NationStates Jolt Archive

((I will wait to Roania's response, I'm curious about what he has to say))

((I will wait to Roania's response, I'm curious about what he has to say))

OOC: As am I!

Theodora gingerly approaches the Firedrake.

"I'm not going to hurt you..." she says timidly. She swallows hard and reaches a trembling hand out to touch the creature. "My name's Theodora... I've never seen anything like you before!"

***

Outside, Prince Constantine walks into the camp.

"Where is my sister?" he asks a passing soldier. The soldier gestures to the tent with the furnace.

Prince Constantine approaches the tent, but is barred access by the guards.

"Dammit, let me pass." he says, but the guards do not relent.

"THEODORA!" he shouts. "COME OUT AT ONCE!"

In an instant, a strange thing happens to Theodora. Suddenly, she is feeling two distinct sets of emotions - one which she can tell are her own, and one which she knows must be the Firedrake's.

Thaneth's emotions toward the princess are open and friendly, with a little curiosity thrown in (this is, after all, their first meeting). In the background, however, she can feel concern (which she'd probably guess - correctly - was for the safety of the Eggs), and also a little guilt (for the angst she's caused her rider, Tonn, although Theodora might not get that one).

She can also "hear" the Drake's message, although it does not come in words. The meaning, however, is clear, and if it had to be translated into words (some kind of an animation would be better, but what can you do?) it'd come out like this:

Greetings, your Highness. I am Thaneth, and it is a pleasure to meet you. However, I feel our conversation may have to wait. Your brother is outside the tent, and he's a little annoyed that he isn't being allowed to enter. In fact, I think he's about to... yes...

At this point those within the tent heard Prince Constantine's cry from outside. Tharn, however, seemed less shocked than he might have been - it appeared that his Firedrake Marol (who was in the stable tent with the other 'Drakes but was, as their leader, allowed the spot with the best view) had warned him at the same time as Thaneth told Theodora.

Barl, on the other hand, had no such warning and, caught by surprise, spun round and instinctively assumed a fighting stance. He then realised that no-one was in the room, so resumed his normal stance and looked to his liege, a question in his glance.

Tharn responded quickly, by gently taking the princess' arm and saying "Theodora, it seems that this must wait 'till a later date - your brother seems quite... insistant. Let us go and meet him. Barl, please accompany us - I wouldn't like him to think that her Highness and myself were in here alone and un-chaperoned" he added with a wink to Theodora.

Then, as a thought struck him - "Theodora, by your country's custom would it be more proper for Barl - as acting chaperone - to walk behind us, with us, or between us?"

Theodora feels a lump form in her throat.

My brother is going to expect the worst... I'm in trouble... she thinks to herself, afraid. Thaneth can obviously sense her thoughts.

"I don't think it is going to make any difference where Barl stands, Tharn." says Theodora going pale.

She steps out of the tent.

Prince Constantine glares at her.

"Theodora Capet...." he says in a disappointed tone. "...what the hell are you thinking?"

"Constantine, Barl was with Tharn and I the whole time, he was just showing me something, it was entirely innocent!" Theodora protests.

"Oh good, so you were alone in a tent with two men. That's comforting." says Constantine, rolling his eyes.

"Con, you know I wou..." Theodora starts but is cut of.

"Don't 'Con' me, Theodora!" snaps Constantine. "What were you doing in there?"

"Well..." Theodora looks at Tharn, and then back at Constantine. "...I can't say."

"What?" asks Constantine.

"I can't tell you what we did in the tent." Theodora says, hanging her head low.

"I'm going to have to tell father this, you know." says Constantine, looking even more disappointed in Theodora.

Theodora nods silently as tears start running down her cheeks. Prince Constantine looks down at her feet.

"What happened to your shoes, young lady?" he demands.

"I had to take them off to..." Theodora stops herself.

"To what?" Prince Constantine enquires.

"I had to take them off." she says.

"Whose boots are those then?" Constantine asks, shaking his head.

"A soldier's, I suppose. I don't know." she replies quietly.

"Right. Well, hopefully that soldier won't mind if you wear them for the walk back to the palace." says Constantine as he grabs Theodora by the arm.

Theodora looks up at Tharn before Constantine pulls her away.

"Thankyou for... you know. Please, see me again!" she says, before Constantine pulls her out of the encampment and starts walking towards the palace.

Sandar shakes his head. "Never. A Christian Knight fights to defend the innocent, not punish the guilty. The second is ultimately the place of God and, so far as the laws of man go, of the courts. In the first days of the Empire, when the Order fought pagan knights whose fanaticism to their idols was strong enough that they fought to the death, bloodshed was often unavoidable but the brigands and outlaws with whom the Order concerns itself in these times of relative peace normally surrender so soon as the issue is clear."

As they walked through the palace corridors, Theodora struggled to keep up with Constantine.

"Do you have to walk so fast Con?" she asks, crying. She was weak at the knees.

"We can slow down a little." Constantine says, still holding onto Theodora's arm. He slows down to Theodora's pace. As they turn a corner she speaks again.

"What... do you think he'll..." Theodora stammers.

"I don't know. But I have to tell him. You understand." Prince Constantine tells his sister. "Stop breathing so quickly, you'll hyperventilate."

The two arrive at a pair of heavy doors, guarded by some Varangians.

"Your Highness, the Emperor, Count Kyrosal, Prince Bastianel, Inquisitor Darquis and several police officers are in the antechamber. They cannot be disturbed, under any circumstances." says the Varangian. "I'll open the door for you as soon as the Emperor is done."

Constantine nods in acknowledgement and turns to Theodora.

"Compose yourself Theodora. We've got a few minutes. Wipe those tears away, calm yourself down." says Constantine as he offers Theodora his hankerchief.

Theodora bites on her lower-lip as she wipes her tears away with Constantine's hanky.

"I'm afraid Con..." she says softly.

Sandar shakes his head. "Never. A Christian Knight fights to defend the innocent, not punish the guilty. The second is ultimately the place of God and, so far as the laws of man go, of the courts. In the first days of the Empire, when the Order fought pagan knights whose fanaticism to their idols was strong enough that they fought to the death, bloodshed was often unavoidable but the brigands and outlaws with whom the Order concerns itself in these times of relative peace normally surrender so soon as the issue is clear."

Anna smiles.

"I'm glad for you. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

((OOC: Tharn wouldn't let that mis-understanding go... not when the honour of a lady is at stake.))
In the long, easy strides which any good soldier soon develops, Tharn hurried after the two Pantocratorian royals.

"Prince Constantine, I believe you may have got the wrong impression - please" he added uickly before Constantine could say anything - "let me finish. Your sister cannot tell you what she saw within that tent - I say saw, not did - not because she has done wrong but because I swore her to secrecy. If you will but wait a few more days, I will be able to reveal all - to all present at this gathering, what's more - but not yet."

He put a hand on Constantine's shoulder (praying that the gesture would not be taken as an insult), drawing them both to a stop, and looked him straight in the eye. His voice dropped to a quiet, sincere tone, and he continued.

"Your Highness, I swear to you on the shards of my Firedrake's egg that neither I nor your sister has acted improperly. Please, Your Highness - time is all I ask. The contents of that tent are, I hope, to be a gift to the Pantocratorian Royal Family, and I simply wished your sister's opinion as to their suitability."

Too late he noticed the plural - careful, Tharn, don't give too much away - but carried on:

"Truly, Sir, I understand your suspicion - in your position, I'd feel the same. If you wish me to avoid your sister until I have proven my words, I will gladly do so. All I ask is that you give me the chance to prove them, before thinking ill of me - or, more to the point, of her Highness.

<<EDIT and OOC: - took too long to post - when I started writing Theo and Con hadn't started their next conversation. Could we say this happens between when Theo and Con rush off, and their conversation? Anyway, I have to go now - be back tomorrow at some point>>

The Prince shakes his head again. "It is quite alright, Your Highness. Given the circumstances, you have the right to ask of me whatever you feel you should know."

OOC: Your proposed time-line works for me Wyrmberg!

IC:

"Your Highness, thankyou for the explanation. I'll be sure I relay it to the Emperor." says Prince Constantine politely.

"You're still going to tell father?" asks Theodora, biting her bottom lip.

"I have to, Theodora." says Constantine. Theodora blanches.

"The Emperor may wish to speak with you about this, Your Highness. But for now, I'll leave you be. I'm sorry to have intruded into your camp like this." says Constantine, before the siblings turn to go.

The Prince shakes his head again. "It is quite alright, Your Highness. Given the circumstances, you have the right to ask of me whatever you feel you should know."

"Thankyou, Your Highness." says Anna. "Tell me, do you play chess? What sort of things do you like to do?"

Sandar smiles a little. "I do, in fact. Not so well as some of my siblings but passing fair. I like to fence and to joust, though I doubt such things interest you much. I am an avid patron of the arts and make it appoint to attend the theatre and the opera when my duties allow. I also have a great love of the sea, by ship, and theskies, by dragon. I like to ride and I enjoy the classics. In the past, I had not thought myself too great a lover of dancing, though you are fast changing my mind."

Sandar smiles a little. "I do, in fact. Not so well as some of my siblings but passing fair. I like to fence and to joust, though I doubt such things interest you much. I am an avid patron of the arts and make it appoint to attend the theatre and the opera when my duties allow. I also have a great love of the sea, by ship, and theskies, by dragon. I like to ride and I enjoy the classics. In the past, I had not thought myself too great a lover of dancing, though you are fast changing my mind."

Anna smiles. "Your Highness is very kind. Jousting is a most popular sport indeed here in Pantocratoria. There are jousts every afternoon right here on the palace grounds in fact. You should come along some time."

He nods somewhat. "I think that I would like that very much. The Marquis as well." He glances briefly at his advisor. "Jousting is less popular in Finara, I must admit. My theory has always been that it is because of the dragons and their close association with the knighthood. Most public displays of martial prowess are done with the sword."

As Tharn watched them leave the camp, his bearing remained one of quiet confidence - he didn't want Constantine to look back and see him looking anything less, for that would have increased his suspicions.

The moment he was sure that brother and sister were both out of sight, however, he seemed to deflate a little and, as he headed for the stable tent, his stride was a trifle shorter, his pace just the slightest bit slower than usual. To his men, however, attuned as they were to their commander's moods, these telltale signs stood out like beacons.

Tharn was worried.

Before even having pushed his way through the stable-tent's door-flaps, Tharn was in mental contact with Marol, his 'Drake. For those who require words, their conversation might be translated as follows:

<Tharn>It was going so well, old freind! I hadn't exactly been highest in Anna's esteem, but I was not disliked. I had met other dignitaries, and could have been talking politics even if Anna were more interrested in others. But no - I had to show off, to let Theodora in on our secret. And now this!
By this time he had reached Marol's sleeping area, and he collapsed onto a stool by his companion, the elbow of his right arm resting on his thigh while its hand supported his head.

<Marol>Calm yourself. Berating yourself does no good to anyone, especially when you have done no wrong. You know as well as I that your intention was not to "show off," and I should know - I can read your emotions, remember...
The 'Drake's reply was, as ever, accompanied by a sense of his emotions - presently slight concern at his rider's displeasure, mixed with mild amusement at what he saw as an over-reaction.

Forced to smile, Tharn replied:
How could I forget, you old lizard? Why, this conversation itself is a reminder of that, even ignoring the fact that you never tire of pointing it out!
Then, in a more serious tone:
But I was at fault, and you know that too. And for all your loyalty you must admit I acted on impulse. And stupidly, what's more - not only did I not ask for an escort for Theodora, or even for her father's permission, but I never even thought to! It is that which I blame myself, for there is no other to blame.
And now I can but hope that the suspicions of others do not marr the reputation of poor Theodora. Mine own is of no importance, for this is not my land, but were she to be though ill of by those around her due to me, and have to live with it...

<Marol>But she will, of course, be proven innocent when you make the announcement. And you too, naturally.

<Tharn>She may be, although some may still have suspicions. But II cannot be proven innocent for it is not only my actions which are in question, but my intentions and my honour. And none can attest for my honour but myself and my men, and none for my intentions but myself, you, and others of your kind. Hardly un-biassed character witnesses...
Then a new thought struck him.
Shards, what if the Emperor does not wait for my explanation? What if he leaps to conclusions and simply has me - us, the Wing - thrown out of Pantocratoria?

<Marol>The Emperor is by all accounts a fair and just man. I am sure he would not do such a thing. If we are lucky, he will bide his time and wait for your announcement. If we are unlucky, I can see that he might demand an explanation of you - in which case you have but to explain, and ask that he not tell Anna lest the Clutch does not...
Here the train of thought skirted rapidly round the unpleasant thought Marol could not bring himself to form, and continued hurriedly:
... Anyway, I find it most hard to believe that he would not give you some chance to tell your side of the story.

<Tharn>I suppose you are right, my freind, as ever. Let us hope so, at least.

It was at this point that Barl entered, with news of the happenings at the Ball. This was the first Tharn had actually heard about the Ball - in fact, Barl himself had only found out about it when he learned of Bastinel's arrest.

Wearily, Tharn stood up.
"Well, comrades, it seems Theodora and I are not the only ones finding ourselves under suspicion today," he said, addressing both Firedrake and human, his closest freinds and advisors. "Nor, I am sure, are we alone in our innocence, for I feel sure Bastinel - Prince Bastinel, I should say, from what I hear - cannot be guilty of these accusations."

"I feel it might be best if I made an appearance at the ball, before it is too late. Not to dance, of course - that would be inappropriate, and leastwise I am most certainly not in a dancing mood - but to guage opinion on recent events. And it will mean that, should the Emperor wish to ask me a few searching questions, he will have less far to look."

With that, Tharn set off towards the Ballroom - after first charging Barl with the task of finding a replacement set of boots for the young Rider who was at present forced to walk around barefoot, his own pair being on the feet of the Princess Theodora.



((OOC: Sorry for yet another Über-post, but the conversation just formed in my mind and I had to get it out of there somehow or it would just have gone around and around in there forever. Apologies also for the excessive use of bold type, but I thought it'd make it easier for those who wanted to to pick out the dialogue and ignore the descriptive bits. I know I sometimes do that on long posts, and I expect others do too. Anyway, I won't post again 'till something new happens regarding either Theodora or Bastinel. That's almost a promise))

The Emperor turns to face Simon.

"What do you mean, Inquisitor?" he asks, reservedly.

"I asked Princess Irene to help me in my campaign." He shuffled his feet aimlessly. "I pointed out to her that... I was a noble catholic, and how it seemed my closest rivals was His Lordship's son, and Prince Joseph."

He looked up. "This must have been part of that. If any is to be blamed, blame me." He sighed. "I want to assure you, though, that all I have done was for love of Princess Anna. And I also want to assure you... that I love her enough that I will abide by whatever decision she makes. You make. I know that I have lost her to Joseph. And if she loves him, and he loves her, then I support that."

"I have acted dishonorably in the extreme. I hereby call upon you to release Count Kryosal's son, and put me in prison in his stead." Simon bowed deeply. "And if your majesty pleases, I renounce my suit to Anna. My support belongs to Joseph, and Roania's with me."

Harper and JJ sat down and took a sip of their drinks.

"Well, thats a turn out for the books, coming over here to court a fair Princess and resulting in a guy being accused of murder." JJ spoke

"Yes.. not what i planned." Replied Harper.

"What did Princess Anna say to you."

"Not much, just a bit about me. Her mind was on someone else." Harper looked at her dancing. "I thought she was the one James, I truely did."

JJ put his hand on Harpers shoulder. "Its still not to late."

"Maybe.... i am going out for some air, i will be back later." Harper got up and walked out of the ball room.

Count Kyrosal and Prince Bastianel looked each other. "You did what?", says the younger elf, his face beginning to turn red. "Stop that, Elianel. Maybe he had committed a mistake, but now he's being honest. Explain yourself more properly, young one. What did Princess Irene told you?" ask his father, more relaxed.

"Did Princess Irene say she was going to frame Prince Bastianel?" asks the Emperor, concerned. "Officially, the Chancellor has nothing to do with prosecutions... so this statement alone doesn't help matters at all."

A Varangian approaches the Emperor.

"Your Majesty, His Imperial Highness the Prince Constantine and Her Imperial Highness the Princess Theodora are waiting to speak with you." he says softly.

"Let them wait, I'm busy." says the Emperor, waving the guard off. "Tell us more, Inquisitor."

He nods somewhat. "I think that I would like that very much. The Marquis as well." He glances briefly at his advisor. "Jousting is less popular in Finara, I must admit. My theory has always been that it is because of the dragons and their close association with the knighthood. Most public displays of martial prowess are done with the sword."

The dance ends, and Anna has been thoroughly cheered up by Sandar.

"You're a magnificent dancer, Your Highness." she says. "Thankyou very much for the pleasure. We'll go to see the jousts tomorrow. I'll introduce you to Sir Constantine, if he's up and about. Thankyou so much!"

She looks about at the other suitors, wondering who will ask her next, wondering whether it is Joseph's turn.

"This is what you wanted to show me father, That humans are just liers and betrayers by nature?", syas Bastianel to his father.

Count Kyrosal breathes deep "Yes...and no, I told you not to fall in love with a woman of another race and you didn't heard me. I told you not to return to this country and you did it, not paying attention to my advises. You brought this over you by yourself".

Sandar nods. "The pleasure was entirely mine, Your Highness. I assure you." He bows over her hand, kissing the air directly above it but making no contact with the skin. "I shall look forward to it greatly." After taking his leave he strides off to spend the next dance speaking quietly with the Marquis.

Sir Constantine the Hardy, who snuck out of the infirmary while the doctor was out to dinner, turns the corner to find the door to the main antechamber to the great hall closed, and guarded by two Varangians. In front of the door stand Prince Constantine and Princess Theodora, waiting to speak to their father. Theodora is struggling to calm herself, but looks deathly afraid.

"Here's a sorry sight!" says Sir Constantine, approaching Theodora.

"Sir Constantine, shouldn't you be in bed?" asks Prince Constantine.

"I'm feeling fine, Your Highness." lies Sir Constantine, not wanting to further upset Theodora. The Prince gets the point. Sir Constantine turns to Theodora. "What's wrong, Your Highness?"

Theodora's lip quivers. She almost falls into Sir Constantine and embraces him.

"Sir Constantine..." she says, fighting back tears. "I'm in so much trouble..."

"There there..." Sir Constantine says, reassuringly. The big bruise on his chest causes him obvious discomfort as Theodora squeezes him tightly. "Why are you in trouble?"

"I... I was in a tent... with Prince Tharn... unchaperoned... we didn't do anything though I swear!" she says to the old knight.

Sir Constantine looks concerned.

"Oh, you have to believe me, I don't know what I'd do if even you wouldn't believe me!" says Theodora, crying now.

"I believe you Theodora, I believe you!" says Sir Constantine, reassuringly patting her on the back. He really did, too, he was concerned for Theodora's sake. He knew that after whatever she did to get the penance of kneeling apart from the Imperial Family at Mass, everyone would assume the worst.

"Do you think father will?" she asks, the tears stopping again.

"Well..." Sir Constantine tries to phrase it as softly as he can. "...the Emperor is... well... he was hurt when you wouldn't tell him whatever it was last time that you confessed at confession..."

"He's not going to believe then!" despairs Theodora.

"Hush!" says Sir Constantine. "You just tell him the truth. He'll be fine. He's not going to hurt you Theodora, he's your father."

"I'm so afraid of him..." she whispers to Sir Constantine.

Sir Constantine just hugged her silently, realising he wasn't helping to calm her down by talking about it.

"This is what you wanted to show me father, That humans are just liers and betrayers by nature?", syas Bastianel to his father.

Count Kyrosal breathes deep "Yes...and no, I told you not to fall in love with a woman of another race and you didn't heard me. I told you not to return to this country and you did it, not paying attention to my advises. You brought this over you by yourself".

"Your Highness," says the Emperor, "that kind of thinking is the same sort of thinking which leads people like my sister to make racist policies against Elves. Despite the injustice that has been done to you, you must rise above that baseness. That would be the Christian thing to do. In fact, that would be the right thing to do, irrespective of religion."

"Your Majesty," says one of the policemen, checking his watch. "we have a warrant, surely we can..."

"Who is this person who speaks to an Emperor without being spoken to first?" asks the Emperor incredulously, his demeanour darkening as he turns to the policeman, whose eyes widen in terror. The policeman drops to his knees and bows his head.

Maybe the emperor's authority is falling apart, and all it's my fault. He's Anna's father, after all, and I'm being very rude to him, thinks the young elf..."Give me those handcuffs..." says Bastianel, picking the manacles from the policeman's belt. He quickly put the handcuffs in his wrists. "If this is what I have to do to make Anna happy, then I will do it. I'm your prisoner now, take me to where I belong".

Count Kyrosal sees his son with an angry face "Bastianel, you know that if you go to jail and you're accused of a crime, you won't be able to...". For the first time in his life, Bastianel, Prince Bastianel, interrumpted his father "Father, shut up, Will you?. I know what are you going to tell me. I'm aware of that, and I don't care", he point to the guards and says "What are you waiting for?. Do your job, for Christ's sake".

Kyrosal remained silent, seeing his son, his expression a mixture between respect and sorrow. "As you wish, my son, as you wish"

"Kyrosal I'm so sorry..." the Emperor says apologetically. He turns to Bastianel. "You're a brave man, and you're doing the right thing, sparing your father and Sir Constantine a trial by combat. You will get a fair trial. I will see to it."

The policemen lead Bastianel away. They take him outside, where the Varangians are holding back reporters, and put him into a police car. From there, they take him to the station.

OOC: We might split Bastianel's fate into a different thread, so as to not confuse the others?

OOC: Fine by me. There's too many things happening in this thread anyway.

IC: Kyrosal looks at the Emperor with a sad face. "I'm the one who should be sorry, your majesty, for bringing all this trouble to your peaceful country. Bastianel is a good boy, but has a very...flaming spirit. I will leave now, I need to get back to Aelosia, I have many things to do, and explain what happened. Take care of my son, not because I ask you, just because he deserves it". He makes a perfect bow in front of the Emperor, and leaves.

The Emperor turns to a Varangian when the police have lead Bastianel away.

"Admit my children." he commands.

The doors open. Sir Constantine lets go of Theodora, who slowly lets go of him. Prince Constantine steps into the antechamber, followed by the trembling Theodora. Constantine bows and Theodora curtsies.

"Your Majesty." they say in unison.

"Well, where did you find her?" asks the Emperor, tersely.

"In a tent with Prince Tharn in the Wyrmberg encampment. Both Theodora and Prince Tharn assure me that whatever they were doing was entirely innocent. They had a chaperone... one of Tharn's men, but still, they were not alone." says Prince Constantine.

"I'm sure it was entirely innocent, Tharn's an honourable man." adds Sir Constantine. The Emperor glances at his friend, before his gaze settles back on Theodora.

"Leave us." he says.

"Yes, Your Majesty..." says Prince Constantine, retreating to the ball. Sir Constantine follows shortly after. Even the Varangians leave. The heavy doors slam shut again.

Theodora takes a few steps away from her father as the Emperor approaches her.

"Why are you trembling, Theodora?" asks the Emperor in a cold tone.

"I.... I...." Theodora starts, but realises she can offer no explanation. She closes her mouth and swallows.

"If you're trembling, you must have something hide." concludes the Emperor, his tone increasingly severe.

"No, Your Majesty! Nothing improper happened, I swear!" protests Theodora, backing away again.

"Then what happened in this... young man's tent?" asks the Emperor, continuing to walk towards his daughter.

"I... I can't say, Your Majesty." Theodora stammers.

"Something which necessitated the removal of your shoes, it would seem." says the Emperor, observing Theodora's footwear. Theodora backs into the wall of the antechamber.

"Last time you got to a confessor before I had the chance to speak to you, Theodora. But not this time. No, this time there is no sacramental seal to shield you. Now, what happened?" asks the Emperor, his tone escalating.

"I.... can't say..." Theodora almost whispers.

"YOU WILL TELL ME!" the Emperor shouts. Theodora drops to the floor, pushing herself against the wall. She's obviously petrified of her father.

"Please Your Majesty," she sobs, "I can't tell you!"

"I will not be defied, not by my own children!" the Emperor barks. He grabs Theodora underneath her upper arm, and pulls her to her feet. "Stand up!"

"We... I can't... I can't..." Theodora says as she cries.

"You're obviously hiding something Theodora! The innocent don't cry and tremble and refuse to speak about it! They stand up for themselves!" growls the Emperor, thinking of Prince Bastianel.

"Father, I swear I..." Theodora pleads, but the Emperor interrupts her.

"Don't 'father' me, child! You're not my daughter! My daughter wouldn't hide things from me! Zoë or Anna, they'd answer me! They'd never defy me!" the Emperor says, incredulously.

At this final tirade, Theodora breaks down altogether. The Emperor shakes his head in disgust, and lets Theodora slump slowly back down to the floor.

"Get out of my sight. I've guests to attend to." the Emperor says, the distaste obvious in his voice. He turns towards the southern door, and re-enters the great hall.

The Varangians re-enter the antechamber, and resume their positions. They look straight forward, like statues, oblivious to the young princess crying slumped against the wall.

OOC: The Arrest and Trial of Prince Bastianel: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=83503

The dance ends, and Anna has been thoroughly cheered up by Sandar.

"You're a magnificent dancer, Your Highness." she says. "Thankyou very much for the pleasure. We'll go to see the jousts tomorrow. I'll introduce you to Sir Constantine, if he's up and about. Thankyou so much!"

She looks about at the other suitors, wondering who will ask her next, wondering whether it is Joseph's turn.

Joseph steps up to Anna and bows deeply. "Your Highness," he says more with playfulness than stiff formality, "may I have the honor of this dance?" Joseph rises and extends his hand to Anna.

Anna smiles widely. She puts her hands in Joseph's.

"Your Highness, I would be honoured!" she replies. The next dance starts playing, and the two start dancing.

At the far end of the hall, the Emperor re-enters the room, having dealt with Theodora. He sees Anna and Joseph dancing, which seems to cheer him up a good deal. He returns to his throne, where he sits silently next to Princess Irene watching the dancing.

Anna smiles widely. She puts her hands in Joseph's.

"Your Highness, I would be honoured!" she replies. The next dance starts playing, and the two start dancing.

At the far end of the hall, the Emperor re-enters the room, having dealt with Theodora. He sees Anna and Joseph dancing, which seems to cheer him up a good deal. He returns to his throne, where he sits silently next to Princess Irene watching the dancing.

Taking Anna’s hand, Joseph begins to dance. His eyes lock on hers and the rest of the room, all the politics and commotion seem to fall away. There is only Anna and the music. Joseph dances with a confidence and grace he has never known. He gazes deeply into Anna’s eyes and whispers, “Anna, my heart is yours. Forever.”

Harper returns and enters the chamber to see the emperor, not knowing he was in the hall. He slowly opens the door and peers in. He quickly glaced around the room not seeing the emperor but Theodora crouched against a wall crying. Harper slowly walked over to her kneeling down to her.

"Are you all right?" He softly spoke.

"This is what you wanted to show me father, That humans are just liers and betrayers by nature?", syas Bastianel to his father.

Count Kyrosal breathes deep "Yes...and no, I told you not to fall in love with a woman of another race and you didn't heard me. I told you not to return to this country and you did it, not paying attention to my advises. You brought this over you by yourself".

"Your Highness," says the Emperor, "that kind of thinking is the same sort of thinking which leads people like my sister to make racist policies against Elves. Despite the injustice that has been done to you, you must rise above that baseness. That would be the Christian thing to do. In fact, that would be the right thing to do, irrespective of religion."

"Your Majesty," says one of the policemen, checking his watch. "we have a warrant, surely we can..."

"Who is this person who speaks to an Emperor without being spoken to first?" asks the Emperor incredulously, his demeanour darkening as he turns to the policeman, whose eyes widen in terror. The policeman drops to his knees and bows his head.

Simon sighs. "That is all I know. But... call it a feeling." He stands up. "I need to undergo confession."

And find someway to free Bastaniel.

Taking Anna’s hand, Joseph begins to dance. His eyes lock on hers and the rest of the room, all the politics and commotion seem to fall away. There is only Anna and the music. Joseph dances with a confidence and grace he has never known. He gazes deeply into Anna’s eyes and whispers, “Anna, my heart is yours. Forever.”

"Joseph..." Anna starts, "Don't say that... what if my father... what if he decides on someone else?"

She continues in silence for a little longer.

"I've not let myself tell you the same thing you just told me because the decision isn't mine to make." she says. "But, you know without me saying it, don't you?"

Harper returns and enters the chamber to see the emperor, not knowing he was in the hall. He slowly opens the door and peers in. He quickly glaced around the room not seeing the emperor but Theodora crouched against a wall crying. Harper slowly walked over to her kneeling down to her.

"Are you all right?" He softly spoke.

Theodora looks up at Harper, wiping tears out of her eyes, embarrassed. She nods slowly.

"Pardon me, Your Excellency..." she says, rising to her feet. "I didn't think anybody would come in here."

"Joseph..." Anna starts, "Don't say that... what if my father... what if he decides on someone else?"

She continues in silence for a little longer.

"I've not let myself tell you the same thing you just told me because the decision isn't mine to make." she says. "But, you know without me saying it, don't you?"

Joseph smiles. "I know, Anna. I know." Joseph continues the dance, still lost in Anna's eyes.

Anna leans her head on Joseph's shoulder silently as they dance closer together.

Princess Irene stands up from her chair and looks like she is going to go pull them apart. The Emperor stands and catches her by the arm.

"Sister, would you like to dance?" he asks unenthusiastically.

"I don't dance, Your Majesty, as well you know." Irene replies.

"The Emperor is inviting you to dance, Irene. There is no refusal." he says.

"Very well then, I would be delighted to dance, Your Majesty." says Irene, scolded.

The Emperor and the Chancellor step onto the dance floor.

"So, what do you know of Bastianel's arrest?" asks the Emperor quietly as they dance awkwardly.

"Only that the police would not have arrested him if they lacked for evidence, Your Majesty." replies Irene. The Emperor grunts and rolls his eyes.

Harper returns and enters the chamber to see the emperor, not knowing he was in the hall. He slowly opens the door and peers in. He quickly glaced around the room not seeing the emperor but Theodora crouched against a wall crying. Harper slowly walked over to her kneeling down to her.

"Are you all right?" He softly spoke.

Theodora looks up at Harper, wiping tears out of her eyes, embarrassed. She nods slowly.

"Pardon me, Your Excellency..." she says, rising to her feet. "I didn't think anybody would come in here."

Harper looked in her tearful eyes. "Clearly. Why were you crying Princess?"

Tharn entered the ballroom, and glanced around, looking for anyone he recognised. In one direction he saw Anna and Joseph deep in conversation - well, it's fairly obvious who the Princess' favourite is, he thinks to himself. For both their sakes, I hope her Father is of like mind. It would be a great shame for if he chose a different suitor - a shame for both of them, for Joseph obviously cares deeply for her...

His eyes leave the two young royals, and continue around the room until they alight on Sir Constantine the Hardy and Prince Constantine near the door to the main antechamber. The concerned looks on their faces, and the fact that Theodora is no longer with her brother, worry him. She must be in there with her Father he thinks, and has to fight a great urge to go in, to beg an audience with the Emperor, to face the music and shield Theodora from her Father's anger.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he spied the Emperor dancing with Princess Irene - although it was obvious that neither of them was obtaining much pleasure from it. There was a conversation going on between them, and for an instant Tharn wondered what it was about. Then he realised that this meant Theodora was not with her father, and was again tempted to go and find her, to find out what had happened - but he knew that was a bad idea. He must not meet with her again - certainly not be alone with her - until he had spoken to her father.

To this end he positioned himself at the edge of the dance-floor in a spot where the Emperor would be hard put not to see him, and stood with his hands behind his back, eyes to the floor, in an attitude of polite, patient waiting.

Theodora looks up at Harper, wiping tears out of her eyes, embarrassed. She nods slowly.

"Pardon me, Your Excellency..." she says, rising to her feet. "I didn't think anybody would come in here."

Harper looked in her tearful eyes. "Clearly. Why were you crying Princess?"

"Have you ever felt like a constant disappointment to your father?" she says to Harper quietly.

The Emperor spies Prince Tharn.

"Excuse me, sister." the Emperor says. He and Irene stop dancing, to Irene's relief. "You know, despite the fact you hate doing it, you're not a bad dancer."

"Thankyou, Your Majesty." says Irene cooly, taken somewhat aback by the apparent peace officer. "With Your Majesty's permission, I will retire for the evening."

The Emperor nods. Princess Irene leaves via one of the back exits.

The Emperor crosses the floor to Prince Tharn.

"Your Highness," he says politely. "Tell me, what pray tell did you think you were doing in a tent with my fifteen year-old daughter without a Pantocratorian chaperone?"

Tharn had been expecting the question, and was actually quite surprised at how calm the Emperor appeared - although he knew appearances could be decieving. His own father was like that - when he was really angry, his composure was total and he exuded an icy calm. So it was not without a little caution that Tharn addressed the Emperor.

"Your Highness, from your words I can tell that Theodora has kept her oath of secrecy, for which I am glad."
Lowering his voice so that only the Emperor could hear his words, he continued: "The purpose of that oath was to keep a surprise I had planned - for the Princess Anna, and also for the rest of the royal family - a secret, and I could not have been sure of the discression of a chaperone I did not know.

I realise that my actions were stupid, and can understand how anyone could come to the wrong conclusion. Therefore if you require it of me I will be happy to tell you what the tent really contains - and, if you would like, show it to you. If this is the case, however, I can but humbly request that we discuss it in private - the main reason for my attempts at secrecy is that, by its nature, it is possible that despite my best efforts and those of my men, the surprise may not in fact come to fruition. I would hate for the Princess Anna to hear of it, and then be disappointed.

"No, I don't need to see it. Your explanation is adequate." says the Emperor. "I trust you as a man of honour. I don't trust Theodora, that's all."

This caught Tharn momentarily by surprise, and it must have been easily visible to the Emperor from his face. However, by an effort of will he managed to stop himself from prying, and instead asked:

"Your Highness, if I were to wish to meet with Princess Anna, how would I go about organising for a Pantocratorian chaperone? I would not like to repeat my mistake."

"Well..." says the Emperor. "Before I tell you that... tell me Your Highness... do you have any feelings about Theodora? She is obviously quite taken with you. She obviously didn't tell me about whatever you've going on in that tent... and I'd like to think I was rather persuasive, or that at least she doesn't take defying me lightly..."

Theodora looks up at Harper, wiping tears out of her eyes, embarrassed. She nods slowly.

"Pardon me, Your Excellency..." she says, rising to her feet. "I didn't think anybody would come in here."

Harper looked in her tearful eyes. "Clearly. Why were you crying Princess?"

"Have you ever felt like a constant disappointment to your father?" she says to Harper quietly.

Harper gave a weak smile. "My father...... well he is a military man, he forced me to enter the military. Whatever i did was not good enough for him. I went to the Amerigo war just to please him.... and i saw things that no man should see." He snapped out of the past and quickly responded. "Anyway on my way back he said that i should of done better and made more of a contribution to the campaign. At that moment i was sick to death of him putting me down all the time, so i told him i was going into politics. He was sure angry with me, but he learned to accept what i was." Noticing he was talking to much he said "Tell me why do you think that you are a dissapointment to your father?"

Tharn was a little take aback.
"Your Highness, I wasn't sure you'd allow me to meet with Theodora again after today."
He paused, then added truthfully - "As to my feelings for Theodora, I... I don't really know, to be honest. I would like to think that we have become freinds, but beyond that... I really do not know..."
It was apparent from his voice that he had not, at least consciously, considered that Theodora might have feelings for him. It is also clear that he is asking himself, for the first time, just what kind of feelings he does have for Theodora.

Harper gave a weak smile. "My father...... well he is a military man, he forced me to enter the military. Whatever i did was not good enough for him. I went to the Amerigo war just to please him.... and i saw things that no man should see." He snapped out of the past and quickly responded. "Anyway on my way back he said that i should of done better and made more of a contribution to the campaign. At that moment i was sick to death of him putting me down all the time, so i told him i was going into politics. He was sure angry with me, but he learned to accept what i was." Noticing he was talking to much he said "Tell me why do you think that you are a dissapointment to your father?"

"Maybe my problems aren't so bad!" says Theodora, forcing a smile. "I'm a disappointment to my father because I'm an embarrassment to him. Anna's so dignified and proper, and I... I can't do anything right."

Tharn was a little take aback.
"Your Highness, I wasn't sure you'd allow me to meet with Theodora again after today."
He paused, then added truthfully - "As to my feelings for Theodora, I... I don't really know, to be honest. I would like to think that we have become freinds, but beyond that... I really do not know..."
It was apparent from his voice that he had not, at least consciously, considered that Theodora might have feelings for him. It is also clear that he is asking himself, for the first time, just what kind of feelings he does have for Theodora.

"Well, Your Highness, think about it. I know she's two years younger than Anna, but..." the Emperor pauses. "Well, you let me know when you've worked it out, eh? But I'd appreciate it if in the future, when meeting with any of my daughters, that you ask Sir Constantine, or failing that, Prince Constantine, to act as chaperone."

Princess Irene entered her chambers in the palace. Handmaidens scurried around her, undoing her hair and helping her change out of her formal dress into her nightgown. When she is done, she dismisses them.

"Ask Father Guillot to come and hear my confession." she asks. Two of the handmaidens glance at each other, suppressing smiles. They curtsy and leave the chamber.

Irene starts brushing her hair in a mirror, and the priest who follows her everywhere enters the chamber. Irene stands, an uncharacteristically happy look on her face.

"Michél!" she says happily, embracing the priest. "That elf upstart almost spoiled my evening but it does me good to..."

The priest silences her and starts kissing the Chancellor, and the two find their way to the bed.

Outside the chamber door, the handmaidens snicker and giggle as they listen to their mistress and her "confessor".

"I will, your Highness. And... thankyou"
Tharn bowed to the Emperor, then headed off across the ballroom. He needed to get back to the camp - he needed Marol's counsel. The Firedrake often knew his thoughts better than he did himself.

Harper gave a weak smile. "My father...... well he is a military man, he forced me to enter the military. Whatever i did was not good enough for him. I went to the Amerigo war just to please him.... and i saw things that no man should see." He snapped out of the past and quickly responded. "Anyway on my way back he said that i should of done better and made more of a contribution to the campaign. At that moment i was sick to death of him putting me down all the time, so i told him i was going into politics. He was sure angry with me, but he learned to accept what i was." Noticing he was talking to much he said "Tell me why do you think that you are a dissapointment to your father?"

"Maybe my problems aren't so bad!" says Theodora, forcing a smile. "I'm a disappointment to my father because I'm an embarrassment to him. Anna's so dignified and proper, and I... I can't do anything right."

"Yes but Anna is a young women now, she has responsiblities that you haven't got yet and remember you have got a little sister you need to take care of, she will be looking up to you as you have looked up to Anna." Harper put his hand into his pocket and brought out a necklace. "I was going to give this to your older sister Anna, but as your upset here." He puts it in her hand and closes her fist. "They say it brings you good luck. If you ever feel that you are a dissapointment, clutch hold of that and say to yourself that i am important, i will make my father proud."

"Yes but Anna is a young women now, she has responsiblities that you haven't got yet and remember you have got a little sister you need to take care of, she will be looking up to you as you have looked up to Anna." Harper put his hand into his pocket and brought out a necklace. "I was going to give this to your older sister Anna, but as your upset here." He puts it in her hand and closes her fist. "They say it brings you good luck. If you ever feel that you are a dissapointment, clutch hold of that and say to yourself that i am important, i will make my father proud."

Theodora takes the necklace and examines it. A smile reappears on her tear-streaked face.

"Thankyou, Your Excellency, thankyou! I will wear it." she says. "What a lovely gift!"

She looks at herself.

"I'm going to go clean myself up and go to bed. Thankyou so much for this necklace, sir." she says, and leaves the antechamber.

The Varangians stand silent as if nothing happened.

Harper smiles as Theodora runs out of the chamber. Shortly after Harper leaves the chamber and yet again enters the ball room. He sits down by JJ.

"Anything happen?" Asked Harper.

"Nope not much Anna was dancing with Joseph, people having a ok time."

"Good, good."

The last dance finishes. The assembled guests applaud the orchestra. The Emperor rises to dismiss the guests. While she thinks people are distracted, Anna quickly gives Joseph a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm going to talk to my father, Joseph. Meet me here tomorrow morning?" she whispers.

The Emperor, Sir Constantine, Prince Constantine, Princess Zoë and Princess Anna leave together to the Imperial Apartments in the palace as the orchestra plays "God Save the Emperor". Once the Imperial Family has departed, the guests start to file out.

The ball is over.

The Marquis walks up to Sandar as they stride from the hall. Sandar nods slowly. "Thoughts?"

The Marquis remained silent a moment. "Her heart seems set on Prince Joseph, Your Highness." The Marquis tenses a moment, worried his liege will be upset.

Sandar just nods. "I hope that they may be together then, and happily. As for myself, I only hope I made a friend. And who knows? She might still be my sister in law, after all. And we did establish contact with a fellow Catholic Empire"

The Marquis just nodded. "Shall we take our leave on the morrow, m'liege?"

Sandar shrugged. "That largely depends on His Most Catholic and Imperial Majesty. We have to stay until we may present our gifts to him and to Princess Anna, at his leisure." The two enter their chambers and retire for the evening.

Sandar shrugged. "That depends on

Both Harper and JJ walk back to their quarters.

"I will see you tomorrow then Harper, have pleasant dreams."

"I wish i could, i really do." Harper opened his door and entered. He places his uniform jacket on his drawer and beings to undress. After a few minutes he climbs into the warm soft bed and slowly falls to sleep.

However, Harper dreamed of things that haunt him every night. He sees himself in Amerigo again. The heat, the cries the pain it all seemed so real to him that night. He replays that one moment in the war that changed his life. He found himself assaulting a small village with little resistance, he was with a Iesus Christi party because he had lost his group. He dreamed of the cries of people running and the bullets ripping through the flesh of the enemy. Then for a few seconds it went blank, but then returned replaying the worst part of the war. In the back of his head he was saying no not again, but the dream wouldn't stop. Children were running away as their parents were slaughtered by the troops. A child ran up to him and grabbed hold of his leg, screaming out for it to stop. A figure on fire ran towards Harper crying in pain and yet crying for the child to come to her arms. The child tried to run to her but Harper held him back. She feel to her kneels only a few feet away from him and stared in Harpers eyes. He saw the women slowly melt as her jaw dropped off and eye turn to liquid.

Harper then woke up with a scream. He climbed out of his bed and wet his face with cold water.

The last dance finishes. The assembled guests applaud the orchestra. The Emperor rises to dismiss the guests. While she thinks people are distracted, Anna quickly gives Joseph a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm going to talk to my father, Joseph. Meet me here tomorrow morning?" she whispers.

The Emperor, Sir Constantine, Prince Constantine, Princess Zoë and Princess Anna leave together to the Imperial Apartments in the palace as the orchestra plays "God Save the Emperor". Once the Imperial Family has departed, the guests start to file out.

The ball is over.

Joseph blushes slightly at the kiss. "Of course," Joseph almost adds the words - my love - but at the last moment he realizes that it would be premature. So much still depends on the Emperor. "Thank you for a lovely dance and a wonderful evening, Anna. I will see you here in the morning. Good night." Joseph bows deeply. He rises and watches the Imperial family depart with a wistful smile.

The Emperor and Princess Anna walk together down a corridor in the Imperial Apartments.

"I have to make my decision soon, Anna." says the Emperor. Anna nods meekly.

"I want to hear your thoughts." he says.

"I am Your Majesty's loyal subject, and will abide by your..." Anna starts.

"Oh stop that!" the Emperor cuts her off. "I asked for your thoughts, your feelings."

"I... I think I'm in love... well... at least I think it's love... but I don't want it to be love... I don't want to risk..." Anna trails off.

"...don't want to risk falling in love with someone only to have me pick another?" the Emperor finishes. Anna nods.

"So, I can't tell you what I feel, father." says Anna, a little sadly. "I can't let myself feel until you've made your decision."

The Emperor puts his arm around Anna's shoulder and draws her to his side.

"Hypothetically... what if I told you I had already made my decision?" the Emperor asks, casually. Anna breathes in deeply and looks up at him.

"Prince Joseph of Excalbia." says the Emperor. Anna's eyes light up and she starts making almost giggly squeals of happiness. The Emperor points at her with his other arm. "Ahah! I said hypothetically! You thought I had made my decision. Now I know your feelings!"

Anna stopped her jubiliation abruptly, as if the Emperor had just punched her in the stomach.

"That was a cruel trick father." says Anna, upset. She pulls herself away from the Emperor. The Emperor snorts, dismissively.

"I will make my actual decision shortly." says the Emperor, in a non-committal tone, as Anna continues alone to her chambers.

The Emperor permits himself a self-satisfied grin as her turns and retires to his own chambers.

OOC: Now that was under-handed!

OOC: Now that was under-handed!

OOC: But not necessarily as malicious as the Emperor's mood when dealing with Theodora might have one believe. :D

Harper slowly sits on the bed. A million thoughts ran through his head at the same time. Does Anna like me? Why do i keep on dreaming about the same thing over and over again? These thoughts were confusing him, he couldn't think straight. He decided to take a walk around the palace to clear his head.

Beams of sunlight filtered through the curtains in Princess Irene's chambers, passing over the Chancellor and Father Michél Guillot lying in bed, embracing each other affectionately. Irene's eyes lazily drift to the ivory grandfather clock in the corner of her room. She sits up in bed, and starts pushing Father Guillot.

"Michél! Michél, wake up! You've a morning Mass to say!" she says urgently. "We've overslept!"

Father Guillot yawns and stretches as he gets up.

"Let the deacon cover for me." he says between yawns, stretching his arm around Irene. The Chancellor playfully shoves it off.

"I've work to get done today!" she says. "I've got to meet with my campaign coordinators after Mass, and believe me when I say Comnenus expects me to be in that chapel! And if I'm going, so are you!"

"Bah..." Father Guillot starts. "Fine, I'll get up."

There is a knock on the door.

"Out! Out!" whispers Irene to her companion, almost shoving him into the bathroom. She tries to smooth out the sheets on Father Guillot's side of the bed.

"I'm not dressed, who is it?" she shouts in her usual, angry tone.

"Madam, you'll be late for morning Mass!" replies one of her handmaidens on the otherside of the door.

Irene glares at Father Guillot through the bathroom door, and throughs a pillow at him.

"Now do you believe me?" she whispers playfully.

"Very well." shouts Irene to the handmaiden behind the door. "Oh, and tell that President Harper from Busby I'd like to meet with him after Mass."

With Father Guillot obscured, she opens the door and leaves the bedroom into her dressing room, closing her bedroom door behind her.

Father Guillot combs his hair, gets dressed, and then lets himself out via a secret door in the bathroom.

Sandar steps out of his room, ready to mass. The priest and the marquis with him. "We should be home by this afternoon." Sandar says when no one outside his party is listening. "We will attend Mass. I consider it likely that I shall present my gifts to Her Highness after that. Then the Emperor will likely announce for Prince Joseph. We say that we still wish close diplomatic relations. And then I take my leave of Princess Anna and we are bound back for Finara."

On the way to Mass, the Emperor makes sure to walk along the path which he suspects Prince Sandar and the Marquis will be taking. As he plans, he comes across the Finaran prince.

"Your Highness," says the Emperor. "I had hoped to speak to you, what happy circumstance! Would Your Highness be so kind as to indulge me for a moment for a conversation?"

He takes Sandar aside.

"Your Highness," he says quietly, "I thought it would be only right to let you know in person, that I've begun to narrow down candidates for the hand of my beloved daughter Anna, and as much as I admire you, you aren't one of the candidates on my narrowed list. Please take no offence at this Your Highness! The Holy Empire of Pantocratoria still yearns for an alliance cemented in some meaningful fashion with your own empire."

"I will come to the point, Your Highness." says the Emperor. "My eldest son, Prince Andreus, is in Finara now, pledging suit to your sister, Princess Lila. A dynastic union between our two empires would mean a great deal to me, and I believe it would mean a great deal to your father as well. I believe if you have the chance to meet Prince Andreus, you will find him to be an upstanding young man, most worthy of your sister's fair hand. I believe that Prince Andreus marrying your Princess Lila would be a more appropriate union than between you and my daughter Anna. I am more than prepared to compensate you generously for your journey... and for your good will towards my son."

The Emperor tries to read Sandar's reaction.

Sandar seems unsurprised and nods neutrally for a moment, before smiling slightly. "There is no need, Your Majesty. It was still worth it to meet your charming daughter, even if there is no marriage to come from it. I would like to think I made a friend and I do hope for her as a sister in law. My gifts to Her Highness were signs of my respect, not a courtesy contingent upon winning her hand and I would still wish to present them."

Harper waited outside the door of JJ for him to come. As he came out he seemed stunned that Harper was there because he was the one normaly late.

"Whats wrong?" JJ said nervously.

"Nothing, i just am early."

JJ raised an eyebrow.

"Ok to be honest i have been up all night." Confessed Harper

"Nightmares." Harper looked at him funny.

"Thank god you weren't there that day James. Well, i haven't slept for a few days, the emperor is going to pick Joseph to marry Anna and to top it all off Busby lost in the world cup. I read it in todays paper."

"Damn." Shouted JJ

"Yea, it couldn't be any worse than it is."

A few moments later a servant came by and told Harper that Princess Irene wishes to see him after the mass. Then the servant walks away.

"I spoke to soon." Harper said smiling, JJ laughed and they both walked to mass.

The Emperor smiles.

"You're an understanding man, Your Highness. I dearly hope that I shall be able to call you kin through a dynastic union of some description between our two houses sooner rather than later." the Emperor says.

He walks along Prince Sandar towards the chapel.

"Likewise, Your Majesty." Sandar nods. "We both do have respectably large families, after all."

The Chapel of St Constantine the Great is magnificent as always. The Emperor is the first member of the Imperial Family to arrive, and he arrives along with Prince Sandar of Finara. He ascends the stairs to the Imperial box, and awaits the arrival of the rest of his family.

Sir Constantine the Hardy enters the room, looking a little grey in the face, but a lot better than he did last night. He accompanies Prince Constantine, Princess Anna, Princess Theodora, and Princess Zoë. Sir Constantine januflects and takes a seat in the front row, as Prince Constantine, Princess Anna, and Princess Zoë ascend the steps to join their father in the Imperial box. Princess Theodora januflects and kneels down in front of the steps to the Imperial box again, apart from her family. She looks back at Sir Constantine, a few steps behind her, for moral support. The old knight winks back at her, which seems to cheer Theodora a little, and the young princess looks forward again.

As the chapel fills up, the altar boys rush about looking concerned. Father Guillot hasn't arrived yet. Princess Irene almost knocks one over as she comes in, looking a little flustered and out of breath - she's run part of the way. She hurriedly januflects, glaring at Theodora disapprovingly as she does so, before climbing the steps up to the Imperial box, where she sits as far away from Prince Constantine as she can manage. Theodora looks back at Sir Constantine, who gives her another reassuring wink, before resuming her previous position.

Finally, Father Guillot arrives, looking like he threw his robe on at the last minute (because he did). The Mass begins.

***

After its finish, the Emperor invites all his guests to a breakfast on the green.

Princess Irene comes down from the Imperial box first, ignoring her kneeling niece at the foot of the steps as she does so. Theodora puts her hand around the necklace Harper gave her and mumbles to herself.

Irene approaches President Harper.

"Your Excellency, I had wanted to speak to you." she says. "One head of government to another. I'm curious about your country, you see."

The rest of the Imperial family descends from the box. Theodora rises to join them. The Emperor glares at her, and she decides to wait behind them for a moment. Sir Constantine stands up and follows the family, hanging back with Theodora, as they walk out to the gardens for breakfast.

Irene approaches President Harper.

"Your Excellency, I had wanted to speak to you." she says. "One head of government to another. I'm curious about your country, you see."

Harper raised an eyebrow. "What would you like to know?"

After Mass, Joseph joins the rest of the guests on the lawn for breakfast. He looks around for Anna, but sees only Princess Irene talking with the Busby President and Princess Theodora and Sir Constantine walking out of the Chapel. He walks over to Emperor's Champion and Anna's younger sister. Joseph bows. "Your Highness, Sir Constantine. Good morning. Sir Constantine, it is good to see you up and about. I pray that you are feeling well."

Prince Tharn, having sat quietly through Mass, joins the other guests for breakfast. He doesn't make much conversation, just a little light small-talk. His mind appears to be elsewhere.

After Mass, Joseph joins the rest of the guests on the lawn for breakfast. He looks around for Anna, but sees only Princess Irene talking with the Busby President and Princess Theodora and Sir Constantine walking out of the Chapel. He walks over to Emperor's Champion and Anna's younger sister. Joseph bows. "Your Highness, Sir Constantine. Good morning. Sir Constantine, it is good to see you up and about. I pray that you are feeling well."

"I've felt better." says Sir Constantine. He gives Joseph a humoured look. "Princess Anna is with the rest of the Imperial Family at breakfast on the green. We're on our way ourselves. I think you'd best come with us, Your Highness."

"Prince Tharn..." says the Emperor, setting aside his glass of orange juice. "Have you given anymore thought to what we discussed last night? Come here and speak with me a while."

Sir Constantine, Prince Joseph and Princess Theodora arrive, and are seated appropriately.

Harper raised an eyebrow. "What would you like to know?"

"I'd like to hear about how your system of government works." she asks, leading Harper to the breakfast on the green. "How does a democratically elected government have any sort of legitimacy without a monarch to lend their God-given authority to it? How does your democracy work exactly, and so on... you see the sorts of questions I mean?"

OOC: Of possible interest:
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=84749

Harper raised an eyebrow. "What would you like to know?"

"I'd like to hear about how your system of government works." she asks, leading Harper to the breakfast on the green. "How does a democratically elected government have any sort of legitimacy without a monarch to lend their God-given authority to it? How does your democracy work exactly, and so on... you see the sorts of questions I mean?"

"I understand. I believe that our talents are gifts god, not the reign of a family. No offence. Well you see, it is the people who decide which party they want to be elected. Then the leader of that group gets to decide who he wants as his Presidental advisers." Harper looked at Princess Irene to see if she understood, then he continued. "The Presidental Advisers are the leader of the ministry of defence and health, you get the idea. These people advise the President on what to, but it does come down to the Presidents decision at the end of the day. Of course we have votes that can overule that decision, but of course that takes time. Democracy is a patient government, you need to time to discuss the matter. That could be a fault aswell as a advantage." Noticing he was speaking so much we decided to ask Irene a question. "Princess, why are you so interested in Busby?"

This thread's title is a direct ripoff of the Star Wars book "The courtship of Princess Leah". Do you have a pic of Princess Anna?

Prince Sandar walks out with the others to the breakfast. He sits and eats quietly, thinking.

This thread's title is a direct ripoff of the Star Wars book "The courtship of Princess Leia". Do you have a pic of Princess Anna?

OOC: I know! :oops: But you're the first person to notice! I haven't got a pic because everyone tends to use the same set of pics for their princesses, and I'm sure whichever one I would pic has already been used at least four times.

"I understand. I believe that our talents are gifts god, not the reign of a family. No offence. Well you see, it is the people who decide which party they want to be elected. Then the leader of that group gets to decide who he wants as his Presidental advisers." Harper looked at Princess Irene to see if she understood, then he continued. "The Presidental Advisers are the leader of the ministry of defence and health, you get the idea. These people advise the President on what to, but it does come down to the Presidents decision at the end of the day. Of course we have votes that can overule that decision, but of course that takes time. Democracy is a patient government, you need to time to discuss the matter. That could be a fault aswell as a advantage." Noticing he was speaking so much we decided to ask Irene a question. "Princess, why are you so interested in Busby?"

"Because Busby is a democracy, Your Excellency, and the election is just a little time away now." explains Princess Irene. "I'm trying to get a feel for how this democracy experiment has worked in other realms."

The pair have arrived at the green now.

The Emperor takes a piece of silverwear and taps it lightly against his glass to attract the attention of everyone at the breakfast.

"Gentlemen, as you all know... I've a decision to make." he begins. "It is not one which I approach lightly. It will have repercussions for the Holy Empire of Pantocratoria for years to come, and of course for my beloved daughter Anna for the rest of her life."

The Emperor pauses as a hush comes over everyone. Anna looks down into her lap and twists her napkin nervously. She looks back up at her father tentatively, willing him to make the right decision.

"First, I'd like to thank you all for coming. I hope that regardless of what I'm about to say, your time in Pantocratoria has been pleasant, and that when you go home to your own countries, you will regard Pantocratoria as the dear ally and friend of all of your respective nations." says the Emperor. "I'd also like to invite all of you to stay longer and enjoy your time here in Pantocratoria, outside of the stuffy formality of the Imperial Court."

Anna swallows hard in anticipation and fear.

"Gentlemen, I ask you to join me in congratulating the successful suitor... His Imperial Highness the Prince Joseph of Excalbia!" says the Emperor.

Anna breathes out in relief and smiles to herself as tears well-up in her eyes. She wipes the tears away and looks up across the table at Prince Joseph, and smiles joyfully. Sir Constantine slaps Joseph on the back. He shakes Joseph's hand and leans close to the Prince to speak...

"Congratulations, Your Highness." he says in a soft, friendly tone. "Ever hurt her and I'll rip your lungs out."

...he gives Joseph a wink, and sits back in his chair.

"Prince Tharn, I'd still like to talk to you..." says the Emperor.

OOC: I know! But you're the first person to notice! I haven't got a pic because everyone tends to use the same set of pics for their princesses, and I'm sure whichever one I would pic has already been used at least four times.

Well, I can tell you that we Tu'lîmû like girls with small waists and really big butts, though we won't let that get in the way of this.

The wedding invitations have been sent out here: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=85024

Prince Tharn smiles at the news - ever since the first time he saw them together, it was obvious that Anna and Joseph were deeply in love with each other - andarranged marriages so often had more to do with politics than love.
Turning to Joseph, he says "Your Highness, I would just like to express my heartfelt congratulations. I hope you are both very happy together."

OOC: Tharn'd probably wait 'till breakfast was over before approaching the Emperor.

The Queen of Jeruselem congratuations to Prince Joseph of Excalbia on his impending marriage of Princess Anna of Pantocratoria. We hope God blesses the union and may you lead long and happy lives together.

Queen Mariah I of Jeruselem
:wink:

...
The Emperor of Holy Latin Empire sends his regards to Prince Joseph of Excalbia and Princess Anna of Pantocratoria about their Holy union in the eyes of God. May the Holy Empires of Excalbia and Pantocratoria benefit from such a happy occasion.

Emperor Kienny I of Holy Latin Empire

OOC

Use this image for Princess Anna aka Leah
http://images.allposters.com/images/130/009_422-023_a.jpg

(OOC: Catching up a bit...)

A huge smile breaks across Joseph’s face. “Your Majesty! Thank you… I am… honored… I will do my best to honor you and your house, Your Majesty…” Joseph looks at Anna, but before he can speak Sir Constantine slaps him on the back and takes his hand.

"Congratulations, Your Highness." Sir Constantine says in a soft, friendly tone. "Ever hurt her and I'll rip your lungs out."

Joseph shakes the knight’s hand heartily. “You won’t have to worry about that, sir!”

As Sir Constantine sits back in his chair, Joseph looks at Anna and silently mouths the words, I love you.

***

Joseph heartily accepts Prince Tharn’s congratulations. “Thank you, your Highness, you are most gracious.”

***

A Statement from the Citadel Palace

His Imperial Majesty, David IV, wishes to express his joy at the announcement of His Imperial Highness Prince Joseph’s engagement to Her Imperial Highness Princess Anna of Pantocratoria. His Majesty is confident that this union will confirm the eternal friendship between Excalbia and Pantocratoria. His Majesty also wishes to thank all the well-wishers who have congratulated the Empire on the announcement

After finishing his breakfast, Sandar heads over to the newly engaged couple. "My ongratulations, Your Highnesses." He bows.

OOC

Use this image for Princess Anna aka Leah
http://images.allposters.com/images/130/009_422-023_a.jpg
OOC: Surely Princess Leia has been used as the picture for a variety of nation's eligible women

I prefer to avoid picking pictures for my characters - the only two I have picked are ones which just jumped out at me as being perfect.

Seeing the crowd of approaching well-wishers, Joseph turns towards Anna, gives her a smile and playful wink, then strides towards the assorted princes, presidents and potentates to mingle. Stepping forward from a table towards the back of the party, Excalbia’s Ambassador to the Court of Christ Pantocrator, Rev. Jacob Donnelly, approaches the Emperor. He waits until Emperor Andreus has a moment to spare, then he steps forward.

“Your Majesty,” he says with bow, “I have already conveyed the happy news to His Imperial Majesty, David IV. And His Imperial Majesty has asked me to inquire as to whether there might be time during the engagement for Her Imperial Highness Princess Anna to accompany Prince Joseph, along with a suitable escort, back to Excalbia to meet her future in-laws and to see her future empire.”

OOC: Tharn'd probably wait 'till breakfast was over before approaching the Emperor.

*bump for this* 8)

OOC: Excalbia has a new flag and new website: http://www.geocities.com/ilclbt/history.htm. If you're interested, take a look and let me hear your suggestions.

Marry one of us. We'll undo decades of inbreeding with our genetic diversity!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mliêstôlkakûmek(Love all as you love yourself)
Racism-the other stupid ideology
Peace, love, and girls with small waists and big butts!
Letilan moths! Yay!
http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:TEA1WL6tIGQC:w1.150.telia.com/~u15008589

Marry one of us. We'll undo decades of inbreeding with our genetic diversity!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mliêstôlkakûmek(Love all as you love yourself)
Racism-the other stupid ideology
Peace, love, and girls with small waists and big butts!
Letilan moths! Yay!
http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:TEA1WL6tIGQC:w1.150.telia.com/~u15008589

Indeed... the minor impediment being that a husband has already been selected for Princess Anna, just a few posts above this one.

OOC: Excalbia has a new flag and new website: http://www.geocities.com/ilclbt/history.htm. If you're interested, take a look and let me hear your suggestions.

I love it! I really like the maps which you've done up (is that SimCity you've done them in?)!

After breakfast, and having waited until the Emperor was unoccupied, Tharn approached him.

"You wanted to speak with me, Sire, I believe I can make a guess as to the topic you wished to discuss. Therefore, if you will permit me, I will come straight to the point."

"You asked me what my feelings were for Theodora, yet at the time I could not answer - and I fear that I still cannot, although I can explain why."

"I have known her Highness long enough for us to become freinds. At least, I hold Theodora in the highest regard and consider her a freind - I can only hope that she returns my esteem."

"However, I do not think that we yet know each other well enough to know how far our feelings extend." Then, deciding to be completely honest, he continues: "Sire, I like Theodora a great deal, and to tell the truth I believe that I could very easily fall in love with her. But it would not be fair on her to admit to this, if I was not absolutely sure she felt the same way. If I did, and she did not, I can see only two possible outcomes."

"Firstly, she might never wish to see me again, and I might loose her freindship - which I value greatly, and would not gladly risk. Secondly, and even worse - if I were to appear as a suitor, with your blessing, she might accept me not out of love, but from a sense of duty." He paused, then continued quietly: "Sire, arranged marriages are often based more on duty or convenience than love, but I could not bear to enter into such a marriage. In all honesty, I would rather die than take as a wife any woman who did not return my love, for in doing so I would but cause her to resent, or even hate me."

"So, your majesty, I have a request to make. Please, allow Theodora and I the chance to get to know each other better - as [i]freinds, nothing more. Should it be the case that Theodora comes to feel more than freindship for me, and I for her, I would of course straight-away ask your permission to apply as suitor - although naturally not until she reached the age of maturity. I realise that the age of maturity in Pantocratoria is higher than that in Wyrmberg, and would of course honour it."

"However, if she never thought of me as anything but a friend, I would be more than happy, and would consider myself lucky to have her friendship. I would make no attempt to take our relationship anywhere Theodora did not want it to go."

Then, having run out of steam somewhat - he had never really intended to confide in the emperor so many of his feelings, but had found it impossible not to - he awaited the Emperor's response.

"I quite understand, of course, Your Highness," says the Emperor. "And I appreciate the honesty. But to be quite frank, you needn't worry about Theodora doing anything out of a sense of duty or propriety. In any case, you are most welcome to stay a little longer if you should see fit to do so, in order to get to know Theodora better. As for the issue of the age of majority - the age of majority has no bearing on marriage, it is merely the age at which one may vote, and so on, so you needn't be concerned yourself about the proper age to marry, unless it is for your own personal reasons, of course."

OOC: Excalbia has a new flag and new website: http://www.geocities.com/ilclbt/history.htm. If you're interested, take a look and let me hear your suggestions.

I love it! I really like the maps which you've done up (is that SimCity you've done them in?)!

OOC: Thanks. The maps of Excalbia and the North Atlantic are from Civ III and the map of Citadel Excalbia is from SimCity 3000. I hope you liked your Embassy! Also, I'm guessing that wedding preparations won't allow Princess Anna to make a visit to Excalbia before the wedding. Right?

OOC: Excalbia has a new flag and new website: http://www.geocities.com/ilclbt/history.htm. If you're interested, take a look and let me hear your suggestions.

I love it! I really like the maps which you've done up (is that SimCity you've done them in?)!

OOC: Thanks. The maps of Excalbia and the North Atlantic are from Civ III and the map of Citadel Excalbia is from SimCity 3000. I hope you liked your Embassy! Also, I'm guessing that wedding preparations won't allow Princess Anna to make a visit to Excalbia before the wedding. Right?

OOC: Right. She's busy preparing. Incidentally, the palace wants Prince Joseph to play Nanki Poo in its production of the Mikado... :lol:

OOC: are the other ex-suitors invited to the wedding?

OOC: are the other ex-suitors invited to the wedding?
Certainly they are - see the wedding invitation thread!