A/N: I'm loved ^squishes teddy bear and dances^ I'm not used to being loved! Anyway, here it is… Hmmm, now that I'm about 40 pages past this, I think I need to find a way to change a few things. Don't get your hearts too set on a particular couple J I don't even know what I'm gonna do yet ^grin^ I'm evil, after all… I update WAY too much.. But I don't actually have to do anything except write these notes and upload it…

Review Replies:

this story is so cool. great job. i love it. – Veralidaine

Veralidaine: Thanks so much, I try! J It's nice to be appreciated

"scandalously early"! Ehehehehe! Wait a minute... how would that work? I'm thinking realy dirtily but still... IF they were to .... what woudl their kids look like? Centaurs? Would Tia turn change into a centaur and live like that? Or would it be a REALLY weird immortal/human relationship. And speaking of which, wouldn't she die ALOT sooner than him? I'm confusing myself, so I'll shut up now... Update soon! - Keita

Keita: I'm honored! You reviewed every chapter! Thanks! Anyway, If you like the dark stuff, just wait! There's plenty coming… One part in particular… I love screwed up characters, their points of view are so insane ^cackle^ Keep thinking that way, that's the way I meant it… Although, Biltor's much to moral for that at THIS particular moment, it won't be too much longer, eh? Actually, your review inspired me to think about that stuff… I'm writing about that right now, as soon as I post this… It'll be some chapters before that issue comes to light, but you'll get to meet Biltor's parents too….

Kendi and Sinta, for once enjoying an evening without an attack, stood beside a pillar, not being required to be with their Knight-Masters at this ball. Kendi was dressed in a black dressed with a thin gauzy gold layer over it, with a simple gold necklace and bracelet for jewelry. Sinta was dressed in a simple satin dress of sapphire blue and gold, highlighting her eyes. On her head was a tiara of gold, sapphires and diamonds. They were talking in hushed voices.

"So, your parents are thinking of betrothing you to Nate? Wouldn't that be weird? He's your cousin!"

"It's not that weird. Aunt Lianne and her husband were second cousins, even though he was from Tyra. Of course, they were still unhappy."

"But you two are first cousins!"

"You don't understand because you're not royal or noble, and you have no cousins. Many nobles marry their cousins, and at least I like Nate."

"Like that?"

"Kind of..."

"Well, I have a confession... I kind of like your brother that way... Please don't be mad at me..."

"Don't worry, I'm used to it. At least you actually know him, unlike most of the girls in love with him..."

At that moment, the two boys being talked about were across the ballroom, watching Kendi and Sinta. They had to move frequently, as young ladies frequently appeared to try and steal them away.

"Nate?"

"Yes?"

"Never mind."

"What? Come on, tell me!"

"Nothing, I'm just looking at Kendi. I'm not used to seeing her in a dress. She looks gorgeous."

"So does your sister. All she needs is a Carthaki-style diadem to complete her beauty."

"You're in love with my sister!"

"Well, yes, I guess I am."

"Good, because I heard father was planning to have you two betrothed and have me betrothed to some piggish Tyran princess, I suppose," he sighed.

Nate began to laugh, and barely made out a sentence between his laughter. "You're... you're in love with someone else! I know who you want as your Queen!"

Jasson just glared at him with all the hatred he had in him, which wasn't much. He spotted his father exiting the room gracefully and easily, with his wife on his arm. He stopped to whisper to a few servants, who dispersed quickly. One of them came right over to Jasson and Nate.

"Your Highness and the Lady Kendria and Princess Sintani are to report to your father's outer apartments."

Jasson nodded and sent Nate on first, distracting the ladies. He watched Kendi and Sinta exit, then made his way out as well. Within a few minutes, all four of the Squires were seated in four chairs, facing the Crown Prince.

"I know you have all heard rumors about betrothals and marriages, but all of those rumors are completely untrue. Thanks to my father, we have an alliance with every country but Scanra and the Copper Isles, neither of which will be a threat any time soon. Because this is the case, and because my sister, Lianne, begged me not to force you, you will be able to choose your own spouses. You are not to inform anyone of this, however, and you are not to overtly flirt with or court someone, is that clear? That is why Kendi is here. I had the feeling she would want to know this, being Sinta's best friend. You can keep her out of messy situations, hm? Anyway, you are all excused, you may return to the ball."

The four teens nodded and began to exit. Roald put his hand on his son's shoulder, holding him back.

"Jasson, I think we both know the reason why I invited Kendi here. I can see from your looks at her that you love her. There have been some unpleasant rumors about her, but I am not one to judge. Just be careful and guard your heart. Now that she knows that you can actually have honorable intentions, she may open up. Just, be careful. No matter who she was, I would still warn you. Too many women would love to take advantage of you for your position. You may go."

Kendi headed towards the ballroom and felt an attack building up. She yanked Sinta behind a bush and swallowed a few drops of the blood, then returned to the ballroom, enjoying her hour. She heard the chimes signaling the half-bell and felt her control slipping away.

* * *

A/N: A tad of a cliffy, eh? Who will it be this time ^runs away from heavy flying objects^ Only I know… hehe! Preview: Meet Kendi's new lover… And someone gets heatstroke… lol…