Chapter 3, woot!
ENJOY
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They'd been specifically instructed to stop here. Ianto walked after his servant for the trip. Looking forward to a bath after the long ride. He stepped into his rooms and immediately noticed a fair sized white box on the desk. The Prince imagined every one of his fellow 'guests of the High King's' were seeing the same thing. There was a note marked with his name and asking him to Please open the box.
Well it was definitely his then. No mistake there. He decided to freshen up first before opening it.
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For some reason he was weary of doing what the pasted note asked. Jack paced, wearing only linen pants and rubbing a towel over his damp hair. He kept looking back. Expecting the plain white thing to attack, if he looked away. "You are the Prince of Golden Dunes! It's a box, a box." The young man growled. Stomping over and flipping off the lid.
An image flashed to life. There was a woman, a striking woman. With blue and black streaked blonde hair. Wearing a golden gown and he knew. Those Sapphires on her delicate throat and in her tiara. Were from his kingdom's own, Rainbow Mines. The image only showed her from the waist up and a golden filigree mask hid every important facial feature, but her storm grey eyes. Gods he could drown, die as a happy man, in those eyes. He shook his head and hit play on the control pad.
"You ready Ta Ta?" Anika joked and her laugh was light and carefree.
You could tell a lot by someone's laugh.
"Shut up Neek and yes its recording."
"Theta! Not on here. Start it over."
"NoPe."
"Theta!"
"No! No, this is good, let them see it. Now go on, you wanted to say something."
"But…" She bit her lip.
And Jack thought it was the most adorable thing.
"Go on…" The other woman urged again.
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Ianto watched as she seemed to straighten. She cleared her throat as she prepared to address them.
She sighed, looking down at her hands. "I love my father." Anika confessed and looked up. "That said I also know he's stubborn and a bit mad. I apologize that this fact has brought you here. You have a choice before you. As do I, though mine I'm sure. Must seem a great deal easier to you. Different yes, but…" She paused and took a breath before continuing.
"There are 2 drawers in the desk below. Drawer 1; has a signed pardon and instructions for your departure from this folly. Drawer 2; has your room location at Crystal Peak and a masquerade mask. In tow nights there will be a ball; held in your honor. I look forward to meeting those that decide to stay. This is not you're first choice for a position to be in. Nor is it mine..." She stopped again, it looked like she was wringing her hands. "I…I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry." She looked away and unexpectedly stood. The video feed cutting a second later.
Ianto sat back and contemplated the vid link. She hadn't needed to do it, but did anyway. He was sure; there were those that were taking option one, with barely a thought and walking out right now. Honestly; the fact that she gave them a choice, only made him want to stay, even more.
He knew she must be fighting with what to do; knowing that they might all just leave. She'd be doing this; even as he and every other would be guest of Crystal Peak, debated what they would do.
The Prince imagined the ball room devoid of any Princess as contenders. Pictured Anika's hollow steps into an empty hall. Heart heavy with hope as she stepped inside. He pictured the shattered look she'd wear. Only her royal training able to hide it, well behind a mask of grace and acceptance of the outcome.
If the High King was so set on his daughter marrying. In the eventuality they all left. He'd just choose one of them later, anyway. Didn't they realize that?
It wasn't pity, it wasn't even for the prosperity of his country that he stayed. Ianto found he wanted to at least give her a chance. It took guts to send that message and give them a chance to make up their own minds. Besides, she had a beautiful laugh and he really wouldn't mind hearing it again.
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Jack closed his eyes; rubbed a hand over his face. Got up; paced around and sat down. Replayed the link, listened to her laugh…twice. Saw her as a royal …and watched her almost start to cry as a human. A scared and humiliated young woman. Trying to make the situation as bearable as she could. His father's voice was in his head; calling the Princess, a 'poor girl' and asking him to give the possible union a chance.
Those stormy eyes; that lip bite, her delicate throat and full lips. Well; he certainly didn't have the problem of being un-attracted to her. Would having a good wank right now be rude? Best not risk… Oh what the hell!? 2 showers in the span of 2 hours seemed a little wasteful of water. He didn't welcome sleeping with a hard on however, so there went that.
From what he knew of the family; especially her father, the princess would be pure. One of his favorite things was showing a new lover how enjoyable sex could be. He thought of what her reactions might be. Would she be loud? Oh he'd enjoy making that proper exterior crumble. Leaving her laid bare to him.
He'd enjoy these things surely, but the more he thought about it afterward. The more he realized he didn't want just casual sex with her or with anyone, for that matter. Light, throw away relationships, had lost their luster. He was ready to settle, maybe it wouldn't be with the high Princess, but he was still willing to try.
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"Suppose none of them show. Suppose all of them left… I would if I were them." Anika worried; as she paced around her rooms at Crystal Peak. "What am I going to tell Daddy?" She added in a gasp.
"You let me worry about him." Theta growled and added, "Now sit, you are making me dizzy." He winked and she went to lounge on the chaise.
"Some will stay and you will find a great love. I know it." Duchess Rose; Theta's wife stated dreamily. Hoping to lift her cousin in law's spirits. The high Princess tried for a smile as her Ladies Maids set out her gowns.
"Or at least a good friend and a proper husband." Lady Donna offered as she passed with a towel slung over an arm. Heading for the bathroom where a giant tub was filling.
"Husbands?" The Duchess grinned and winked. Anika blushed, thinking of sharing a bed with two men.
"Rose!" Theta gasped.
"What? There can be a duel ruling. It's happened before." Rose replied.
"Can I just get through this, quite likely, unnecessary greeting, first please?"
~ACoW~
She tried to concentrate on her steps. Not how heavy the dress felt or that her father would be there tomorrow night. She smoothed her hands over the bodice and jewels one more time. Patting her hair and adjusting the mask. Before she could stop herself she stepped up to a velvet curtain and took a peek. Her hand going to her mouth. The hall was anything, but empty! As she looked a single head turned and crystal blue eyes. Behind a black and silver mask, bored into her own. He smiled; like he knew who she was and winked. She stepped back with a squeak.
"Ready to meet them, little Neek?" Theta asked; holding out his arm for her to take.
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HEART Y'ALLS
