An Animal's Trust (DarknessEmbraced666 & TekN0!!!)

[Tr1ckY_1337]

The Royal Capital of Druschel was establish since days of old, having been the epicenter for not only military might and magic, but as well as the trading center of the entire continent of Trystan. It began as a simple castle and surrounding town, soon booming into a metropolis with thousands and thousands of townspeople scurrying along the cobblestone streets. Neighboring kingdoms were drowned in the majestic glory of such grand structures and buildings. The royal knights and guards were vigilant and well skilled in both arms and leadership, only the best of soldiers enlisted in the royal army. Even the nobles were well-educated than most in the land, some even well-noted philosophers who could run circles around the most intellectual of Trystan minds. The standard of living was high with even the most poorest of folks able to survive on their own. Crime was low, children were well behaved, it would appear that the Royal Capital of Druschel was picture perfect in everyone's mind.

However, the most notable of issues was hidden within the hallowed was of the Druschel Castle Halls. So well hidden, that all the townsfolk believed that everything was like a happy ending to a lovely fairy tale. Far from it. The royal family began ruling normally; followers respected, ordinary domestic and foreign business, and even the usual issue here and there. However, as hush hush as it was, there were rumors buzzing about that recently, the king and queen were found dead. Poison? An assassination? Illness? No officials would reveal the business, and some even denied their deaths. Some townsfolk were imprisoned for even mentioning the topic. Whatever seemed to be buzzing around about the royal family's business affairs, it was absolutely secretive. For months on end, the king and queen weren't seen, and many assumed the worse.

"Everything is fine. Carry on about your business."
"It is a matter of the royal family. Cast these rumors aside, citizen."
"Don't go sticking your nose into royal business. Move along."

Guards would constantly dissuade any passerby or citizen from delving into the subject more. And soon, it seemed they succeeded in keeping the rumors from spreading. That didn't mean that things in the royal castle were just as fine. With the king and queen truly dead, there was question of who was to rule. They had no son... but a daughter. She was coming of age, that was certain yes, but was she ready to lead an entire capital? Nights were spent bickering back and forth among officials. Yes, she's ready! No, she's too young! Her studies shows she's well capable! Such a innocent mind knows nothing of the world's plight! On and on it went, curses and slanders shot across tables as officials fought for their faith or lack there of for the princess. However, little by little, the one seat began to remain empty.

It was her uncle, a power hungry and thirsty man who long sought after the throne of king. One would think that with both king and queen gone, he was a sure selection, yes? Well, as mentioned previously, none could be more false. Completely overlooked, the uncle was outraged. He should be ruling, not some little girl! Ugh, but now he was cast aside like some simple commoner. Furious, appalled, in other words? Pissed off beyond belief. This was his throne, and he was denied it by these foolish old men who knew nothing of selecting the right ruler for this damned kingdom. No matter. In due time, he would exact his plans.

In due time...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Rise and shine, Princess!" Immediately sunlight filled the room as the curtains were pulled back, the head maid charged with the princess's care beaming with a smile at such a beautiful day presented to them. Outside, the bright blue sky barely had a cloud passing by, a warm sun washing everyone with cool, spring warmth. As the windows were opened, birds could be heard chirping softly in a tree just outside. Blue jays, actually. They were young and energetic, having scurried off the window sill the moment the windows were opened. "Come now, missy. You'll waste the day away in bed if you continue to lollygag. Come on, come on!" For one born of servitude, she seemed rather ecstatic to get the day rolling. To each their own perhaps...

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

The life in Druschel Castle had changed quite a bit in recent weeks. At least for the princess it had. For most of her life, Serafina, or Fina as her father always affectionately called her, everything had been peaceful and wonderful. From doting parents and servants that were her playmates to her tutors and nanny who made sure she was well taught and well behaved.

For many years the king and queen tried for a child and for a while it looked like they wouldn't be successful. After several false pregnancies and miscarriages, the royal couple were about to give up until the queen finally became with child in the late spring with their first and only child, giving birth to the red haired, blue eyed babe in the middle of winter. The queen and king were over joyed and swore that she would be raised with the best of everything.

So Serafina grew up surrounded by people who doted upon the girl. She was always dressed in the nicest clothes and was often given gifts by her father, from trinkets to dolls and hair ribbons. The princess also had the best teachers in the kingdom. At first all she learned was etiquette, manners, embroidery and other lessons befitting of a princess. But when she turned ten, her father insisted on her learning politics, the rules on trading and taking care of the kingdom. So far her favorite lessons were the ones her father taught her himself. They were the lessons on how to be a fair and just ruler.

However, in her late teens, her world came to a halt with the death of her parents. It had actually been the princess to find them. Her father and herself were supposed to go out early on horseback to visit the royal game lands. So when her father was late to meet her, she went to find him and found both her parents dead in their bed. It had been a traumatizing experience for her. And yet, her tutors and the officials insisted she continue with her lessons. So that's how her life had been. Waking up, taking breakfast followed by her morning lessons, then her mid-day meal then her evening lessons before dinner. After that she would retire to her rooms where she'd practice her writing and her mathematics before bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serafina winced as her bedroom became flooded with light, groaning as she turned over. She had been up late the night before trying to get through her mathematics. As the maid spoke, the young woman sighed before opening her eyes and rubbing them before turning to look at the woman. Serafina has known the head maid for as long as she could remember, the older woman helping to raise the princess.

Slowly sitting up, the princess ran her fingers through her long fiery red hair while watching the maid through the gossamer curtains that surrounded the bed. "I'm up." she mumbled softly while pushing back her covers and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

The head maid had been adjusting her desk somewhat, seeing some papers strewn about like she had been vigorously waging war with a math problem that the maid herself couldn't even dream of tackling. She was happy that the princess was an extremely intelligent young woman with beauty to match, and it made her proud that she could be her caretaker. In her heart, she wanted to see the princess succeed. Alas, she worried about Serafina taking the throne. No, it wasn't that a kingdom shouldn't be run by a woman. Heavens no. The maid truly believed Serafina could lead the Royal Capital with a blindfold on. It was the politics, the stress, the worry, the constant nagging of city problems. The most Serafina had to worry about now were her studies, and she flew through that like an eagle in the clouds. Perhaps she was being a worry wart, but the head maid just had this feeling of dread about the throne.

Shaken from her thoughts, the maid walked over to her bed, straightening her apron as she smiled warmly to Serafina. "Another long night of numbers and signs, Princess? My my, you really shouldn't overdo it. Especially," She paused and bit her lip. "With current affairs." How many times had those men spent hours upon hours in the conference rooms and halls just to go around in circles about Serafina taking the throne? Once again, she tried to clear her mind. "Now then, you'll be lucky if breakfast is still warm for you, Princess. You may be royalty, but I won't make life easy for you by trying to reheat your food." She gently scolded, trying to make Serafina aware of the time of day. Ah, but it wouldn't matter really. The food was almost always perfect in some shape or form, most of the time being its freshness. Even if it were cold, any man or woman would delight in taking a bite of the castle's well prepared breakfast. After all, they had the best chefs in all of Trystan.

The moment the princess got up, the maid was all over the bed in seconds, masterfully setting the sheets and making it look brand new. One couldn't even tell that a person had just gotten up from it. And in only a few short minutes! "Come now, let's get you dressed." As she went off to grab Serafina her clothes for the day, she rattled off what was to be her schedule for the day. It shouldn't be anything new to the princess; morning lessons on various subjects that she was already aware of, evening lessons that pretty much ended right at dinner time, and then by the time nightfall came, she would probably have her nose buried in a book in her bedroom. "Oh dear, let me get your hair brush, Princess. Your hair is a mess. People will think you've been running with wolves!" She teased and turned around, looking for said brush. "Good heavens!" The head maid cried out in shock, nearly jumping out of her skin as she turned in time to see a guard standing behind her. She slapped the man's armor plate (as if it would have any effect) despite their vastly huge gap in rank. She was pretty spunky, after all.

"M'lady," The guard, with spear vertical and resting on the ground, bowed before her with eyes glued to the ground, offering her the utmost respect. "Forgive my intrusion. I understand you've just awakened. However, I've been tasked with delivering a message." The maid was hurrying him, stating that they had much to do today. She was noticeably ignored. "The Council will be holding a gathering within the Royal Dining Hall. They've asked me to inform you that your presence is mandatory. They've also asked me to stress that." The guard raised himself up, decorated in royal armor from head to toe. And he was just a regular guard. "The topic to be discussed is of delicate information. Please refrain from mentioning this to," He turned his head towards the maid, and despite his eyes being difficult to see, they could probably feel the man glaring at the head maid. "Anyone else." And with that final warning, he bowed again and left.

"Hmph. The nerve. I understand the importance and delicate nature of official business. I never!" The head maid soon became a hissy fit of curses and name calling that wasn't much becoming of a lady. To think, she was always the one keeping Serafina on the track to acting as a proper lady.

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

The princess could hear the head maid moving around and she watched as the woman adjusting the desk, smiling slightly in vague amusement and affection. This was nothing new to her and she chuckled softly to herself as she pushed the covers back a little more. "Yes, indeed it was another long night." she said gently in agreement, nodding a little. As the woman told her not to over do it, Seraphina sighed and shook her head. "I.. I just want to do my best so I don't shame them. I want to do them the honor they deserve."

It was common knowledge among the staff in the castle that the princess had found her parents and ever since she'd doubled her efforts when it came to her studies.

Slipping out of the bed, Seraphina gentle groaned as she stretched. The young woman's back ached a bit from sitting at her desk late into the night. As the maid set about fixing the bed, she moved away from the bed and looked out the window that over looked the gardens and pond. It was one of the princesses favorite views from the castle. While she stood there, she listened to the head maid tell her what her schedual was for the day and she nodded slightly.

The older womans remark about the princesses hair made the teen laugh softly and shake her head. "I apologize." she said in a light playful way. However, when she heard the maids cry, the princess turned quickly and she jumped slightly when she saw the guard. Without saying anything, she snatched up her robe from a nearby chair and slipped it on over her night gown.

As the guard spoke, she frowned slightly, not happy that the guard had just entered her bedroom without even knocking and announcing himself. "Inform the council that I shall be there." she said. "And there is no need to remind me that certain things aren't to be repeated to others." Her voice was firm with a slight edge to it. Seraphina disliked how the guard had treated the maid who was almost like another mother to the princess.

Hearing the maid start fussing, Seraphina sighed and shook her head before moving over to the maid and taking her hands into her own. "Hush. It's alright." she said gently. "I'll speak to the head guard about this later. Now, I believe I best get dressed and ready for meeting with the council, yes?" Moving over to where the clothes sat, Seraphina looked at the dress before shaking her head.

"This dress is a bit too casual to wear to a meeting. Is my light green one clean?" she asked gently. "The one with the golden embroidery?" While she asked, she slipped off her robe and laid it on her bed.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

Seraphina was such a good child, doing her very best to respect and honor her deceased parents. She respected her willingness and determination. Everyone knew that and did the same. With a small sigh, she nodded her head. "Right. No need to worry about him. Although fancy pants business is getting to cut into your study time, I'll take the liberty of informing your teachers that you have a pressing matter to attend to." She said with a smile, nodding joyfully. "Oh, but that poor lad will be so sad you're not there. You know, I think he has a liking to you." Oh, that man did very little to hide the affectionate gazes he sent her way. She was so engrossed in her lessons though that she practically gave him too many opportunities to swoon over her! With a playful grin, she leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Between you and me, I think you could probably land someone better." She winked and covered her mouth as she chuckled again. Nothing like girl talk.

Tilting her head to the side, she looked at the dress. "Hm, perhaps you're right, Princess. Wait just a moment, I'll go have a look see." She scurried to her wardrobe and began searching for said dress. Green... green... green... aha! Pulling out the lovely fabric, she could never stop smiling in awe when she held the dress. With the morning sunshine casting a spotlight on the dress, the golden embroidery made it shimmer and shine. Draped across her arms neatly so as not to create any creases, the head maid brought it before Seraphina and held it out to her. "This is a much better choice. Sad to see that you have to go to a meeting in it. It looks like a dress made more suitable for going to a ball." She said with a rather sad look. Back when her parents were alive and times were well, they had a good few amount of friendly gatherings and balls throughout the year. Nowadays, it would be surprising to fit even one in.

After she took it, the head maid went towards the door. "Since we're in a rush, perhaps I should grab your plate. Go ahead and get ready, dear. I'll be just a moment. Don't you dare leave without eating breakfast!" She warned as she was out the door, picking up her dress so she could move faster. "You may be a young and vibrant at your age, but without breakfast, you'll barely making it through the first hours of the day!" Her voice soon faded out as she was somewhere down the hall and probably around a corner somewhere. The last sound heard was the joyful chuckle of the woman.

She didn't take too long, however. When she returned, there was an ornate plate in her hands, decorated with intricate and beautiful designs. The plate was filled with a yummy pastry, but as well as fruit to get her going. Seraphina shouldn't be too full, lest she doze off during that meeting, so accompanying the meal was a small glass of water. Light, but it would quench her thirst hopefully should the fruit fail to do so. "I won't let you leave till it's all gone, either." The woman teased as she set it down on her desk, setting her mind on what items to clean and dust in Seraphina's room. She almost seemed completely focused on it, almost forgetting that they were both in the room.

"Oh my, I can't believe I didn't notice the time of year." The head maid had an even bigger smile on her face. "Just a couple more weeks, and it'll be your birthday!" She spoke it with such glee and excitement, clapping her hands. "Now, it won't be like last year where you were stuck studying. I'll make sure to have a beautiful cake prepared for you. And I'll see if I can persuade your teachers to let you off the hook. Well, one of them will be more than happy to cancel the day if he's celebrating with you, I'm sure." Another light chuckle. "Oh my, and a gift!" She went on and on, so excited to hear that the girl she cared for since birth really was becoming more and more of a young woman. It made her proud, really. Very much so.

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

Relieved that the maid calmed, Seraphina released the womans hands and smiled gently. "I know that it is cutting into my studies. But some things can not be avoided and I'll have to get used to it." she replied softly. "Especially as I take on more responsibilities around the castle and with the kingdom." After the woman let the princess know that she would inform the tutors, Seraphina offered her a thankful smile and nodded. "Thank you." she said before blushing as the maid began teasing about one of her teachers being enamored with her.

"I'm sure he will be disappointed and you know I hate to disappoint anyone, but eventually he will turn his affections to a woman who will be able to return them." she told the maid. Seraphina knew just as everyone else did, that there were certain standards that the man know she decided upon must meet.

As the maid searched for her dress, Seraphina moved over to her vanity table and picked up her brush, running it through her long hair several times, carefully working out any of the knots in the red locks until the maid returned with the dress. "Ah, that's the one." she said, a happy smile on her face, carefully taking the dress. It was one of her favorite dresses. The green was the right color for her fair skin and it complimented her red hair and blue eyes perfectly. "Yes, I would rather wear it to something more enjoyable, but I must look nice for any meetings with the council."

Balls and parties had been a common thing over the years, though it was only in recent years that Seraphina had been allowed to really attend them. Once in a while she had been allowed when she had been a child, but once she'd begun to mature and became a young woman, her parents let her attend more frequently.

After the maid left to fetch the princesses breakfast, the young woman smiled and chuckled before hanging the dress on the changing screen that stood in the room. Slipping behind it, Seraphina slipped out of her night gown, draping it over the top of the screen before pulling on her dress. It was a floor length dress with long sleeves and a modest neck like. It was made of light material that was soft to the touch. The color a pale mint green while the hems had golden ribbion lining them and along the skirt and the neckline of the bodice were vines and flowers embroidered with matching golden thread.

Her dress fit perfectly. Seraphina looked alot like her mother, having inherited her beauty from the late queen, though the princess had gotten her long red hair from her father but her blue eyes from her mother.

Sitting at her vanity, Seraphina began brushing her hair again, making sure it was neat and tidy in case the head maid decided she wished to do something with it. Not long after she heard the woman return and she smiled as she stood. "Very well." she said with a laugh after being told that she would have to eat it all before she could leave. The young woman moved over to where the food had been sat and she took her seat. "Is my dog out in the kennels?" she asked before taking a bite out of the pastry, being careful not to get anything on her dress.

Her dog was a beautiful long haired collie that was of the finest bloodlines. It had been a gift from a neighboring kingdom when she'd turned 13.

The princess chuckled to herself as the woman began chattering about how close it was to her birthday and she nodded slowly, blushing slightly when she was reminded about having been stuck studying during her birthday. "Just don't go overboard with it." she asked gently. She knew that the council will probably want to throw a grand party since it was her coming of age party, but the princess really wasn't sure she was up for such a party with her parents deaths being so recent.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

Having been prancing about like a little energetic school girl, the head maid giggled and bowed her head respectfully. "Come now, you're becoming more of a woman every passing day." She teased, starting to pick up scattered items that found themselves in random places, tidying up the room. She even placed the books back in her bookshelves since, knowing how busy she was, there would just be scattered towers of text around the room. "As for your pooch, he's still in the kennels, so no. However, if you'd like, I can ask that he be released early. I'm sure you miss the cute little thing." While the maid herself wasn't too much of a dog lover, she knew Seraphina was fond of the canine. She had no qualms with taking him to her. Or even vice versa, whichever she preferred. "Just please remind the creature that I'm a woman? I swear, dogs always seem to be sticking there noses wherever they please. Honestly, naughty things, I swear..." She trailed off, starting to blabber on while the queen began to eat.

Both women were still in Seraphina's bedroom, the head maid giving her time to finish her breakfast while she finished the task of tidying up the room. Thankfully, the princes was well-mannered. To be honest, the maid did fear that she would walk in one day and find the place absolutely a wreck. Silly troubles, no longer a worry. "Well then, satisfied?" She asked before patting her apron with her dusty hands. "If you are, then let's go then. I don't want you to be late, that meeting is probably starting very soon." Without another word, the head maid pressed her bedroom doors open, the massive oak doors giving way to a woman who had been working the castles for years. She had learned the halls, rooms, and every nook and cranny like the back of her hand. Some of the staff even joked that she could probably find her way blindfolded and in the dark with no candle. "Come now, Princess. Let's not keep those old geezers waiting." She muttered under her breath that last part, knowing she could be a great deal of trouble should she speak ill of the council men.

They were off and about, scurrying down the hall as they passed both guard and maid alike. A couple of nobles having business within the castle bowed before the princess, anyone before them stepping out of the way. "My my, Amelia really needs to get that laundry done. Is that buffoon Bernard still out there milking the cows?" She was rattling off name after name, referring to the castle's servants and staff. "Ah, Princess, remind me to ask Daniela about tonight's dinner feast." They were going to have a large crowd, that was for sure. That with the council being here as well, all at once. Now, the head maid was just thinking about her list of things to do, spewing constant chores, multiple names, this way, that way, up, down, all around. It was all quite confusing and vast. But, she must be the head maid for that reason. She listed it off so easily and knew the castle so well, if she were unable to finish a job, then it would be warranted enough to raise concern.

"Well if it isn't my beautiful and wonderful niece!" A voice so jovial that one could easily tell how fake it was could only point to one man. Roderick. Uncle Roderick, as she was told in the past to refer to him as. "Come now, give us a hug." The tall, somewhat lanky man immediately wrapped his arms around the young girl. Any sincerity in said hug was either as hallow as that happy smile of his or completely void of the situation. The hallowed uncle of one of the last in line to take the throne, Roderick of Druschel, brother to her father and quite upset that he was not the one to rule. "I remember when you were as tall as my waist, little one. Now look at you. Next in line! And such a beautiful young lady." He complimented with a loving smile.

Releasing her, he took a step back. He had at least two inches on her in height, pasty white skin that meant he rarely let a ray of sun touch his skin. And his eyes, though a lovely emerald, held such sinister intent in deceit and greed so well hidden by a façade of politeness and love. He was an ambitious man, though many didn't know how ambitious he was.

"Another week or so, Princess, and you'll practically be an old woman. Hah!" He teased and ruffled up her hair, the head maid giving him a scowl as her straightened hair was now messy with a few strands out of place. "Now then, ladies, where might you be off to this early in the morning? Don't you usually conduct your studies in the Southern Halls?"

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

While the maid flitted back and forth as she ate, Seraphina smiled to herself before glancing at the woman when she giggled and bowed ehr head. "Indeed I am and it has been with your help in raising me that I've become the young woman that I am today." she said gently, her affection and appreciation showing in her voice. As the woman spoke about the dog, she smiled and chuckled. Seraphina understood that her maid wasn't a big lover of canines. "Could you please have the trainer release him from the kennels?" she asked the maid. "I'd like to spend some time with him later. And I will tell him that you're a woman." She giggled to herself and returned to her food, eating some more of the pastry then some of her fruit while the maid continued speaking.

As she ate her food, Seraphina watched the head maid tidy up the bedroom. Because she'd been raised well, the princess rarely made a mess of her rooms. The most mess that she ever made was around her desk from doing her work or when she was working on her art with her painting tutor.

It didn't take her long to finish her food and she sat back while holding her glass of water, drinking most of it before nodding when asked if she was satisfied. "Yes, thank you." she replied while wiping her mouth with a napkin to make sure not crumbs lingered before standing up. Before following behind the maid, Seraphina paused at her vanity to double check her hair and to grab her favorite necklace. A simple silver chain with a small flower dangling from it that had a single pink pearl in the center of the white flower. The princess clasped it around her neck as she walked with the maid.

Because the princess was a bit taller then the maid and had longer legs, she didn't have to walk as fast as the older woman. Seraphina walked with a straight back, squared shoulders and a high head, a posture her mother had taught her many years ago. When the nobles bowed to her, she glanced at them and nodded slightly, but all the while she listened to the maid as she rattled on about the different servants.

She knew that the head maid was a good source of information because she pretty much ran the castle and the maid heard most of the gossip. So any changes that the princess needed to be aware of, she could always count on the other woman to inform her. At the mention of that nights dinner feast, the princess frowned slightly before nodding. "Of course." she said but she knew she probably wouldn't have to remind the woman. "Remind the cooks and servers that Lord Audley will be here tonight and he is allergic to nuts, so they don't make many things that require nuts and the servers don't place such things close to him." Seraphina told the maid.

However, they were interrupted by a loud voice and Seraphina paused and turned slightly to see her uncle approaching them and she glanced momentarily at the maid. "Hello Uncle Roderick." she said gently before softly grunting as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. She returned the hug before stepping back and smoothing out her slightly rumpled dress before blushing a little as he spoke.

Seraphina has never been close to the man. When she had been a child, the princess had always wanted to spend time with him but he always brushed her off when he visited, spending all his time in either the company of some of the lords or her father. "Thank you Uncle." she said when he complimented her.

Her uncle was a little taller then her, both of them having gotten their height from her fathers side of the family. Where her mother had been petite and rather short, her father was a tall and strong bear of a man with large arms, broad shoulders and a strong chest. It was clear who got the looks between her father and her uncle. Like the princess, her father was fair skinned but they didn't look pasty white like Roderick did.

At his teasing, she blushed again before sighing as her hair was messed up, several of the soft, silken strands now standing out of place and some falling in her eyes. "My studies are cancled today Uncle. What with all the guests today." she said while attempting to fix her hair though it was difficult without a mirror. "We were just going on a walk discussing tonights feast." she said, keeping the meeting with the council secret like she was told to. Afterall, she didn't know if her uncle had been invited to this meeting, which she doubted he had been since the meetings were usually just herself and the council, though her tutors occasionally attended if the council wished to know how her studies were coming.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

Seeing this man made the head maid shiver. Not many people seemed quite fond of Roderick, and it would be a safe assumption that more than half the castle would love to kick him out in a heart beat. Alas, the richer and upper class folk within the castle appeared to be on his side, thus guarantying his stay here within the stone walls of Seraphina's home. "Yes, of course. I'll take care of it, Princess." She replied to both of Seraphina's requests, not once letting Roderick from her sight. Nothing about this man seemed genuine, and there were many instances in the past where he was deemed a liar in some shape or form. What was this man made of? Deceit? Maliciousness? Greed? Anything and everything negative under the blue sky, that was for certain, and the head maid was one of the most firm believers in that assumption. She could only hope that perhaps Seraphina might see through his charade as well. She sincerely hoped.

"Hm? A walk eh?" Roderick began, smiling merrily as he wrapped an arm around the young woman, inviting himself to their little walk already. "Perhaps I'll tag along? We never truly spent time together, Seraphina. We should connect more. After all," He stopped in front of her and placed both hands on her shoulders, looking right into her eyes with a wistful stare. "We're the only ones in our family left. We need to stick together, dear. I would be absolutely destroyed if something were to happen to my sweet, sweet niece." Even if he meant it, the tone of voice was so overdramatic and babying in a way. The head maid wondered if she should snap at him loudly or slap him harder than a wife finding her husband cheating. What nerve he had to talk to her like that, especially with erasing himself from her past.

"Actually," She chimed in as Roderick was opening his big mouth again. "This is more of a, how do you call it? Girls only?" She gave the best cheeky smile she could, Seraphina's uncle glaring at her a bit with a stern stare. "I'm sure we'd bore you with all our lady chatter. You know, talking about boys and possible suitors. About our female troubles and... coming of age issues. That sort of thing." She attempted to use matters that would no doubt bore a man, but Roderick knew the game well, and turned it around on her.

With a nod, he shut his eyes and followed along. Still. "Ah, of course. She is of age to be thinking about that. Now, I will tell you, Seraphina. You can get no better advice about men from a man himself. Come now. Ask away. What's on your mind?" The head maid was a bit taken aback, but then again she should've expected a turn around like that. She bit her lips, trying to come up with some sort of way to shake him off their tails.

"My lord, um, you can't truly impose on a young woman like that. I mean, you have years of experience with a woman, I'm sure. Perhaps that's not the most suitable topic for a young lady. Instead, maybe a seasoned lass?" She said, batting her eyelashes at him. At first, she thought it worked with his overly cocky chuckle. Yet, he pressed on.

"Nonsense! My experience will only prepare her for more intimate scenarios. Now, Seraphina, I'm sure you've had these urges, however-"
"My lord!" The head maid was blushing a bit, slapping his arm to which he responded with a hiss of playful pain.
"Zounds, woman! Are you so against me educating my own niece about relationships? She'll have no idea what to do when the time comes!"
"Lord Roderick! This is not a topic to be discussed in the grand halls of our royal castle. Especially not around the Princess."
"She's fine, she's practically an adult. Don't give me that grief, woman. Now, where were we? Ow!" The next thing anyone knew, Roderick was being pelted by the head maid's hat, shushing him indefinitely as they continued on.

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

Seraphina have heard plenty of whispers and hushed talks between servants and among the wealthy guests that often came and went within the castle. Many had negative things to say about her uncle and even her own mother had once voiced her dislike of the man a couple of times before. So even though she'd always wanted a close relationship with the man when she was younger, as she got older, she became a little more wary of him and she started following her gut instincts, something the head maid has always taught her to trust.

As her uncle wrapped his arm around her, her body stiffened a bit and she glanced over at the maid as Roderick invited himself onto their 'walk' and she forced back a sigh. However, when her uncle spoke in such a way to her about her being his 'sweet, sweet niece' her cheeks reddened quite a bit and though it didn't show on her face, she felt anger swell in her chest.

"Uncle Roderick, she's right. I'm sure you won't find our conversation very pleasant or entertaining. Besides," she said, "we will be speaking of things that would be improper in mixed company and should be spoken of with just a woman."

Seraphina was a little flustered as he still followed them and insisted on offering advice about men and asked her what was on her mind. The princess glanced over at the maid, an almost pleading look in her eyes before she flushed a brighter red then before when her uncle brought up urges that she'd had before and she grunted before carefully extracting herself from her uncle.

For a moment she watched the interaction between her uncle and the maid before she finally spoke up. "Alright, now that is quite enough." she said firmly, raising her voice in a manner that was reminisent of her father. Her voice becoming firm, commanding but not too loud. Just enough to call attention to herself. "This is a topic that is improper all together and we really weren't going to talk about such things. They were going to be conversations about.... womanly things." She cleared her throat was a slightly abashed look upon her face. "Things that I usually spoke about with my mother. Like a womans... monthly cycle, uncle Roderick. And we were going to speak about what to look for in a man, not how to read a man, so to speak."

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

Her initial words fell on deaf ears, even to her most trusted head maid. They seemed to be bickering back and forth, Roderick attempting to spend time with his niece (whether with ulterior motives are not) while the head maid attempted to silence the man and push him away, especially with concerns about the meeting the princess was to have in just a short amount of time. Yet, this man refused to cooperate! It was like dealing with a child who demanded attention 24/7. In fact, the head maid felt she would have had an easier time dealing with the child. And so they snipped and snapped back and forth, dealing with one another's comments and quips, humorously as if they were some old married couple. As if. Roderick would not dare to sully what was left of his honor to marry someone who bathed in poverty. The head maid wouldn't dare deal with his underhanded trickery. Or, so she assumed.

The moment the princess set her foot down, both individuals hushed and came to a stop as they looked onward. She had the voice of a leader, that was for certain. It made the head maid smile, remembering the respect and command her father held in his hands. A virtuous man, he was. It was truly a sad day when they learned he passed away. "W-What?! Oh, heavens!" It seems that even a topic like this dissuaded the pompous man. "My lord, I've yet to understand since a disturbing subject. Heavens!" Roderick was off and storming off, shivering at the idea of what they might be disgusting. It seemed he was a bit squeamish when it came to topics like that, but for the head maid, she only laughed triumphantly. "Well, that'll show him. If you want to truly disturb a man, let him know about the flowing red river." She commented with a hand over her mouth regally.

Despite how it seemed it was used more to distract Roderick, the head maid spoke up about her second subject as they continued their walk. They didn't have much longer, but she was curious. "My lady, have you not found any interest in suitors presented to you? Now, don't get me wrong, I find each one of them more pretentious than the last, but I'm curious as to what you are searching for in a man." She looked at Seraphina with a serious look, knowing that when she found love, it wouldn't be something out of a novel. It was something more. Something deeper that words could not even begin to describe. "We could teach you what to look out for: manners, respect, kindness, etc. But, you must look more at what you wish to seek in a man. No one is truly perfect, but that one man you find, he will be perfect to you. And the same can be said for him. That's what matters, that you're both happy."

OOC: Small, I apologize, especially with your return. But, I'll make it better next go round!

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

The princess had listened with growing aggrivation as her uncle and the maid bickered back and forth and she huffed while folding her arms beneath her breasts, shifting her weight so one of her hips were cocked out to the side. It was a stance her mother took when she was irritated with something. The young woman seemed to be the perfect blend of her parents. The mannerism and personality as well as many of the looks of her father mixed with the gentle, loving kindness and beauty of her mother.

When the two hushed when Seraphina rose her voice and commanded their attention, the corner of her mouth rose. She'd seen the same reaction many times while watching the late king bring the council as well as bickering subjects to attention. For a moment she had worried it wouldn't work, so when it did she was very relieved.

However, as her uncle's reaction grew from mere silence to clear disgust and he rushed off, Seraphina's smile grew and she bit her lip until he was out of earshot before laughing. Shaking her head, the princess hooked her arm with the maids and began walking with her again. As the older woman spoke once more, Seraphina sighed and shook her head once more.

"I don't know. I've met so many suitors over the past year or so from so many lands. Some have spoken of marriage yes, but they always talk about taking me back to their lands with them or talking about what they'd do if they were king here." The princess paused with a frown, clearly displeased at the thought of leaving her kingdom or giving control of it over to someone who had plans of their own. It bothered her. "Yes, many are handsome, but that's not everything."

When what she was looking for in a man was brought, she smiled gently and looked over at the woman. "I believe I know exactly the kind of man I'm searching for." she said in a soft voice. "I want a man like my father had been. Kind, gentle, protective and caring. But also stern when it came to ruling, but fair at the same time. Someone who wishes for the happiness of his family as well as his subjects." Seraphina blushed a little. "But I have a feeling I won't find such a man among the current suitors. Father had been one in a million and mother had been lucky to find him."

((That's okay. I'm having the same problem but it should get better as we go further on in the story.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

The head maid listened with rapt attention. Seraphina was very much sought after throughout many kingdoms and, as she mentioned, many talked about bring her to their home kingdom of becoming king here. She could not imagine any other person ruling besides Seraphina, and due to their laws, she would be forced to submit to the king should she marry a man with corrupt intentions. But, she had a solid head on her shoulders it seemed. Especially so after she heard what she had to say. It only made her smile warmly as she stopped them both and drew the young woman into a hug. "It gives me great relief to hear you speak in such a way, Princess. I would be very upset if you decided for less. Although, if I may, Princess...?" She smiled as she crossed her arms and lightly tapped her chin with an index finger, trying to imagine the man she would wind up with. "Hm, I'd say you'll wind up with a man that will be strong-willed, smart, and loyal to you. Not like some of these men that will turn their heads at any like minx that walks their way. No. I know you'll find the perfect life time... hm, what's a good word? Ah! Like a mate for life!" She chuckled and gave her another hug before pulling away.

"I'd love to continue this, but we're here. Are you prepared?" Prepared or not, the meeting was now. After hearing her response, the maid pressed open the doors and entered before Seraphina, bowing before the men of the round table. What might be noticeable however, was that several chairs were left vacant, excluding her own. What became of those members, it was not known as most of their handlings were very hush hush, even to many other royalty members. "Your Lordships, Princess Seraphina." She announced before stepping out of the way to allow Seraphina to enter. Afterwards, she bowed once more and shut the doors, exiting and remaining outside.

They wasted no time, it appeared as the head councilman held out a hand towards her seat. Where he sat at the head of the table, she rested at the other end. He offered a friendly smile. "Princess Seraphina. Please. Take a seat." A man that showed much of his age and wear from constant meetings. Stress gave him wrinkles and greyed hairs, yet he still pressed on. He was one of her father's most trusted advisors. "Are you aware of you being here? Well, no. Let's put that to the side for now. I'm so busy that I never get to hear much about your daily life. Please, tell me how have things been. I always loved how your parents explained to me their days with you. It was always lovely and joyous. Perhaps by starting off like this, maybe we can enjoy the lighter atmosphere that seems to have escaped this meeting room." He asked, chuckling softly as he took a seat at the tallest chair in the room. The rest soon did the same, nodding to one another and Seraphina.

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

Seraphina was a little surprised when the maid stopped her and then pulled her into a hug. Such things had been lacking around the castle as of late so for a moment the young woman just stood there before gently hugging the older woman with a chuckle. "I was raised by two great rolemodels and a wonderful nurse." she replied when the maid said she was relieved to hear Seraphina speak in such a thing, giving the woman credit for helping to raise her.

As the maid crossed her arms and tapped her chin, Seraphina arched an elegantly shaped eyebrow as the woman said that the princess would end up with a man that was strong-willed, smart and loyal. But it was when the woman said that Seraphina would find the perfect mate for life that the princess gave a short laugh. "Mate for life?" she echoed before shaking her head. "Howabout just the right partner?" The princess though the phrase 'mate for life' was just too weird. Seraphina hugged the woman back once more before they parted and the princess looked up at the doors for the meeting room and she sighed softly.

"No, not really." the teen replied but she knew that she didn't have much of a choice. This kind of meeting was mandatory. The young woman watched as the maid pushed open the doors before hearing her announce her. "Thank you." she said gently to the maid before entering the room filled with med.

When she was younger, Seraphina remembered feeling intimidated by this group. But things changed after she'd started her lessons on becoming ruler. "Gentlemen." she said gently with a bow of her head before moving further into the room and walking to her seat at the other end of the table, sitting down and gazing around the table at the men. She noted that there was a number of empty seats but didn't say anything about it.

The councilmans question caused her to look curiously at the man and she was about to answer when he said about putting it aside for the moment and instead asked about her daily life. "Things have been.... well. I carry out my usual lessons as I have before the loss of my parents with the exception of the lessons that my father had been teaching me himself." she said gently. "I study hard and keep up with my work despite what has happened. After all, life does go on and it waits on no one." She sat back in her chair a bit with a pensive look upon her face.

"Other then my studies, I do take some time to take rides out onto the royal hunting grounds or to spend time in the managery. The gifts from one of our neighbors intrigues me." One of the neighboring kingdoms had sent her a set of red panda's as a way of paying their respect for the death of the king and queen.

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

It was nice to hear such things from the princess. When her father was alive, the councilman head of this meeting often did enjoy afternoon walks with the king, always smiling at the sight of his daughter beaming with happiness or joining a day together with her mother. It seemed those kinds of things kept the worries of the kingdom away, or even made them not look like worries at all. However, he could tell that recalling memories like this was still a bit hard. What child deserved to grow up without their parents? None, that's who. "I see. Your instructors speak highly of you, Seraphina. I commend you upon that. As for the lessons your father taught, well, I don't think we could ever find a tutor for that. The lessons he taught were heartfelt. Even to us. I don't think I've ever had a better teacher." The smile he gave was sad as he leaned back in his chair, nodding to what she did in her spare time.

Alas, that was enough of pleasantries, it was time to get down to business. So, with a sigh, he cleared his throat and sat up straight. "We must speak again, Princess. It's nice to talk about something else besides official business every now and then. Unfortunately, there is something of grave importance that we do need to talk about."

All eyes on her, the councilman picked up a parchment and read over it briefly, finally looking over the paper to Seraphina again. "As you know, due to your parents' passings, we are left without leadership. The main reasoning behind this is because there was no suitable person to handle the responsibility demanded by this role in the castle. Granted, they are large shoes to fill, if you will. Your mother and father were phenomenal rulers." The men around her nodded, having been under their rule as well when they were alive. "And for as long as I can remember, we and other councilmen have been debating on a particularly heated subject. In fact, that's precisely why you see a little less than half the council seats empty, your Highness. We've all come to a decision, and we're here to discuss it with you."

The parchment was set down, along with the spectacles on the bridge of the older man's nose. He rested his elbows on the table, his fingers interlaced with one another as he covered his mouth as he spoke. "The time for a ruler to step up is now. Our council has come to a decision to nominate you as the next Queen, and thus lead our kingdom in official and business affairs. You have been slowly prepared for this with some of your instructors, and I'm quite sure you foresaw this decision being made in the future, but frankly, we can wait no longer. Tensions rise in other lands, economics are a constant battle no matter how good the times are." The councilman stood up and placed his hands on the fine oak table they sat at, fingers outstretched as he were somehow bracing himself for her response. Despite knowing the girl was a noble, and more than suitable choice, he did fear should she decline. They would not force her, but they desperately needed her amongst all others.

"Seraphina, Princess to the Royal Capital of Druschel," He recited her title, looking at her seriously. "Will you accept the responsibility and duties as Queen and lead our kingdom to prosperity again? With valor and sound judgment, loyalty to virtuous beliefs and ends? The choice is yours."

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

Seraphina smiled gently when she heard that her instructors spoke highly of her. While the young woman wasn't prideful like others that came and went from the castle, she did take great pride in her studies, having always wanted to do her best in them and make not just her parents proud but also the head maid who was like a second mother to her as well as others in her life. As the councilmen said that he didn't think a tutor could ever be found for the lessons her father taught and she nodded in agreement. After all, there wasn't anyone else out there like him that could teach her of the things he'd seen in life.

As the pleasantries were finally set aside and the man said there was something of grave importance they had to speak of, she nodded while sitting up straighter, showing that he had her attention.

Seraphina watched as he read a parchment and then set both the paper and his spectacles down upon the table and she gazed seriously at him as he spoke about it being time for a ruler to step up and that the council has decided to nominate her as the next queen. She was clearly surprised by the look on her face but she didn't speak until he finished.

Whatever she had been expecting it hadn't been this. While Seraphina knew that they needed a ruler and that by law she was the heir to the throne, she personally didn't think she was ready. After all, how could she rule if she hadn't finished her lessons? When the councilmen recited her official title, she knew that he really was serious about this and she swallowed down the lump in her throat.

For a long moment she was quiet, her gaze turning to her lap. The thought of becoming queen so soon was a terrifying one. He was right, she did have some big shoes to fill. But her country needed her. After a minute, the princess took a deep breath and closed her eyes before lifting her head. Slowly letting out her breath, she nodded before opening her eyes and looking at the table of men before her.

"I do accept the responsibilities and duties as Queen." she said finally. "And I will lead the kingdom to prosperity with valor, sound judgement, and loyalty to virtuous beliefs and ends." She knew she had to say it correctly, her father had managed to get at least that far in her lessons. "And I will also do my best to lead as my parents would. For the bettering of my people."

 

[Tr1ckY_1337]

It felt like a bloody eternity as the councilman at the head of the table gazed on at Seraphina. The young woman's face said everything; Am I really fit for the position? I haven't even finished my lessons, etc. And this was so sudden. What other thoughts had to be going through her mind, he wondered. Fear? Nervousness? Worry? Taking this new role would definitely give birth to such emotions. Even he himself felt nervous about her taking it, simply for the fact that he worried about her well being. The people could be cruel, and even worse would be the other kingdoms. Alas, they were thrust with this ultimatum with nothing else to go upon. He wished he could give her more time, nothing would grant him more confidence in her. But time was something they didn't have.

All men watched intently as Seraphina took a deep breath. It felt like she was breathing on their behalf as well, he air thick with tension and anticipation. The moment of truth, the moment where she either decided to rule the kingdom and accept the responsibility. Or, the moment where she turned them down, and they would be faced with further troubles as no doubt another kingdom would attempt to attack them in their moment of weakness. The previous king and queen were well respected, yet the Kingdom of Druschel was a very prosperous and powerful kingdom. Capturing such an important point would shift the scales of power greatly.

And then the words left her lips: "I do accept".

Immediately, smiles crept upon the lips of each person in the room, even the head councilman who often had the most serious of faces cracked a wide, relieved smile. They all nodded upon her words, the councilman knowing full well she would hold true to her word. "Then, with Seraphina of the Kingdom of Druschel have accepted the title and honor of Queen of Druschel, we the council here by state, here on out, to best serve and aid the Queen whenever she calls upon or requires us. Whether it be dead of night or earliest of morning. We will provide sound judgment and good will for her. We shall discuss and meet upon any and all matters required by her here on out." The men gave their confirmation, standing up and facing towards Seraphina. As did the councilman, clasping his hands together in front of him.

"May you have a long life and lead with a strong mind and heart," Each of them bowed. "Queen Seraphina." The head of the table spoke, but soon the rest repeated her name and title in unison.

 

[DarknessEmbraced666]

Once she replied that she would accept the position as queen, Seraphina saw the immediate change in the mens faces as they all smiled. She could tell they were pleased and relieved that she said yes. If she had said no, who knew what would of happened in the long run. But as she decided before, her people needed her and she couldn't abandon them.

After she said yes, she looked at the councilman as he began speaking again as he spoke, smiling slightly. It was a bit of relief knowing that they all believed in her so much and that they would be there to help her make decisions should she need help and she knew that if there were ever a time that she couldn't look at something with an unbiased view, they would be there as the voice of reason.

As the men stood up and the councilmen wished her a long life and that she would lead with a strong mind and heart, she blushed just a little. But as they all called her 'Queen Seraphina', her blushed darkened and she smiled gently before standing up herself. "I... am grateful that you all blieve in me and I thank you for all you've done for my family, for myself and what we may have to face in the future." she said gently, bowing slightly to them. "I know that, like my parents, I too can rely on all of you to lead me straight, should I not see the clear path in situations that are beyond my immediate control and situations that involve the entire kingdom. For that, I thank you and I look forward, to many of serving with all of you."

Seraphina swallowed gently and smiled kindly at all of them, her eyes bright as she swept her gaze over the group of men. She could only imagine how the head maid will react when she hears the news that officially, Seraphina was the queen. As the fact that she was now queen began to sink in, the young woman realized that not only did she have her coming of age approaching, but she also now had a coronation to plan for and the thought of all that had to be done was a little over whelming.