Syrenrei

The Betrothed

Rhiane had barely kept herself from rolling her eyes from Luke's chastisement framed by an analogy. It was his calling her 'sexy' that sent another mixed message that made her mind whirl to a stop mid-objection. As confusing as the courts might be she had thought that he would be honest with her if she was with him; it was mutually beneficial if they could communicate clearly since their reputations affected one another directly. In practice she had found him horribly confusing. Either Luke himself wasn't quite certain how to handle the arranged marriage he was being thrust into or he was more mischievous than she had anticipated.

"You shouldn't worry. Even if I do end up aggravating my injury, or if I am purposefully toppled over again as I told you happened the first time, Tobias is going with us on the tour. The inconvenience to you should be minimal," she reassured before she found herself saying, "and I stand by my choice. If I was going to attend I wanted to ensure that I at least made a certain impression." Whether or not the fellow attendees of influence interpreted her the way she wished to be perceived remained to be seen. The princess elect was hopeful that they would see her heels as a subtle reinforcement of the strength she had shown in the contest. It was not just physical strength that had carried her to victory. Mental fortitude was just as, if not more, critical to her past, present, and future, and would be more relevant if she wanted to achieve any goals before Queen Camilla had her executed. No one- not even Luke himself- would let her spearhead any initiatives if they thought her weak and meek.

When the wine glass was delivered to their table Rhiane delicately placed it in front of her. Back on the farm she drank enough alcohol that her tolerance was higher than her brother and almost as remarkable as her father's. For the past few years they had been discreetly creating their own liquor with a distill set up on the edge of a field closest to the forest. Her hesitation in partaking was that she wasn't very familiar with wine. What it was supposed to taste like, how much she should politely imbibe without embarrassing them, how closely she should time her sips. There were many things she needed an education on to really navigate professional affairs much to her chagrin. Ordering a tall mug of dark beer would be more comfortable but scandalous for the royal couple.

Luke's question jerked her attention away from the beverage. "It's for the best I don't answer that," she said slowly. Rhiane had resolved not to lie to him so she didn't falsely assert she couldn't answer; however, she knew if they discussed how she personally assigned fault he might stumble into the realization Evolab wasn't the only entity she blamed. No matter how strained and challenging they might find their current relationship, he had not taken her prior deceptions well, and she certainly misled in every interview that even alluded to the tragedy of eight years ago. The princess elect blamed the crown for their part in her loss. If she didn't love her family more than she cared about her own livelihood she would have never submitted herself to relation to the cold indifference of the monarchy. That was what had put such a strain on her small surviving family unit.

"But what I will tell you is that when my mother fell ill we took her to the doctor. She was everything to us and so we panicked. The diagnosis was frightening but she wasn't past the "point of no return"- it was just that treatment was costly. We took her home and tried to...," Rhiane paused and cleared her throat. Thus far she had kept her composure but it was evident that the topic conjured painful memories. Her voice became increasingly detached as she compartmentalized and spoke as if it was someone else's story. If Luke idly wondered if the woman had allowed her time and space to grieve he would know now she had not. "We tried to scrape together enough money to pay for the medications. Then Edwin was sick and knew from his symptoms that he had what Mom did... but it was too late for both of them. When you're as poor as we were liquidating funds is a challenge in the best of situations. It had spread far enough in our vicinity that no one could buy our equipment because they needed to help save themselves, or someone else they knew, or they just could not afford it with spiking prices with so many people not working."

She sighed. "On official records it says we didn't take mother or brother to a physician until they were incurable. According to those reports there's no one to blame and, if there was, it would be the negligent people who inexplicably let their loved ones waste away without seeking medical attention." That was to say with the careful editing that was done both during and after the epidemic Evolab and the throne were innocent and she, her surviving brother, and her father were guilty of 'letting' death claim the lives of Violet Black and Edwin Black. It was insult to injury.

"I can say that right now I don't personally blame Mr. Wescott. Any sins of his predecessor aren't his," she added, "it's what he chooses to do with the truth, and how he steers the company forward hereafter, that I will judge him by." Rhiane danced around drawing a parallel to her fiance. Even in the privacy of the island she did not feel safe enough with the crown prince to say she thought his mother was deeply flawed, but it was a close as she could come to stating that transgressions of Queen Camilla were not Luke's in her mind. There was still an opportunity for him to set himself apart and choose a path of his own making rather than the one she laid out. "Right now I can't say he's my favorite person, though. That he thought I was a naive idiot speaks to a gap in his expertise."

The Betrothed

"The stilettos were my idea," Rhiane immediately replied to his inquiry without an ounce of shame or regret. "You've spent time in the military. Is there not a saying about not wading onto a battlefield unarmed? If you thought I considered this business event as anything less you are sorely mistaken. I knew I needed every weapon in my arsenal and not just for myself; if I did not wear high-heeled shoes like every other woman in attendance they would be whispering about how weak your fiancee was to let her injury get the best of her." Tobias, her attendants, and the medical staff that had been summoned briefly for a consult on what medicines to take with them in case of an emergency had all stringently opposed her selection. Unfortunately for all of them the princess elect outranked them and used this to her advantage. Queen Camilla had been busy, Luke absent, and there was not enough time for Dr. Gulsvig to intervene even if he had been so inclined. The former farmer flexed her powers in unusual circumstances and without the slightest consideration for her own well-being. Her casual tone and disposition suggested that she was relatively apathetic if she worsened the sprained joint.

She sincerely didn't know why he was so invested in her health. For a man that had to be physically chained to her by his mother to keep him from fleeing to someone else's bed it was bizarre. Multiple times now he had expressed concern between bouts of dismissal and annoyance without any real explanation. Luke did not seem the type to worry himself unnecessarily over people he cared little for. At first she had thought he was anxious about how she might reflect upon him but it felt less and less that was his primary motivation.

"There's nothing to be intimidated by," she proclaimed as she took her seat. She was speaking of Alec Wescott of course but she paused to address her betrothed. "Thank you," Rhiane said. It was etiquette that might have compelled the heir to the throne to pull out her chair but she wanted to express her gratitude nonetheless. "He has everything to lose by campaigning against me and I have very little, if nothing, to lose in comparison. It's in his best interests to play nicely with me but I do not feel any such obligation towards him."

And what she said was true. Queen Camilla, Ms. Viscomi, and the rest of the public relations team in the employ of the crown would protect Rhiane from scandal so long as it was within reason. Trying to replace a princess elect would be an inconvenience at best but potentially catastrophic at worst. If Alec Wescott in particular tried to smear her name he would be gambling whether or not the shrewd monarch would keep the reporters at bay that were angling to expose the tragic circumstances that had resulted in the loss of both Violet Black and Edwin Black eight years ago. The queen was not blameless but if she launched the story first she could paint Evolab as the true enemy of the public, or at least portray herself as trying to right wrongs and make amends by taking the former farmer into the family, while Evolab was attacking a victim of their corporate greed. He would quickly realize it was a fight that could destroy the international pharmaceutical empire or at least give their competitors a strong edge to replace their standing.

"I hope he delivers the documentation," she admitted honestly as she crossed her legs. A few lords glanced over at the movement despite themselves and glimpsed the long, immaculately bronzed skin that shifted the pencil skirt to hug the curves more. Sofia might be a distraction for the 'party' but so was the sultry vixen clad in professional attire. "Financial records are seldom as flawless as they first appear if you dig deep enough and he no doubt expects me to applaud his social programs more generously than is reality. If he's bold enough to also launch the investigation- well, I never actually intended to accept his partnership- but that doesn't mean I can't use my endorsement as leverage to get accountability. We can't change the past but we can try to right its wrongs, can't we?" she sighed.

They had never spoken explicitly about their deceased parents but she suspected that Luke might be able to empathize. He knew who killed his father as well as why but she doubted he ever truly "got over it." Nothing would bring back the dead but there was a part of her that wanted people to mourn besides her, for someone to help shoulder the sense of blame and loss, to not ache at the injustice. As she looked at Like she wondered idly if he tried to forget the late king or, if not, how he chose to remember his father. Rhiane did not know the any of the royalty intimately even now but he had seemed to be a good man, someone that even her family had approved of, and who was sorely missed in the current climate. If her fiance could be a few steps closer to his paternal side rather than so solidly representative of the maternal...

"Is something wrong?" she asked when he fell quiet. "If there is something you need to address Tobias can keep me company while you are busy. He quite agrees with you the stilettos were a poor choice so he will absolutely make certain I don't leave the table."

The Betrothed

The flirty behavior suggested that Sofia was trying to elicit a reaction from Rhiane but she missed her mark. New Rome's princess elect was a jealous and possessive person but she did not feel sufficient attachment to Luke for these feelings to be invoked. It was true that he had made some romantic overtures the night prior, but they had been chased by thinly veiled displeasure at her innocent kiss on the cheek, and he hadn't exactly abandoned all his plans in favor of wooing her through a date today to prove the gestures genuine. The crown prince was hot-and-cold, arrogant, and distant, and while this did not make her despise him, it did make her stop short of an emotional investment beyond their political arrangement. So long as Luke held her at an arm's length she would do the same for him and, as a result, would not feel an ownership to his heart. Watching Sofia was little different from watching a girl she barely knew coyly smile at a business associate. Although she'd be lying to herself if she didn't admit that a tiny hidden part of the former farmer was slightly saddened by her conviction that Luke was so beyond her grasp.

Before answering Alec Wescott Rhiane glanced at Sofia with a look that was a mixture of polite pity and amusement. She did not say anything to the other woman but her expression clearly spoke she felt badly for the actress that had squandered whatever chance she had and was reduced to these petty little games. Soon one of them would be princess, then queen, and the other would be only the former lover rather than a mistress that might have some leverage on policy.

"I am glad to hear you approve," Rhiane said first to Luke. In public her tone was affable and sweet but he had the distinct impression that her gratitude was sincere for his endorsement of this little project she had so suddenly announced on broadcast. "We did not have much time to talk last night after the interview," she admitted. She had a spectacular ability to tell the truth- in this case they didn't have opportunity to converse- while engaging in deception- referring to how they had both fallen asleep quickly while insinuating to the other couple they had partaken in certain nighttime activities. Had he not been present himself and known nothing transpired beyond actual slumber he would have easily suspected the latter before the former. They were, after all, sharing a bed and both highly attractive people.

"The press will almost certainly want to cover this initiative, yes, and I do plan to be personally involved as it is something very dear to me," she stated. "However, I anticipate that will happen regardless of whether or not I have the support of Evolab through their products, if another pharmaceutical company approaches me with a charitable contribution, or I rely on the allocated funds in the treasury to more independently pursue my goal. One could argue that refusing a partnership would be better for an image of a 'compassionate ruler' as it would prove neither myself nor Prince Luke are beholden to a corporate empire in the pursuit of ensuring the health of our people. I concede there could be a failure in a lack of medical professional volunteers, or budgeting promised for another endeavor, but I am happy to meet with any member of the press to explain anything or anyone that might obstruct my vision." It wasn't a threat but it could certainly be interpreted that way. Rhiane was a shining star that had already charmed and dazzled the vast majority of the populace. Considering her background, her hardworking disposition, and her lack of scandal, she could rally people against Evolab more easily than the conglomerate might want to consider.

"I understand that you might be wary of a donation and might want me to personally speak well of Evolab, but I will soon be joined in holy matrimony to the royal family, and so I must be exceeding cautious so as to not reflect poorly on our monarchy. If you would like me to consider a formal endorsement I will need to examine Evolab more closely. An audit, to be performed by a forensic accountant, would be a necessity, as well as a well-documented history of all prior social programs, including not just cost but who they reached, the success with inoculation and/or treatment, and how the individuals were selected versus those that were not covered. I also believe that, in good conscience, I would need an investigation into the northern epidemic of eight years ago. How many were affected, how many Evolab assisted in testing, how many were subsidized in treatment or preventative measures, quotes that given to to the afflicted, offers extended for those in life-or-death scenarios, profit margins for that quarter. I know that predates your appointment to your position but," she said with a saccharine smile, "it would be strange if I didn't want that information, don't you think?"

Rhiane wasn't an anticipated guest. The crown had expressly forbidden any mention through the press coverage of the contest that any mention be made of the epidemics that struck the northern reaches of the kingdom from eight years ago. She had not been the only candidate who had emerged from a town devastated by contagion. This blemish on history had been buried and along with it the truth about both her mother and brother's deaths. Officially there were death certificates that said what they had died from but it was social suicide to approach the topic further. Broaching the subject could only lead to discussion of how greed, negligence, and indifference had cost the lives of more than two farmers before the nation realized they had to aggressively eliminate the threat of it spreading further if not cured.

"Luke, would it be all right if we sat?" she asked with a gesture towards her ankle in its silicone brace. It was sore but not excessively painful; she was just taking advantage of the convenient excuse to get away from the duo that neither of them truly wanted to talk with further.

The Betrothed

Mere minutes after Luke had reassured Rhiane that a cocktail dress would not have, in fact, been more appropriate attire, she was staring at an exquisite example of that same item on a familiar face. Idly she wondered if the crown prince had been sincere with her or taking a passive dig at the woman who he apparently was no longer on the best terms with. Technically she was not supposed to know that Sophia was the lady who had shared her fiance's bed the night of the engagement ball. The palace was nothing if not a hub of rumor and gossip, however, and even if her attendants had shielded her from all the whispers running amok they could not keep her from the numerous speculative tabloids. Even peasants seldom kept secrets borne of passion for long and royalty had even less success with their indiscretions. Nothing sold better than scandal. Perhaps, however, the comment had been made by her future husband without the knowledge that his mistress (or former mistress as she couldn't be certain) was clothed in the exact garment he had directed her away from.

There was something in the posture, the body language, and the gazes of the pair that suggested their relationship had changed. Had Luke left yet another broken heart in his way? That the actress and 'Alec' were already romantically entangled suggested he was the quickest rebound imaginable or Sophia had not been exclusive in her entanglements. For a moment she considered it was the entertainer before her that had elected to end the arrangement though she could not fathom why. Truthfully Rhiane was not in competition for anyone's heart, not even her betrothed's, and she might have been willing to come to an understanding so long as she was not required to feign friendship with the third wheel. If this petite paragon of beauty wanted to foolishly concede her claim to power that was her choice to make but her presence did not for one moment make the princess elect falter in her confidence.

"Thank you, Mr. Wescott, you are too kind," she said with an appreciative smile as she bowed her head ever so slightly in gratitude. "I did not expect my interview to attract quite so much attention as it apparently has," she continued as she forced herself not to go stiff on Luke's arm. The COO was young enough it was unlikely he had any involvement in the decisions that had resulted in her mother and brother being unable to afford life-saving treatment. She, the heir to the throne, and the business professional were all still in their teenage years or early twenties at best when the tragedy occurred. It still took substantial resolve to not let her impression of the man be tainted by the history of his employer.

Rhiane was at a crossroads. She knew better than anyone how she was perceived. At home on the Black Farm she had played the part of the simple foolish woman that her male-dominated profession imposed upon her when it had suited. She had exploited the erroneous stereotype to great effect. Despite proving herself in the contest she knew that the highly educated aristocracy thought of her: that she was an addle-minded creature, whose purpose was to create children with Luke's wit, and to smile prettily for the camera. It was her choice now if she wanted to shed this image or try to take advantage of the ignorant assumptions of the elite. Had her dream of community outreach not been on the line she would have selected the former.

"I would be delighted to discuss my vision with you, Mr. Wescott. I can not, of course, guarantee that the kingdom will subsidize such a program, but I believe it could still result in gains for Evolab as well as the people. One more familiar with tax legislation might find a way to argue any vaccines provided were charitable contributions and thus can be included on yearly deductions. Additionally any expenses that would arise, as I realize it would incur travel costs and require properly trained staff, could be included in the budget for advertising as it would certainly help elevate Evolab's public image," she concluded. Princess Elect Rhiane was not just the sultry vixen that enchanted the masses on broadcast. As Luke already knew she was a shrewd woman with a business acumen rare for those in her social class.

But Rhiane was neither try to prove herself or impress. She could sincerely care less if Alec was humoring her while judging her a fool, if Luke perpetuated himself in annoyance and condescension, and Sofia was inwardly rolling her eyes at the farmer trying to reach for influence she ought not to have. The princess elect was motivated purely by her passions and a desire, conjured of hope alone and rather unstable, to be more than a placating face for the poor. There was a possibility that she could offer insight into those stricken with poverty, tactics proud nobles dared not consider, and a reach for those dedicated to rebellion against the monarchy. She didn't necessarily care to stop the revolution, even if she was capable, but she did want to aid those in distress. They had not been forgotten by her no matter how expensive her accoutrements.

Star Crossed: The Duke's Rebellion

"It's beautiful," Solae murmured to herself though it hardly did the spectacle any justice. She sincerely doubted Rene could hear her voice above the sounds of the typhoon howling hundreds of meters above the ship nor the white noise created by the torrential downpour. When they had been further inside their vessel they had the benefit of the interior structure to help nullify exterior sound while naturally amplifying their own conversation. Even without the ability to communicate vocally they could still utilize body language to convey their thoughts. Rene could easily deduce from the star-struck expression on his lover's visage and the smile creeping upon her lips that she was just as enchanted and humbled by the vision of exotic beauty he was.

Despite her status as an aristocrat, the marquise was not as well-traveled as many of upper echelon of society, the sorts that had luxury cruisers and spacecraft with all the latest technology to expedite their journey with maximum efficiency. The late matriarch and patriarch of the Falia direct lineage had settled on New Concordia not long after she had been born and not been inclined to venture back toward the central systems often. By the most liberal measurements both Marquess Alyosha Falia and Marquise Selene Falia had been quite eccentric in their planetary anchoring. For this reason the backdrop of space, with its offerings of glittering stars and bursts of color from distant galaxies and stellar drifts, had been been fantastical for Rene's proposal. Solae did not expect to find alien flora or fauna that could begin to compare yet she was mistaken.

Feeling adventurous she squeezed her soldier's hand and tugged him down the ramp. She was not confident that, even with the caldera buffering the majority of the gale's force, that her core strength was sufficient to keep her upright if she wandered into the shallow pools. Rene had flattered her on her intellect and coordination but there was no sense in denying that physically she did not have the upper hand in any scenario not fixated on aesthetic appeal. Solae knew that she needed the support of her companion if she wanted to frolic in the glowing phosphorescent liquid.

It was more of a struggle than she had anticipated, due in part to the depth of the veritable pond that had formed around the Bonaventure and her inadequate footwear, but Rene was more than capable of assisting her through when she stumbled. Solae was determined not to let this experience of Panopontus pass her by after she had been put through the duress of making a precise landing through the center of a natural disaster. She felt the universe owed her this tiny expedition. The diplomat was in sore need of reward Soon enough she'd be grounded to the captain's quarters while she her consort went on a mission to obtain them fuel. Getting wet, potentially ruining her clothes, and straining her muscles through the muddy ground was a small price to pay for this joyful immersion in peculiar glamor.

Of course she was reluctant to go too far. Solae knew her limitations and, more importantly, she respected the fury of the beast that assaulted the rocky protection of the caldera's formation. Far too many underestimated nature's ability to destroy. Nobility in particular felt invulnerable, empowered by scientific gains, and out of the reach of anything but courtly assassination plots. The coup would prove to them that they were not gods among men but so could this evening on Panopontus. Strangely she wished a duke or duchess were present to see how weak they were against the might of one 'lowly' storm.

The Betrothed

"I'm surprised she came," one of the reporters in the parting crowd murmured to a colleague as Prince Luke was passing them. She wasn't close enough to the throng of hungry broadcasters immediately next to the princess elect. As such she realized that any questions she might want to ask their future royal would not be heard much less answered.

"I wouldn't have," the man next to her responded as he adjusted his sunglasses and ran his hand through his hair. "Makes you wonder if Evolab would have ever imagined the daughter and sister of people they let die with their outrageous prices would be queen some day. Maybe we can't run the story but I don't envy them finding out the truth of their honored guest." That wasn't to say that Evolab's innovations weren't respected. Everyone realized that the company played no small role in helping civilization continue after nearly apocalyptic acts of biological warfare. More than anyone else, however, the media realized that no entity or person was wholly benevolent. Evolab had undoubtedly been started by people seeking self-preservation and to make a profit at the same time. In their current incarnation there were branches and site to the worldwide corporation that had scandal; after all, even charities had been proven time and time again to have their flaws.

"Luke," Rhiane greeted as she turned. The former farmer had expected to find her fiance in a tailored suit, or perhaps some new men's fashion that was making its rounds at the court, but not the military uniform he donned at this moment. For a second her face faltered. Judging by the cameras pointed in their direction her reaction was undoubtedly immortalized and to be plastered across the kingdom's news articles the next day. During the lapse her lips had parted slightly, her eyes had widened, and she had looked at him with undisguised appreciation. It wasn't a show. She genuinely found him to be strikingly handsome in his current attire. Perhaps it was because she recognized that he wasn't wearing anything different than what other servicemen wore and yet he made it look better. On the other hand, it was just as likely to be that for the first time he wasn't wearing clothing that was so expensive, so unreachable, so distinctively elite that he was visually her superior in every way. Luke didn't feel like he was standing on a pedestal while she was in a ditch, he just felt there, next to her, offering his arm politely.

"I knew this was a business event but I didn't realize it was a party. Perhaps a cocktail dress would have been more appropriate?" she commented once her mind no longer felt muddled by the sight in front of her. Tobias had waited patiently for her to regain her ability to speak before he let go of her arm and stepped back to allow space for her future husband to become the proper escort. Rhiane did not, however, close the distance as quickly as she might have the day before. No matter how hard she tried to forget, his romantic overtures of the night before had seared themselves in her psyche. There was a delicate balance to maintain between continuing their charade and giving false hope of sincere emotional attachment.

"Your highness," the bodyguard said, lowering his voice to a whisper and turning his head so that no clever members of the press would be able to read his lips and determine what he was saying. "I brought some of Miss Black's medication in case her shoe choice begins to cause an issue," he reassured, "I will leave it at your discretion." It was the most polite way that Tobias could admit that, despite how congenial the princess elect was with her servants, she had been resistant to his suggestion of preemptive dosing. Fortunately the brazen woman had not been so foolish as to remove her brace. The almost imperceptible silicon support was wrapped firmly around the weakened ankle in question.

Rhiane herself had not heard the minimal exchange and so, while she was curious what words might be shared between the two cousins, she was happy to proceed into the building. Hopefully they would have a few appetizers- though she was not overly optimistic that she would be able to stomach their offerings. Even without knowing the reporters were aware of her history (rather than the fabrication that had been sold to the masses) she was a bit sickened to know where she was going. It was possible she would be face to face with the same executives that so callously believed that if the poor died it was simply the 'way of things.' Certain nobles certainly held such viewpoint. None of them that she was aware of, however, had either directly or indirectly contributed to her personal tragedies of the past.

The Betrothed

Tobias had called on Madeline, Viola, a pair of beauticians, and a handful of other assistants and attendants to help prepare the lounging princess elect for a formal business affair. When they were summoned the cosmetologists had feared a repeat of the day before, of arriving to find that the former farmer had wrecked her hair in particular as she had on the island adventure, but were pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. Rhiane was casually dressed but otherwise presentable- just not for the event that Luke was requesting her sudden attendance. They had set out at once to comb through her wardrobe (all of which were designer labels selected for her without any input) as she was guided to the nearest palace salon for more thorough preparations. She didn't catch all the lingo that was being thrown around but she heard words like "conditioning" and "mask" and "cutting-edge treatment" dripping off their lips as they conversed in front of her.

A few minutes out. The bodyguard's reply was terse and lacked the formality of his previous correspondence; he simply didn't have the time for a proper salutation and signature. In the lap of the commoner-turned-future-princess was a tablet with a variety of information he had gathered at the last minute on Evolab. Rhiane was not terribly familiar with navigating the device, much like all the other sophisticated technology she had come into contact with in the last week, and so his attention was on providing her assistance rather than detailing the last two hours in excruciating detail.

"We've arrived, Miss Black," the driver notified them through the intercom seconds before the luxury vehicle came to a halt.

"Has Luke already arrived?" she queried Tobias as she slipped the tablet into a leather case and set it on the seat next to her. Peering out the window she could see the frenzy of media correspondents who were sizing up her car. Rhiane had not been one of the announced guests, she suspected, as they were excitedly pointing in the general direction with confusion on their features. As she awaited her answer the driver had stepped out and circled around to the door.

"Yes, I believe he has," Tobias stated just as the driver opened the door. Fortunately he was a shield from the press as he exited the vehicle before her. This had been planned so that he could take her hand and make sure she didn't falter as she stepped out. Rhiane also knew that if she was going to have him be her assigned companion and protector it would be easier to integrate him into her schedule sooner rather than later. If she was doing this favor to Luke he could cope with her also utilizing the media presence to make an introduction.

"Miss Black!" rang out a multitude of voices as they saw her emerge.

Yesterday she had been, by her own admission, not in the best shape physically. Today was an entirely different story. The setting sun kissed her bronzed skin. Although it had been tanned by years in the fields she shone like a goddess of the beach rather than the rural villages at the edge of the kingdom. She wore a designer peplum top with a belt across the empire waist that drew attention to her proportions without being scandalously immodest. Paired with this was a pencil skirt that, with her hourglass hips and long legs, accentuated her figure while remaining professional. Rhiane also carried a small black clutch and wore tall stilettos that made her tall enough not to threaten Luke's height but look more natural on his arm... though at the present moment it was Tobias whose arm took hers stiffly.

"Miss Black, care to make a statement about who is with you today?" she heard one particularly loud woman project over the crowd.

"Certainly," she said with a gracious smile as she glided over to the sidelines of the gathering. Her long hair had two small braids at the temples that had been used to fashion and natural low ponytail at the nape of her neck. A fashion editor noticed this hairstyle and snapped a few photos as she drew closer to undoubtedly broadcast for others to replicate. "Queen Camilla has appointed this gentleman, Tobias Lavanchy, as my personal bodyguard."

"A male bodyguard?" someone called out incredulously.

"That question is sexist, don't you think? I believe he was appointed he was the best candidate for the position- and that is more important than if he's a man or woman, isn't it? We wouldn't want a woman disqualified for a position based on her gender so we must apply the same ideology to men. Mr. Lavanchy also happens to be Prince Lucius's second cousin through the paternal side so he has familiarity with the royal family that will be of great help to me when my fiance isn't available," she explained. There were a few murmurs but no one was brave- or stupid- enough to question the wisdom of the queen openly. Even if they had been so bold there was a certain amount of respect and reverence in the nation for Luke's late father and his relatives. No one discussed it in polite company but many had sympathy, if not pity, for the 'lost' or 'forgotten' in-laws.

"What brings you here today? Are you going to propose your vaccination program from yesterday's interview?" a newscaster ventured.

"No, no we have not even begun discussions. So far that is just one of my dreams," Rhiane said with a smile still on her features though it rapidly became more genuine at the mention of the charitable outreach notion she had. "Today I am here to support my future husband only," she confessed.

The Betrothed

"He wants me to go a formal business event with him?" Rhiane asked after Tobias recited the relevant paragraph of the message for her response. The princess elect was not angry but rather confused; after being so excited about his 'day of freedom' she couldn't begin to imagine why he was wanting of her presence. She fully expected him to reappear this evening griping about the implants and the inconvenience of the invisible collar they created. This was such a stark deviation from his exuberance at having a day of independence it made her quite uneasy. Either she vastly underestimated his about-face regarding engaging in a genuine romance or there was an unanticipated problem that resulted in the sudden summon. She was genuinely uncertain which she found more frightening: that he craved her attention and wanted to be a true couple in every meaning of the word or that there was trouble brewing on the horizon that he strangely thought she could somehow assist with. As proud as Luke was she could neither imagine nor conceive a situation that he, nor any other member of the royal family, thought she could be beneficial to involve. Rhiane knew she was a publicity stunt, meant to smile and wave, to be pretty for pictorials, and to eventually bear children, but she was not meant to be influential or meddle in anything of greater importance.

"Tell him I decline the invitation on the basis I was medically advised to rest," she said after a moment's thought. There was nothing to gain by going to this so-called business event. Either there would be an expectation of honest affection in the event Luke was demanding her for emotional fulfillment or he desired a contribution towards whatever endeavor was being forged. If it was the latter and the dealings soured she would be a scapegoat- even if they succeeded she would never be given any praise or credit. Rhiane had enough 'no-win' scenarios in her life without indulging the spoiled heir to the throne more than necessary.

Tobias paused for a moment and then, without the slightest reaction to his words, bent over to key a message to his second cousin. His features were as stern as always but he saw a golden opportunity- one in which he could illuminate how he was superior to the crown prince with his compassion, his humility, and his understanding. Not only would he poke the bear but he would try to juxtaposition himself so that Rhiane would find it impossible to not draw a comparison. He did not need her love but he needed her trust if he was going to recruit her and turn her away from obedience to the monarchy. If she was stolen successfully from the clutches of Queen Camilla she could be a devastating loss, one that would be able to shed a light onto the reality of both the castle and nobility through her experiences, who would no longer owe them obligation, and could stoke the fires of revolution with her effortless charisma.

Your Highness,

Miss Black wishes to follow the advice of the royal doctor and stay at the palace to rest. We watched two films today, as I advised earlier was her intention, and dined with two of her maids for lunch. At no point have we left your highness's quarters. I will discuss this matter further with Miss Rhiane.

I believe that I will be able to convince her to attend. Should I encounter further difficulty, I will notify you shortly.

Sincerely,
Tobias Lavanchy

It was as formal as was protocol between the two relatives. Tobias's father was elevated into the aristocracy when Luke's father was made king but it by no means but the two on equal social footing. To the lords and ladies of the court the darker-haired man was the inferior of the fair-haired by birth. If he had chosen to pursue a different lifestyle perhaps Tobias could have achieved a title but beneath his stoicism he did not have the iron stomach for the treachery that was more common in the throne room than the common cold. There was a subtle jab in the missive, however, that was reminiscent of how the nation's leaders typically conversed with each other. Tobias all but suggested he could better persuade Luke's fiancee than he himself could.

"Miss... Rhiane," he started as he put down the device and turned back towards the sultry figure that had once again splayed herself on the sofa. Although he was no interested in any sort of relationship beyond the platonic towards her she was captivating in a distracting manner. Her long, thick, dark hair looked remarkably like a river of decadent chocolate, her bronzed skin shone under the mid-day lighting, and casual clothing could not completely conceal the curves beneath that had won her the hearts of most of the male population of New Rome. "I can summon the medical staff to evaluate you if you think you are still unwell."

"No, not that is not necessary, thank you," the princess elect said quickly.

"If I may be so bold, I think you should reconsider Prince Lucius's request," he intoned quietly in his deep baritone voice. Normally Tobias would not have cared an ounce. More than once he had turned a blind eye to the drama that filled the walls of New Rome's most revered building. It was his hidden investment that compelled him to intervene now when he never had before.

"Why is that?" Rhiane asked pleasantly. She was suspicious of both his intentions and reasoning. While his companionship had been somewhat enjoyable during their movie binge of the morning that did not make them close confidants. The former farmer had not yet lowered her defensive walls for her bodyguard nor anyone else in the employment of the crown; it was too premature for such faith.

"His highness said he needs you and I do not believe he would put forth the effort to contact you through me unless he felt it was beneficial," he replied. Tobias also knew the heir apparent to be a shrewd businessman but he did not want to laud praise on him, not when he was trying to turn Rhiane's eyes away from his virtues, and not when he was trying to encourage a mentality that would be susceptible to defection. "And his reputation is closely linked to your own. If he were to bring you to a meeting that reflected poorly on you, it would also negatively affect him, something of which he is surely aware."

Rhiane stared at Tobias for one long moment before sighing and rising to her feet. "I suppose you have a point," she admitted. There was still the risk Luke was harboring feelings she did not want to reciprocate but if she wanted anyone to listen to her, to view her as more than a pawn, she couldn't hide away and only display herself as the pretty face was relegated to embodying. "Very well, let him know I will be going," she remarked, "but I want you to come with me so that I may depart early if he discovers he'll need to stay late."

Star Crossed: The Duke's Rebellion

Rene's words made her smile despite her sullen despondency. She had certainly been given compliments before; no lady of social standing went through life without hearing praise of their heritage, of their skills, of their beauty, of their intellect, or something similarly suiting. The courts were cutthroat but they were not filled with only ridicule and betrayal. Every noble knew inherently how to forge alliances with honeyed words that would put them in good favor. Her now-fiance was exceedingly sincere, however, as well as kind and earnest, and it was these attributes that made his flattery exponentially more charming than anyone else's she could recall. Unlike her parents he did not possess a familial obligation to appropriately adulate her and nor had he political agenda that would compel. He was simply a man who cared about her, who believed every word he uttered, and was distressed at her injured pride.

"It's not as easy as you make it sound," Solae remarked.

And it wasn't. The inflatable that he referenced had never been used before and could be defective. If the rest of the Bonaventure was any indication she wouldn't shocked to discover it had been dragged out for an absurd purpose, damaged, or simply didn't work. Chances were that the previous owners of the vessel had forgotten it and it was immaculate but that was not their only issue. Getting across the straight, finding fuel and/or a person selling fuel, obtaining it without arousing suspicion, and then crossing the body of water back to the caldera was no small feat. Just trying to visualize the veritable man of her dreams putting himself into such a dangerous situation gave her heart palpitations that had nothing to do with their passionate romance. The marquise would have to send him off and try to trust that he would succeed and return. If he did not she would be mourning the life lost while stranded on a foreign world and awaiting her inevitable capture. She knew she would be a liability to Rene's minor quest but being separated, however brief, terrified her.

"We still can't do anything until the storm clears," she insisted. "It will be hard enough with the flooding but you're insane if you think you'll have my blessing going now. Landing during the storm is our reckless strategy for the week. In seven days we can begin negotiations about what horribly risky proposal you want to indulge," she teased as she leaned over and deposited an affectionate kiss on his cheek. Though she was jesting about the timetable she was quite committed to delaying his outing. The typhoon could have destroyed an armored spaceship; it would absolutely rip a tiny little emergency transport to shreds if it just didn't buck him off to drown. That didn't even factor in him trying to haul fuel through cataclysmic tides almost a hundred meters high.

"Are you hungry? We have a wonderful assortment of gourmet delicacies in the kitchen," she mused aloud as she rose from the bed. If Rene wanted to celebrate she imagined that picking up sundries off the floor of the captain's quarters was not what he envisioned. Solae tucked the holo plate under her arm so that she could assess the map more thoroughly after her adrenaline-induced hunger was satiated.

After a second she paused and turned, however, recalling something he had mentioned earlier. "You said you wanted me to see something? If it's not the exterior of the ship, what is it?

The Betrothed

Two movies later, one of which they had both legitimately enjoyed, and one of which Tobias had been much less enchanted than the princess elect (as the special effects were far more impressive than any of the acting and Rhiane had far less exposure to major films), and they were both ready to eat. Being assigned as her personal bodyguard meant the slightly older man was at the mercy of the schedule of his charge. Rumors persisted that the queen wanted her future daughter-in-law as thin as possible in order to appeal to the nobility so he would not have been surprised if a meal was skipped. Fortunately, the former farmer had no intentions of being faithful to any diet. She knew her current image was what appealed to the masses, the people whom she was meant to invoke loyalty to the crown, and so she had no fealty to any goal to make her into a half-starved waif. As far as she was concerned it was Luke's task to keep the wealthy, spoiled, and entitled aristocrats supportive. He understood them far better than she ever would or could. Peasants were best left to the peasant and scions to the heir.

After deciding she was ready to eat Rhiane declared an idea that left Tobias so stunned that his mask of stoicism slipped: lunch with him and a couple of her maids. Technically there were no rules from Queen Camilla expressly forbidding sharing a table with servants. It was for this reason that her plan was allowed to come to fruition. There was no one immediately available to come to the prince's bedchambers and share a meal with the princess elect who was of appropriately high stature, she expressed she did not want to dine alone, and there was not enough time to summon the monarch and have her decide whether or not such a request could be permitted. It would later undoubtedly become the talk of the palace. Rhiane, future wife to their prosperous kingdom's ruler, chose the company of her subordinates. It was both a salacious story for the courts and an endearing tale for the public.

The two ladies brought to the prince's quarters were dedicated attendants to Rhiane specifically. Viola was a relatively new appointee to the staff, three months younger than Rhiane, from a noble family on the lower end of the social strata, and all too eager to seize the opportunity that had been offered. She had long dark hair that fell to her waist, eyes that almost looked black except in the brightest light, and a pronounced hourglass figure that was only overshadowed in the presence of her mistress, Rhiane. By most standards she was quite beautiful but her lineage lacked influence or renown thus she was still an unwed maiden. Madeline was, by contrast, in her thirties, married to a butler, of sufficient social standing she exercised authority over senior members of the castle staff, and more homely in appearance. If she had been walking around the capitol by herself no one would have known she was anyone respected or exceptional. Madeline was short, heavier than the conventional aesthetic dictated, had a prominent nose, and had her brown hair cut to a somewhat unflattering length for practical reasons (allegedly her daughter pulled on it when it was longer).

They had been seated around one of Luke's table. There was no head of the table, though Rhiane would have been well within her rights to assume such a position, and the plates of food that had been delivered were large portions meant to be shared. Had the two maids and guard been by themselves they would have been given mass-produced dinnerware. It was the presence of the individual that would soon join the royal family through ceremony that demanded their lunch been served on fine china decorated with a delicate filigree design.

"Thank you for inviting us again, Miss Black," Viola gushed before glancing to Tobias and smiling brightly. Even a blind, deaf, and dumb man would have been able to spot the girlish crush she had on the handsome bachelor. Luke and his brothers were firmly off-limits to someone like herself so it was understandable why she might have such a fixation on Tobias; he was single, reserved, tall, chiseled, and lacked any of the arrogance that his peers had. She would have been hard-pressed to find someone more eligible and attractive among palace employees. Tobias's father, the late king's cousin, came from the same ancestry that had made Queen Camilla's former consort striking enough to be selected as her spouse. It only made sense that what made Luke such a renowned heartthrob would do the same for his relatives.

"You're doing me a favor," Rhiane promised as she portioned out some of the fall harvest salad onto her plate. "I realize this is a bit unconventional but it seemed silly to eat lunch by myself when there are so many people around. Besides, I am in your debt for all that you have been doing to help me adjust to my new life," she continued as she used a pair of polished silver tongs to place a slice of foccacia next to the leafy greens.

"You owe us no gratitude," Madeline with polite formality. As much as the princess elect was trying to cultivate a casual atmosphere it was nearly, if not totally, impossible for the professional woman to forego proper etiquette. "It is our duty and privilege to serve you."

"Even if that is true I can still be thankful," Rhiane countered with a charming smile. "It might be the chef's responsibility to cook but you can still feel appreciative for what he's prepared, can't you?" she said with a gesture to the decadent platters strategically placed where all of them could reach. "I think that's something we all too often forget, don't you? We take people and things for granted far too often and don't realize how blessed we are, how wonderful the world us is, and how everyone deserves recognition and praise for their accomplishments, no matter how mundane."

"You make a compelling argument," Tobias said to break the slightly uncomfortable silence that followed Rhiane's brazen statement. Viola was trying to keep herself from laughing imagining either Luke or Queen Camilla sharing the sentiment and Madeline had pursed her lips together as she tried to evaluate whether Rhiane was sincere or was perhaps using a convincing courtier mockery of their social class.

"Thank you Tobias. Does anyone call you Toby? Or do you always go by Tobias?" she asked curiously.

"I am always addressed as either Dark Horse 3, Tobias, or Mr. Lavanchy," he answered simply as he served himself marinated chicken breast that had been tastefully sprinkled with chopped herbs. The scent of the entree wafted through the room and was enticing enough that as soon as he had finished choosing his slices both Viola and Madeline were reaching for the plate to partake as well.

"Hmmmm," Rhiane said as she looked at her new bodyguard thoughtfully. She was admittedly in a bit of a rush for familiarity, in the hopes that she could create a level of trust that would challenge their blind indoctrination, but she didn't think that Tobias would be emotionally receptive to any such overtures. The princess elect knew she had to be steady and slow to earn his confidence; this was not a time to be impatient. Little did she know that she stately man was trying to do the exact thing to her but with entirely different motivations and ambition.

"May I ask you a question, Miss Black?" Viola ventured. Madeline's lips thinned in disapproval but she did not outwardly protest. To do so would challenge the former farmer's wishes and she knew that she was out-ranked. No one, not even the queen who endorsed the division of social class, would support such blatant insubordination.

"Of course! Yes, please, ask me anything you like- except perhaps to kiss and tell," she answered quickly with a mischievous wink. To her companions this was an absolutely reasonable boundary. No one seriously expected, not even the media, to be allowed a window into Prince Luke's most private and intimate moments. For her this instruction was given because she was genuinely uncomfortable with her brothed's incredibly bizarre romantic gestures. Voicing them aloud would make her anxiety regarding the future of hers and Luke's relationship exponentially inflated.

"In your interview you didn't talk much about your family," Viola said as she spooned freshly steamed vegetables onto her plate and then began to cut them into tiny bites as was proper manners. "What are they like?"

Rhiane had to suppress the urge to bristle at the question. She had avoided the topic because the estrangement she had from her father and brother was so painful, so difficult to bear, and so demoralizing that she had been unable to even place a picture of them on her wall. It was easier to try to forget they existed than remember the parting words that had carved large wounds onto her heart. But it was unconscionable to pretend they didn't exist. It was for their benefit she had even considered entering their contest and it was for them alone that she continued to play her part in the spectacle that was being compared to Cinderella on the evening news. As angry as she was with both of them she wanted to honor them even if it was in the privacy of the quarters of a man they hated above all others.

"My father is a tall, like Tobias, but he's a bit wider," she joked as she tried to recall happier days. The fond tone she took one immediately made even Madeline drop her silverware and pay rapt attention; there was such love, such adoration, such reverence in her voice it was bewitching. "Everyone thinks because he's large, and facial hair, that he looks like a bear and must act like one, but he's actually too much of a people pleaser. He is too kind to say 'no' even when someone is talking him into a bad deal. Mom always said he was a bit of a doormat when someone came to him with a sad story. Gerald is a giant too, but almost all muscle, and has the opposite problem with people. He has a heart of gold but he gets frustrated very easily, and loses his temper, and we spend more time trying to calm him down for being upset over the smallest things... but he's bright. Sebastian and I always told him he should have pursued a higher education. He has such amazing focus, and dedication, that I think he'd be brilliant in university."

"What about your mother and other brother?" Viola asked gently in a voice barely above a whisper.