn't been helping with this situation."

The prince gazed at her for a long moment, before nodding, "I see I have some things to consider, though." He offered her a smile that seemed genuine, "I think having a close companion is something I have been in need of."

"Well," her father sighed and then stood. "I am going to go find my wife and see if I can show her my appreciation. Remember," he looked hard at the prince. "Not until after the wedding." With that he started to walk out of the study.

The steward looked at the two of them before going to follow the king, "I'll locate the Queen for you, sire, perhaps you should go ahead and retire to the royal suite."

It left the two of them alone and Victor, though he still toyed with her hand, had looked away from her and out into space as he seemed to be lost in thought. "You hadn't considered much past sex?"

He choked slightly and looked shocked that she asked such a question, "I'm sorry, I was not prepared for such a question." He released her hand and stood wandering over to the bar to pour himself a drink. "I will admit, sexual attraction is one of the things that drew me to you. I am, if it is not apparent, eager for the opportunity to lay with you, Princess. But," he paused to take a sip of his drink.. "I hadn't considered the other benefits of marriage, which is a complete oversight on my part."

"Are you a virgin?"

He chuckled, "No. I don't know about expectations of chastity here, but there is no such expectations in my kingdom. It is good to experiment." He came back to sit beside her, taking up her hand again. He seemed to enjoy holding it, "Are you a virgin?"

She flushed, not expecting the question to be thrown back at her,"Yes."

"There is no shame in it, you are young. And I am guessing it is something you parents encouraged you to hold on to?" She nodded, eyeing him. He seemed to radiate temptation now. His thumb rubbing along her skin in nonsensical patterns. "Have you experimented at all?"

She shook her head, "Chaste kisses at most."

There was something about the way he looked at her now, he raised an eyebrow, "Would you care to experiment?"

"But…" Her brows drew together in confusion.

He stood, drawing her to her feet with a light tug of her hand. He sat the tumbler aside and then pulled her flush against him. She swallowed hard, she could feel part of him pressed intimately to her. While she wasn't experienced she knew well enough what it was. His free hand reached around and boldly cupped her rump and with little effort, hefted her up so that their hips were pressed together. He rolled his hips into hers and she couldn't help but gasp. "I could do things to you," his voice as a deep rumble by her ear. "That would make your toes curl, I could make you forget your deity's name with just my tongue," as if to show this, his tongue curls along the shell of her ear then pulled the lobe between his lips. She became dizzy and clung to him, unsure how he was evoking these feelings in her but unable to protest. His mouth worked down to her jaw and she felt his chest rumble in a growl, she felt it between her legs and she involuntarily clenched her thighs together. "Let me," he whispered lowly against her skin, "And I could show you pleasures without taking your virtue. I could show you what it feels like to be in heaven," with that his mouth trailed up to claim her mouth.

His tongue swept between her lips and curled about her own, stroking in a fashion that could only be construed as sexual. He dropped her hand and curled his fist into her hair, tilting her head back so he could deepen the kiss. She held onto his shoulders, overwhelmed as she had been before in the garden, but feeling so much more.

His tongue withdrew from her mouth and his lips pulled away just enough for her to catch her breath, "Would… Would you be able to stop once you started?" She managed to gather enough thought to ask, "Could you do those things knowing, you wouldn't be getting sex out of it?"

"Eventually, you will be mine," he said simply, though she could see the burning in his eyes and feel the pressure of his excitement pressed against her lower stomach. "If touching you, tasting you, making you writhe and moan will assist in winning you over I would do so without complaint," he caught her bottom lip between his and sucked lightly on it, the feeling alone made her squirm and throb. "I have your interest," he murmured. "I can smell your want, let me taste you."

Her heart hammered in her chest and she found it hard to breath, somehow only managing to pant, "I've agreed to be your bride. Is that not enough?"

"Do you not want to garner some enjoyment from the situation?" He removed his hand from her hair, found her knee and pulled it up to his hip, he rocked his hips forward between her thighs now and she felt him, even through all her damned petticoats. She gasped shakily and before she could utter even a protest he captured her mouth again in another heated kiss. When he pulled his mouth from hers again, he pressed it to her ear, his voice was so low and seductive. "If you will allow me," he began, the hand holding her knee drifted down along her thigh then around to press up between them, cupping her heated sex beneath her bloomers. "I would kiss you here, now," his tongue traced her ear again and she was shuddering as his fingers began to trace her through the undergarment. "Let me taste you," he purred, his fingers curled around the fabric brushing along her heated skin and she couldn't produce thought.

His fingers parted her lower lips and traced skillfully along her opening, his thumb finding the bundle of nerves at the top of her sex and began swirling atop it. His index finger brushed back and forth against her opening making her rise involuntarily and press against his hand. The teasing finger pressed into her just a bit, giving her a taste of what it was like to have something inside of her and withdrew. She made a noise she didn't recognize and her hips rolled seeking for more. He pressed his finger fully into her and she gasped, her inner muscles clenching around the digit and squeezing.

She felt him hiss against her ear and then his mouth distracted her by latching onto her neck. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, the need to hold onto something hitting her as she began to writhe in his hand. He pressed a second finger into her and her breath caught, but she couldn't protest. Did she ever have a chance to protest? Her hips rocked and she whimpered as his thrusting fingers and stroking thumb began to push her beyond care.

It seemed to take him little effort to work this flame within her and she felt as if she was so close to burning up. He was drawing her taunt and she felt as though she might break, then the fingers within her curled and she released a sobbing breath. She shuddered and melted against him, barely managing to hold on so she didn't tumble from his grasp. It was as if all her nerve endings suddenly disconnected then reconnected and she was disoriented.

She felt him remove his fingers from her and her inner muscles clenched hard, as if they missed the intrusion. His fingers stroked her nether lips lazily and he nuzzled her throat and kissed her shoulder, "I can do so much more, if you let me."

She was left gasping still, her knee dropping off his hip, "That," her breath hitched. Should she feel ashamed that she let him do that to her? She should be angry, he slowly released her so that she stood on her feet. Her thighs trembled and she had to remain leaning against him as she struggled to reconnect with herself. "That was more than enough," she managed at last.

He pulled his hand from her bloomers and looked down at her with unconcealed lust, "Do not think this sates me." She met his gaze and tried her best to not be frightened or excited by it. When he brought his fingers to his lips and sucked them into his mouth her knees buckled. A growl vibrated through his chest and thus through her, she found herself squeezing her thighs together again. "I will find an opportunity to get a better taste of you," he purred at her when he pulled his fingers from his mouth. "How much effort do you think it will take for me to get you to scream?"

She finally managed to pull away from him and stand on her own, though unsteadily. "I-I am not prepared to find out," she swallowed again, suddenly finding her mouth dry. "T-this was not appropriate. Not in my father's study."

He raised an eyebrow, smirking at her and he seemed to exude sexual appeal. She suddenly didn't doubt he could deliver on all he promised as he touched her, "I could escort you to your room."

"No," her voice shook again. She didn't know if she could fight him off, or if she would be able to deny him if he started to touch her or kiss her again. "No, thank you. I… I should be going," she stepped away from him, feeling the dampness gather between her legs. She unsteadily made her way to the door, feeling his eyes burning into her. When she looked back at him, she had the overwhelming fear that he would pounce her.

"You will still keep me company tomorrow, won't you?" He asked, his voice didn't loose its beckoning tone.

"Yes," she whimpered. "But, I won't allow you to do this to me again."

"Oh? He smiled at her, as if she hadn't just denied him. "How about next time I use more than just my fingers, hm?" He licked his lips and her breath caught. "Good night, Princess," she backed out of the room and once she closed the door, she turned to run to her room. She still trembled, but she couldn't determine why.

Was it fear? Or excitement?

---

Though what he had done to her made her sluggish and warm in places she wasn't prepared to consider, she had struggled to sleep. She waited too late to down one of the sleeping potions she had gotten from the sorcerer. She wasn't aware of how late it was until there was a persistent knocking at her door. She sat up, sleep still clinging to her and rose. She gathered up her robe and wrapped it around herself, then sleepily went to the door. When she opened it, she was confronted with the concerned expression of the castle steward.

"Princess, are you alright? You missed breakfast," he looked at her worriedly. "It's not like you to sleep in. You're not feeling ill are you?"

She shook her head then yawned broadly behind a hand, "I haven't been sleeping well. I'm sorry."

The steward looked uneasily down the hall then back to her, "Prince Victor has been waiting on you. Are you able to dress? Should I fetch Violet?"

She looked at him, "Is it that late?"

"It is nearly time for lunch," he informed her with a frown.

"Oh no! I didn't mean to sleep that late," the last bit of sleep drained away. "How am I supposed to keep Victor entertained and get prepared for the ball?"

"Perhaps he will be satisfied with sharing lunch with you," the steward stepped away. "Clean yourself up, I will fetch Violet so you can quickly get dressed. Then I'll inform Prince Victor of what has happened. I'm sure he will be understanding." With that the steward stepped away and slid her door closed, off to do as he said.

She groaned and went to her basin, pouring water in it so she could wash the sleep away. He better be understanding, he was the reason she had problems sleeping. She rubbed her face a little harder the usual to scrub away the sleep. She then brushed her teeth as quickly as she could, trying to get the staleness from her mouth. By the time she was patting her face dry her handmaid tapped on the door then opened it to peer in at her, "Are you ready to dress, Princess?"

She felt bad, knowing that Violet was busy, "Yes, I'm sorry to be dragging you behind. I really shouldn't have slept so late."

The older woman smiled and went to her closet, "Don't you worry your head, Princess! It's somethin' of a relief to come help you after all the decoratin' and scrubbin' Baileywick and Princess Amber has us doin'." She sighed as she looked into her closet, "Have you decided what you would like to wear today? Have you thought about what you will be wearin' tonight on the arm of your handsome prince?"

She hesitated at the closet door, unsure. "Mom wanted me to wear my finest gown. I guess," she went to the elaborately embroidered gown and pulled it from the rack. "I guess this? It was something they gave me last Wassalia. I hadn't had the opportunity to wear it yet."

"Oh," her handmaid, eyed the gown with appreciation. "It is beautiful, you will definitely look gorgeous in it. I will lay this on your bed for later while you pick out what you want to wear for now." She pursued her wardrobe before she came across a light and comfortable gown that she would wear. It's neck was cut high and the sleeves went to her elbow. The thought that if more of her was covered that it might act as a deterrent for the prince's affections. Her handmaid made quick work of getting her into her corset and the gown and once she was dressed, the older woman went the extra mile in taming her hair. "I can pull it up for the ball if you like? Perhaps twist it up?"

She considered it, but shook her head, "I appreciate the offer. But I think I'll just wear it down." She turned to smile at her, "Thank you for helping me dress and get ready for the day, I'm so sorry I stayed in bed for so long."

Violet only smiled at her in return, "It is always a pleasure to assist you, lovely. Now, come. Your prince was waiting for you out in the hall when I got here. I think we've made him wait long enough."

She swallowed, "He's waiting out in the hall?"

"You look frightened, are you alright?"

"No, I'm fine, I just... I just didn't expect him to wait outside my door," she stood from her vanity, deciding against make up for the moment and walked with her handmaid to her door. Violet opened the door and left it ajar for her. She peered out it to see him leaning against the wall to the left of her door. "What are you doing?"

"I am waiting on my princess," he said easily, his voice filled with amusement. "I was told she slept in. Are you well?"

She cleared her throat, "I am fine. I just didn't sleep well."

He offered her his arm and she stepped out of her room, sliding the door closed, "Really? Usually, and don't think harshly of me when I say this, when you have a," he smiled like a devil at her, "completion as you did that it would make it easier for you to sleep. Unless of course," he paused for affect. "It made you crave more?"

She flushed and walked with him, unsure as to where he was leading her but naturally following. "No, if anything it was something that shouldn't have happened."

He frowned, "It's a pity you would say that. I suppose me asking to join you in your room would be something that also shouldn't happen." He sighed as he led them outside onto one of the balconies, "I suppose I will have to seek wholesome entertainment until it is time for the festivities."

The sun was shining and there was a pleasant breeze, he brought them to the edge of the balcony that overlooked the maze, "Have you been to a ball before?"

"I have not," he confided. "I assume it is another word for an overly fancy party?"

She chuckled this time as she took in the beauty of the day, "That's pretty much it. Do you know how to waltz?"

"Waltz?"

"It's a dance," she looked at him. "Do you know how to dance?"

He frowned as he gazed back at her, "Will I be expected to dance?"

She gave him a slight smile, there was something enduring about having to teach him things. She stepped away from him, "What else would you do at a ball?" She offered her hand to him, "It's easy, I promise. I'll show you."

"Easy like riding a flying horse is easy? I don't think my ego can take more bruising from your teaching," he almost pouted, but he took her hand and stepped closer to her. "And I would expect there to be food and alcohol at a ball. Those are two things that I would most definitely do."

She took his hand and placed it on her hip, he smiled already seeming to like the placement, she took his other hand and raised it into the air then rest her other against his shoulder. "Normally, you would lead, but until you get the hang of it I'll lead." She had his full attention and without a song they started to move, "Watch my feet." He gathered the fabric of her gown at her hip and shifted it up so that he could get a better view of her feet. She stepped back and he followed, to the side and she started counting out the steps, "One, two, three. One, two, three." She turned them and they continued, "This might have been easier to do with music."

He kept moving with her as they went through the steps, a look of concentration on his face, "Perhaps. I can't say that I'm not enjoying myself." He halted their movements and kept ahold of her. "I do intend to test this waltz tonight. I expect you to be a willing partner," he smiled at her. "After all you already agreed to company me to it."

She started to let them go, since they had stopped, but he kept a firm grip on her hand and her hip. "I was also charged with keeping you entertained," she nodded.

"Your father intends to announce our engagement at this ball," he told her evenly. "I hope that will not unnerve you?"

She frowned and looked down, "I guess I should have expected that." He sounded concerned for her and she looked back up at him, "Does it bother you that I might be upset by it?"

"Only mildly," he said as he started to get them moving again, somewhat awkwardly. "Though I understand on some level that this is not a choice you have made for yourself. I apologize for not taking your wants into consideration and thinking purely of myself."

"But you aren't sorry enough to cancel the engagement or rescind the request for my hand?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Unfortunately, not," he tried to offer her a bemused smile but it turned into something of a frown. "I find that I have been missing something for quite some time, doing all my work for my father without another to assist or even just offer emotional support of a friend. The day that you gave me yesterday was very pleasant, even if I ended up in a heap on more than one occasion. I look forward to other things you could educate me on," he stepped on her foot. She grimaced and he immediately stopped, "Dancing, I suppose you will have to lead us tonight." He looked apologetic.

"It's alright," she went to the bench and sat, he followed closely behind. "I didn't really know how to dance when I first became a princess. Sometimes it takes a little while to get the hang of it. I don't think anyone will be judging you on your dancing skills."

"Hm, well I hope not," he looked back over at the maze again. "What are some other things that you enjoy, Sofia?"

"I like magic," she said simply as the started up this game again. "What do you enjoy?"

He eyed her for a moment and turned to face the direction of the maze, seeming trying to map it out and solve it from above. "I told you before that I enjoy puzzles and the like, I also enjoy science." He started to rub his bread as he gazed at the maze, "You like magic? Like card tricks or real magic?"

"Science?," she felt intrigued. "What is it that you do scientifically speaking?" She looked towards the tower where her sorcerer lived. "Real magic, though card tricks and the like can be amusing they aren't the same as real magic. Being able to conjure things, change one thing into another."

"Science, it is a broad word I know. I like experimenting as I told you last night," he shot her a flirtatious grin. "In the subject of science I like to take things apart and put them back together. See what happens when you add this to that, magic is a lot like science. In fact, there is quite a bit of magic involved in some of my experiments." He smiled at her, now it seemed genuine, "Something in common I think. What about you?"

She couldn't help but smile in return, looking over her shoulder at the maze, "You are wanting to go through the maze again?"

"Are you willing to get lost in the maze with me? I will admit that I would be hard pressed to keep my hands to myself," he chuckled. "When you left me last night it took quite a bit of strength to not follow you to your room."

She took a breath, "It would be inappropriate to do that now. After lunch it won't be long until we will need to prepare for the ball. You would probably end up making us both late." She hoped offering him such an excuse would keep him from pushing the condition her father made.

"Ah, I think it a good reason to be late though if there ever was a reason," he sighed and looked disappointed. "Oh well, perhaps another time. Hm, it appears that lunch will be soon."

Curious, she looked towards the castle and saw the steward approaching them, "How did you know? You're still looking at the maze."

"I heard him coming," he looked at her then stood as the steward approached.

"Princess Sofia, Prince Victor, lunch has been prepared in the dining room if you would like to join the King and Queen," he said with a bow.

She stood, "Thank you, Baileywick."

"I have a request of you," Victor said suddenly. "Could Sofia be placed to be seated next to me?"

The steward looked perplexed, but nodded, "I will have that done by the time you arrive to be seated."

"Very good," Victor sounded pleased and turned to her, offering his arm. "I hope that doesn't bother you."

She stood and wrapped hand around his bicep. He led them into the castle at a slow pace towards the dining room, she assumed it was because he underestimated the speed with which the castle steward could move. But, she let him lead them nonetheless. "Something tells me, since you requested my seat be changed, that I am stuck," she tried to keep a playful lit to her voice, but the truth of it hurt.

"Don't sound so disappointed," he said, giving her a glance. "But, yes. Your father's fear of me leaving you once I've had my way with you was misplaced. Having you once would not be enough."

She sighed though their banter had made her relax in his presence, "I guess it could be worse."

He paused to open the dining room door for her, "Indeed, but I think we are both finding out that it could also be better." He led her into the dining room, seeing her family already at the table. He brought her to his side of the table, pulling her seat out and waiting as she sat down.

The chivalry wasn't lost to her, she felt flustered as she sat down. She was so used to the manners of the steward, who was like family, that she didn't really know how to react when a man that held interest in her was polite. She looked across the table as he scooted her chair closer to the table and saw her mother's expression. She looked grieved, James looked perplexed and Amber just looked overjoyed. Her father didn't seem to mind the change in seating arrangements, he went so far as to Victor's shoulder a pat. He thought it was a battle won by the other man.

She met her mother's gaze, she seemed to be looking for any hint of unhappiness. Was there anything that could be done about it? Victor knew her origins and still wanted her. She tried to give the older woman a reassuring smile, but it was strained.

Lunch went on without a hitch though, mostly taken up by Amber's on goings about the excitement of having a ball. She was sure to fill Victor in on anything he didn't know about it. He had asked a question, one specifically about whether he would be speaking to visiting Royals or if he would be able to occupy his time with her. Amber, distracted by the fact that he wanted to spend time with Sofia, nearly squealed with delight as she began her tirade.

"Well," she finally paused in her ramblings, "I think it's perhaps time to begin beautifying ourselves for the ball, don't you think Sofia?"

"Beautifying yourself? How much more radiant can you become?" Victor asked, to the delight of her sister. He turned to her, "Are you going to use this as a means to escape, then?"

She laughed uneasily at his choice of words, "I wouldn't get far even if I tried. Besides, this is one of those things that princess live for." She put additional stress on the word 'live' hoping he would pick up her sarcasm.

He raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued,"Really? This appears to be one of those things we will need to discuss afterwards." He smirked lightly, "How long will it be before you grace me with your presence once again?"

She could only shrug, "It depends on how long they decide to torture me. An hour?" She looked to her father, "Are you going to be needing Victor for anything?"

"Actually," her father smiled at her. "He and I, and your mother when she is ready, could be out front to greet our visitors for the ball. So, once you three are dressed and ready you could join us there."

She stood, putting a hand on his shoulder, "That will keep you entertained, won't it?"

"I think it sounds quite like torture, also," he quipped back to her, much to her father's amusement.

"When I am done I will be out on the front balcony, that way you can find me easily in the event they decide to take mercy on you," with that she went around the table and to the door, finding her sister and her mother not far behind her.

Her mother took her arm and her sister stood beside her as they made the way upstairs, "He's not hurt you has he?" There was worry in her mother's voice, "Your banter may be amusing, but I still see you despite what you try to hide."

"Mother, I think you are worrying too much," Amber interjected. "He kissed her in the garden the other day, I saw it. She didn't pull away and slap him, like I expected."

Her mother looked at her, "He kissed you?"

She looked ahead, not sure she could tell her mother the other things he had done to her, "This is what's expected of me. You told me to give him a chance. I did. I realized the importance of my duty to my kingdom so Enchancia and flourish in the world."

"It's the duty of all Royal children, mother," Amber echoed beside her. "We marry to further the interests of our kingdom." She didn't sound entirely happy about it, glancing at her she saw a forlorn look on her face. "The chance that we may fall for the person we are betrothed it is a nice idea, but love is never the concern of our parents when they make the deal."

"Amber," her mother sounded remorseful. She sighed and leaned in close to Sofia, making them halt in the hallway. On a whim, she wrapped her arm around Amber's waist and brought her in close. "I'm sorry," their mother said brokenly. "If I could change this, for you both I would. I tried so hard to get him to let you pick to whom you want to marry. But he wouldn't budge."

"Mother," Amber wrapped her arm around her shoulders, "I appreciate your efforts, as I'm sure Sofia does as well. But, I grew up knowing that choice wouldn't be something I had. I care about Zandar," she confided in them both. "I'm sure in time I will grow to love him, just as Sofia will grow to love Victor. Resisting will only make you resentful of him. Zandar didn't have a choice in the matter either, he's been gracious and trying his best to be understanding as he courts me."

Her mother grimaced, "Victor has asked for a short engagement. He wishes to be married to you as soon as he can be." She looked at Amber, "Zandar's family is still wanting your wedding to be after the holiday they celebrate."

Amber bit her lip, but shrugged, "I can't pressure him. He's told me it's something his parents are very adamant about. It's alright." She sighed as she looked to Sofia, "I won't be angry if you marry before I do."

She smiled weakly in return, "Thank you."

Amber pulled away and forced them all to start walking again, "You will have to let me plan your wedding though."

She smiled and could only nod, "I would trust anyone else with it."

"Good," she forged ahead of them. "Let me know when the date is set and I will begin making the plans." With that she whisked her way into her own room, leaving her and their mother outside her own room.

Now that they were alone her mother looked at her, "Your father told me the conditions that he and Victor agreed upon. He sounds reasonable, but I know that you were distrustful of him in the beginning. I'm sure we could push back a wedding for as long as we need to. He has a lot of work ahead of him with the physical things that he has asked for from Enchancia."

"But, pushing it back won't keep it from happening. You told me to give him the chance. I did," she looked hard at her. "We both know that I couldn't have declined, Mom. Dad would have pressured me to accept." She looked down, "This is my duty if I'm a princess. This is what I have to do."

Her mother hugged her tightly, "I'm sorry. I didn't think. I didn't know this was what would happen. I just wanted us to be happy and he's brought us both a lot of happiness."

She leaned into her mother's embrace, "Don't be sorry for marrying Dad. He's given us so much." She pulled away, moving to open her bedroom door, "It's like Amber said. I'll grow to care for him. Maybe even love him." She sighed, "We have a ball to prepare for, it'll be okay mom."

"I love you," her mother answered, seeming miserable.

"I love you, too," she turned to enter the room and closed the door. This situation was difficult, as it had been from the start. Her questioning her for accepting seemed silly. She forced the issue of giving him a chance, why would she question it when she accepted?

Her handmaid stood at her bed, working hard to prepare the gown for her to wear and seemed to be paying extra attention with the petticoats. "Princess, are you ready to get dressed?"

She sighed and nodded, walking into the room and turning so the other woman could help her with the buttons. Really, getting ready for an event never took her long. Her handmaid was quick and efficient when it came to tightening and cinching her corset, her deft fingers worked buttons into place. The gown was a lovely deep shade of lavender with a cream underlay. Pearls and beads were sewn into the ruffles and along the hips, when the light hit them it made the gown shimmer just a little. The straps were off the shoulder and did nothing for her modesty as it exposed her upper chest and a healthy dose of cleavage.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she realized that if Victor hadn't come when he did this gown was a means to catch an eye of another man, prince or duke. Her father would have seen to her hand being promised to another before her next birthday. She sat down carefully at her vanity and Violet came behind her to fuss with her hair. She curled it slightly, working with the natural wave of her hair, but pinned just a bit of it back with a pearl clip. "Is there a particular tiara you would like to wear?"

She shook her head, gazing at herself in the mirror, "I guess something that matches the rest of me. But I don't have one in particular that I'd like to wear." She powdered her face lightly and with a grimace, powdered her collar and shoulders. Her handmaid brought a delicate looking silver tiara out with purple stones to match her amulet. She sat it lightly on the crown of her head.

"Would you like me to help with your makeup?"

She smiled at her, "No thank you, I wasn't planning on wearing a lot. If you want to sneak away and take a break I will say that you stayed and helped me." The older woman laughed and thanked her before leaving the room, she took her time painting her face. She usually went with the minimal amount of makeup when it came to anything. Amber enjoyed painting herself up to look magnificent. Personally, she preferred to only do small additions, it wasn't that she didn't think she needed the makeup, but it was more along the lines of not presenting herself as something she wasn't. So she put just a little bit of color on her eyelids and only a bit kohl around them, then a bit of rouge to color her lips.

Satisfied with her appearance, she stood and went to the front balcony, as she had promised. She sat on the bench that had occupied before and considered the maze down below. She could be kind and stand to greet their visitors at his side, like a dutiful fiance, but having the moment alone to contemplate the sharp turn her life had taken was nice. However, it made her heartache when she gazed at the tower of her sorcerer.

There wouldn't be a chance to be with him, to let him know just how she felt despite all his snark and sarcasm. She wouldn't know what it was like to kiss him, to touch him. She felt her cheeks heat as she thought of last night, to have him do those things to her. She had ached for him so long and now she would be forced to give up all those desires.

The wind swept through her hair as she traced the paths of the maze to the center, trying to occupy her mind. What would she do once she was wed? She would be leaving this all behind. Her friends and her family. She wasn't prepared.

A noise from behind her alerted her that she was no longer alone, she turned and saw the prince she had been promised to. He had changed since she last saw him. He wore fitted breeches and polished knee high boots. His jacket was black with the gold brocade of like the other, but it was more ornate with gold lines between each button. He stood back behind her, watching her with a measure of curiosity. His expression appeared carefully blank, as if he could sense her melancholy thoughts.

"You are a vision," he offered quietly.

She smiled weakly and looked back at the maze, "You escaped?"

"It was a hard fought escape," he approached her slowly, as if she might try to run off. "A lot of hand shaking and introductions, not really where I would prefer to be. But it is an unfortunate necessity." He sat next to her and followed the direction of her gaze, "Are you still trying to figure out an escape of your own?"

She frowned slightly, not bothering to look at him, "You've already told me that I was stuck with you. I'm not sure I could escape."

"I did," he answered and she felt his hand skim lightly over the exposed skin of her back. "I would like to try my best to make light of the situation I caused. Is there any way I could, you would tell me wouldn't you?"

"You've already won my hand," she looked at him. "Why are you still making an effort to win me over?"

"I found you out here and you looked utterly miserable," he then shrugged slightly. "I am not really sure why, but it struck a cord. I thought if I made an effort to make you comfortable around me that it may help. But, while I see you getting more comfortable with me I still see this misery clinging to you."

She smiled weakly, "I guess it's an effort I should be grateful for."

"Can I banish it?" He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her shoulder, "Is there anything I can do to take away the melancholy?"

Her throat tightened and she could feel the warmth of his body, that hovered so close to her. She couldn't tell him what she wanted. "Are you trying to make me care for you? Or are you trying to appear you care for me?" It was harsh and while it gave him pause, he didn't seem to be affected.

"It isn't necessary, it is an ideal if we are to spend the rest of our days together," he raised an eyebrow then. "Do you love another?"

She shook her head, "It doesn't matter with my hand given to you."

He looked as if he had more to say, but their conversation was interrupted. "Princess Sofia, Prince Victor," the steward didn't seem surprised to see them so close together, "The festivities are ready to begin, when you decide to join us would you like me to announce the two of you together?"

"That will be fine," he said and stood, looked back to her. He offered her his arm, "This could be much worse than it is, princess. I assure you." She looked at him again then stood, taking his arm and began to lead him to the ballroom. "I have taken liberties with you," he said lowly so only she would here. "I invite you to feel free to reciprocate, if the feeling ever strikes you."

She nodded, though she wasn't sure if she would be. But, she felt grateful that he would offer her to do the same. The doors opened to the ballroom and the steward's voice rang out. "I present you Prince Victor Nefarius of Nigrum and Princess Sofia the First of Enchancia." He bowed and she curtseyed for those in attendance.

They managed a dance, it was much better than the practice they had had out on the balcony earlier in the day. She had led for the majority of it, but he made a clear effort to keep from stepping on her feet. He didn't seem at all uncomfortable with her taking the lead and she felt somewhat comforted by the light smile he wore and how relaxed he appeared to be. Her father came to interrupt them, beckoning Victor over to meet the Emperor and Empress of Wei-ling.

It gave her time to pursue the banquet of delicious foods set out. She piled a plate full of vegetables, fruits, and cheese and went to hide along the wall, spying her father and Victor as they were surrounded by a crowd of visiting Royals. Her father seemed to be doing the majority of the talking.

"You... you look beautiful."

She turned to see the speaker and flushed, seeing her sorcerer close by. He had kept a distance between them, perhaps to make it appear that they weren't conversing or, maybe he was put off by the idea of being too close to her after seeing her dance with Victor, "Thank you."

"He seems less menacing without his armor," he offered. "Perhaps the awful picture you've painted of him is merely fear of the situation."

"That gut feeling I have, hasn't gone away," she confided as she looked at what was to be her husband. "He's been trying really hard to put me at ease and win me over. The only thing he's not done, yet, is shower me with gifts."

"You're to be married to him," he sounded sour about the idea. "Of course he is trying to put you at ease. There is nothing appealing about the idea of marrying someone that hates you or fears you." He sighed angrily, "Mother hasn't found anything as of yet on your lead."

"Did she talk to Mister Morshak?"

"She said he hasn't done the séance, yet. He's waiting on a full moon, something about it giving him access to the ancient dead or some rubbish," he shrugged as if the idea in itself was 'rubbish.'

"Are you telling me to give up?"

"This is a wild goose chase," he looked to her then. "I know why you are doing this and I sympathize."

"I think you've forgotten Miss Nettle," she tried not to get her feelings hurt with him. "Or should I say Sascha?"

"I had hopes that you would have forgotten about that," he sighed.

She started to say more, trying her best to not be angry with him, but her father started to tap a spoon upon his glass gaining the attention of the entire crown. "Ladies and gentlemen, while this ball is being held to introduce you to Prince Victor and hopefully welcome him into our fold I do have a bit of exciting news to also announce." He cleared his throat and cast Victor a knowing smile. She could feel the bottom of her stomach drop. They were going to announce this here and now? "I am honored to announce the engagement of my youngest daughter, Princess Sofia, to Prince Victor." The room broke out into applause. "Sofia, come have a dance with your prince!"

There was something about having it announced to a crowd of people she knew that made it seem more real. She was dimly aware of stepping through the crowd onto the dance floor. Victor soon joined her and swept her away. Music played and she could feel all eyes upon her as they danced, Victor leading with a surety that he hadn't had before. Was she dreaming? It seemed like a mild nightmare.

Rose petals began to rain down from the ceiling and she looked, finding her sorcerer in the crowd and knowing he was responsible. He watched them, his expression grieved and she could feel her heart twist up in her chest. Her throat burned with tears that she had to keep at bay, she looked up at her fiancé and tried to spare him a smile.

All she could do was pray the night would end quickly.

Everything seemed to blur after that, champagne was pulled out from the wine cellar and everyone entertained a glass. She may have entertained too many glasses. She accepted congratulations from her former classmates, she could have sworn there was a hint of jealousy that rolled around Hildegarde as she came to give her congratulations. Curious.

She couldn't hold onto much that went around her, for the vast majority of the time she was smile and thank all those that approached and be swept away when Victor pleaded for a dance. "I think, perhaps," he said at a length to a king she had a hard time recognizing. "It is time that my princess retires for the evening. I hope, if you will not be here in the morning that when I return to further business matters with Enchancia that you and I can speak more on the matter."

He was then leading her away from the ball, it had been winding down anyway. She spotted James still milling about with his friends and Amber on the arm of Zandar, but her mother was nowhere to be seen. Her father appeared to be surrounded by other kings sharing in toasts and the like, while others had already began to leave for their respective carriages.

She had no idea what the time was. But, she allowed him to lead her to her room.

It shouldn't have surprised her when he turned to her for a kiss. The surprise, really, was her willingness for to accept. Maybe the alcohol had gone to her head. Maybe there was a thrill to the way his tongue slid past her lips and stroked her own. He pressed her against the wall, one hand at her hip and the other in her hair. She didn't resist the beckoning, the pull, or the desire that flared in her.

Her arms slid around his neck and her fingers went into his hair. It was thick, but silky and she tangled her fingers in it as she started to follow his lead and return his kiss. He made a noise, a growl, that reverberated deep in her core. He released her hip and reached over to slide her door open, then he began to turn them much as he had done on the dance floor. He back them into her room and with little effort closed her door.

She clung to him, knowing him coming into her room wasn't the best of ideas. But fire kindled within her and he had made promises. She didn't protest when she felt his hands working the trail of buttons loose down her back. Her dress came loose and he helped it drift down her arms and into a heap around her feet. She stood clad in her petticoats, stockings, bloomers, and corset. She didn't hesitate until his hands started to make short work on the laces of her petticoats, pushing them down her hips to join the pile surrounding her ankles.

She stepped backwards, nearly falling, but he caught her. "Trying to escape?" His voice a deep rumble.

"We can't-!"

""Shh," he shushed her, helping her step out of the mountain of dress and petticoats. "We aren't going to. Remember, experimentation? Unless you object?" He was giving her that look again, as if he would eat her.

"Dad said," she started.

"Your virtue will stay safe," he pulled her close and pressed his lips to her ear. "Let me worship you." Inhibitions went with the wind and she pulled away from him, turning and walked to the bed. She took a moment to pull her heels off and stood to look at him. He followed closely, pausing to undo the buttons of his jacket and then shed it. She saw a glimpse of a light linen jerkin beneath before he tugged it up and over his head.

He was a vision of muscle and bronze skin, her breath hitched in her throat and any thoughts of protesting now was lost. He was beautiful. He cupped her cheek and captured her lips again, giving only a pause to say, "Touch me." He kissed her again and she found her hands in his hair again.

He didn't give her much time to adjust to his affection and lack of dress now, he picked her up and placed her over the edge of the bed. He leaned over her, kissing her with a passion that kindled her own. His mouth trailed down to her throat and she used the opportunity to map out the feel of his shoulders. Muscles seemed to twitch beneath her fingers, she had never touched a man before. Feeling the strength beneath his skin was intriguing. She would want to see him, but he scraped his teeth against the pounding vein and her neck and it distracted her. His tongue traced down her shoulder to her collar bone and his teeth curled along it. She would have never imagined being bitten would make her breathless.

One of his hands cupped her breast through the corset and it was, unfortunately, too thick for her feel anything more than the heat of his palm. It didn't keep him from giving the flesh a squeeze, as if he realized that the garment was hindering his exploitation of her flesh. He didn't bother to remove it, she wasn't sure if she would have protested. Though, when she felt his thumbs hook the waistband of her bloomers she did still. "You said," she panted. "You said you weren't going to..."

"Shh," his breath was back to her ear. "I'm not going to." He pressed the fabric down her hips and over her thighs. "I told you last night I wanted to taste you. That is just what I intend to do." He pulled away, pushing her undergarments past her knees and getting them lose from her feet. He sat up and looked down at her as he tossed them aside. "Don't be afraid," he purred at her. "You will enjoy this."

He slid off the bed and she looked down, squeaking unpleasantly when he grabbed her hips and tugged her downward so her rump was at the edge of the bed. His eyes connected with hers and he rubbed his bread against her inner thigh, "I don't know how thick your walls are, if you scream will they hear it?"

She looked confused, unsure how to answer. Gooseflesh had risen up her thigh and his tongue seemed to trace a slow, agonizing route northward. He lightly nosed the patch of fuzz between her thighs and his other hand reached forward to delicately part her nether lips for his inspection. He purred again and she shuddered, him so close that she could feel it there. She tried to clench her thighs together but he had them held apart. His tongue deftly traced her entrance and she could barely contain the gasp that escaped her, her head fell back against her bed and she instinctively rolled her hips up to meet his questing mouth.

His tongue had begun curling and tracing patterns upon the button above her sex, making her move and quake at the feelings it insighted. His mouth closed around it and she felt the pressure of a finger enter her, she moaned lowly as he started to combine suction with the strokes of his tongue to her clitoris. He had ignited the fire and now he was building it up. She curled her fingers into his hair and rolled her hips against his face, gasping as she started to feel as if she just might combust. She clenched around the thrusting finger and found another added, stretching her. Is this what sex would feel like? She keened at the thought, if it felt this good she was going to crave it.

His fingers curled upward and she felt the sharpness of his teeth, she didn't think she could handle more. Her back arched and she cried out as she started to tumble apart. He didn't stop though, he road it out with thrusting fingers and a questing tongue. It made her quake harder and the feelings magnify. It didn't hold a flame to the feelings he created in her in her father's study.

She felt her nerves reconnecting, his tongue still seemed to lap at her as he withdrew his fingers. He leaned his head against her thigh and bite lightly into her skin. "Princess?" His use of the title brought her out of the haze just enough to gaze down at him, her hand was still clenched in his hair though she wasn't forcing his face back between her thighs. She loosened her fingers and curled them down to stroke the strong lines of his face. He turned to kiss her palm, "Have I lost you? Did you enjoy it like I promised?"

She found it hard to keep her eyes from drifting closed but she nodded lightly. "Was it so good that I will lose you to sleep?" He asked with a chuckle. She felt his weight as he climbed back to join her on the bed, "I wonder, will you give me the opportunity to taste you again?"

"Taste me again?" She echoed curiously.

"Your cunt was so delicious that I will find the need to eat it at every opportunity I can get," he purred into her ear. She flushed at his words, they were so vulgar. "Will you let me?"

She opened her eyes, seeing him laying beside her. His eyes were slitted and filled with lust and she noted the dampness of his beard. Dimly somewhere in the back of her mind, she realized it was her juices that were on his face and beard. She swallowed hard and ran her fingers through the damp hair on his chin, "Yes."

Did she ever have a choice in it?

---

When you make yourself blush, jeez. Was that a bit much?