Chapter One
As the years passed by, the young princess slowly realized how accurate her assumption was that stormy day. Logan, of course, had to let her go, but he seemed to do so in more ways than one. He was still overprotective, telling her she was no longer allowed to leave the castle, but he constantly seemed agitated with her presence, often begging her to quit pestering him. On the other hand, she took solace in the fact he grew this way towards everyone, but he was more distant to her than ever before.
Instead of scolding her when she set the chickens free in the kitchen or painted the statues in the garden atrocious colors, he merely sighed and went about his day. Instead of giving her a single, if patronizing, chuckle when she dressed Jasper in a lacy blue bonnet and matching ensemble or when she and Elliot, who at the time were drenched and covered in suds, ran throughout the castle chasing after her puppy, Kain III; he simply stared at her and returned to his "War Room". His eyes would pierce into her, belittling her, dissecting her...as though he was searching for some form of maturity. She realized at a young age that Logan would probably never be the big brother that held her and comforted her that awful day. It was hard, but she came to terms with this saddening thought.
However, there was one thing she believed that she would never come to terms with.
Reaver's presence.
It was not long after her mother's funeral that Reaver showed up in the throne room with a small proposition. The princess could not believe her brother would accept anything from the very man their mother had warned them about, but just because she couldn't believe it...didn't stop it from happening. The plans were written up, the deal was sealed. Reaver was now in charge of all the industry in Bowerstone. At least her brother kept in mind their mother's warning and was intelligent enough to not give Reaver full access to use everything at his disposal. That would have made matters worse without a doubt. Unfortunately because of this, Reaver spent every possible moment he could at the castle trying to convince Logan to reconsider. And every time Logan refused, Reaver would retaliate by bothering someone else...namely the young princess. It was because of this that she sometimes welcomed Logan's trips and voyages. When he wasn't around, neither was Reaver.
"Princess Syeira? Are you paying attention?" Jasper's voice broke through her thoughts.
She peered over at him, tearing her gaze from the small black dress she had worn only once and never dared touch again; she shook her head and gave him a small smile. He sighed slightly and rubbed his brow before walking over and laying out her clothes for the day.
"Master Elliot is waiting for you in the library. Please choose what you would like to wear today. And," he set out several more outfits. "What you wish to wear to tonight's masquerade ball."
"Tonight? Ball?" She looked at him confused and sat there for a moment pondering the event she obviously had forgotten.
"Do not tell me you have forgotten your own birthday." The old butler remarked with a small chuckle as he set out some shoes.
'That's right...' she thought and sighed. She was fifteen as of today.
Slowly, she made her way over to the outfits and ran her fingers over the laces and bobbles. Such elegant dresses were never her fancy, but she would never make the mistake of showing up to a party or social gathering in her everyday wear. She knew all too well what her brother would say, what her rebuttal would be, and what punishment he would incite. And knowing all this took the fun out of being a rebellious little princess.
"Little one, are you alright?" Jasper's voice once again brought her out of her thoughts.
She nodded and smiled slightly before grabbing up an outfit for the day and changing behind the dressing screen. She gave an exasperated sigh as she tossed over a bodice, hitting Jasper square in the forehead. Ducking her head out she smiled brightly at him.
"Oops, sorry." She said before returning to her dressing.
"It's quite alright; I'm used to it by now." He commented and began straightening up her room.
Several minutes later she emerged from behind the screens and patted her leg slightly, calling Kain to her side. He jumped up and licked her face several times before she laughed and gently pushed him off. With that she gave Jasper another small smile before walking to the door.
"What about your-" he watched her walk out, her smile turning to a smirk, and sighed. "That girl."
She may not have been willing to repeat a poor ensemble for special occasions, but she was willing to try out being late to her own party. Logan was currently off in Aurora somewhere, she could probably get away with it...maybe.
*X*X*
After taking a quick detour, stopping in the kitchen to sample a bit of frosting from her cake, she made her way to the library where Elliot was waiting for her. He was sitting on one of the tables staring at the statues in the corners of the room. Once he spotted her, he jumped down from the table and strutted over to her. Kain intervened and pounced on him making sure to leave slobbery kisses all over his face.
"Okay, okay!" Elliot laughed.
"Aw, he likes you." The princess cooed and gave him a small grin.
"I'm glad." He was finally able to calm the dog down and began to wipe the slobber away. "If he didn't, I'd have a difficult time getting close to my favorite princess." He looked at her and grinned devilishly before both broke out in laughter.
This was how it always was between them. Ever since they first met when a boy named Percy tried to kiss her when she was a young girl and Elliot stopped him saying it "was an insult to her honor". They were the best of friends, and often they would joke about being closer. Syeira, naturally, did not mind thinking of Elliot as more than just a friend. He was such a cute kid who had grown into a handsome sixteen year-old, and he was sweet and respectful to her. They enjoyed each other's company and had always caused trouble when they were younger; actually they still caused trouble, if an opportunity presented itself. She often wondered what it would be like to hold his hand or to kiss his lips, they looked really soft from what she could tell, but she feared what may come of it. What if he rejected her, wishing to remain friends? It's difficult to have such a friendship when there is that kind of knowledge weighing down on them. Or what if they tried it, only for it to end badly; she didn't want to do anything to jeopardize their friendship. Little did she know that Elliot felt the same way. He loved watching her read or write; she always placed her fingers to her lips when she was concentrating or in deep thought. He felt very deeply for her, but he feared the outcome...the possibility of rejection.
Quickly both shook the thoughts from their minds and grinned at one another.
"So, my dear Syeira, what shall we do today?" He asked leaning against a table.
"Weren't you the one who was waiting for me?" She raised an eyebrow and gave a small chuckle.
"Doesn't mean I planned anything beyond that." He smiled and stared at her intently. "Oh, I heard your brother returned from Aurora today."
Syeira looked at him slightly shocked; she hadn't received word of his return. She didn't know why he was back so soon, but she knew it wasn't because of her birthday.
"Is that so..." was all she dared to say before sighing and grabbing Elliot's hand. "Come on; take a stroll with me in the garden." She smiled and dragged him out of the library.
*X*X*
"Please quit struggling." Jasper huffed.
"S-stop! J-Jasper, it's too...too tight!" The young princess cried.
"Only a little more to go, I promise." He responded.
"J-Jasper! Just-" she panted heavily. "Just tie the damn th-thing!" she hollered, causing Kain to sit up and peer at them.
Jasper quickly finished tightening her corset and tied the ribbons in a simple bow. He simply shook his head and took a step back.
"If you had chosen an outfit earlier, I would have had time to inform one of the maids to be present to tighten it for you." He turned to the small table and grabbed up a small black hairpiece and began to fix her hair. "They are gentler, and used to aiding you with these types of things."
Syeira cursed under her breath then examined her appearance in the mirror to her right. This outfit was one of the few she really liked. It was a cerulean blue masquerade gown, extending farther in the back than the front, which ceased just below her knees and reveals some of the black lace beneath. What was interesting about this dress, unlike her others, was that the corset is meant to be worn over the dress and not underneath it. The corset was a cerulean blue as well, with black lace atop it. The dress possessed off-the-shoulder sleeves, causing her to look more mature with her shoulders and clavicle exposed. Around her neck she wore a black choker that had a crystal shard dangling from it.
Taking one last glance she turned to face Jasper who handed her a black lace mask to match. Carefully, she placed it on trying not to mess up her makeup and looked in the mirror once more. Maybe she'll be lucky and no one will recognize her until she was forced to stand before the crowd so that they may congratulate her, wish her well, and hope she has another healthy year. She sighed staring at her reflection. Jasper took note of this and gazed at her.
The child, no the teenager, before him had to grow up far more quickly than others. She is constantly being trained and tutored. When she does have time to herself it is interrupted by Reaver, or else Logan is in one of his moods...which in turn dampens her own.
Logan.
He was the main reason she had to grow up more quickly than should be asked of a child. He never seemed to have time for her. He was always reprimanding her, scolding her; but he suddenly changed. Yes, the old butler could see this change. The weight of the world was on Logan's shoulders, but that was no excuse to distant himself from the one person who could possibly aid him. And yet through this separation the princess remained strong. That was something he always admired about her. Syeira was rebellious and a bit ignorant, but she was strong willed, charming, and usually goodhearted. Traits she definitely inherited from her mother.
"Jasper?" A soft voice sounded, drawing him from his thoughts.
He looked down at the fifteen year-old staring up at him. Giving her a small smile, he gently patted her bare shoulder and opened her bedroom doors, the night sky and a light breeze greeting him as he did so.
"I believe it's time that the birthday girl went to her ball." Jasper smiled once more and gently took her hand and led her down the stairs to the library entrance. "You wish to slip in unnoticed, correct?" He gave her a knowing glance before bowing and walking off.
She watched the kind old man walk off and smiled slightly to herself. Indeed she wanted to go unnoticed for as long as possible.
Taking a deep breath she prepared herself and headed towards the dance hall. She hoped that Elliot would be easy to spot, even with a mask on. To her dismay, as she entered the hall, she could barely tell the servants from the guests.
"Joy..." she muttered before beginning her search.
Syeira looked around before spotting Sir Walter Beck drinking ale and talking with a large group of people. Though he attempted to dress for the occasion, the outfit didn't seem to fit him, and even with the mask she could tell by his hearty laughter that it was her friend and mentor. However, she feared that if she were to go over and say hello that it would reveal who she was, and so far no one had noticed she was even there. Watching him a little longer, she continued her search, making her way over to where the orchestra sat playing. There she stood in hopes to have a better view of all the guests.
"May I have this dance?" A familiar voice questioned from behind her.
Quickly she turned around, there standing before her was a tall man who was adorned in crimson red and gold, and a white mask, but for all the familiarity of the voice she couldn't place where she knew him from. She looked him over again and still couldn't place him in her memories, and yet she felt as though she should have been able to. Sighing, she gave up and peered into his eyes. The chocolate brown orbs drew her in, and without much thought she nodded.
He took her by the hand and led her to the middle of the dance floor. Bowing slightly, he placed a hand on the small of her back and grabbed her hand firmly in his. The music began again and they began to waltz. At first she found herself blushing from his proximity, but she quickly collected herself and peered up at him. He wore a small smirk and his eyes seemed to flicker as he stared back at her. Once more she felt her cheeks warm and she looked away trying, in vain, to hide her blush.
"Why so bashful, princess?" The man whispered, leaning in closer to her ear to do so.
Her eyes widened. Whoever he was, he knew who she was.
"H-how?" She stuttered slightly.
"After all this time together did you honestly think I wouldn't be able to pick you from a crowd, even with that beautiful little mask?" He chuckled and pulled her closer as they continued to dance. "Honestly, my dear, that is a compliment. I wouldn't have bothered if you weren't as beautiful as myself." He smirked.
That was all she needed to hear and see to know who it was that had her in his arms.
Reaver.
She attempted to pull away from him but he held her fast and drew her even closer.
"Now, now. Mind your manners." He chuckled.
"What do you want Reaver? My brother has returned, or so I'm told, why not go bother him?" She whispered with a snarl, avoiding his gaze at all costs.
"Ah, but I have, my dear." Reaver responded as he twirled her around and pulled her close again.
"Is that why you're tormenting me? Because he refused you again? Serves you right." She scoffed and once more tried to pull away, but to no avail.
"On the contrary, my little Syeira, he was the one who invited me here." He smirked. "To inform me that I am now able to use whatever is at my disposal to increase profit."
She peered up at him in horror. Logan couldn't have possibly done such a thing, then again...he wasn't suppose to return so quickly from Aurora.
'What happened to make him change his mind?' Syeira pondered as her feet stopped moving.
Looking at him, she grimaced at his expression. He was pleased with her shock, her horror, she could tell.
As the music died he took a step back and brought her hand to his lips, kissing it tenderly. He began to walk off before he suddenly turned around and bowed his head.
"Ah yes," he spoke loud enough to be heard. "Happy birthday, princess." A smirked edged its way onto his lips and he turned disappearing into the oncoming crowd.
She wanted to scream, to command one of her guards to lop off his head, but before she could say or do a thing Walter grabbed her arm and dragged her to the front. There everyone wished her a happy birthday and another healthy year.
Disclaimer: (forgive me I forgot this in the Prelude) Fable III belongs to Lionhead Studios and Peter Molyneux respectively.
Sidenote: Syeira is the name I chose for the princess for two reasons. 1. It is Gypsy for "Princess", considering Sparrow spent her childhood amongst a Gypsy camp I believe it'd make sense one of her children could possess such a name. 2. Well, the second reason is because I know eventually I'd end up confusing myself if all I referred to her as was "she" and "princess". Okay...end of sidenote. Um, hope you enjoyed this chapter...