A/N: I was supposed to post this over the weekend but it was my cousin's babyshower and then her birthday was the next day so I didn't get to a computer till today. I will be going on vacation on Friday so it'll probably be two weeks untill I post another chapter... till then, please read and review!

Watchful Eyes

Ava stood in front of the long mirror in her room, as the dressing maid tied the bow in the front. It was a light, summery dress; a pale copper embroidered with a metallic colored lace that came down a little past the knee. Her shawl, which Meris placed around her shoulders, matched the copper tone bow as well as the barrette on the side of her hair. Her bangs were swept to the right as the rest of her hair came down in soft waves.

Just as she was waving her hand over her lips, staining them a soft pink, she heard her door being opened.

"Are you decent?" a male voice called through a crack in the door.

"Yes," Ava turned around. "Come in."

Rath stepped into the room and bowed when he saw her. "You look beautiful Your Highness." There was a slight mocking in his voice.

"Stop it," she laughed. "So what's going on?'

"I wanted to discuss something with you before the luncheon." He leaned against her chiffirobe.

Ava turned towards the maid. "That will be all Meris, thank you."

After the maid left, he began speaking again. "It was actually a favor I had to ask of you."

"This sounds serious," Ava sat down on the chest at the end of her bed.

Rath pointed towards the door to the adjoining room, realizing it might not be appropriated to talk to her in her bedroom. "We can go in there if you'd feel more comfortable."

"We're fine here," she shook her head. "Stop stalling Rath, what is it?"

"Zan told me what you heard the night of King Larek's Coronation," he paused briefly. "I hope that's okay."

Ava nodded. "I was going to tell you myself but everything else started happening so quickly."

"Well since then I've been looking into what else they may have been up to that night," Rath continued. "Courtney's been looking out for things," he paused again, "for me."

"You mean she's spying on them for you?" She slanted her eyes. "I knew they weren't the closest brother and sister but…" she left the rest of the sentence in the air as she bit the bottom of her lip. "How did you approach her with this?"

"I didn't," he scratched at his eyebrow. "That same night she told me that she thought Kivar, Zsar, and Nicolas were planning something."

"She didn't say what?" she leaned back, thinking.

"She said she didn't know," Rath replied. "Here's the thing, I want to believe her but I have to be sure."

Ava nodded. "I understand."

"Good because that's where you come in." He looked her directly in her eye.

"Me?" she looked at him warily.

"You and your abilities," he explained. "I need you to feel her out; see if she can really be trusted and I really can't trust a whole lot of people to do this for me."

"Isn't this something Vilandra's more suited for," Ava continued, "with her dream-walking and ability to access the subconscious?"

"Maybe but she considers Kivar a friend and I know you feel the same way about him that I do," Rath replied. "Besides that, it might be too much for her right now; she's been having these nightmares ever since her father and the others died."

"Okay," she conceded. "I'll see what I can do."

He began to walk towards the door, then stopped a bit abruptly. "One more thing," he turned around. "Can you check out Princess Sanaa too?"

She stood up. "Why?"

"Just a hunch," he shrugged. "I'll see you at the luncheon." He opened the door.

"Hey," the blonde called from behind him.

"Yeah," he answered.

"You look really nice," she smiled. "Almost royal."

"Thanks," he returned it. "I try."

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Vilandra sat with her head against the desk in front of her vanity mirror. She had already gotten ready, dressed in a light pink tulle daydress that flowed down to her feet with a matching shawl, but with her recent lack of sleep, she laid her head down and quickly succumbed to slumber.

She walked through a lush field, the grass underneath her bare feet as the light from the suns shined warmly above her. She quickened her pace towards the gazebo, seeing the shadow of a man standing there. As she got closer and saw who it was, she ran towards him.

"Vilandra, my beauty," a familiar male said as she fell into his arms.

"Daddy!" It was a term she hadn't used since she was a small child but somehow it felt fitting.

Zaid pulled back to look at his daughter, then embraced her again, kissing her on the forehead before they sat down.

"I miss you so much," she leaned against him. "There is so much that's happened to me; I need you, we all do."

"I will always be with you Loni," he replied, "in your heart; watching over you."

"It's not the same," Vilandra looked up at him. "Mother's trying to be strong but it's killing her; I can see it in her eyes. And Zan's bottled up everything inside and I'm just so confused."

"Everyone grieves in their own way," he wiped away her tears. "It will take time but you will all get through this."

"I don't know if I will," Vilandra shook her head. "You've always been there to help me and now when I need you help most of all, you're gone."

"What is troubling you Loni?" Zaid looked in her eyes. "What has my beauty so upset?"

"I'm betrothed to Rath and I love him but I have these feelings for Kivar." She felt so torn.

"You know, your mother and I loved each other very much but we also complimented each other," Zaid continued. "The person you are meant to be with should bring out the best in you and you in them. In your heart Vilandra, does Kivar bring out the best in you?"

She sat silently for a moment, truly thinking about it. "No, I don't think he does."

"How about Rath?" Zaid questioned.

Vilandra beamed as she thought about him. "Yes, he definitely brings out the best in me."

"Then there's your answer," Zaid smiled.

"I love you so much," she hugged him.

Her father kissed her on the forehead. "I love you too Loni."

"Loni," Zan's voice echoed through her dream.

"It's your brother," Zaid said as they stood up. "It's time for you to go."

The stubborn princess shook her head. "No."

"You have to go and so do I," he replied. "It's time."

"Please father," a tear rolled down her cheek. "Please don't leave me."

"I never will," she heard his voice as she began to awake.

"Loni," Zan shook her.

Vilandra blinked a few times as she sat up, wiping her tear stained cheeks. "Zan?" The fuzzy image in front of her became clearer.

"Are you okay?" concern spread across his face.

"I think so," she nodded. "I saw father."

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The luncheon was being held outside in the Landra Garden, off of the east wing of the Palace. There were several white and gray marbleized tables with white chairs set up on the tilan. A tilan was an area in a garden or park that was leveled off and tiled to make an even surface.

After everyone was seated, Maya stood at the edge of the terrace above the garden area. "If I could have everyone's attention please."

They all settled in their seats, looking up at the last member of Antar's Royal Four.

"I have called you here today for two reasons," Maya began. "We are here to honor Antar's late King Zaid, Duke Hasan, The Duchess Anash and all the others who were lost to us such a short time ago." As she saw the sad looks on the faces that stared back at her, she continued. "This is not a sad occasion but a celebration of their lives and their contributions to Antar. "I'd like to invite The Chancellor Marquis to address you all now," she looked to her right. "Zander."

Maya stood to the side as he approached the podium. "The loss of a king and two members of Antar's Royal Four was not only a great loss for this planet and its people but to all of Vlach." Zander cleared his throat. "I'm reminded of a passage in the Cavet:

In you darkest hour, may you find the light.

In your deepest despair, may you find solitude.

In your journey, may you find fulfillment.

And in your life, may you live it in every breath.

That was King Zaid's favorite passage and something that they each lived by each and everyday; I only hope that we all will choose to live by their example."

Everyone clapped as he took his seat and Viala was asked to say something. After several people spoke and read passages that were special to the members of The Royal Four, Maya returned to the podium.

"Thank you all for your kind words," she smiled to the crowd. "Although this is to honor who we've lost and our past, I've also invited you her to speak of Antar's future and to announce a coronation and the engagements of my son and daughter."

A hushed silence fell over the crowd.

"I will be stepping down as queen and my children and their future spouses will be taking over the kingdom," Maya took a deep breath. "May I present to you my daughter Princess Vilandra and her betrothed, General Rath."

Everyone at the tables clapped as the Princess and her General proceeded down the crimson colored carpet and stood at Maya's right side.

"And my son," She waved her left arm. "Prince Zan and the woman who's betrothed to him, Miss Avalena of Comoros."

Again the crowd clapped and a look of relief rushed over the petite blonde's face as they decending to Maya's right.

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Everyone seemed to accept the soon-to-be Royal Four, at least publicly. Of course there were some who had apprehensions but that was to be expected. Mostly there were questions amongst each other and half of them were if anyone knew who Ava was. Someone who did would tell them what they knew or heard and it was pretty much accepted.

Ava broke off from Zan, who was standing with Rath, Larek, King Sero of Crite, and some high-ranking officer from Harpo's Royal Arms. She made her way to Courtney, who was standing alone, sipping champagne.

"Hi Courtney," she walked up behind her and took a glass from the waiter's tray.

"Miss Avalena," the ash-blonde gave a smirk. "You sure are coming up in the world."

She slanted her eyes as she exhaled sharply, her tone flip. "Thanks."

"I didn't mean it like that," Courtney turned towards her. "I just meant that he's a much better choice than Zsar; I know that wasn't exactly your idea of an ideal marriage."

"No," she gave a half smile, then took a drink from her flute. "I can't say that it was." Ava took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully as she tried to feel her out. "I was a little nervous about this; people accepting me."

"Better you that that Vilandra," Courtney murmured underneath her breath.

"What?" She'd heard every word but thought it better to pretend she didn't.

"Nothing," she smiled. "I wouldn't worry, the less people that know who you are, the less bad misconceptions they'll have about you."

"Maybe but it could be the exact opposite." Ava shrugged. "I think Rath was a good choice."

"Yes he is," the look in Courtney's eyes did not go unnoticed. "He's an amazing man."

Ava nodded. "I think so too." She picked up her glass and took another sip. Anyone who spent two minutes with her can see how devoted to Rath she is; I'd be surprised if she was loyal to anyone else but him.

"This garden really is beautiful," Courtney's voice cut through her thoughts.

"It is; you should have a better look around," she replied. "I should mingle before anyone gets any misconceptions." She smiled. "I'll see you later." One down, one to go.

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"Hello ladies," Kivar smiled as he approached Vilandra, Sanaa, and Viala.

"Ambassador Kivar," the three girls said in unison.

He took each one of their hands and kissed them, lingering on the blonde's a little longer than necessary. "It's such a pleasure seeing you all again."

Vilandra had just gotten done telling them about everything that happened recently between her and Kivar and the dream with her father putting things into perspective for her.

"Would you all excuse me?" the bronzed beauty smiled. "My fiancé looks like he needs saving." Vilandra gave another smile before walking away.

Just as Kivar looked like he might follow her, Viala grabbed his arm and leaned towards him to whisper. "What ever game it is you are playing sir, I suggest you quit while you're ahead."

"Excuse me Lady Viala," he posted a shocked look on his face. "But I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Let's try this then; stay away from my cousin." The brunette patted his shoulder. "I will be watching you, Ambassador." She gave a polite nod and then walked away.

"What is she talking about?" his gray eyes slanted at the remaining woman in front of him.

"She told her about the way you always show up," Sanaa replied.

"Well I'm not the one who's always standing her up, am I?" He raised his eyebrows as an arrogant look appeared on his face.

"I can't keep helping you with that," her voice was quiet. "She' going to start noticing that every time I don't show up, you do."

"We have a deal Princess," Kivar replied in a hushed tone. "You can't back out now."

"I haven't seen anything," she glared at him. "Besides, it doesn't matter anyways." She flipped her auburn locks. "She had a dream about her father and if she wasn't convinced that she was making the right decision marrying Rath before, she is now."

"A dream?" he repeated he word as he looked off into space.

"Yes, a dream Kivar." She rolled her eyes. "You know those things you like to haunt."

"What was it about?" His voice was demanding.

"You came up too fast to get all the details but in short, he came to tell her Rath's the one for her." Sanaa looked him directly in the eye. "It's over."

"It will never be over," his voice sounded even creepier than normal. "I will see you later Princess Sanaa."

Little did they know that a few feet away, someone was watching them.

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After everyone was done eating, they began mingling again. Vilandra stood off to the side, slightly distanced from the rest of the crowd as she picked a Landra flower from the bush and brought it up to her nose, taking in its scent.

"Loni," Rath put his hand on her shoulder as he came up behind her. "Are you okay?"

"These were my father's favorite flowers," she smiled sadly as she turned around. "He named me after them. He used to say they were the beauty of the land and that I was his."

"I know," he replied, putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Zan thinks I'm crazy or something but he did come to me," She looked down at the flower then back up into his eyes. "He was trying to guide me; to help me get through this."

Rath wiped the tear that had rolled down her cheek. "What did he say?"

"He asked if we brought out the best in each other; that that's how we'd know if we were right for each other." She looked up at her solider. "I told him that you did."

"You bring out the best in me too," Rath dipped his head down to kiss her lips softly. "We will find out who took him from you; from all of us."

"I know," she hugged him and then saw Kivar's eyes staring into hers from across the acreage. Her heart felt like it stopped momentarily but she ignored the feeling, avoiding his haunting eyes. "You know what; I'm completely famished." She stepped back.

"Shall we then?" Rath put out his arm and they headed towards the table.

Kivar stood there for a moment, silently seething as he watched the two of them walk off arm and arm, before stalking away himself, not noticing that he too was being watched.

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Zan turned to feel a hand on his shoulder. "King Larek," he nodded.

"Ava and I have been looking all over for you," he stood at his side. "What are you doing all the way over here anyways? The party's over there."

"Just watching," he shook his head.

"Watching?" The King looked at his friend. "For what Zan?"

"I'm not sure yet," came his thoughtful reply. "We better get back before she sends a search party out here."

Larek laughed as he hit Zan jovially on the back and they made their way to the crowd.

"There you are," Ava beamed up at him. "I was just about to look for Rath so he could head up the team to find you two."

Zan laughed and Larek both laughed.

"She really was," Ema giggled, then glanced at Larek.

"What do you say we leave these two alone," Larek turned towards the petite brunette then bowed slightly. "Would you accompany me on a short walk Miss Emilia?"

"I'd love to," she smiled as she took his arm and they strolled off together.

"Would you look at them," Ava hugged her prince. "They really do make a cute couple."

Zan stared off into space, not really hearing what she said.

"Zan?" she looked up at him.

He shook his head, breaking out of his daydreaming state. "Yeah."

"Hey," he sapphire eyes stared into his. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure yet," He continued as confusion spread across her features. "Have you ever seen something that looked normal but didn't feel quite right?"

"What did you see?" she questioned.

"I'm not sure," he replied. "But I'm going to find out."