Disclaimers on everything that I don't own.


Act VII,

By Winterwing3000


"Introducing Prince Satoshi and Prince Krad of the Northern Lands. And Daughter of High Priest, Lady Rosetta." A page announced grandly, sweeping a hand to the three royal figures standing at the great doors leading into the dinning hall.

Dark and Daisuke stood next to their mother, one on each side. Their black cloaks were fastened and swords at their side, the Western signature flashed from the hilts. Ebony gloves enclosed their hands. Dark's wild hair was tamed somewhat and was combed neatly. His posture wasn't as stiff as Daisuke's but still quite cautious and arrogant with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

Daisuke on the other hand, was straighter than a lightning rod. He stood tall, his messy red hair was impossible for the maids to fix, and he looked straight ahead, eyes locking with Prince Satoshi, a long time friend of his.

Queen Emiko was dressed in a lavender gown and a small silver crown adorned her brunette head. Her air was kind and welcoming, and there was a gentle smile on her face which made her eyes twinkle.

Satoshi and Krad approached them, with Lady Rosetta in Krad's arm. Satoshi and Krad donned in their own white cloaks and weapon. Krad's long bleached mane was tied back into a respectable ponytail and white gloves covered his fingers. Satoshi's snow-blue hair was cropped shortly with frameless bifocals perched on the bridge of his nose. Lady Rosetta was in a shoulder-less pale pink gown and a white shawl draped over her torso. Her mahogany hair were in French curls and two emerald earrings were clipped on. The Northern Princes bowed deeply to the Queen and the Lady curtseyed. Emiko quickly ushered them to rise.

"Welcome to the Western Lands, Prince Satoshi, Prince Krad, and Lady Rosetta. I hope that you would forgive me for yesterday's greeting and had a nice rest after your weary trip here?" Emiko said.

"Yes, thank you for asking, Queen Emiko." Satoshi replied.

"Thank you for accepting us at such a late notice, Queen Emiko. I had assumed that my page has delivered the message much earlier, but he was caught in a small storm along the way." Krad apologized, taking a small bow. Rosetta kept her silence, after all, females in any court were only to be seen, not heard unless spoken to.

"Please, take a seat at the table; we've only three more guests before breakfast starts. And they ought to be here shortly." Dark said through clenched teeth, not daring to look at Krad. Even being in the same room with him gets on Dark's nerves. Hopefully, this meal will fly by.

"Thank you for the offering Prince Dark, however, I think I would like to… welcome them." Krad said rather haughtily, glaring deviously at the purple-haired prince.

"Of course." The older Western prince gritted.

"Introducing Queen Ayumi of the Southern Lands and Princess Riku and Princess Risa." The page declared once more to the six.

Queen Ayumi entered the room in a similar fashion of Queen Emiko, her daughters at her side.

The Queen of the South was in a dark red velvet dress with a tan corset. White cuffs adorned her V-neckline, writs and the hem of the dress. Small beads were strung downwards from the waistline, forming a large rose in the center. Her hair was strung back into two braided buns, red ribbons weaved into it.

Risa had on a pink gown with soft yellow cuffs. Small pale red flowers were scattered among the pink silk. There was a gold lining across her white corset. Her russet hair was pulled into a complicated twist, with a few of her bangs dusting her forehead. Her light caramel eyes were shining brightly, despite the nightmare she had last night. It wasn't more than a dream. And prophetical dreams weren't really believable in their parts of land. She was, also, more of a tarot reader. Dream reading were difficult to understand and of course, she's always afraid of misinterpreting it.

Her eyes glanced over to her older sister, seeing how proud and calm she was. It was impossible. Riku would never love Dark; after all, she always said that he was a pervert. Then again, that was what she said…

But what was really in her heart? Could Riku be much in love with Prince Dark, and only hid it from her to keep conflicts at bay? The younger of the twin bit her lower lip in anxiety. Oh Riku… what's really inside your heart?

Riku was dressed in a sea-blue dress with no fancy design whatsoever. It was only flourished with a freshly pick white carnation on her left breast, which was found right next to her bed. At first, Riku had been confused why it was there and asked Risa and her mother if they had left it there, but both denied it. Then as she recalled the events of yesterday evening, the older twin flushed heavily and shook her head, finally understanding its meaning.

A white carnation represents remembrance…

Agh, the nerve of that man, he through that he would remind her of their silly bet. Inwardly fuming, Riku only sighed deeply and looked straight ahead to the waiting six.

Greetings were made by the Northern Princes and Lady Rosetta. Soon, breakfast was served and they all took their seats. Both queens sat at the head of the table, and on their right, sat Krad and his fiancée, Rosetta. Then there were Satoshi and Daisuke. Across from them were Dark, Risa and finally Riku. Metal utensils clattered and made scrapping noises when it connected rather hardly from a china dish.

"What do we owe you for the pleasure of coming here, Prince Krad?" Queen Emiko asked, setting down her goblet of wine.

"I've come to personally invite your family and Queen Ayumi's family to my wedding. It'll take place at the Empire's Saint Mary's cathedral. Rosetta and I hope that you can join us on our happy day." Krad explained, turning to smirk at Dark the very next moment. "And Prince Dark… you are turning eighteen soon, are you not? Shouldn't it be high time for you to start courting…?"

Dark held back a scowl and merely replied with a short, "I already am", which in all, surprised everyone at the table.

His mother gasped in, Queen Ayumi blinked, Risa blushed darkly, Daisuke looked bewildered, Satoshi readjusted his glasses, Rosetta opened her fan to cover her small smile, Krad quirked a brow and Riku gave a loud inward groan.

"Oh… my. Well, who is it, Dark?" Emiko asked, looking straight at her son with astonished brown eyes.

"I'll tell you later mother. I prefer to keep this… private." Dark said, leering at Krad.

When Queen Ayumi finally regained her senses, she saw her youngest daughter's red face. A sudden thought came to her.

She knew of her daughter's young infatuation with Prince Dark… but was he actually courting her? And Riku… she barely showed any surprise. Did she already know of this?


"Just where are you taking me!" Riku demanded hotly, hands clenched tightly by her side.

"Somewhere." Dark replied casually.

Nearly three hours after the early breakfast, Dark went to her room to get her. She was just sitting there, finishing up the last few pages of the black history book, in her second layer of garments.

Half the time, she wouldn't mind when some females walked in on her, but she wasn't expecting Dark to come in. Earlier, she sent her hand-maid to get her a small flask of water and thought that it was her.

In the end, there was a small muffled screaming session, a loud smack and a slam of doors. Riku looked up at him, gasped and immediately screamed, "pervert!" Then she chucked the heavy volume straight at him. Dark scrambled out of the room, just as he turned a beautiful shade of pink, and closed the door shut quickly.

Outside, he managed to string a whole sentence for after calming down a bit. "Uh… change into something comfortable to get wet in. And don't worry too much about your stockings."

"WHAT! Good God, are you that… perverted!"

"Che, no, I'm just giving you a forewarning. If you're going to cry over a pair of ripped socks, don't wear them!"

Now, she was blindfolded by his handkerchief and was being steered left and right by Dark, who had his hand on her shoulder and elbow. She could smell the dirt and the musky scent of trees. Fallen branches snapped underneath her leather training boots and grass rustled from her wilted white-and-green patterned calico dress. She could also hear Dark's even breathing, the puffs of air tickling the base of her neck.

She noticed how his hands are warm and slightly rough against her bare shoulders, this thought caused her to shiver slightly.

"Cold?"

"No… and where are you taking me?"

"I'm taking you hostage and am going to tie you up and leave you in a cave for the demons." Dark said sarcastically, exasperated. "Now would you just be patient and let me lead?"

Riku 'harrumphed' and turned her head downwards, hoping to look at her feet, but still found herself staring at the black cloth. Silently cursing at the crown-prince, Riku allowed him to guide her while her thoughts drifted a bit.

First of all… why did he want to court her? She was a tomboy, a girl who was a disgrace to the females, she was rash, she was stubborn, and she was… betrothed to Heaven knows who. So, technically, it was wrong for her to be courting Dark, but, perhaps… he did not know that his mother and hers had drawn a contract for the four of them.

What if she were promised to Prince Daisuke? Then what will she do? She doesn't love him the way he loved her sister, and if she were married to Prince Daisuke, she wouldn't be happy. Her life wouldn't be happy… she married a man who she didn't love. But Risa on the other hand would most likely be ecstatic to be marrying Prince Dark.

Then again, what if she were to marry Prince Dark and Risa Prince Daisuke? Then what will happen? Will her life be as miserable as the one she might lead with Prince Daisuke? Or will it be better?

Her heart was fluttering with emotions; anxiety, confusion, worries, and something indescribable. Could it be?

"We've arrived, Princess Riku." Dark announced grandly sweeping off the handkerchief from her head.

Riku halted her thoughts and blinked her eyes a few time, soaking in the imagery.

Around her were large towering trees and a small clearing, which lead right to the waterfall that spilled into a lake. The area around the lake was opened with no trees above, only the fluffy clouds and the bright glowing sun. Birds chirped merrily as they fluttered down to the water, their feet skimming the surface. There were a few does and their fawns at their side taking a drink further down.

Satisfied, Riku turned to face Dark, on to find the spot that he occupied next to her to be empty. Then she heard a splash, much different from the crashing waters to her left.

Walking closer to the edge near the piled rocks, Riku squatted down and peered into the clear blue water. There were a few silver flashes and suddenly, a lilac head broke through, scaring the jitters out of her.

She fell onto her rump and stared wide-eye at Dark's head, which was covered with his wet hair. Dark let out a refreshing sigh and grinned at her through his bangs.

"Come on in. The water's fine."

"You… dragged me here to swim! What kind of gentleman would bring a lady to a swimming hole for a date?" she exclaimed, scowling at him. How indecent it would be for the both of them to swim together!

"Well, you seem to be more of an adventurous female rather than the ones who would be sitting at home sewing. Unless you'd prefer to talk a romantic stroll at night through the gardens once more?" his slender brow rose in suggestion.

Riku grumbled quietly and stood up walking over to the stones near the waters. Dark's tinted violet eyes followed her every movement. First, she pulled off her boots and stockings. Then his eyes came to rest on her hands, which tentatively reached up to her sash.

As if feeling his gaze on her, the princess looked at him dryly. "Is an invitation needed or can you face the other way on your own, Prince Dark?"

The prince smirked and turned his head the other way, respecting her privacy. However, once he heard a splash he faced her immediately.

"Hm… not bad for a lady. Although, I always thought that ladies weren't meant for the outdoors." Dark nodded in approval as Riku floated above the waters without any help.

"You'd be surprised with the woman who lives in the Southern lands. Since my homelands is mainly swamp and rivers." Riku explained offhandedly.

"I've already seen two of you, and you both seem quite the opposite."

"We were raised in different expertise and those indoor activities, such as cooking or sewing aren't exactly entertaining."

The late morning passed as if it were nothing as the two spent their time talking of their family's history.


"You wanted to talk Prince Daisuke?" Risa inquired, tilting her head to one side, bangs brushing against her eyes.

"Uh… yeah… um… You see… I," Daisuke stumbled; face turning a lovely shade of red. "Well, during your stay here, I have… developed affection towards you. Hence… I'm asking for your permission to court you."

Taken aback, Risa blinked a few times.

This prince loved her? But… he's the second prince. And she's in love with the older prince, Dark. Right? Prince Daisuke was very good looking but… he wasn't as handsome as Prince Dark…

"Oh… I'm very sorry, Prince Daisuke… but I… I love your brother. I'm really sorry if I led you on. I…"

Daisuke gave her a bright smile that didn't reach his eyes. "No, I understand. It is fine. Uh… I think I need to polish my sword. So… would you like me to escort you back to the castle or would you like to stay out here a bit longer?"

"I think I'll stay out for a little while. Thank you for asking." Risa said, smiling to him, unaware of his sadness.

"Then, I bid you a good day…" the red-head kissed her hand and went on his way, tears forming along his eyes. As he headed up the castle steps, he saw his brother… arm in arm with Princess Riku. Both drenched.

Almost immediately, anger rushed into his blood, adrenaline fueling his veins. Jealousy sparked in his crimson orbs as his fists were clenched.

How was it fair that his brother always got what he wanted? There he was flaunting with the older Southern princess while the younger pinned at him listlessly without knowing what was really going on with her older sister and his older brother.

By right, Daisuke had a choice to duel for what could be his. And Heaven forbids that he would die trying fighting for a Princess's heart.


AN: I'm really really really! sorry about the long wait. School work piled like crazy and I was also trying to cathc up with my other stories. -cough- Uh, yeah well, as you see, things are moving along quite… exquisitely in my eyes. Though, I may have some doubts coming from my dedicated reviewers…. So, review and tell me what you think of this! Hm… I wonder if there's such a thing as a love-square… -grins wickedly-

Krystalgamer: sorry for not putting you in the last chapter but I'm glad that you're still reading it.

Ivory Nightshade: thank you.

Mandy: lol, I happen to be a big time fan of prince and princesses, especially the ones in fairy tales.

Sayuka Hiwatari: thanks!

OSparrow: thank you for the reminder! And despite it, I am still late but a long shot. Sorry! School's been a busy and stressful factor in my life right now. x.X I'm glad that I still have your interest! And ehehehe… yes, that was a cliffhanger. A small… foreshadowing, if you must.

Renyun: Lol, thank you. And as for Riku's reaction, notice her behaviour and thoughts about Dark. You'll understand.

Icelett: eheh, it ISN'T abandoned, just was on a vacation/semi-haitus. Sorry for the wait.

Heka: thank you for the notice, I never really knew that. X.X poor Elliot, I'll go give him some carrots and a back rub, he loves those! Lol.

IMdr3AmIn0fU: thank you!