I own NOTHING! This chappie is set to the song "Can't Stop The World" by a really old band called The Go Go's

Chapter Seven, Black Colors

On the fifteenth day, in the month of Leaarla, in the year .573

This morning, I spent a dull hour with Mother at breakfast. I don't know what she means by summoning me to her side. It's not as if we have anything to say to each other. After a very stilted conversation, I was allowed to return to my room. Faolin accompanied me, as always. I fear I depend on him far too much. Still, I have no father. I am entitled to look up to SOMEONE.

We sat and dibbled in small talk for an hour before Faolin brought up a point of interest.

"Princess, I have been informed by your mother, Her Majesty, that my cousin Glenwing is to join me in guarding you."

"That's ridiculous! Why on earth would she assign him to me? You are more than capable of protecting me." This time Mother had gone too far.

"That may be, Princess, but I had the distinct feeling that her majesty's decision was not based on a matter of protection."

Still baffled, I said, "I still do not understand, Faolin."

Faolin sighed. Apparently, he did not want to voice aloud the REAL reason for my mother's directions.

"Princess, I believe that your mother fears that you and I are getting too close. She apparently believes that I am aiding you in your disobedient ways. In appointing Glenwing, she seeks to separate you and I, as well as discover any wrong doings of yours. I would not be surprised if Glenwing has been ordered to make reports to her on a regular basis."

"Is she trying to spy on me?" I asked incredulously.

"I believe so."

"Faolin! How on earth am I going to live with one of her agents always watching me? How do you expect me to-"

"Faolin stood up and walked over to me. He knelt by my chair and said, "Princess, I assure you that Glenwing will be loyal to you and to you alone. He is not easily influenced by power. Your mother will not intimidate him. Remember, I live in his apartment. He will not move without your command and, quiet as he may be on the outside, he has a real heart for mischief on the inside."

He took my hands in his, "Trust me." I nodded and buried my face in his arms. That was not unusual behavior for me; but in light of what my mother believed existed between Faolin and I, embracing him felt strange. I quickly pulled away.

We sat silently for close to an hour, each of us wrapped tightly in our own thoughts.

Later in the afternoon, Glenwing arrived. After getting to know him, I can decisively agree with Faolin. Glenwing would die before betraying me.

LATER

I had finished my evening meal. Faolin and Glenwing stood outside of my door talking quietly. During my time of boredom, a brilliant idea struck me. I raced to my wardrobe and pulled out all of my gowns. Then, I ran to my chest of drawers and dragged out all my other articles of clothing. I pulled out a large cauldron-shaped pot from under my bed. With my potions materials, I conjured up a steaming black dye. A grin spread across my face.

First, I dipped in my white summer gown. The black dye quickly permeated it. The room started to smell. After it had been thoroughly soaked, I removed it and hung it from my window sill.

Next came my formal gowns. There were six of them. They took a great deal longer to color, but finally were completed.

I dyed every piece of clothing in my possession. I even went so far as to dye my undergarments and hang them from my window. Mother will strangle me when she finds out.

By then, a putrid smell had infiltrated my nostrils. I began to gag. Upon hearing my coughing, Faolin dashed into my quarters.

"Princess! What?" He stopped short when he saw the state of my things. Glenwing followed him in.

A wry smile flitted across Faolin's face. "Are you planning on going into mourning ?"

I fell back upon my bed, laughing and coughing. Upon Glenwing's face was a look of utmost horror.

"Princess! What have you done?"

I smiled at him. "Do not fear, Glenwing. I know what I am doing."

"But Princess!"

"Relax, Glenwing," Faolin intervened. "It will be fine. The queen rarely summons Arya anyway. I doubt that she will notice a thing."

"But what if she does?"

"If she does, we simply say that black is the newest fashion."

"Oh, of course she'll believe it, Faolin. That is the perfect excuse! She'll find out. And if she does-"

I stepped in, "Glenwing, if she does find out, what does it matter. They are my things. It is MY life. Understand?"

Glenwing sighed.

Meanwhile, Faolin's face had contorted into an unusual shape. It was not hard to tell that he was trying desperately to refrain from hysterical laughter. He finally could stand it no longer and burst out laughing. I am glad he was occupied, for I wanted to look at him. I saw his eyes first. Those beautiful orbs showered light and love on everything they gazed upon. His hands were strong and capable. As soon as I realized what I was doing, I snapped myself out of it. Imagine! What a scandal it would be if the princess were to fall in love with her bodyguard! I cannot be in love with him! I am NOT in love with him! Or am I?

R and R please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!