A/N: Sorry it took so long to update, I hadn't had time to post it. Thanks to everyone who is reading and please review!
History
After the initial silence wore off, the crowd erupted into a sea of questions: Who was Ava? Where was she from? Why did they have to take the throne so quickly? Would they all marry before the coronation or just Zan and Ava? Were they ready? Could they be ready? Did they all trust each other? Did they have the same goals? Could they be ready in a matter of two weeks? Why two weeks? And would the people of Antar accept them as their Royal Four?
"If everyone would just settle down for a moment, I promise that I will answer all of your questions." Maya remained poised even now as she saw the uncertainty in the eyes of her consult. "To answer the first question, Miss Avalena is from Comoros. She is the eldest daughter of Kristoff and my dear friend, Lady Iselda."
"Iselda?" Swanlaa repeated. "Ambassador Figerro's daughter?"
"Yes," Maya said simply. "Your predecessor was Avalena's grandfather."
"She ran off with a young man and moved to Lantis where he worked," Nacedo recounted out loud. "I remember now, they had two daughters."
"Avalena and Emilia," Vipan added. "The Ambassador didn't speak to his daughter again until he was on his deathbed. It's a good thing they made peace since she died a month later too."
Zan stood behind Ava and whispered in her ear. "Did you know any of this?"
She shook her head no as she listened to them speak amongst each other about her family as if she wasn't even there. After a moment she finally opened her mouth to speak. "I know that you must have some reservations about me and lots of questions; I have questions." She took a deep breath as she paused. "You all seem to know more about my family's history than I do but I'm ready to find out the answers." She glanced at Zan, Rath, and Vilandra. "The four of us are ready to find the answers on what to do and how to move forward, together."
She stepped forward as she looked around the sets of eyes that sat around the table. "And isn't that what we all want, to move Antar forward from this tragedy, stronger than before?"
"And what makes us think that you can lead us?" Erwin asked in a calm tone, trying to hide the harshness of his question. "Why you? Why should you be queen?"
"Because she did what every one of you in this room could not." Zan stepped forward to stand at her side. "When my sister was in trouble, not one of you could contact her, even those of you with linking powers."
"It is extremely difficult to link to a moving person, especially when they're defenses are up Prince Zan." Viala seemed to take his statement personally. "Everyone tried their best."
"And they failed," Rath crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm not saying you didn't do all you could but it wouldn't have been enough," Zan looked his cousin directly in her eyes. "If Ava hadn't helped…"
"I would probably be dead," Vilandra continued for him.
"And of course you'd be grateful," the rest of Erwin's statement was wordless.
"This isn't just about being grateful," Vilandra replied. "It's about knowing when something is right."
"And this is," Zan replied. "Our mother has taught us that the Royal Four has to operate as a unit; have the same principals, the same ideas, the same goals. My sister and I are very close are we've always had the same vision for our planet; for our people."
"I am not disputing you Prince Zan," Erwin replied. "Please know that."
Vipan quickly added. "No one here is disputing yours or Princess Vilandra's right to inherit the throne Your Highness."
"Only the woman who is betrothed to me," Zan sated firmly as he held her hand. "The woman I love."
"I do not mean to cause offense, it's just very sudden." Vipan bowed his head.
Maya looked him directly in his eyes. "But you do not trust my judgment," it was not a question. "Or my son's or daughter's or Rath's, whose been a member of Eca for quite some time."
"I do trust all of you Your Majesty," Vipan quickly answered.
"Then why would you fight me on this?" She questioned. "Have I ever given any doubt that what I do is in the best interest of my planet and its people?"
"No," they all answered in soft tones.
"In the short time I've known them; I have come to love them." Ava continued. "Queen Maya has been wonderful to me and I will be honored when she becomes mother." She looked at the General and then back at the group in front of her. "Rath and I felt instantly connected, like a kindred friend that I couldn't find until now and after the experience I had linking to Princess Vilandra, she's become one of most trusted friends. And Zan," she glanced at him lovingly, her hand still in his. "He is my soul. I love all of them and I would do anything for them. They have entrusted me with so much and I won't let them down; will you?"
"We must all be on the same side for Antar to survive," Zander finally spoke. "Miss Avalena means what she says; she is the right choice."
"You agree with us then Chancellor?" Rath asked.
"I do." He stood up to address the other members. "I have known all of you except for Miss Avalena almost your whole lives. I've advised on those lives, your auras and you have trusted mine and Queen Maya's judgment through the years." He paused as he exhaled deeply. "I trust her implicitly and if there is anyone here who does not agree with her and the last decision King Zaid made, you may take your leave of this council."
Everyone took glances around the room but stayed where they were.
"You're right Chancellor," Viala replied. "We are all loyal to Queen Maya and we should stand behind our new Royal Four and help them get prepared."
The rest of the members nodded in agreement.
"Now that that's settled," Nacedo sat back in his seat. "How do you suggest we do that?"
After a few minutes of strategizing, the discussion was tabled until tomorrow. It was agreed a good night's sleep would help them think clearer and that the new Royal Four would need much rest for the day ahead of them. One thing that had been decided was that Zan and Ava would marry in eight days and the coronation would take place four days after that. They also decided since Vilandra's wedding did not have to be rushed, they would plan it properly and she and Rath would be married at later date.
Zan came up behind Ava holding a shawl and gently wrapped it around her shoulders. "Are you ready?" He offered her his arm.
"Yes," she linked her arm through his as they walked out of the double doors into the crisp night air.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" It was something he'd wanted to ask her since she agreed to take on this responsibility.
"Do you think I can't?" she countered, raising an eyebrow at him.
"No, it's not that," the still shy Prince shook his head. "I know you're very capable but all of this has happened so fast."
"It's not too fast for me Zan." Ava replied, then turned towards him. "Is it too fast for you?" She hadn't thought about it before. Maybe he doesn't really want to marry me.
"Taking over this kingdom or our upcoming marriage?" He wasn't sure which one she was referring to.
"Either," the blonde shrugged as they continued walking. "Both maybe?"
"The kingdom?" Zan slowed his pace, actually thinking over the question for the first time since the Royal Ship crashed. "In one way it's not too quick because I've been training for this my whole life but in another way, it is too fast." He ran a shaky hand through his hair. "It wasn't my father's time yet."
"And us?" She almost thought she could feel her heart stop as she waited for his answer.
Zan turned around and held her by the shoulders, stopping her in her tracks so he could look into her eyes. "When I thought you were going to marry Zsar, I didn't know what to do. The thought of losing you when I'd only just found you," he reached up and touched her cheek lovingly. "I couldn't bear it. You are what is getting me through all this." He stroked down her arm with his free hand and then held hers. "The warmth of your touch, the kiss of your lips. Coronation or not, I love you Ava and I want nothing more than to make you my wife."
"Zan," her eyes filled with happy tears as he fell down to one knee and pulled out a deep red, velvet box.
"Let's make it official," he opened the box to reveal a huge sparkling princess cut diamond with five blood red diamonds as accents in the shape of a V. "Avalena, will you marry me?"
Ava nodded happily as she held her left hand out and he placed the golden band on her finger. She fell to her knees and into his embraced as he kissed her fervidly.
Rath sat in the door, waiting for Zan to arrive. He hadn't gotten a chance to speak with him about Courtney before they were called into the meeting with Eca. Rath leaned back into the cushions of the settee as he thought back to his conversation with her.
"I don't think he'll be back for a while," the sandy-haired girl said as she led him to the downstairs study. "I heard him talking earlier; he's planning to meet with Zsar and Nicholas after the ambassador meeting."
"Last night you told me they were planning something," he waited for her to fill in the blanks.
"That's probably what they're meeting about tonight." Courtney guessed. "I don't know if this helps but they were talking about how vulnerable the government is now with Zan as the acting king and only one member of the Royal Four."
He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back into a book shelf. "Did your brother seem pleased about that?"
"I honestly couldn't tell," she shrugged. "He's pretty evasive sometimes but he didn't seem particularly broken up about it."
"You think they succeeded on what they were trying to do?" Rath asked.
"He seemed to be in a good mood but I'm sure he's still up to something." She looked up into the air.
Rath furrowed his eyebrows at the expression that had come over her face. "Is there something else?"
"Maybe," Courtney replied, looking at him now. "I couldn't hear what he was saying because he started whispering but I could've sworn I heard him say something about Sanaa."
"Princess Sanaa of Lantis?" Rath questioned. "Why would he mention her?"
"I don't know, I just thought I'd let you know." She turned around quickly as she heard voices echoing from the hallway upstairs. "That sounds like Nicolas." She was whispering now. "You have to get out of here."
"I'm not afraid of Nicolas," Rath uncrossed his arms and stood more alert.
"But I'll never find out what they're up to if they find you here," Courtney countered. "Hurry, it's this way Rath."
"Rath," Zan stepped into the room. "Rath, hello." He waved his hand in front of his friend's face.
"Yes," he broke out of his translucent state.
"Sleeping?" Zan sat down next to him.
"I was just thinking about my conversation with Courtney," Rath sat up. "She mentioned someone else Kivar may have plans for."
"Who?" Zan asked.
"Princess Sanaa."
Vilandra awoke to the rays of sunlight shinning on her face as Marit opened the curtains and then pushed open the window to let in the fresh air of the morning.
"Wake up Princess Vilandra," she said in a sing-song voice. "It's a beautiful morning."
She rolled over and put the pillow over her head. "Please close the drapes Marit."
"Your mother asked that I make sure you were up for your classes," Marit walked over to the side of the canopy bed. "General Rath has already left but that handsome man did leave you something before he went."
The Princess tossed the pillow away. "Left me what?" She sat up and noticed a large white box with a light blue bow on top of the chest at the foot of her bed. "What is it?" Her eyes lit up.
Marit walked over to the box and brought it back to her, placing it in her lap. "Open it up and find out Your Highness." She looked almost as excited as the Princess.
The bronzed beauty removed the ribbon quickly and tossed it aside before taking the top off. Her eyes squinted as she picked up a piece of the fluffy white material. "Cotton?" She looked up at the maid and then down at the box again as an irked expression came across her face. "All the materials in the world and he gives me cotton." As she tossed the box away, the sunlight hit it, causing a small reflection to come from inside of it.
"What is that?" the maid peered at it. "Is that..." Her mouth dropped open.
"A ring," Vilandra finished for her as she retrieved it from the cotton surrounding it. "It's beautiful."
It was an azure blue diamond on a platinum band with diamond baguettes on both sides of the center stone. She quickly slipped it on her left hand ring finger and held it up, watching the sunlight dance across the brilliant stones. Marit and Vilandra turned towards the door as they heard a soft knocking.
"Yes," Vilandra called as she fell back into the bed and pulled the covers up.
"Princess Sanaa has arrived," Jabari opened the door slightly.
"Give me a few moments and then send her up Jabari," Vilandra said before he closed the door and then turned to Marit. "You have to help me get ready; I can't wait to show her this ring."
After Vilandra got dress, Jabari led the Princess of Lantis to the other princess' quarters. Vilandra did not waste any time showing off her ring.
"It's gorgeous Loni," the red-head looked at it appraisingly. "He just left it for you this morning?"
She nodded happily. "The minute I saw it, I knew for sure that I was making the right decision."
"Were you having doubts before?" Sanaa looked at her curiously. "You never did tell me what you were talking about at Larek's Coronation Ball."
She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear, a habit she'd picked up when she was nervous.
The pushy Princess peered at her friend. "Loni, what is it?"
Vilandra looked around the room as if to make sure no one was listening, and then whispered softly, "Kivar."
Sanaa leaned in to repeat the name in the same hushed tone. "Kivar." When her friend averted her eyes, she reached over and put her arm around her. "Oh Loni, what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?" She stood up and ran a hand through the top of her long tresses. "I'm going to marry Rath and do what is right for Antar."
"Do you love Rath Loni?" Sanaa stood up as well.
"Of course I do," she replied. "He's one of the most amazing people I've ever met. He's strong and caring and he just makes me feel so loved and protected; I know my heart is safe with him." She smiled as she took a breath. "I can't describe it; I just know that we're right for each other."
"Then what is this about Kivar?" Sanaa questioned.
"I don't know, and believe me, I wish I did." She shrugged helplessly. "He brings out something buried deep inside of me, feelings that I know should feel wrong but…" She shook her head. "I don't know; it's like he haunts me."
Sanaa looked at her curiously. "What do you mean he's haunting you?"
Vilandra took an exasperated breath. "Sometimes he just shows up when I'm alone and now I'm having dreams about him, it's like something draws him to me and sometimes me to him."
"You're having dreams?" An odd expression washed over her features but if Vilandra noticed, she didn't say anything.
The blonde Princess glanced at the clock. "I have to get to my classes."
"For?" Sanaa pressed her expression back to normal.
"To get prepared," Vilandra replied. "We have to meet in fifteen minutes." She headed towards the door. "Please don't mention what I told you to anyone," she said as Sanaa followed her downstairs.
"You're going to be late," Zan called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Well hello king Zan," Sanaa smiled.
"Princess Sanaa," he gave a nod. "How are you?"
"Why don't you have to go?" Vilandra was now standing in front of him.
"Because I have another meeting but Rath and I will see you later today," Zan replied. "I see you got the ring, its beautiful Lon."
"I know," she said excitedly. "Where is he now?"
"Preparing for our meeting with The Royal Army and some of the province troops," Zan replied.
"Good luck," her tone was a bit teasing. "I better go."
"Sanaa," the Prince called just as she turned in the same direction as his sister. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Okay," the red-head turned around.
"When you were dancing with Zsar, did he say anything?" he asked cautiously.
She blinked a few times. "Like what?"
"You know," he paused. "Anything out of the ordinary?"
"Not really," she shrugged. "We barely said anything at all." Her mind drifted back to that evening.
…I would think this would help you get what you really want…
She could still feel the way his gray eyes stared into hers. She shook away the memory and focused on what the Prince was saying.
"…and when I heard he'd mentioned your name, I was a bit worried." Zan said. "I don't trust him."
"Neither do I," she shrugged aloofly. "I have no idea why he or anyone else would be talking about me." She almost thought better but pressed anyway. "What else is this about?"
"Nothing," he thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully. He and Rath had decided to keep their suspicions to themselves until they had more proof. "Bad vibe I guess." He smiled. "Well, I should be going; I'll call you about the upcoming wedding. We're going to marry before the coronation."
"Call me?" confusion spread over her features.
"I thought Loni told you," he shook his head. "Ava and I…"
"Ava?" Sanaa interrupted, her eyes practically bugging out of her head. "But my mother said…" She let the sentence drift off. "And isn't she marrying Zsar?"
"Their engagement was called off," his tone became softer as he took in her appearance.
She tried to say something but all she could come up with was a simple, "Oh."
Zan looked at her questionably. "Sanaa?" He could see it written all over her face; she was heartbroken. "I'm sorry, I never knew."
She swallowed the lump in her throat and stood as poised as she could. "It's fine and I'm really happy for you." Sanaa looked around, unsure of what to do. "I have to go."
She could hear him calling her name as she dashed down the corridor towards the foyer and out the door. Once she was outside, she pressed the button on the side on her mini-communicator and focused her energy into it. As soon as the call was received she began to speak. "You were right, we need to talk."
Ava and Vilandra sat next to each other listening to their tutor Aero, lecturing on what a great responsibility it was to be a member of the Royal Four.
"You have to know everything about your planet and it's history," Aero sat at the edge of his desk. "Let's start with the provinces and their ambassadors. Ava, can you give me four of them?"
"Comoros, Trece, Lahan, and Alwar," She'd studied intergalactic politics and knew all the ambassadors of her home planet as well as many of the other planet's as well. "Their ambassadors are Saveen, Parken, Evant, and Kal."
"Good and can you name the others beside the one we are in?" Aero turned toward the Princess.
"Charis, Sayen, Candala, and Palayan," Vilandra answered with ease. "Ambassadors Kivar, Erwin, Swanlaa, and Aneva are in charge of those provinces."
"And do you know who will become the ambassador to the very province we are in now Princess Vilandra?" He questioned. After she shook her head no, he spoke again. "You will become Antiman's ambassador."
"Me?" a surprised smile came across her face.
"You will be responsible for overlooking the most important province. It's where our capital city is, where the Palace is located, and where our biggest military port lies." Aero explained. "Just because Prince Zan will be the king and General Rath will be his second-in-command does not mean that the two of you won't have very important roles." He paused briefly as he turned to Ava. "As the queen, you will be the heart of this planet. The two of you, as his wife and his sister, will be his greatest advisors and you Avalena will be the voice of the people." He stood up. "Let's talk about the people of Antar. There are of course people from other planets who come to live here but there are basically three races: Antarian, Skinarian, and Nativtarian."
They both looked on as he explained how a man named Antar turned a poverty stricken, philistine planet into a prosperous, refined one.
"We are great allies with Lantis now but at the time, they were ruled by a cruel dictator who ruled over our planet as well," Aero went on. "Antar was a common man who rallied the people to take up arms on both planets and led them out of the totalitarianism they'd lived in for so long."
"And so they renamed the planet after him." Vilandra pause, "after he defeated Lantis' dictator."
"He was killed before the war was even over," Ava said solemnly.
"You're right," Aero nodded. "But his contributions and his leadership lead to this planet's freedom and when the war was over and the people were free, they named this planet after him and became Antarians." He paused briefly. "By the time it was over, many people from Lantis came here and the races mixed. The ones who stayed to themselves became know as Nativtarians because they considered themselves true natives of this planet."
"So shape-shifters are original Antarians?" Vilandra questioned.
"Yes," he answered simply.
"That doesn't explain the Skins though," the Princess paused. "How did they get here?"
"Well Antar became a kind of leader for the rest of the planets in our solar system and we became a refuge for oppressed people." Aero looked between the two ladies seated in front of him. "A conflict broke out between Crite and Harpo, resulting in many innocent deaths. There was a small group on both planets that had banned together for the end of the fighting and when they could no longer take living in a war zone, they took refuge here, mostly in the farmlands of Charis."
"What were they fighting about?" Ava was curious.
"Actually, it's believed that it all started over a woman that two leaders were in love with," he continued. "I believe she was a princess from one of the worlds."
"So this group of peaceful migrants intermixed and became their own race?" Vilandra quickly got back on the topic. "Why are they Skins?"
"After they kept mixing, they all seemed to have the same alabaster skin tone and what started out as something common to refer to them as, became a race." He replied as he gave a slight shrug. "No one really remembers how they were named."
Ava bit at the corner of her lip, a thoughtful look coming across her face. "But if they are such peaceful people, why are they suddenly rebelling?"
"It's not all the Skins who are rebelling Ava," her tone was a bit raised.
"Well you have to admit after what happened to you, they aren't exactly acting peaceful anymore." Ava clarified. "At least a large group isn't and my question is why; what's happened?"
"Sometimes there aren't any easy answers," Aero replied.
Vilandra raised her eyebrows. "Is that what this history lesson is supposed to teach us?"
"No," he shook his head. "The point of history is to know who we are and what has led us to be who we are. It is to prepare and help us not to make the same mistakes of the past."
Ava seemed to accept his answer but Vilandra got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. I wonder if it's really that simple.