A/N: Here's another chapter...thanks to everyone who's reading and please review...it's great motivation!
Believe
"Vilandra," a raspy voice whispered in her ear from behind.
"Kivar," she whipped around. "What are you doing here?" She stepped back from him. "You shouldn't be here."
"I wanted to make sure that you were alright," he ran his fingers through her hair.
"Where's Rath?" Vilandra looked around her bedroom but things looked hazy.
"Shhh," Kivar silenced her, putting his index finger over her mouth.
She froze as he began to trace her lips.
"Stop fighting it my love." His smile was seductive.
"But I love Rath, she replied softly as he put his arms around her and pulled her closer.
"You don't believe that, not like you love me." Kivar pressed his lips to hers in a sultry kiss.
"No," Vilandra pulled back. "No."
"Vilandra," Rath shook her slightly. "Vilandra!"
Her eyes opened suddenly. "Rath," she threw herself into his arms.
"Shhh," he stroked her hair. "It was only a dream."
Ava rolled over as she opened her eyes slowly, finding Zan propped up on his elbow looking at her. "Good morning." She snuggled up to him.
Zan placed a soft kiss on top of her head. "Good morning." When she pulled back to look at him, he softly stroked her hair. "Cold?"
"A little," she smiled as she looked down at their lack of clothing.
Zan pulled the blanket up around her and then went to retrieve her dress.
Ava giggled at the sight of a naked prince walking around a garden in search of a dress.
"No peeking," he turned his head around and flashed a somewhat embarrassed smile as he picked up his pants and put them on. He quickly ran his hand over her dress, drying its dampness, and carried it to her.
Ava slipped into it rather quickly than plopped down on the bench.
"I should get you home," Zan leaned down to kiss her. "I can only imagine what your aunt and uncle must be thinking."
"I don't have a home to go back to," she replied glibly.
"What?" he sat down next to her, concern spreading across his face.
"No, nothing." She turned away from him. "You have enough to deal with right now. I don't want to burden you."
"Hey," Zan reached his hand up to her chin, turning her face toward him. "Burden me."
"Zan," she bit at her bottom lip.
"You have been there every time I needed you; with my sister, last night." Zan stroked her face. "Let me be here for you now."
Ava took a deep breath before telling her story. She went through the whole thing quickly, as if telling it that way would hurt her less. When she was through; Zan stood up and began to pace.
"I'll kill them," he stopped pacing and picked up his shirt, hurriedly putting it on.
Ava rushed towards him and caught him by the arm. "Zan please, I don't have proof, just the looks on their faces."
"So we just let them get away with it," Zan replied. "And you have witnesses."
"After the fact and you know Zsar will lie, especially now that I've called of this engagement." Ava had come to know his worst traits. "It'll be his word against mine."
"And I will be the final say," Zan looked down at her. "I would believe you over all of them; I already do."
"I know that," she looked up at him with sapphire eyes. "But Zsar knows many people and the last thing you need is a lot of conflict when you're just starting to take over. He'll get enough people to believe it's about our personal relationship," she paused as she held his hand. "And if we're honest, he'll be partly telling the truth."
Zan nodding, knowing that she was right and that even though he would be king, they did have a process for things like this.
"They'll slip up and we'll find our proof," Ava said confidently. "Let them have this battle, we'll win the war."
Zan pulled her into his arms. "You'll make a very good queen someday."
"I hope you'll keep that in mind," she smiled, then got a slightly embarrassed look on her face as her stomach growled.
"Hungry?" Zan watched her nod. "Let's go see what Suri has prepared this morning."
Vilandra and Rath sat down on the chaise lounge across from the chair that Maya was sitting in. She'd summoned for them, as well as Zan.
"No sign of your brother yet?" The Queen asked.
"Not yet," Vilandra answered.
"Did either of you see him return last night?" Maya questioned.
"No," Rath's eyes shifted.
The poised woman looked between her daughter and the new commanding general. "And after Rath left, did you hear him come in Loni?"
"I haven't seen Zan since he and Rath came back from…" she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"How are you doing Your Majesty?" Rath was concerned about her as well.
"I'm handling this the best way I know how, by focusing on Antar's future." Maya paused briefly. "Zaid wouldn't want any of us to dwell on his loss; he'd want us to stay strong for the people."
"I admire your strength Your Highness," Rath replied as he noticed how pulled together she looked besides the slight puffiness of her eyes.
"Speaking of Antar's future," Maya began. "I have called you here to discuss the new Royal Four."
"This is," The Princess searched for the right word. "Sudden."
"Yes but probably not as sudden as you think," Maya answered as she settled back in her chair.
Rath squinted at her. "What do you mean?"
"When the rebels attacked Loni, Zaid and I started discussing what would happen if something happened to us." Maya explained. "We started talking about; or rather he listened while I talked about who we'd want to succeed us." She looked at her daughter. "I took what happened to you as a warning."
"Did you have a vision that father and the others would…?" Vilandra looked like she was going to fall apart.
"No honey," Maya attempted a smile. "I just had a bad feeling so I started planning for the worst."
"Planning?" Rath asked as he reached over to hold Vilandra's hand.
"I started coming up with candidates for a new queen, king, and the other two members of the Royal Four." Maya went on. "The last three were obvious. Zan would of course take over as king and Vilandra; you would of course be one of the members." She looked towards the young man with the spiky hair. "They've been groomed for this; it is their birth right. And of course you would become my son's Second-in-Command. You have been fiercely loyal to us and to him. You and Zan balance each other, not to mention your chemistry with my daughter."
"Mother," Vilandra's eyes were bugging out of her head.
"This is not to embarrass you," her tone was business-like. "I want you to understand why Zaid and I chose you three and if I didn't believe any of you were up to it, I would not endorse this."
"We understand what an honor this is," Rath replied.
"The new queen was a bigger challenge for us," She continued. "I have a few candidates but no one concrete yet."
Vilandra's curiosity was piqued. "Who's on your list?"
"The daughter's of a few of our ambassadors from Trece, Lahan, and Alwar." Maya paused briefly. "There's Mameha, the Princess of Crite, and of course Princess Sanaa."
"Princess Sanaa?" Vilandra repeated, a shocked expression washing over her face.
"You two have always been so close." The Queen quickly asked, "Has something happened?"
"No," she shook her head. "We are close. It's just she feels like a sister almost; that might be weird for her and Zan."
"I spoke to Queen Kathana about it and she said Sanaa would accept the proposal if it was given." Maya sat back. "Zan will do what is best for Antar but there are still a few others to consider."
Rath had come to know the Queen well and could see that there was someone else she had in mind. "She's not your first choice then?"
"No," Maya replied simply. "She's not."
"Who is?" Vilandra asked.
"Ava," Rath's statement was almost a question and by the look in her eyes, he knew he was right.
"I take it you feel the same way about her I do," Maya smiled. The four of you, it just…"
"Feels right," Rath continued for her, then cleared his throat. "Excuse me Your Majesty, for cutting you off."
"No, it's fine." She turned to her daughter. "Vilandra, what do you think?"
"I think she's betrothed to Zsar," she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"I know that honey but I don't believe this is a marriage she wants." The Queen took a deep breath and sighed. "I tried to get Ava to get out of this but for some reason she seems determined to do this."
Neither Rath nor Vilandra said a word but Maya could sense the General knew more than he was letting on.
Maya looked towards him. "Rath, do you know why she's doing this?"
"I gave my word Your Highness," he replied. "Please do not make me break it."
"Very well," she nodded. "I guess we are back to who else would round off the three of you, since its looks like Ava isn't going to be an option."
Vilandra looked up to see her brother and the topic of their conversation walk into the room, still wearing their outfits from the party last night. "I wouldn't be so sure about that Mother."
Maya followed her daughter's eyes. "Zan." She stood up as he came to hug her.
"Nice of you to join us Zan," The Princess rolled her eyes. "We've only been discussing our planet's future."
"I'm sorry," Zan walked over to her.
"I was worried and …" Vilandra huffed.
"I know Loni and I'm sorry." He hugged his sister. "I should have been here for you."
"I should go," Ava's eyes shifted as she became slightly uncomfortable.
"No, this may concern you as well." Maya paused as she glanced at the young girl's hand. "I see you've taken off Zsar's ring."
Ava nodded slowly.
"Please have a seat, both of you." The Royal Matron sat for a moment, taking in the four of them: Rath, Vilandra, Zan and Ava. "This is my vision for Antar's future."
The four of them looked at each other, each mirroring a different expression. Rath looked confident while Zan looked proud, Vilandra face was one of apprehension and confusion had washed over Ava's features.
"What the two of you missed before is that Zaid and I had been planning for the worst and that the four of you are who we wanted to succeed us." Maya continued. "I know this is moving very quickly but with the way they died, this planet is in a crisis and we need a new set of Royals as soon as possible."
"You want me to be…" Ava couldn't finish the sentence, she was so shocked.
"Queen," Maya answered simply.
"I like Ava, I really do mother but like you said, this is really fast." Vilandra was truly concerned but a part of her was jealous as well. "I mean no offense but," she turned to Ava and then back to her mother. "We barely know her."
"I know her," Zan took the petite blonde's hand in his own.
"That's not what I mean," she raised her eyebrows at her brother than faced forward again. "We've only known her a few weeks."
"That's not true Loni," Maya replied. "I was there the day she was born. Her mother, Iselda, and I were very good friends."
"You knew my mother?" Ava questioned.
"Yes and I know you," she gave a soft smile. "I believe you can do this; I believe in the four of you but I will understand if any one of you is not ready for this."
They sat for a few moments before anyone spoke.
"I believe in us too," Zan replied. "Rath?"
"I'm in," he said confidently.
"Vilandra?" Zan turned towards his sister.
She nodded as a slight smile came to her face. "I believe in us."
"Ava?" the now acting king turned towards who he hoped would be his bride very soon.
"I know this is fast Avalena but we need to act quickly." Maya paused briefly. "It's okay if you can't commit to this."
Ava took a deep breath in and smiled. "I am definitely in."
Zan stood in the middle of his room as the dressing maid adjusted his vest. Maya had sent him to get ready so he could sit in on a meeting with her. As Marit was helping him put on his jacket, there was a knock on his bedroom door.
"Come in," he called. "I'm almost ready."
"Zan," Rath noticed the surprised look on his friend's face. "Expecting someone else?"
Zan laughed. "I thought you were my mother."
Rath just shook his head as he suppressed a laugh, before his face turned more serious. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Can you excuse us Marit?" The Prince smiled at the maid.
She curtsied towards him, then Rath and exited the room quickly.
"Last night at the party Courtney said something to me," he scratched at his eyebrow. "I can't get it out of my head."
"Kivar's sister?" Zan questioned. "Look Rath, Loni is my sister and…"
"No, it's nothing like that." Rath cut him off. "She told me to be careful; that her brother, Nicolas, and Zsar were up to something."
"Like what?" Zan's tone became more serious. "Are you thinking the same thing I am?"
"That they have something to do with the murders," the General shook his head. The thought had been eating him up inside. "I don't trust any of them."
"Neither do I but do you believe they could actually do something like that?" Zan's gut screamed yes but he valued his friend's opinion.
Rath crossed his arms over his chest. "I wouldn't put it passed them."
"We don't have any proof." Zan's statement was more of a thought he said out loud.
"I'm meeting with Courtney when I leave here; see if I can find out anything." He uncrossed his arms. "Kivar will be in the same meeting you and your mother are at tonight. That'll give me some time to talk to her."
Zan nodded. "I'll see if I notice anything off about him but with Kivar, it's always hard to tell." He ran his hand through his hair. "Are you sure she can be trusted?"
"Honestly," the General exhaled. "I don't know but something tells me I can."
"Okay," he replied. "Just be on your guard tonight."
"You too," he half smiled. "I'll report back to you this evening."
And with that, they both exited the room, going their separate directions.
The maid sat the tray down in front of the Queen and her soon to be successor. Maya had sensed something else was going on with Ava and wanted to talk to her while she waited for Zan to get ready.
"I'm sure this will be quite a shock for your aunt and uncle," Maya raised the teacup from the table and took a sip.
"I'm sure it will be," Ava picked up her cup as well. "We're actually not on speaking terms right now."
"Because you called off your engagement?" Maya questioned. "I can't believe they'd be that unreasonable."
"No," she shook her head. "It's not because of the engagement."
"What is it then?" she put down the teacup. "You can trust me; you do know that?"
"Of course," she returned her cup to its saucer. "Look at what you're trusting me with: your son, your kingdom, Antar's future." She took a deep breath as she gathered up the words that were so hard for her to say. "The reason we're not speaking is because I found out they set up the accident that killed my parents."
"Ava," Maya grabbed her by the hands.
"Zan wanted to do something but I really don't have any proof and with him just taking over the crown, he can't risk it looking like he's doing things for personal reasons." Ava swallowed the lump that had taken residence in her throat. She still didn't want to believe Nadia and Evan were capable of this. "I trusted them and to find out they did this to my parents."
"It's going to be okay Avalena," Maya replied. "I do think that you're going about this the right way and we will make sure this comes out. We will get justice for your parents."
"Thank you," she smiled slightly, grateful for all Maya was doing for her.
"Marit," Maya saw the maid walking past the room. "Is Zan ready?"
"Yes Your Majesty," she curtsied. "Rath is speaking with him now."
"Good," she turned towards the young blonde. "I'm going to see what's keeping him. Merit will show you where you'll be staying." She turned towards the maid. "Please show Miss Avalena to her quarters and assist her in finding something to wear and getting ready for this evening." She turned back to Ava. "Zan and I will meet with you, Loni and Rath later."
Ava stood up. "Thank you Your Majesty." She curtsied, then followed the maid upstairs to the room she'd be sleeping in.
After everyone was done with their different meetings and tasks, Maya summoned for Zan, Vilandra, Ava, and Rath. She was sitting in the conference room with eight other people. They were an elite group of high ranking officials and consultants who were privy to the most classified government information. No one outside of the group even knew that it existed but to each other they were known as the Elite Council of Antar, or Eca.
Two of the people there were ambassadors, Swanlaa from Candala and Erwin from Sayen. They were choosen because of the loyalty the'd shown over the years as well as their devotion to putting the people of Antar first.
There were also two shape-shifters there, Nacedo and Vipan. Nativtarians, referred to as shape-shifters for their natural abilities to mimic almost any other life form, were a minority race on Antar that stayed mostly to themselves except for their various jobs in the military. Their natural abilities and powers made them powerful assets to their planet.
The Chancellor Marquis of Antar, Zander was there as well with his highest ranking Provosto Jimani. Viala, who was a Royal Advisor, was there as well as newly appointed Lt. General Jakub, who was invited to the meeting for the first time. He was taking Rath's place in the circle since he would be taking the position of Second-in-Command.
"I have called you all here to discuss the future of Antar and who will lead us into it." Maya sat poised at the end of the round table near the door. "With the recent attacks in Candala, the fires and the rebel incident with my daughter in Charis, and The Royal Ship being on fire from unexplainable means, resulting in the deaths of three of the leaders of this planet, we must act fast in stabilizing our government."
"You mean a new Royal Four Your Highness?" Viala asked what everyone else was thinking.
"Yes," she replied simply.
"With all due respect Your Majesty," Nacedo looked at her inquisitively. "Isn't this a little hasty?"
"Perhaps but I think a swift transition is necessary and can be made smoothly." She continued, "As it is, I already have who will take over."
"Well of course Zan and Vilandra," Zander replied. "We all knew that someday they would have to take over."
"And I'm guessing Rath from Jakub's appearance in his seat," Viala crossed her legs.
"But who will take your place Your Highness?" Vipan asked.
"Someone who I believe can do this," Maya answered. "Miss Avalena of Comoros."
"Who?" Erwin asked as the door opened and four new people entered the sanctuary of this secreted group.
"Members of Eca," Maya stood up. "Allow me to introduce you to The Future Royal Four of Antar: Prince Zan, Miss Ava, Princess Vilandra, and General Rath."