Disclaimer: I do not own G Gundam or any of its characters
A.N.: hello! Sorry I've been gone so long, but I've had some pretty big exams and with another big one next week, I decided to update now. Here's the next chapter and I hope that you enjoy.
PLEASE SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 4
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Rain woke with a start as the carriage lurched to a stop. //Are we here? Are we really here?// She felt anxiety take control of her nerves and she pulled back the curtain to look outside. All she could see was a stone wall, looming high above her. //So, we have been riding since last night for this. Well, not much of a view from here.//
"Sai! Have we reached out destination?"
"Yes, Miss Rai-I mean Princess Marie-Louise"
Rain grinned. He had almost slipped up there. He really better take care. The carriage pulled forward, having gained admittance to enter the gates. The hoof beats of the horses echoed in the still of the night. Rain felt herself begin to go to pieces. She quickly dug into her valise to fetch her small looking glass to take in her appearance after her rest. Her sheer veil of aquamarine running down her back and silver tiara had slid off to one side of her head. The matching dress was crumpled and she fought to straighten it. And where were her shoes? This coach is so cramped, and Marie-Louise was taking up all the space!
She shoved Marie-Louise to wake her. That girl would sleep through Armageddon! "Marie-Louise, wake up. We're here."
Marie-Louise sighed, still asleep. "George...You have such...lovely eyes..."
Rain giggled as she shook Marie-Louise harder and she finally woke. "Huh? Eyes? What?"
"We have arrived, Marie-Louise. I am sorry if I have disturbed you from your-fantasy." Rain said laughingly.
Marie-Louise blushed. "Yes, well, er...Let me see that looking glass!" She snatched the mirror from Rain's hands, quite flustered. She wore a gown of forest green, matching her eyes perfectly. This one was more elaborate that the others, since they were to appear before the Sauvillian king, his two sons, and their guests. Even a plain serving maid had to look her best, while not seeming above her rank. Her hair flowed freely down her back, just as Rain's, though hers lacked a veil.
As the coach drew to a stop, Rain still could not find her slippers, so she would go without. The length of the dress would hopefully cover her feet. Rain breathed in deeply to ease her nerves. It would not do to look so jumpy when greeted by the high court. She was strong and confident, she would show them that tonight.
Sai Sici knocked on the door before opening it. The girls exited the carriage and gazed up at the castle in awe. It was spectacular. Never had they seen anything of such exquisite beauty, even in their own home of Mersenia. It was decorated in elegant arches, stone statues of angels, balconies stretched in front of windows of different colors and enormous sizes. There were lush forests and gardens and acres of land to explore.
A guard escorted the two young ladies to the door, then to be escorted by two other guards inside the castle. Their footsteps rang in the hallways, all except for Rain's own padded feet. They halted to the side of a large, lavishly decorated door. It must be the one they were to enter.
One of the guards turned to them. "If you would be so kind as to wait here momentarily while I announce your arrival to the court."
Rain nodded and the man opened the door, light and laughter spilling into the silent corridor. She was dying to simply peek into the room.
"Remember, Rain. Try not to show too much surprise on your face. A princess is used to grand events such as these." Marie-Louise warned softly.
Rain twisted the chain of her silver necklace that she never took off.
The guard's voice echoed in the room. "Announcing Princess Marie-Louise of Mersenia!"
Rain stepped forward into the doorway, her eyes closed. Standing there for a few seconds she took another deep breath, attempting to harness her fears. She felt the light flood over her, the warmth of the room welcome on her bare skin. She slowly opened her eyes and walked forward, Marie- Louise behind her, and a hush fell upon the crowd of honored guests.
Her bare feet sank into the plush red carpet as she swept down the aisle to meet the king. She kept her head high, chin parallel to the ground, just as any noble would. She made eye contact with no one, only the king, but listened to the hushed whispers as she passed.
'So that is the princess. She is quite beautiful.'
'Notice how she walks with such elegance, such grace.'
'I always say that is how you can tell if someone is of truly royal blood.'
'You speak so accurately. Only royalty walk in such a defined manner. It cannot be duplicated.'
She felt her lips turn up in a slight smile at these comments. If they only knew. She approached the king, and paused to lift her skirts into a curtsy before him. She rose as he took her hand.
"It is a great honor to have you with us here today, Princess Marie-Louise. You are welcomed by myself and my kingdom."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Allow me to introduce to you my sons, Prince Kyoji and Prince Domon."
Rain's eyes widened in surprise and recognition.
*~*~*~*
His head turned at the announcement of the princess's arrival.
"Announcing Princess Marie-Louise of Mersenia!"
A young maiden stepped forth from the darkness into the doorway. She slowly opened her eyes and strode forward.
It was that lady! The one on the runaway horse! She was the princess of Mersenia!? It had to be his imagination. It didn't make any sense. It was too much of a coincidence to be true. He shook his head, refusing to believe.
However, as she neared the throne, he could indeed see that there was no mistaking her. They were the same person. He snapped back to reality at the sound of his name.
"Allow me to introduce to you my sons, Prince Kyoji and Prince Domon.
*~*~*~*
He watched as the "princess's" eyes widened in astonishment, as did his own. "It is a pleasure, Princess." He stated as he bowed before her.
//Princess? This maiden is not Princess Marie-Louise! She is her maid, Rain, the girl I met in the marketplace. What is she doing here as the Princess?// With his eyes lowered, he caught sight of her bare foot, sticking out from under the hem of her gown and almost laughed. //It must be her.//
She swallowed as she curtseyed again. //Dear lord! This is a mess! That Kyoji from the marketplace is the Prince Kyoji of Sauvilla! He surely recognizes me! The whole thing is over. Maybe I should just run out of here while I can...No! Be strong, you can get through this. Remain collected.//
She had just concealed her shock when she turned to face his brother and was met with those chocolate eyes. //HIM!// Her surprise was quickly masked by anger. That man, Domon. The impertinent ruffian from her horseback ride was the prince of Sauvilla! She glared at him as she curtseyed before him. The nerve!
She was no longer astounded by the presence of his companions from their ride. They were all present. George, an honorable knight; Chibodee, prince of Damosis; and Argo, a duke of some Sauvillian town. After calming down, she watched with humor as she greeted each of them, noting their reaction to her revealed title. Well, it wasn't really hers, but it was for now. Close enough.
Then she turned to meet eyes of emerald green filled with danger and fire. She was introduced as a Duchess Allenby.
"I am honored, Princess." Lady Allenby seemed to mock her with her words and pseudo bow. She wore a tight gown of pink with a low neck. Surely she could not be a duchess! Not someone with her appearance and decorum!
After the mundane tasks of being introduced to the court, Rain and Marie- Louise were escorted back to their chambers. As soon as they were alone, Marie-Louise ran up to Rain.
"Rain! Can you believe it! Those men from the ride, they are here! One is the prince, Prince Domon! I simply cannot believe anything that is happening! And George is a knight! And that other also a prince, and the fourth a duke! I had no conception of any of this!"
Rain put a hand to her forehead. "Nor had I." However, she was distracted thinking of the other Prince. She knew that he had recognized her. What would happen now?
Marie-Louise yawned as she started towards the adjoining door to her smaller room. "Are you going to bed?"
"Yes, of course. Here, let me help you out of your gown." Rain loosened the ties on Marie-Louise's gown and helped her step out of it. She then hung it in the wardrobe, along with the others and returned to her own chambers. Changed out of her gown, Rain collapsed onto the bed, wearing only her shift. How soft the bed was! She had never slept on anything so luxurious! She tried to remove her mind of all thoughts and let sleep consume her, but it was futile.
So what was he going to do now? Would he expose her for the fraud she was? She had to know. Her head was driving her crazy with these thoughts. Sighing, she yanked the covers back and as she pulled her gown back on, she wondered what to do. Should she tell Marie-Louise that someone else knew? If she met Kyoji again, should she fake ignorance or admit the truth? She slipped on her cloak and tied the bow tightly around her neck, pulling the hood close around her face. Perhaps a quick stroll would do her some good.
Placing her hand on the doorknob, she paused. What was she thinking? She could not merely waltz out of her room unnoticed! Even though all the members of the household were in bed, there were possibly guards out there and if they saw her, they would follow. She could not be sure, but it was better to be safe rather than sorry.
Instead, she opened the balcony doors and walked out, her bare feet quietly padding along the stone, silencing her footsteps. She leaned over the railing and crawled down a nearby tree, landing on the grass below. Looking around, she took in her surroundings and found herself walking down a garden pathway. She followed the path until the end and re-entered the castle, wary of any guards. Curiosity took over as she saw a light emerging from the crack in the doors from a room ahead. She quietly opened the doors ever so slightly and peered into the room. It was a library! Opening the doors, she slipped into the giant room. It must take up several stories of the castle! There were staircases and ladders that reached up even to the highest book.
"Oh! There are so many of them!" She was filled with excitement and rushed forward, lifting her skirts as she ascended the winding steps. She quickly found a section of Chaucer and pulled off a copy of THE CANTERBURY TALES, planning to pick up where she had left off.
"Perfect! I'll just take this back to my chambers and return it when I'm done."
"I did not realize that servants were so well-educated nowadays, especially on how to read."
She whirled around to face the speaker. "Kyoji!"
Kyoji smirked, the sides of his mouth turning up as he approached her. "So it is you. I knew it was as soon as I saw you enter that room. You were not wearing any slippers, and I can see that you still are not. Would you care to explain your little problem to me? Just who are you? Rain or Princess Marie-Louise? Or perhaps neither?"
Rain flushed out of embarrassment but remained silent, turning her back to him to face the window, unsure of how to reply.
"Have you suddenly gone dumb?"
Rain whirled around. "No I most certainly have not! Quite far from it, your Excellency, seeing as how you yourself have just proved that I am literate." She bit her tongue. "My Lord Prince, I apologize most profusely. I do not know what caused me to speak so acerbically." She lowered her face, but refused to get on her hands and knees, cowering in submission. "I am only a simple serving girl. My name is Rain. For speaking so brazenly, stealing a book without my lord's permission, and deceiving you, I know I must be punished with death. I deserve nothing less."
She braced herself for a sharp blow to the face, a lashing or beating. She had received such punishment for doing less. Even though she was raised with Marie-Louise, it did not put her above her servant status, and she had been subjected to such castigations. Scars she had gotten from her pride and smart mouth still remained as proof. Of course, Marie-Louise did not know. Rain would never tell her, she could take care of herself. Besides, intervention from Marie-Louise would only make things worse for her. The other servants already hated her for being the serving lady to the princess, if she was shown any more favoritism, it would only add to the tension.
"Death? No, I do not think so."
She raised her head. "What?"
"Consider it a favor. I would much rather have you here on earth to explain this curious situation rather than silenced in your grave. Besides, it is quite refreshing to have you around, especially since I am only surrounded by sycophants. But do not get too used to it, lest you incur my wrath."
"Yes, My lord."
"Now, tell me everything."
Rain hesitated. He already knew who she was and he had not punished her. And he had promised not to kill her. She felt guilty at the thought of her betraying Marie-Louise, but it could not be prevented. He already knew who she was, and if he had intended on revealing their secret, he easily could have done so. She decided to trust him and exposed the entire plot.
*~*~*~*
NOTE- This chapter was originally four pages longer and some G/ML and D/R scenes, but due to the lacking reviews, I split it. So- REVIEW!! This only takes five seconds! Just talk to me about the characters or plot or something! Anything! As long as I get a response to my writing.
A.N.: hello! Sorry I've been gone so long, but I've had some pretty big exams and with another big one next week, I decided to update now. Here's the next chapter and I hope that you enjoy.
PLEASE SEE NOTE AT BOTTOM
*~*~*~*
THESE FOOLISH GAMES: Chapter 4
*~*~*~*
IN SAUVILLA
Rain woke with a start as the carriage lurched to a stop. //Are we here? Are we really here?// She felt anxiety take control of her nerves and she pulled back the curtain to look outside. All she could see was a stone wall, looming high above her. //So, we have been riding since last night for this. Well, not much of a view from here.//
"Sai! Have we reached out destination?"
"Yes, Miss Rai-I mean Princess Marie-Louise"
Rain grinned. He had almost slipped up there. He really better take care. The carriage pulled forward, having gained admittance to enter the gates. The hoof beats of the horses echoed in the still of the night. Rain felt herself begin to go to pieces. She quickly dug into her valise to fetch her small looking glass to take in her appearance after her rest. Her sheer veil of aquamarine running down her back and silver tiara had slid off to one side of her head. The matching dress was crumpled and she fought to straighten it. And where were her shoes? This coach is so cramped, and Marie-Louise was taking up all the space!
She shoved Marie-Louise to wake her. That girl would sleep through Armageddon! "Marie-Louise, wake up. We're here."
Marie-Louise sighed, still asleep. "George...You have such...lovely eyes..."
Rain giggled as she shook Marie-Louise harder and she finally woke. "Huh? Eyes? What?"
"We have arrived, Marie-Louise. I am sorry if I have disturbed you from your-fantasy." Rain said laughingly.
Marie-Louise blushed. "Yes, well, er...Let me see that looking glass!" She snatched the mirror from Rain's hands, quite flustered. She wore a gown of forest green, matching her eyes perfectly. This one was more elaborate that the others, since they were to appear before the Sauvillian king, his two sons, and their guests. Even a plain serving maid had to look her best, while not seeming above her rank. Her hair flowed freely down her back, just as Rain's, though hers lacked a veil.
As the coach drew to a stop, Rain still could not find her slippers, so she would go without. The length of the dress would hopefully cover her feet. Rain breathed in deeply to ease her nerves. It would not do to look so jumpy when greeted by the high court. She was strong and confident, she would show them that tonight.
Sai Sici knocked on the door before opening it. The girls exited the carriage and gazed up at the castle in awe. It was spectacular. Never had they seen anything of such exquisite beauty, even in their own home of Mersenia. It was decorated in elegant arches, stone statues of angels, balconies stretched in front of windows of different colors and enormous sizes. There were lush forests and gardens and acres of land to explore.
A guard escorted the two young ladies to the door, then to be escorted by two other guards inside the castle. Their footsteps rang in the hallways, all except for Rain's own padded feet. They halted to the side of a large, lavishly decorated door. It must be the one they were to enter.
One of the guards turned to them. "If you would be so kind as to wait here momentarily while I announce your arrival to the court."
Rain nodded and the man opened the door, light and laughter spilling into the silent corridor. She was dying to simply peek into the room.
"Remember, Rain. Try not to show too much surprise on your face. A princess is used to grand events such as these." Marie-Louise warned softly.
Rain twisted the chain of her silver necklace that she never took off.
The guard's voice echoed in the room. "Announcing Princess Marie-Louise of Mersenia!"
Rain stepped forward into the doorway, her eyes closed. Standing there for a few seconds she took another deep breath, attempting to harness her fears. She felt the light flood over her, the warmth of the room welcome on her bare skin. She slowly opened her eyes and walked forward, Marie- Louise behind her, and a hush fell upon the crowd of honored guests.
Her bare feet sank into the plush red carpet as she swept down the aisle to meet the king. She kept her head high, chin parallel to the ground, just as any noble would. She made eye contact with no one, only the king, but listened to the hushed whispers as she passed.
'So that is the princess. She is quite beautiful.'
'Notice how she walks with such elegance, such grace.'
'I always say that is how you can tell if someone is of truly royal blood.'
'You speak so accurately. Only royalty walk in such a defined manner. It cannot be duplicated.'
She felt her lips turn up in a slight smile at these comments. If they only knew. She approached the king, and paused to lift her skirts into a curtsy before him. She rose as he took her hand.
"It is a great honor to have you with us here today, Princess Marie-Louise. You are welcomed by myself and my kingdom."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Allow me to introduce to you my sons, Prince Kyoji and Prince Domon."
Rain's eyes widened in surprise and recognition.
*~*~*~*
His head turned at the announcement of the princess's arrival.
"Announcing Princess Marie-Louise of Mersenia!"
A young maiden stepped forth from the darkness into the doorway. She slowly opened her eyes and strode forward.
It was that lady! The one on the runaway horse! She was the princess of Mersenia!? It had to be his imagination. It didn't make any sense. It was too much of a coincidence to be true. He shook his head, refusing to believe.
However, as she neared the throne, he could indeed see that there was no mistaking her. They were the same person. He snapped back to reality at the sound of his name.
"Allow me to introduce to you my sons, Prince Kyoji and Prince Domon.
*~*~*~*
He watched as the "princess's" eyes widened in astonishment, as did his own. "It is a pleasure, Princess." He stated as he bowed before her.
//Princess? This maiden is not Princess Marie-Louise! She is her maid, Rain, the girl I met in the marketplace. What is she doing here as the Princess?// With his eyes lowered, he caught sight of her bare foot, sticking out from under the hem of her gown and almost laughed. //It must be her.//
She swallowed as she curtseyed again. //Dear lord! This is a mess! That Kyoji from the marketplace is the Prince Kyoji of Sauvilla! He surely recognizes me! The whole thing is over. Maybe I should just run out of here while I can...No! Be strong, you can get through this. Remain collected.//
She had just concealed her shock when she turned to face his brother and was met with those chocolate eyes. //HIM!// Her surprise was quickly masked by anger. That man, Domon. The impertinent ruffian from her horseback ride was the prince of Sauvilla! She glared at him as she curtseyed before him. The nerve!
She was no longer astounded by the presence of his companions from their ride. They were all present. George, an honorable knight; Chibodee, prince of Damosis; and Argo, a duke of some Sauvillian town. After calming down, she watched with humor as she greeted each of them, noting their reaction to her revealed title. Well, it wasn't really hers, but it was for now. Close enough.
Then she turned to meet eyes of emerald green filled with danger and fire. She was introduced as a Duchess Allenby.
"I am honored, Princess." Lady Allenby seemed to mock her with her words and pseudo bow. She wore a tight gown of pink with a low neck. Surely she could not be a duchess! Not someone with her appearance and decorum!
After the mundane tasks of being introduced to the court, Rain and Marie- Louise were escorted back to their chambers. As soon as they were alone, Marie-Louise ran up to Rain.
"Rain! Can you believe it! Those men from the ride, they are here! One is the prince, Prince Domon! I simply cannot believe anything that is happening! And George is a knight! And that other also a prince, and the fourth a duke! I had no conception of any of this!"
Rain put a hand to her forehead. "Nor had I." However, she was distracted thinking of the other Prince. She knew that he had recognized her. What would happen now?
Marie-Louise yawned as she started towards the adjoining door to her smaller room. "Are you going to bed?"
"Yes, of course. Here, let me help you out of your gown." Rain loosened the ties on Marie-Louise's gown and helped her step out of it. She then hung it in the wardrobe, along with the others and returned to her own chambers. Changed out of her gown, Rain collapsed onto the bed, wearing only her shift. How soft the bed was! She had never slept on anything so luxurious! She tried to remove her mind of all thoughts and let sleep consume her, but it was futile.
So what was he going to do now? Would he expose her for the fraud she was? She had to know. Her head was driving her crazy with these thoughts. Sighing, she yanked the covers back and as she pulled her gown back on, she wondered what to do. Should she tell Marie-Louise that someone else knew? If she met Kyoji again, should she fake ignorance or admit the truth? She slipped on her cloak and tied the bow tightly around her neck, pulling the hood close around her face. Perhaps a quick stroll would do her some good.
Placing her hand on the doorknob, she paused. What was she thinking? She could not merely waltz out of her room unnoticed! Even though all the members of the household were in bed, there were possibly guards out there and if they saw her, they would follow. She could not be sure, but it was better to be safe rather than sorry.
Instead, she opened the balcony doors and walked out, her bare feet quietly padding along the stone, silencing her footsteps. She leaned over the railing and crawled down a nearby tree, landing on the grass below. Looking around, she took in her surroundings and found herself walking down a garden pathway. She followed the path until the end and re-entered the castle, wary of any guards. Curiosity took over as she saw a light emerging from the crack in the doors from a room ahead. She quietly opened the doors ever so slightly and peered into the room. It was a library! Opening the doors, she slipped into the giant room. It must take up several stories of the castle! There were staircases and ladders that reached up even to the highest book.
"Oh! There are so many of them!" She was filled with excitement and rushed forward, lifting her skirts as she ascended the winding steps. She quickly found a section of Chaucer and pulled off a copy of THE CANTERBURY TALES, planning to pick up where she had left off.
"Perfect! I'll just take this back to my chambers and return it when I'm done."
"I did not realize that servants were so well-educated nowadays, especially on how to read."
She whirled around to face the speaker. "Kyoji!"
Kyoji smirked, the sides of his mouth turning up as he approached her. "So it is you. I knew it was as soon as I saw you enter that room. You were not wearing any slippers, and I can see that you still are not. Would you care to explain your little problem to me? Just who are you? Rain or Princess Marie-Louise? Or perhaps neither?"
Rain flushed out of embarrassment but remained silent, turning her back to him to face the window, unsure of how to reply.
"Have you suddenly gone dumb?"
Rain whirled around. "No I most certainly have not! Quite far from it, your Excellency, seeing as how you yourself have just proved that I am literate." She bit her tongue. "My Lord Prince, I apologize most profusely. I do not know what caused me to speak so acerbically." She lowered her face, but refused to get on her hands and knees, cowering in submission. "I am only a simple serving girl. My name is Rain. For speaking so brazenly, stealing a book without my lord's permission, and deceiving you, I know I must be punished with death. I deserve nothing less."
She braced herself for a sharp blow to the face, a lashing or beating. She had received such punishment for doing less. Even though she was raised with Marie-Louise, it did not put her above her servant status, and she had been subjected to such castigations. Scars she had gotten from her pride and smart mouth still remained as proof. Of course, Marie-Louise did not know. Rain would never tell her, she could take care of herself. Besides, intervention from Marie-Louise would only make things worse for her. The other servants already hated her for being the serving lady to the princess, if she was shown any more favoritism, it would only add to the tension.
"Death? No, I do not think so."
She raised her head. "What?"
"Consider it a favor. I would much rather have you here on earth to explain this curious situation rather than silenced in your grave. Besides, it is quite refreshing to have you around, especially since I am only surrounded by sycophants. But do not get too used to it, lest you incur my wrath."
"Yes, My lord."
"Now, tell me everything."
Rain hesitated. He already knew who she was and he had not punished her. And he had promised not to kill her. She felt guilty at the thought of her betraying Marie-Louise, but it could not be prevented. He already knew who she was, and if he had intended on revealing their secret, he easily could have done so. She decided to trust him and exposed the entire plot.
*~*~*~*
NOTE- This chapter was originally four pages longer and some G/ML and D/R scenes, but due to the lacking reviews, I split it. So- REVIEW!! This only takes five seconds! Just talk to me about the characters or plot or something! Anything! As long as I get a response to my writing.