Chapter 5- The Triplets of Laquaria

Hello all. If you're reading this I hope you'll review! I get so motivated…not that I'm not already… Review, Review, Review!

Thank you Lulai for your encouragement! Your suspicions about a certain Lord are accurate. Kudos to you for catching on! Also, I just read Cave of Wonders. It's awesome, but for some reason I couldn't review.

Thanks again to Glaze. No Zane is defiantly not out of the picture. You will be seeing a lot more of him. Hurry up on your story! I love it!

To avoid confusion, this chapter will begin from Varien's POV! I repeat Varien's POV!

I had trouble sleeping in the bed. No matter how soft and comfortable it was, my body was used to sleeping on the hard, cold ground of the forest, so I ended up on the floor. I think my insomnia could also have been caused by my excitement about that evening's events. I admit it was awfully uncomfortable walking into the ballroom and having all of the nobles whisper behind my back.

Was I ever like that? I thought to myself. But thinking back to my former life, I realized my brother fit more into the gossipy courtier persona then I did. I was always so solitary, and never had many friends. My being changed into a 7 ft tall lizard didn't help my situation much, and my snobby, vain brother could only benefit because I was no longer around to be an heir. Oh well… no use dwelling on the past. I needed to start thinking about the future I so rashly thrust upon myself, and Princess Arya.

To be honest, I didn't know what I was thinking when I bartered for her hand in marriage. I saved her father because he clearly needed assistance, and I am not the kind of person to deny offering my aid when it's required. However, stepping in to the ballroom, I could only think that I had made matters worse for myself, but when the Princess stepped forward and spoke bravely, I quickly changed my mind.

Granted she was not as naturally beautiful as her sisters, but the apparent personality that shone beneath her striking green eyes more than made up for it. I almost laughed at her attempt to make small talk as she escorted me to my new chambers. It had been a long time since anyone ever attempted to converse pleasantly with me.

As the sun rose, I changed into another of my suits, which I had purchased from a rather flamboyant dressmaker. He was only too eager to cut the price in half. Unclear of where breakfast was to be served I rang for a servant, and before I could count to three, a young boy, no older than 12 arrived at the door. I pitied him, for he looked positively frightened at my appearance. In an attempt to calm him, I asked him his name.

"Jonas, milord. Me mum's a cook in the kitchens."

"Well Jonas, would you be so kind as to direct me to where breakfast is being served. There's a coin in it for you." I grinned.

"Really?" He asked, his face glowing. "Right away milord!" I left my rooms and followed Jonas into the corridors of the palace.

Arya's POV

After I had gotten dressed into a pale blue morning gown, I made my way to the breakfast dining room with a bit of anxiety. Realizing that I had forgotten to give Varien directions, I mentally scolded myself. Here I was being thoughtless, when he was probably earning glares of disdain from everyone he passed by.

He did bring it on himself you know… Any how, I hoped he had rang for a servant, but just in case, I began making my way to his quarters, until I spotted him, and a young boy I didn't recognize.

Seeing me, he smiled, dismissing the boy, but the child looked upset. I must of looked puzzled, for Varien motioned for me to wait for an explanation as he knelt and slipped a silver coin in the boy's palm. Gleaming in delight, the child skipped off in the direction of the kitchens.

"You didn't have to pay him you know. He is already paid for his service." I commented.

"Maybe so princess, but the poor lad was so frightened of me at first, that I thought he needed a little incentive." He grinned again, causing me to blush.

Ergggg. I thought. Is he going to make me do that every single time! Thinking of something to say in order to cover up my red face I spoke.

"Are you hungry? I can take you to the breakfast room now if you wish."

"That would be most welcome Your Highness." He responded.

"You can call me Arya. We are getting married you know." He must not have noticed my slight cringe for he continued the conversation.

"Yes. I almost forgot." I wanted to reply that if he was going to forget about it, he could just leave and let me get on with my life, but instead I asked him about his chambers.

"They were most satisfactory, thank you Prin…Arya."

We had finally reached the dining room, where Narie and Della were waiting for us with their perspective grooms Devon and Mathias. I watched as they gave Varien a look over, Della being a lot more discreet about it than Narie.

"Lord Varien, I trust you slept well?" Della inquired.

"Yes, very well, thank you Princess Delaryanna." He responded politely.

With all formalities taken care of, we sat down to eat. I was ravenous, and filled my plate with bacon, ham, sausage and eggs. Leave it to Narie to notice.

"Arya, slow down, you don't want our guest to think we starve you do you?" The members of the room shared a pleasant chuckle at my expense. Again with the blushing! Is everyone in this palace bent on turning me red?

I turned to look at Varien. His claws delicately picked at the ham on his plate, and when he was finished, he dabbed at his lizard-like mouth like a true gentleman. I almost laughed aloud at the absurdity of it, but continued to eat.

When everyone had finished, Narie, Della and their fiancés excused themselves to walk in the garden, leaving Varien and I alone.

"Would you care to go on a tour of the palace?" I asked. "It might prevent what happened this morning from occurring again."

"What a good idea Arya. I would love to."

I mustered a smile and linked arms with the creature. This was certainly going to be an interesting day.

w00t! Chapter 5 done! Please R&R. I am on my knees here. I hope the problem showing updates has been fixed. Please tell me how you liked the half/half POV thing!

Ta

'.' SerayaNeko '.'