Sorry this took so long to update.
_______
Day Two
Waking with the sun, Setsuna stretched and snuggled deeper into the warmth of her comforter. She knew that her personal maid would not be there for a few more hours to help her wash and get ready for breakfast. Whenever there was a large gathering at the palace for special occasions, the queen did not serve lunch. Instead she served breakfast late then made sure the cooks had tables of snacks set out for the nobles to eat until dinner time.
Sighing, Setsuna threw off the blanket and stood up. Unfortunately she had never been able to lounge in bed like the queen seemed so willing to do. Especially when she was troubled. Her dreams last night had been tormented by her fight with Bryant, filled with monsters that came and destroyed her wedding, killing him in the process.
Pulling the bell rope by her bed, she opened her closet and started trying to decide what she should wear today. When the maid, Megan, finally came knocking on her door, stammering her apologies for being late, Setsuna assured her she knew Megan hadn't expected to be needed until later in the day.
"I would like a long, hot bath," she said. "Other than that, you can have the rest of the day off for all I care. I am quite able to dress myself."
"Oh, no Princess Setsuna," the maid whispered, horrified. "Your mother really would never allow that. You must have help with your hair, which must be done again later when you change into your evening gown."
Setsuna sighed again. It seemed her life was slowly becoming less and less her own. "All right. We can't have Mother getting angry at you, now can we. Tell you what, help me with my bath, then do my hair. Fix it up high so that all I have to do is pull out a few pins so that the style is different for tonight."
Scurrying around the room, pulling out all the little accessories the princess would need, Megan argued, "That will not do either. Your mother will have a fit if you wear your hair up in the morning. It is just not done."
"I don't care if it isn't done. It is how I want it to be. If you don't agree, than you can just leave my hair to me and I shall style it how I see fit." Setsuna's temper was starting to flare and Megan must have sensed it, for she suddenly agreed with everything the princess was saying.
"Yes Princess. That is a good idea. I will pour your bath then be out of your way. Thank you graciously for your generosity."
When Megan had retreated from the room, Setsuna lowered her body into the bubble covered water. When she was used to the high temperature, she dunked her whole head under the surface, staying under long enough for her whole body to totally relax. While she was underwater, she allowed her mind to wander. 'Oh how I wish Chelsea had never married,' she thought. Chelsea had been her ladies maid from the time she was five years old until two years ago. She had allowed Setsuna to do what she pleased. It had been her that had saved the princess from the tree before her mother found her perched like a bird with a broken wing.
Finally she rose up out of the water, taking a deep breath to make up for the moments she had just spent not breathing. She stopped thinking about her life as she scrubbed her body and hair clean. This was why she loved bathing so much. It seemed to be the only place she could stop her mind from running over things again and again.
She got out only when the water became too cold to bear. Then she stepped out and wrapped up in a couple thick towels, one for her hair and the other for her body. She dried off slowly, watching the horses run through the field below her window. Faintly, way off in the distance, she could see someone riding a small, fat pony - one that seemed almost too fragile to hold him. Setsuna knew that it was Bryant. Being just a stable boy, he had been given the pony years ago and he was expected to use only that one until it became to old too carry him. She wasn't worried for either him or the pony though. He was an excellent horseman and the pony was still as strong and willing as ever.
Turning away from window, she walked to the pile of clothes on her bed. She dropped the towel to the floor, forgotten, and began to dress. She started with the ruby red nylons and garters, then a silk shift. Over the shift she should have pulled on the corset that was sitting and waiting, but she never could stand it. Ignoring it, she grabbed the main part of her outfit. It was an emerald green, only a few shades lighter than her hair. The bodice was modest enough, cut to cover both shoulders, if maybe on the snug side. It was the bottom half that would scandalize her mother. It was so tight it molded to her legs almost like a pair of pants, how she walked in it she didn't know, just that somehow she always managed. So that the queen would not order her to change immediately she picked up a separate skirt. This piece of her dress was three layers of cloth thick and wide enough on the bottom that it would hide her legs efficiently. The two outside panels of material were a midnight black and when she walked the middle panel would show a green that perfectly matched the dress. The cut of the skirt brought the hem right down to the floor in the back and sweeping up in the front so that the green dress, with its snug fit, could still be seen. On her feet, she slipped a pair of black sandals.
Finally finished with the clothing she settled herself in front of the mirror to do her hair. Pulling the towel off she let her wet hair fall, the tip reaching pasting her seat on the stool. Picking up a brush she began to work out the knots. When that was done she grabbed her hair in her fist and with a few twists of her wrist and a few pins, her hair was shortened to half it's length. The rest was tucked snugly against her head, almost hidden by the extra hair that she positioned to hang over the hasty style.
Smiling at herself in the mirror, she tucked her chain within the bodice of her dress and stood. She was satisfied with the look she had achieved. Queen Chemarian could never openly criticize her about it because nothing she had done was openly going against her mother's idea of decorum. Her legs were covered, as was her cleavage. Her hair was not falling freely, though it was also not curled to match the style her mother had set. The end effect had a quick yet elegant look to it. Something the queen had never been able to copy.
Setsuna felt only a twinge of guilt as she opened her door. She did love her mother, she just hated the queen and the queen's constant rules.
Down in the dining room, everyone was finding their seat, then standing to wait for the royal family to be seated. Setsuna walked up to her chair, nodding her hello's to her father and the prince. She smiled at her mother, noting the look of disapproval in the older woman's eyes. Seating herself, she got ready to enjoy her meal and then go find Bryant as soon as her mother would allow.
All the dishes had already been cleared away when Setsuna was finally allowed to leave. The queen followed her out into the hall. "Setsuna! I would like you to show Prince Corlan around the palace and the surrounding grounds. He is to be your husband and Pluto's next king; you will get to know him."
"Mother," Setsuna protested, "I have to go find Bryant; there is something I must say to him."
Chemarian looked down at her daughter, or at least that was the impression Setsuna got, considering they were the same height. "I suggest you show Corlan around, Setsuna. Bryant is not your main concern here, no matter that he is your best friend." The queen turned to go then added over her shoulder, "You are a full grown lady, Setsuna and soon to be a wife and a queen. There will be no more sneaking out of your room, or I will have that tree cut down."
"How did you know?" Setsuna asked in surprise. But her mother ignored her, walking back into the great hall. Though she was gone, Setsuna didn't have a chance to leave because Corlan joined her almost immediately. "Did you tell her?" she demanded to know.
Chuckling, Corlan looked over her outfit, obviously liking what he saw. "Why would I do that? I was hoping you would agree to sneak out and join me for a ride later tonight."
Setsuna looked at him in disbelief. "You were?"
"Is it really so hard to believe that I would enjoy the chance to be in the company with such a lovely centaur as yourself?"
Leading the way out of the palace and into the extensive gardens, she asked, "What is a centaur?"
Looking down at her, Corlan offered his arm and smiled when she accepted. "Where I come from..."
"On the Continent of Light?"
"Yes. Actually, only in the farthest corner south are they said to exist now. Anyway, there are stories of creatures that are half-human, half horse. Where the horse's head and neck should be, there is instead the upper half of a human male or female. I called you one because when I saw you ride last night, it appeared as if you were as one with your mount."
Staring up at him, Setsuna heard the compliment and blushed, though she refused to show she acknowledged the weakness by looking away.
"It is said," Corlan continued, "that many years ago, long before your family took the throne, these creatures ruled the continent. But they were a fighting species, always warring among their separate clans. Eventually the fighting became so fierce that the humans were able to force them to run to the area where they now live."
"That's horrible!" Setsuna exclaimed.
"What is?"
"What the humans did. These centaurs sound like magnificent creatures, and we took from them what was rightfully theirs."
It was Corlan's turn to wear a look of disbelief. "You actually believe the story?" Then his look turned from one of disbelief to the kind of look an adult would give a naive child. "Of course you would. Your life has been so sheltered that you probably believe the stories about life on the other planets as well."
Setsuna stepped away from him, her red-brown eyes turning even redder with anger. "Of course I believe that. Why shouldn't I, when it is the truth."
"What proof do you have?" Corlan challenged.
Setsuna knew she had no proof of any sort but she stood her ground. She would not let go of a belief, a dream, she had held on to her whole life just because an arrogant prince doubted her. "I know because I know. I trust what my instinct and dreams tell me."
Corlan stopped walking and she was a few steps away before she realized it. Looking back she saw that he had the weirdest expression on his face. She couldn't describe it but it gave her the chills. Just as suddenly he was smiling at her again and her feeling was gone. "Are you one of those people who can see the future in your dreams?"
"No," Setsuna laughed, "I am no more able to see the future than those poor centaurs of your story are able to get along. Now, shall we continue with our walk?"
"Certainly." Corlan once again offered his arm and they continued walking through the gardens. Setsuna asking endless questions about his home land.
After heading back to the palace for a snack from the large selection set up in the great hall, Setsuna was about to go out to the stables and find Bryant when Corlan approached her again.
"It would seem that you are in a hurry to leave my company."
"No, that's not it. It's just that..." Setsuna quickly started to defend herself.
"Prove it," Corlan suggested, "Go for a ride with me."
"I would love to," Setsuna agreed, since that was where she was headed anyway, and her mother would be angry if she declined. It wasn't all bad though. She had indeed been enjoying her visit with the prince. He was charming, sweet, smart, and a total gentleman. What else could she ask for?
When they reached the stables, she walked over to the fourth stall. Within was a russet colored mare, as tall as MistFire, but so much more appropriate for a princess. Setsuna loved the mare, named Last Wish, but she was meant for a leisurely ride, not the high speeds galloping she craved, especially considering the groom had just brought out her sidesaddle.
"Which horse shall you be riding lord?" she heard the stable master ask.
"How about this one," Corlan said.
Looking over she saw him standing in front of MistFire's stall. Holding in a shout that would be totally un-lady like, she walked as quickly as her skirt would allow over to them. "Oh, no Prince Corlan. That horse is a monster. He is not fit for anyone to ride. At least, that is what Master Brooke tells me." She smiled sweetly at the aging stable master.
Corlan looked over at her. "Oh really?" he asked, a hint of laughter in his voice.
"The lady is right," Master Brooke said, "Ain't nobody been able to halter that boy, let alone saddle him. Keep him around because the king fancies the colts he keeps siring. They're so fast, it is hard to imagine how fast he could be."
"I'm sure it is very hard to imagine," Corlan agreed, sending a meaningful look in Setsuna's direction.
The stable master helped the Prince pick a more suitable mount and Setsuna walked back over to where Last Wish was being saddled. Even though she trusted the groom completely she checked the straps herself. As she did she asked, "Where would Bryant be? I thought you were on feeding duty today?"
The young groom shrugged, "I was, lady. But Bryant, he says he wanted time out there, so he traded me. Fine by me though, I'd much rather be in here anyway."
"Could you tell him I was looking for him?"
"How about telling him yourself."
Setsuna turned to see Bryant walking into the stables. "Bryant, I need to talk to you. I never meant to make you angry yesterday. I just wish you would tell me what is wrong."
"Princess, are you ready to go?" Corlan asked as he led the gelding he had chosen forward.
"Prince Corlan, I suspect," Bryant said, bowing low. This time the bow held no mockery. In fact, Setsuna guessed it was tense with anger.
"Right. And you would be?"
"Corlan," Setsuna said, before Bryant could say something he might regret, "This is Bryant, stable boy and my best friend since childhood."
Bryant looked at her as if to say he could speak for himself just fine. Then he took a step forward to help her into her saddle. Corlan saw that movement and moved in front of him, helping Setsuna himself.
Setsuna looked down at Bryant from her precarious perch in regret. She wanted to talk to him, she missed him. Since their fight yesterday, she had wanted to speak to him but it seemed Corlan kept getting in the way. "I'll talk to you later," she promised him, then kneaded Last Wish forward and out of the stable.
"Is that the man you were out with last night?" Corlan asked once they were away from the stables.
"Yes, why?"
Corlan looked over at her then back to where they were going. "I thought you said you two weren't lovers."
"We're not!" Setsuna exclaimed. "Why in the Lady's name do you think otherwise?"
"I thought it would be obvious. He doesn't look at you as if you were his 'best friend'. He looks at you more like he is feeling a great lust for you and is desperately trying to hide it," he told her quite blatantly.
Setsuna pulled Last Wish to a stop and looked at Corlan in shock. "He does no such thing! We have known each other and played together since I was five years old and he was seven. There is no way what you are suggesting could possibly be true."
"If that is what you want to believe," Corlan said, "But I am a hunter. I can sense competition quite easily."
Setsuna looked at him out of the corner of her eye. She didn't understand his remark at all. Maybe it was just another thing from his homeland. There had been many comments like that throughout the day. 'Damn my ignorance,' she thought venomously.
Realizing the time, she turned Last Wish around, "I must head back now if I am to have time to get ready for dinner this evening."
"As you wish, Princess. Let's go then." Corlan turned the gelding around and led the way back to the stables.
Setsuna remained silent the whole way back. What Corlan had said about Bryant wouldn't leave her alone. 'Is it true? Does he think of me as more than a friend? Or is Corlan only worried his bride will not be a virgin?'
She left her mare to the groom, promising a carrot to Last Wish later, to make up for not brushing the mare down herself.
She left Corlan in the stables, hurrying back up to the palace on her own. She turned a corner to take a short cut through the gardens and almost ran into a man that was standing there. "Excuse me, sir. The main gardens are that way. This plot is for family only."
The man looked down at her and Setsuna got the oddest impression that his black eyes were seeing right through her and killing everything they saw. She was too terrified by him to even shiver.
"I'm sorry. You must be the Princess Setsuna."
She could only nod in the affirmative. His voice sounded as if it were coming from a dead man. That was the only thing Setsuna could come up with that would account for the monotone in his words.
"I am looking forward to your wedding. I hear it is going to be a hell of a show." The man walked away and only after he was gone, did Setsuna begin to shiver. She didn't know why or how she knew. She just knew that man was evil.
This time she didn't worry about appearing like a lady. She hiked her skirts up around her thighs to free her legs and ran for her room.
Once there, she slammed the door closed and bolted it. The shivering became uncontrollable shaking and she sank to the floor in the middle of her room. Her outer skirt was ripped from catching on the thorns of a rose bush and her hair had tumbled down in her terrified dash. She didn't care. All she could think about was how that man's eyes and voice had left her feeling so cold, she didn't think she would ever be warm again.
Suddenly there was a knocking at her door. Setsuna jumped up and backed up to the farthest wall. "Who... who's there?" she called uncertainly.
"It's Chelsea, Princess. The queen has asked Megan to help with her own hair while there is company. She ordered me back into the castle to help you."
Setsuna pushed away from the wall and cautiously opened the door. When she saw that it was indeed Chelsea, she yanked the older woman in and slammed the door shut again. She tried to pull the bolt once again but her hands were shaking so badly she couldn't manage it.
Chelsea pulled her away from the door and bolted it for her. Then she pushed Setsuna back so that she was sitting on the bed. "Tell me," she urged, "Tell me what has you so scared."
"I don't know," Setsuna admitted. "There was just this man, like any other of the nobles. Only, when he talked to me, I got this horrible feeling that he is evil. Completely evil." As she spoke her voice became calmer. Now that she had voiced her fear, it was seeming pretty silly.
"What did the man look like?" Chelsea asked. She wasn't laughing it off like Setsuna had expected her too. Instead she sounded completely serious.
"You mean, you actually believe me?" the princess asked, wondering if giving birth had made her friend go insane.
Chelsea sat on the bed and turned Setsuna to face her. "There were too many times when you were younger, that I had to comfort you after a nightmare. I always assured you it was just a dream, only to find out the next day, or the next week that what you dreamed had come true. Too many times for me to put this aside now as a case of nerves."
"I don't remember that ever happening," Setsuna admitted.
"That's because I never told you when your dreams came true because more often than not, the ones that came true were the nightmares." At Setsuna's horrified look she added, "But one dream did come true, that I know of. You had it years ago, when I had just become your maid. You woke me up in the middle of the night, a huge smile on your face and your eyes glowing that eerie red they glow whenever you have a dream that is going to come true. You told me that I was going to get married to a man with hair as red as fire and eyes that laughed. Then you said I was going to have two beautiful boys, one with black hair like mine, one with red like his. After awhile you added, 'I wish you could see them grow up.'"
After a silence Setsuna finally found her voice. "But that, that all came true."
"Except for the last part, yes."
Setsuna realized the implications of what she had apparently said, "Oh, Chelsea, I'm so sorry. I wish I knew what was going to happen."
Chelsea nodded, "So do I. The strange thing is, that was the only thing you were ever unclear about. Everything else you ever predicted was in perfect detail. That is what worries me the most."
"Why?"
"It is said, that those with the sight can't see events that will affect their own lives. That means that whatever takes my sons from me, or me from them, will change your life as well."
Setsuna stood up and inspected the rip in her skirt, her restlessness becoming unbearable. "This does not make me feel better at all. Not only am I terrified of this man, I now know that my fear is totally reasonable."
"I'm sorry, Princess. I told you what I thought you needed to hear."
"Don't worry about it. Knowing that what I am scared of is real and not my imagination makes things a little more manageable. Now, how about helping me get ready." Setsuna forced her fear away and smiled at her second best friend .
Chelsea laughed and walked over to the closet.
When Setsuna finally headed down to the great hall for supper, she was wearing a completely black dress. The front was tight and came right up to her neck to be held by a tight collar. It left her back bare until mid-back, where the waist started just below her chest. The bottom of it was loose and hung in waves down to the floor. At the 'waist' of the dress there was a silver chain that was sewn on to the material at every ten links or so, causing it to move separately from the dress, flashing in the light. It seemed that Chelsea disliked the idea of curling her hair more than she did. So all Chelsea had done was take a small chunk of hair from right behind Setsuna's ear and braided it up and over the top of her head, pinning it right behind her bangs. The end of it was then tucked behind the other ear. A second braid was pinned a few finger widths behind the first. This was continued until there were six braids crossing her head. A seventh braid was done from a chunk of hair at the very bottom of her hair, then used to hold the left over hair into a tail.
Overall, they were both satisfied with the effect.
Setsuna entered the great hall and took her seat. She suffered through another of her mother's speeches at the beginning of the meal and the end of the meal. As soon as it was safe to excuse herself she did, and headed straight back to her room.
Leaving her hair as it was, she stripped out of her dress and pulled on the pants from under her bed. No matter what her mother said, she would not stay in her room. Besides, she had promised Bryant she would talk to him. Now she had more reasons than before. She wanted to tell him what Chelsea had told her and she had to know if what Corlan had said was true. Pulling on her riding boots she strode over to the window. But when she grabbed the handle to slide it up she found that it was stuck. A thorough search told her that her mother had sealed the window with magic.
"No," Setsuna growled, feeling her anger grow. Spinning on her heel she headed toward her mother's room, not caring who would see her in the clothes she wasn't supposed to have. But when she reached the royal chamber, she found that it was empty except for one maid. "Where are my parents?" she demanded.
"They were called to the council room by..."
Setsuna didn't hear the rest, she was running down the hall, determined to confront her mother. When she reached the council room, she saw that the door stood wide open and as many people as were possible were crowded outside of it. 'That's strange,' she thought, 'Meetings are always private.'
Pushing her way through she entered the room and stood just inside the door. No one noticed her, they were all too busy with their conversation.
"Where do they come from?" Queen Chemarian asked.
"We are not sure, my queen," the head general of the royal army, Magness, said, "We think they most likely came from farther out in the system. None of the planets closer to the sun have smart enough people, let alone enough technology, to build spacecraft of any sort."
Setsuna started. They had just admitted that there were humans on the other planets. 'Why, if they knew this, did they always tell me I was imagining things?'
"How many ships are there?" King Amund asked.
Another of the council members answered this time, "We believe there are at least fifty crafts located above the royal city. We don't know how many more there may be around the rest of the planet."
The look on her parents' faces matched what Setsuna was feeling. 'Fifty!' "That's impossible," she whispered. But even as she said it she was seeing images in her mind. Images of different places she knew to be apart from her parents kingdom. All of them were in flames, even the smallest had a sky full of strange crystalline ships.
"Princess Setsuna!" one of the council members gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"Mother? Is this all true? Are there enough ships to destroy our world?" Setsuna knew they had never mentioned that, but she also knew that it was the truth.
"Daughter," the king said, "There is no way they can destroy Pluto. We may have a war on our hands, but that doesn't mean anything is going to change."
"Yes Setsuna," the queen added, "Nothing will change. And to make sure people realize that we shall precede with your wedding as planned."
"My wedding?" Setsuna had totally forgotten she was to be married. "How can you think of that at a time like this!"
"You two," the queen pointed to two guards nearest the door, "Escort the princess back to her room and make sure she remains there for the remainder of the night."
"Mother!" Setsuna cried. She had no choice but to obey, except that she was tired of listening to her mother's orders. When one of the guards reached to grab her wrist she wrenched her arm away from him and took off down the hall. Determined to talk to Bryant she ran down the long twisting hallways. The sound of boots on the floor faded behind, but Setsuna wasn't stupid enough to think that she was outrunning them. They knew where she was going and would be able to catch up with her eventually.
She ran full-out until she reached the stables. Calling out for Bryant in-between breaths, she launched herself at the ladder that led up to the hay loft.
"Setsuna!" Bryant exclaimed, looking down over the hole and almost getting hit by her as she pulled herself up. Offering a hand he helped her up into the hay loft, then she collapsed at his feet, fighting to catch her breath.
"Bryant!" she whispered. There was no time for her to catch her breath, she had to tell him now. "Above the city. There are spacecraft. Father won't say, but he's worried. And I saw them. Everywhere, burning everything."
When she finally stopped to catch her breath Bryant found a chance to speak. "Saw them? And just how did you do that?" Disbelief rang in his voice.
Setsuna felt as if she had been slapped. Never before had he doubted what she said, especially when she knew she sounded serious. "Why don't you believe me?"
"Look," Bryant said, sitting down beside her, "I believe something has you scared. You've never been winded just running here from the palace. But there is nothing in the sky but the stars. I know, I just came in from looking at them."
Grabbing his hands and kneeling in front of him, begging him with her eyes to believe her, she confessed, "I never saw them with my eyes. I saw them in my head!"
Bryant looked as if he might actually be starting to believe her, his need to believe and his common sense warring in his hazel eyes. "Come on, Setsuna," he said as his common sense won, "We gave that game up long ago and we aren't kids anymore. You aren't a priestess that the Lady sends visions to."
When he stood Setsuna stood with him. Suddenly she became even more desperate to have him believe her. There was a feeling in her gut that told her this was the last chance she would have to talk to him. "Please," she pleaded, grabbing his arm as he turned to walk away. "Please believe me, Bryant."
Looking down at her Bryant said, "If what you believe is true, maybe you should have someone stay with you for protection."
"There's no need to worry about that," she assured him, "Mother expects me to spend time with Corlan, getting to know him before the wedding."
Setsuna felt a chill run down her back as she saw Bryant's friendly eyes harden. "Of course," he muttered bitterly, "How could we forget about Corlan? Is it wise for you to be up here Princess? Won't your prince start to get suspicious?"
"What are you talking about?"
Bryant snorted. "I'm sure he expects to have a maid in his marriage bed. Wouldn't want to disappoint him, now would we?"
Gasping in surprise and pain at his cutting words and tone, Setsuna stepped back from her friend.
"I'm sorry, Setsuna," Bryant whispered. His whole body seemed to drain off every emotion suddenly. "I didn't mean a word of it. But you had better go. It's possible you aren't safe here. I'll walk you back."
Confusion ran rampant through her heart and she forced herself to decline his offer. "The guards Mother sent after me should be here soon. I'll be fine." Even as she spoke, they could hear voices calling her name. She barely made it down the ladder before they were upon her, ready to make sure she went to her room this time.