THERE WAS NO sign of the king and prince of Albannak the entire party, even though my cousin was supposedly engaged to the princess of Simrieg as well. I was forced to dance with Maeryn the entire time, pushing the smile on my face as I whirled her around the room. Father was sitting on his throne, watching me with pride, chuckling heartily at how little I had protested at having a large betrothal ball, no doubt. The king of Alinka was standing next to him, watching me like a hawk along with the king of Simrieg, looking upon his second eldest daughter with relish. The nobles dancing around us seemed to be content with their partners, some eyes turning to me. “I’m getting fatigued. I will… catch up to you.” I said to Maeryn hastily. I backed out of the ballroom into the courtyard adjoining it. Now I can breathe. The night sky was clear, the stars twinkling as Hana’s eyes did. I couldn’t escape the thought of her. Everywhere I turned, she seemed to be there smiling at me, teasing me that I was stuck with Maeryn as she was all alone somewhere. I threw my head back, gazing at the moon, low in the sky. The bell rang twelve times, marking midnight. I sighed, turning back to the ballroom, deciding not to go inside yet. I sidled along the wall, making my way through the crowd to the door where I could be alone with my thoughts. Sitting on the drawbridge where I had sat many times before as a boy, watching the water swirl and gurgle, reflecting the sky perfectly. I picked up a small pebble on my way to the drawbridge gate. The many carriages at the palace were sure to attract the attention of a certain uncle of mine and his dastardly son. I flung the stone into the water, the splash echoing throughout the moat. A black carriage passed through the gates, almost running me over as the horses clopped over the bridge and to the front gate. Who’s driving this thing? I thought, left behind by the carriage. No one inside exited. The driver and attendants didn’t move, only to turn their heads occasionally. I coughed incompetently, stepping from behind it. “What can I do for you?” I asked, keeping my eyes closed halfway to give the impression that I was naught but a pompous servant. “Nothing,” a raspy voice inside the carriage replied, “just that you go inside and announce to your kingdom that we are arriving.” “I’m sorry, what would you like to be called?” “They should understand.” I nodded, and rushed inside, suspicious of this carriage. Father was still sitting in his throne, as was Mother. “Father!” I whispered. He looked in my direction. “Vigilius? You should be dancing with your betrothed. What do you need?” “There’s a black carriage outside with a creepy man inside who told me to tell you that they were coming.” “They?” “Yes.” “Well, send them in!” he yelled to the pages next to the door. “Yes, your majesty,” they chorused, running off to let the mysterious people from the carriage in. “Father—” “That’s enough, Vigilius. I’m rather curious to see who is arriving so unfashionably late.” I rolled my eyes. “It could be the enemy!” “Pish-posh!” he retorted. “If it is, we’re prepared for them.” “No, we won’t be!” Father ignored me, watching the door avidly “Your majesties and noblemen,” the crier shouted from the top of the stairs, “the king and prince of…” he gulped, “Albannak.” Father stood, fear frozen in his eyes. “I told you,” I whispered. The doors flew open and an army of soldiers dressed in bright red came forward, followed by an eerie-looking man in a deep cherry suit. Kieser. A certain smug Peter was behind him. His face fell as Maeryn came into his view. He offered a sheepish smile. Maeryn smiled back, her eyes glowing like I had never seen them before. Peter ran down the stairs to meet her. He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the building. Kieser nodded at a person who looked to be the General. He pulled out his rifle, shouting something in Ginann. All the soldiers pulled out their arms, shooting their bullets at the windows as a warning not to escape. I gulped, my palms growing sweaty. I stood, petrified, in the center of it all. Gunshots filled the air, drowning out the terrified screams of the nobles trying to escape that was suffering an undeserving death — or a really bad injury. “LOUIE!” I heard from across the room, through it all. The chaos turned muffled as I swiftly turned my head towards the origin of my name. “LOUIE!” I heard again, louder this time, sounding more urgent. It was a female voice, soft and vaguely familiar. Hana! I turned around, running towards the speaker of my name, hoping it wasn’t an enemy. “I’m coming!” I yelled, ducking under the arm of an Albannanise soldier. “GENERAL LAMBERT!” I screamed as I nearly dodged a bullet, fired moments before I got there. “LOUIE!” I heard again, even louder. “I’M COMING, HANA!”
>:) Segway to the endinggggggggggggg Yes >:) That's sad- I want to stay in this world forever TvT Or... I can just never end it >:) No, I wouldn't do that to you guys. But... I do have some sad news. I'm not going to be on as much as I'm wrapping this thing up, and even less after I start draft two. Okie, I think that's everything... OH YEAH DID I TELL YOU ABOUT MY NEW TITLE? Yeah, I think I did. ANYWAY... I'm not going to be using it 'till draft two. -Oreo
