Interlude by Florian
Florian lay on his bed staring up at the velvet canopy. For the past days Annika had been the only thing on his mind, and yet when he went back to the Terrich home, he had been told by Miriam that she had run away into the night. No word, nothing. As each hour passed Florian grew more frustarated with himself that he had let Annika, a mere peasant, invade his mind and steal away into his heart. A shrill voice called out from the hall. Florian groaned. Mother. Suddenly the door to his bed chambers opened and his mother rushed in. "Florian what are you still doing in bed? Have your servants been lacking in their duties? Those good for nothing ingrates, I swear, I'll have your father fire them immeditatly..." And so Queen Tatianna ranted on, yet Florian blocked her out. Finally realizing that she was still yelling he spoke up.
"Mother please. I told the servants to leave me be. I wish you'd do the same."
"Why I never!" Tatianna exclaimed.
"Tatianna...leave the boy alone." Sebastian stated. "Florian get up, we are leaving for the Terrich estate."
Florian sat up. "What? Why?"
"To see Brigitte." Sebastian replied
"Why?"
"She is to be your future wife."
"Stop joking. It does not suit you."
"Do not speak to your king in that tone."
"You are first and foremost my father...I will speak to you as I please."
"You selfish ingrate!"
"Like father like son."
"Florian..." Tatianna warned. Florian looked over to his mother and sighed.
"I was out of line, I apologize." Florian stated, and that appeased Sebastian.
"Yes...as you should be. Get dressed." Sebastian stated and then he quickly left Florian's bed chambers, Tatianna at his heels.
Florian stood up and walked over to his balcony. He leaned over the marble fixture and looked out on to the palace lands. The gardens were in full bloom, and the sun was shining. Florian ran a hand through his dark, curled hair. He walked back into the interior only to find his servants laying out his clothing, black pants and a dark blue tunic. He pulled on the clothing and then jogged down to the waiting carriage. After stepping inside, the carriage departed to the estate.
Florian walked up into his bedchambers and fell onto his bed. He groaned into his pillows as he thought back on the night.. It had gone well, but he found that he truly despised Brigitte...not exactly a grand quality to hold for a future wife. She had been clingy, giggly, and annoying. There was no doubt to her beauty, but the entire night one thing had eaten at his mind. She was not Annika. Where was she? Dead? Alive? Happy? Sad? Had she started a new life completely? He just wanted one thing before he married, and that was to see her again. But with the ball now only a week away, that was sure not to happen. But every man has his hopes, and that was his.