***IMPORTANT AUTHOR NOTE!!!***
This is the final time I'll ask you guys for feed back. What you write in this review may determine how the story ends, although I have a pretty good idea of what's going to happen. Tell me if you want West or Robert, and anything else you'd like to see happen. Reviews are what have inspired me to spit out chapter after chapter, and some of you probably know this story better then I do.
:^ ). So tell me what you'd like to see for the conclusion of Anniya. After this chapter, the story will be too far up on the climax for any reviews to change my mind( like Robert/West). Some things are already set in stone: a particular tear jerker death, Anniya's past, among other things. I have a pretty good idea of whose gonna win the Robert/West battle( I've spent many chocolate influenced nights pondering over their situation, and have finally drawn a conclusion that could change in an hour, but oh well). Oh and thank for all the reviews guys. You all make Anniya.
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Anniya: the second ball
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" I'm telling you, she was just sitting there and watching Char and I," Anniya exclaimed as the coach bounced on it's way to the castle for the second ball.
Esperanza studied her beautiful friend carefully. The previous night, West had gone out and robbed a dress making shop. Their gowns this evening were even lovelier then the previous night, and were in fashion. Anniya's hair was done up in a bun, with a few snowy wisps sneaking out. Her gown was a deep, gauzy purple, with roses embroidered on it. She looked like a queen even without jewelry and face paint. West and Robert looked as they had the previous evening, with dark suits and their golden hair slicked back.
Esperanza looked down at her own gown. It was several shades of yellow, a lovely dress. She had tied her hair back with a yellow ribbon. The silk felt smooth and cold against her skin. Personally, she thought that compared to Anniya she looked like the street girl she was. No one ever really noticed her in the shadow of her fair skinned friend. Esperanza felt no jealously, but at times she wished that someone would be able to see her beyond Anniya's shadow. Still, the gown just didn't feel like her. She wanted to feel free, something entirely impossible with the bodice she was wearing.
" Anniya, you continue to keep an eye on Char. Robert, you keep on entertaining anyone you think might be close to the Count. Esperanza will do the same. I'll keep an eye on our masked friend," West said, grimacing. His face was haggard, with worry and lack of sleep.
" He didn't even make an appearance last night. I spent all bloody night talking to close companions of his, and all expected him to become later in the evening," Robert interjected.
The carriage lurched to a stop abruptly. Esperanza glanced out to see the outer castle. It was nearly as lovely as the inside. The tall, silver stone towers gleamed in the moonlight. The river Lucarno glittered from the reflection of the stars, the castle being right on it's edge. Gargoyles perched on the roofs stood guard, and light from inside the Grand hall shone outward from the windows.
" Next time you steal a gown West, may I suggest that you take on that doesn't have a mile of a train on it," Anniya complained as Robert helped her out of the carriage and took her arm.
West extended his own arm to Esperanza as she clambered out after her. He gave her a dashing grin, and escorted her toward the great wooden doors.
" I hate this ball business," West told her as they slipped inside. Robert and Anniya were several feet ahead of them, and people glided toward them already.
" I agree. My feet are blistering from these shoes."
At that comment, West laughed. " Do you ever wear shoes? That might be the reason."
" Well.......still, I would think more practical shoes would be of more comfort then these things," Esperanza replied.
" We should dance before we go our separate ways."
" That's a lovely way to ask me how to dance."
This earned yet another mischievous grin from West, one that he generally only bestowed on Anniya. Perhaps it was because of Anniya and Esperanza's similar personalities.
Never the less, West swept Esperanza a deep bow carelessly, and Esperanza curtsied clumsily. It was yet another mark of Esperanza's street upbringing. While West could wine and dine with the wealthy as if he were one of them( in a way he was), Esperanza couldn't even curtsy properly. Not that she really cared.
" I would be honored if I could have this dance, my lady," West told her. Esperanza smiled.
" I would be honored to take it, and even more so if I knew the steps," she replied, but still took his hand.
" This comes quite naturally to you, doesn't it," Esperanza remarked after several minutes. West was good enough to cover up her mistakes. The thief shrugged his shoulders. He obviously couldn't of cared less.
" You fit right in with the nobles, Arien," she continued innocently, looking at the tapestries on the wall. She used his name on purpose. Time to see if Robert's story was all the truth.
At first, Esperanza feared that Robert had lied to her. West didn't stop dancing, but then his hands tightened harshly, promising bruises. Esperanza looked up into his face, and saw that they tightened not because of anger, but because of fear.
" Who told you? Who did you tell? How long have you known," West demanded quietly, his sharp green eyes flickering. Esperanza frowned. They appeared dark green, instead of the light forest color they usually were.
" It was Robert, wasn't it," West said, answering his own question. Esperanza simply nodded.
" Answer me, dammit," he whispered angrily at Esperanza's silence. In turn, her blue eyes flecked with green flashed.
" I told no one! And I haven't known for more then a day! Your bloody lucky I haven't told Anniya. She deserves to know," Esperanza told him.
West shook his head. " Do not tell her. Please."
In the days that Esperanza had known him, she could not recall him once saying please. It touched Esperanza's heart( she was easily touched).
" I won't. I just wanted you to know that I know," she blathered. Why was she so nervous all of the sudden?
West smiled. " Thank you, Esperanza," he said, using her name for the first time in days.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" Char! I am telling you the truth, I swear by......by anything! What do you want me to swear to, I'll swear to it," Anniya told him explosively. Why wouldn't he believe her?
" Anniya, it's not you that I don't believe. You have no reason to lie to me. But other people do, and they very well could of plotted for that information to fall in your hands. They know that you would come running to me if you caught wind of a plot against my life," Char told her.
Char had found her and asked her for a dance several times. For the first two, Anniya had been busy working up her nerve to tell him. What was she suppose to say? Hello Char, your going to be murdered at one of these balls, possibly tonight? There really wasn't a tactful way to tell him the news, so on the third dance, Anniya finally blurted it out.
It had sounded absurd even to Anniya's ears. Char had at first laughed, but then grew worried. But he didn't believe his life was in danger, and he wouldn't even begin to consider that Count Frederick Di Fallon could be master mind.
" No, Char! I'm telling the truth, I swear! It's not fake! You have to believe me Char! I am your last hope! If you don't believe me and do something about it, you might not live past tomorrow night!," Anniya finally burst out, at her final straw.
She said it a bit louder then she intended to, loud enough for Char to realize her sincerity, but not loud enough for anyone to turn heads. Char looked at her curiously.
" I still can't believe.....my father grew up with Count Di Fallon. If he wanted me dead, he's had plenty of opportunities. But I'll have the guards keep an eye on him, if that'll keep you happy. He'll be here tonight. I spoke to him myself this afternoon. You really should talk to him, Anniya. I think you'd realize your mistake," Char told her, spinning her around.
The mere memory of him made Anniya involuntarily flinch. ' The little whore's a bit feisty for her work, isn't she,' she recalled him saying, as well as the feeling of the gloved hand on her face. No, Anniya had seen this man's true character.
The dance ended, and Anniya had still unsuccessfully convinced Char of the Count's true nature. But at least he had guards on him now. Char went off to find another guest, and Anniya went to find Robert.
Too bad she never took more then three steps.
" Excuse me," an arrogant voice asked her, one that Anniya knew all too well. She froze, then slowly turned around.
Facing Anniya stood none other then Hattie and Mariah, the two girls that had purposely abandoned her in a place where she couldn't speak the language.
Mariah was lovely, with dark curly hair and long lashes. Since Anniya had seen her last, the Queen's niece had grown a bit plump, with stubby little arms. Hattie was exactly as Anniya remembered her from two nights before, rabbit like as ever.
" Milady, I don't believe we have introduced ourselves. I am Duchess Mariah of Frell, and this is my companion, Lady Hattie of Frell."
It took Anniya several seconds to realize that the girls had no idea who she was. This astounded Anniya even more. Could they do something so heartless and just forget about it? She studied the girls for a moment, and realized sadly that they could. Neither of them cared, as long as it hadn't affected them.
" I am Anniya of Jenn. My first time to court since I was a girl," Anniya said crisply, her accent flawless. The girls showed no recognition at her name. Anniya knew that she shouldn't of cared, but she felt angry and hurt. These two girls had destroyed many lives at this point! And they couldn't even remember her name. They probably thought it was still a good joke to laugh over.
Hattie gave her a patronizing smile.
" I welcome you to court then. But Mariah and I felt the need to approach you on this. You see, Charmont and I are secretly engaged. His impeccable manners insist that he accepts when you ask him to dance, but it would be greatly appreciated if you'd stop. It takes time away when he can dance with me, his beloved."
Hattie appeared a bit exhausted after the charming monologue she gave. It took all of Anniya's acting skills to contain her laughter. Hattie! It had been less then an hour that Char had told her about his contempt for the girl. Even sweet Char couldn't stand to be with the girl, as she made biting comments about the rests of his guests. What had possessed her to tell such an outrageous lie?
" Oh, I'm sorry," Anniya said innocently. " But he's been doing the asking. Perhaps you should take it up with Char." The sarcasm in her voice was hard to miss. But honestly, Anniya could of cared less.
Hattie's face discolored for a moment, and Mariah glared at her. Anniya lifted on eyebrow. Oh please, like glaring at her would do anything. Anniya could give a mean glare, and it was a lot more intimidating then this pitiful grimace Mariah was showing her. The conversation was quickly turning sour.
" Perhaps I didn't mention it before, but I am niece to the Queen of Kyrria. What did you say your name was again," Mariah said snidely, jumping to Hattie's rescue. Anniya held her ground, and spoke as carelessly as she possibly could.
" Anniya. Not Anna, as you used to pronounce it," Anniya said, speaking the words in distinct Elfin.
Hattie's malicious grin slowly faltered as the name was dug up from her memory. Anniya watched the girl's eyes change with realization as it became clear to her who Anniya was. Mariah wasn't nearly as fast.
" Do I know you," the plump girl said snidely.
" I'm appalled that you've forgotten me. Do you leave abandon guests that often," Anniya said lightly as Hattie tugged on Mariah's sleeve. The girl's face changed abruptly, as she too realized who Anniya really was.
" Anniya.....how have you been," Hattie said slowly, inching her way off. Anniya didn't even bother to answer her. She spun on her heel and stalked off to go find Robert. A smile played her lips, and though Anniya would never admit it, she skipped a bit to the music.
But it was odd, as she was walking. Anniya had a bad feeling. Her magic was tugging at her, trying to warn her of something. Looking around carefully, she kept on guard as she linked arms with Robert.
She was ready for whatever was to come.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" My Lord, A pleasure to see you arrive at last," a squire said as he swung the door open for Count Frederick Di Fallon. He ignored the boy and strode on in. His outfit was a dark red lined with gold, matching magnificently with his coach.
He walked straight through the crowd, ignoring the people who strode up to him. Tonight was the night. Tonight was when the night where Kyrria would at last be without heirs, and a mere few weeks before it was without rulers. A mere month before he would be high ruler of Kyrria.
The Count smiled in anticipation. He had dozens of Ogre troops, all somewhere near the castle. Most of them were hidden by dragon magic, something the Count had spent horrifying sums on. He didn't even begin to worry about the guards surrounding the gate. Nearly all of them were in his employ. At his slightest wish, they would come storming into the castle, and would attack the prince and princess. The entire thing would be blamed on the ogres. TSSal had already volunteered a lesser ogre's life for him to slice down, so it would not appear suspicious to Jerrold. It would in fact, look like he was risking his life to save Chars.
That thought literally brought a chuckle to the Count's frosty lips. He turned toward the King and Queen. He would converse with them in their final hours as parents.
It had cost a great deal to purchase the magic stone that he had boughten. But at his slightest touch, he would be able to convey a command to TSSal silently.
It hadn't been something that the Count had bought. Although he was able to purchase dragon blood from goblins, even they refused to use a magic so much higher then themselves. Only the fairy's and the dragons, the immortal beings they were, dared to use it. He had been forced to steal it, from the snowy caves of Eeaglagor. And he had paid dearly for it. A unicorn sacrifice was said to be an unlucky thing, but that was what it had taken to obtain the stone. And there was nothing in the ball room with higher magic then what he held now. In fact, he was certain that there was nothing in Kyrria with greater magic.
" Frederick! At last you've come. I trust that your illness has gone," Queen Daria enquired happily as he approached. The ball had done wonders for her; the Queen's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with joy. The Count gave her and then Jerrold an elegant bow before answering her question.
" It was just a touch of cough, my majesties. I wouldn't want to infect either of you, particularly on such a joyous occasion," he replied smoothly.
" Always the gentleman, aren't you, Frederick. How has things been going at that manor of yours," King Jerrold boomed deeply.
" Things have been well, as far as things can go. Apart from the constant ogre scares......"
" They bother everyone. I have seemed to accomplish little in my reign. I hope Char will be more successful," Jerrold replied, cutting of the Count's sentence.
The Queen immediately rushed in to tell him of the spectacular job he had done of ruling. The Count controlled an amused smile. What Jerrold believed he would never succeed in, he had already done.
" Have you spoken to Char yet? Poor lad, he's so busy with all these guests that he'll probably never notice you're here unless we make him come over," Jerrold continued, and nodded at a guard. The guard immediately went off to fetch Char.
" A large responsibility to rest on a lad's shoulders, isn't it? He seems wise beyond his years," the Count commented, studying the lad away from a distance. He was laughing with a dark haired girl. He couldn't tell who it was; her face was masked.
They had no suspicion of him at all. It was going easier then he had possibly imagined. He should just summon the ogre troops now. The sooner the better.
As the handsome lad made his way over to the monarchs and himself, the Count reached in his pocket and gripped onto the stone. It was ice cold to the touch.
TSSal....TSSal....., he called silently, hardly able to contain his laughter. Good bye, Char. Goodbye. The count called out silently for a third time, TSSal..............................
In a sudden moment, a terrifying pain consumed him. He cried out and dropped to the floor, writhing in agony, a poison running through his veins. He vaguely heard the Queen call out to the guards to get a physician, and saw Jerrold leaning over him in worry. What had he done wrong with the stone, the Count thought wildly. What had he done that caused him so much agony?
And then something happened that the Count was certain that only he saw. Out of no where, long, emerald green hands of fire reached out and plucked the stone from his pocket. In a single moment, they closed on the stone, and it disappeared. Through his pain, the Count could not help but wonder: what power was so strong that a stone of such an ancient magic could be destroyed, just like that?
The pain ended as abruptly as it began. It had happened in the space of a minute. Not even the orchestra had stopped, for the Count had kept his cries of pain under control.
" Frederick! By god, are you alright," Jerrold demanded, then called for the royal physician once again. The Count nodded vaguely at different questions. What force in the room could be powerful enough to destroy such an ancient magic?
As if answering his question, a beautiful, tinkling, laugh was suddenly heard from the center of the ball room. The Count turned his head slowly toward the sound.
His eyes settled on a petite, startingly beautiful girl, arm entwined with the prince of Kellia. His gaze remained. After a moment, she turned her head slightly towards him. Emerald green eyes, the same exact color of the fiery arms, met the Count's ice gray eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Esperanza watched the entire thing happen. It scared her slightly to see her friend's terrifying power. Anniya was younger then her; how could she be so powerful?
Never the less, even secured on Robert's arm, Anniya wasn't safe. From the way the Count was looking at Anniya, he had deduced what Esperanza had. Anniya and Robert danced a waltz, and then another girl came up and asked Robert to dance. That left Anniya by herself.
Esperanza saw the Count see that as well, and he immediately started walking over towards Anniya. Most had a partner by now, and Anniya was oblivious to the approaching danger. Esperanza looked wildly over the crowd, and saw that West was charming the masked girl. Anniya was left vulnerable. Esperanza realized that if anyone was to prevent what was about to happen, it was her.
She leaped away from the banquet table, and reached Anniya a mere moment before the Count did.
" My Lady, would you care--," the Count began, bowing to Anniya. Anniya's face convulsed with fear for a moment, and she opened her mouth to speak.
" Which one of do you mean? For Anna already has a dance partner. He's fetching them wine," Esperanza said quickly, making up the lie as words flew out of her mouth.
She felt her friend relax next to her, and Esperanza knew that Anniya was safe for now. Right in step, Anniya turned and let out a little gasp.
" Oh, the poor man's been waiting for me over there! Perhaps tomorrow, my lordship," Anniya said quickly. She curtsied quickly, and rushed over to the banquet table. As soon as she reached there, Anniya grabbed a bewildered looking squire and began dancing. Esperanza suppressed a laugh.
" Perhaps you would care to dance, then," the cool voice asked her. Esperanza turned around and stared at him as he swept a bow.
This wasn't how she had anticipated it. Esperanza had assumed that the Count would return to chatting with the King and Queen after Anniya turned him down.
She looked at him, and found it difficult to conceal her revulsion. This is the man who killed my family, Esperanza thought, anger rattling through her body. Every part of her body and soul wanted to attack him at that moment. She had a knife in her bodice....it wouldn't be all that hard.........
" My Lady," the Count repeated politely. He gave no sign that he recognized her. But Esperanza saw his fingers stroke his sword, and she realized that the knife wouldn't even scratch him before he cut her down.
Esperanza placed her hand in the palm of a murderer, and he led her out onto the dance floor into a Mazurka. For awhile, they talked about harmless subjects; the decorations, the economic status of the kingdom, many things. But after awhile, Esperanza realized that he had been steadily leading her out to the empty court yard. The noise slowly dimmed, and the crickets chirped. An uneasy feeling swept over Esperanza, and she suddenly realized that no one knew she was out here. Save herself and the Count.
" Your palm is calloused, my lady," he said carelessly as he twirled her around. Esperanza met his eyes for a moment. She was startled by the intensity in them, and realized suddenly that he had seen completely through her. All right down to her calloused, peasant girl hands. A tickle of fear ran up her back as she realized that she was nearly out of screaming distance. Over the noise of all the people, no one might never hear her. And all that the Count had to do was put his hand over her mouth. Esperanza knew that those muscles would be able to over power her with no struggle at all, and if they didn't do it, the sword would. But he didn't know how she was involved with Anniya. He may of not known that she was in on his little plot.
Esperanza remained completely silent. The Count leaned closer to her, his breath hot on her cheek. She flinched, and leaned away. One too many men had been that close to her. The movement was utterly useless, for the Count only pressed her closer to him, and she could hear his steady breaths as he spoke into her ear.
" I don't know what game your playing, my little gypsy slut. I don't believe I know for sure what you are involved in, and I believe that you know your little friend as well as I think you do. So I'm not exactly what part you play in this picture, which is lucky for you, I must say. Because I would swear on a thousand dead men that I have seen these wild gypsy eyes before," the Count told her, his mustache touching her cheek as he kissed her.
Esperanza jerked back in repulsion, and was terrified to see the lust and the anger in his eyes. It was an odd thing to see both of them there together, but Esperanza hardly had the time to contemplate that.
" Let go of me, you....you...bastard," Esperanza said with horror in her voice, and kicked him in the shins. He didn't let go. Terrified, Esperanza leaned back, and kicked him again. This time he let go and she fell to the ground. Her head roared with pain. Dirt filled her mouth, but it was better then the taste of him.
There was a low, soft chuckle, before the Count crouched down on the ground next to Esperanza. Her head throbbed with pain too much to prevent him from tying her up.
" Do you wish to tell me of how close acquaintances you and your blonde companion are," he enquired. Esperanza turned and spat in his face.
It did nothing. He merely took out a handkerchief and wiped it away before leaning back down to Esperanza.
" My little piece of filth, cherish your pride. It will not last much longer, if a thing such as gypsy pride exists. For I have seen these wild little gypsy eyes from somewhere, that much I know," the Count said softly. As he raised his sword to knock her out, Esperanza at last came to the realization that she had walked into a trap.
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I wrote you guys a nice, lonnnnngggg chapter, so be happy. The @#^%@#^% reviews have stopped, and I'd like to say thanks to everyone who supported me. I wish I had enough time to list all your names, but that takes time away from writing Anniya, so I'll do that at the end. Don't forget about the top author's note!