As Always

Do ENJOY!

...

Jack felt like he was being watched. He guessed less than half of the 'original cast' was standing with him. Still; it was a better outcome than, what he was sure, the High Princess, had feared. The Prince looked over and sure enough. Stormy grey eyes; where looking back at him. Open shock and awe shined through. He hoped the smile he gave her helped. Then he winked and she must have stepped away. He looked forward with a quiet chuckle.

Some of the men chattered and boasted. They had the best gifts to win her heart. Win; they had it wrong already and though his dowry, was nothing to sneeze at. He doubted; material things, would be what she cared about. He also knew she wouldn't chose someone, who thought of her, as a prize to, win. There was a person behind her titles. He shook his head at their blind ambition. Jack guessed there was something to say for being that self-assured.

He played with his mask. It had been chosen for him, but he liked it. The lightning storm of silver breaking up the otherwise black accessory. Some of the others complained about it. Hoping to catch her eye with their looks alone. Another thing he didn't think she'd fall for. Only time would tell.

ACoWACoWACoWACoWACoWACoWACoWACoW

He wasn't sure why the talk made him nervous. Was his offering to meager? Heathway wasn't rich in gold and jewels. His kingdom was agriculture and beautiful scenery. Ianto didn't regret his choice to participate in Saxon's game. He wasn't sure, but he didn't think the young woman on the vid link. Would be impressed; with the wealth of a suitor's kingdom.

The prince didn't want to 'play' this. That said he would 'ham' it up as he had to. If only just to get himself noticed. The mask was weird at first. Then he saw the logic in it. She'd get to know them by actions and attitudes first. Not how they looked.

He could hear her foot falls and everyone around him seemed to straighten. Her cousin was announced first and they all bowed. Kneeling when the princess stepped forward as they called out her name along with the tittles. Beauty of the Realm was called out and at least one Prince snorted. Asking, why she had to wear the mask if it was true. A couple even openly admitted that they were just here because having the Isles, was just too good to resist. He didn't like the idea of tattling, but he secretly memorized their masks. Planning to ask for an audience with the Duke at his first chance.

"Pleas rise honored guests." Anika's voice rang out.

Ianto looked up and he was struck by how polished she looked. Not a hair or jewel misplaced. Bodice to hem she was covered in diamonds. A chiffon shell coat hiding her shoulders. She was the picture of grace behind the blue and silver feathered mask. Yet he could see she was fighting. Only a close look, showed her chest heaving as she gasped for breath. And she would swallow more often than normal. Her hands nervously going to her hips. All signs his sister would show before an attack.

She cleared her throat and they all looked forward. The room was starting to spin. Anika powered through. Short speech, short and she could get this heavy thing off. "First, I welcome you to Crystal Peak. I…" She stopped and suddenly decided to just forget about propriety and give them what she held in her heart. "To tell you the honest truth. I'm a little shocked. I never expected… Well I didn't imagine any of us, myself included. Would be here like this. I'll admit however, that I am glad for this unexpected chance to get to know you and for you to get to know me. I… I…"

Ianto shifted forward before he knew what was happening. Her hands dropped from their position. Her eyes rolled back and her knees buckled. The Prince was vaulting the platform as her skirts flared out and she started to fall back.

"Anika!" Theta gasped; seeing she'd fallen into a Prince's lap. He turned to a guard. "Get Doctor Harper!" He roared and the guard hurried off. The Duke rushed to her aid, but he was so flustered he wasn't sure what to do.

"Alright, alright step aside!" Doctor Owen Harper griped. Taking a look as Donna arrived. "You let her wear this? Now? Are you nuts?" He grumbled and added. "You know how stressed she's been and you put her in a corseted, easily 20 pound dress?"

"It wasn't my idea. What did you want them to put her in for a royal greeting hmm? A potato sack?" The redhead snapped. Donna looked out at the stunned princes. One had seemed to snap out of his stupor and was coming forward. Owen was telling them they needed to get the dress off quickly. "Whoa, whoa." Lady Donna balked as the doctor was looking for a cutting tool.

"Can I help?" Jack asked with genuine concern as he reached them. He looked over and he saw the other prince pull the pins out of her hair. Then noticed the doctor nodding at the other man, whom had also begun to 'fan' her.

Hmm looks like he had possible competition…

"Well there's no way I'm letting Harper cut her dress off here." The redhead stated with a huff. Owen stopped rooting around for his scalpel. "You two, can you carry her?" Donna asked the Princes. Seeing as Theta was busy playing clean up and talking with the other royals.

~ACoW~

She woke disoriented, with a damp towel over her brow. Anika was also in bed, but above her covers and wearing a day dress. "What happened?" The High Princess asked with a groan. Rose went over and Donna let her be the one to fuss.

"You, little neek, passed out… Mid greeting. You should have told me you were already feeling sick." Theta chided from the couch. Sour for the fact he hadn't been watching her better.

"Oh Gods I didn't." Anika gasped, "How humiliating…" She groaned.

"YeP. Yah did." He chirped with a grin. "Two of your suiters carried you in here." The Duke smirked and she groaned again. "As expected they've all inquired as to your well-being." He informed approvingly, sitting up slightly.

"There were some that remarked, you were playing a sympathy card." Rose added with a distasteful look. She wrung out a new cloth after checking her cousin in law's forehead. Settling the damp cotton over the High Princess's brow.

"I've already dismissed them." The Duke assured. "As for the others; at least half seemed to show real concern." He sighed; "I'd never want harm to come to you, you know that. But, I must admit it was helpful in seeing who would care about you."

"Not even a day and two stand forward already! I should… I should find a way to thank the two that helped." Anika decided.

"Well why not let them have prime seats at the ball, let them sit with you and the High King." Lady Donna offered.

"Oh that's going to leave Duchesses Gwen and Lisa in snits. We'd have to move them." A slow grin formed. "Let's do it, but make sure they are still close to the dais. I don't want them having a fit." The High Princess sighed.

"Knowing them, they will anyway. Best prepare the staff for it. Matter of fact I'll watch for them and handle it." Theta assured; sure they would try to make a scene.

"What would I do without you Ta Ta?" Anika remarked. "I thank the Summer-lands for you and Cousin Rose, being here to help."

"We'd never let you do this alone." Rose assured as a servant entered with a tea tray.

"The kind Prince who stopped your fall said sweet iced tea will help. The young sir said it always helped his sister." The woman bowed before leaving.

"Oh Daddy is just going to love this one… I'll be married in no time." Anika snorted. Blushing because… well… she was liking him more and more, too.

...

HEART Y'ALLS