A Ball {Part 2.5 - EXTRA - Taren's VIEW}

A fire blazed in the fireplace inside his room. A four poster bed was put on the wall opposite the blaze, and a desk was on the right wall between two windows. It was a comfortable room, and he was in need of nothing, save for more sleep. Taren had been in Karthia all of 18 hours, and yet so much had happened already.

He was unsure as to how he would be received, but he had doubted it would be warmly. That was fine with him. At this time he didn't need warmth he needed compliance, but compliance came at a price. First he would have to give and then she would. That was how it worked.

However, it was not in hostility or coldness that he was welcomed, but rather uncertainty and a modesty that became Karthia. He was obviously being watched by the guards, and the entire court, but for separate reasons. The guards were waiting for him to do something rash, the court just thought he looked rich and handsome. Fortunate for them all, he was extremely rich, pitifully handsome and unfathomable rash. The court would not lack in conversation during his stay in Karthia.

At the same time, it was obvious that the court had yet to be made aware of who he was or what he was here for, but they were soon to find out. Taren got up from his seat at the desk and stalked about the room. He felt trapped, and he was to a point, but he always felt trapped. He was trapped in a position of taking up the kingship in a short little while, and while his kingdom waited in jubilation, he sat vexed.

HIs father had made sure to leave Dreterra in a horrid state for his son to clean up, but at what cost would the renovation and rejuvenation of Dreterra be. He knew the answer, because he had it all planned out. At least, as planned out as it could be.

He may be in Queen Anastasia of Karthia's court, but he had the position to take advantage. Which, he already had. He knew she would be hard pressed to do what he needed her to do for him, so he would use everything he had to win her over to his side. Even if that meant taking away everything just to give it back to her. He hoped it wouldn't come to that, but there was no doubt she was stubborn. He could tell solely from that look in her eyes. She was ready to fight him with everything she had should he dare a lay a finger on her people.

He liked it. He liked the fire that burned inside her that she tried so hard to hide, and did for those untrained in the royal way, but he knew better. She had a breaking point, and although he didn't want to break her, he needed her to cave a little. And so he prepared for stage two. Infiltrate.

Taren had already taken great care to wash away the grime of travel, and had brought some of his finest clothing as to impress, and maybe hint at, Anastasia. Taren had changed from his morning attire, and was already in his attire for this evening. He hated wasting time, and wanted to prepare mentally in silence for a little while before the ball. And so, he sat dressed and ready.

He could hear others already leaving their rooms and heading for the ballroom, but he didn't intend to wait for several hours while making light conversation with people he did not wish to communicate with. He was here for one purpose and one person. Anastasia.

He picked up a book, intending to calm his nerves for a little while before meeting up with Duke Algear in the foyer so that they might enter the ballroom together. Taren lost himself in the pages depicting the recent histories of Karthia. It was fascinating to him how different Karthia was to Dreterra. However, there were a few striking similarities between the two.

Although the chronical of the beginnings of Karthia and the Eastern Alliance were fascinating, he couldn't help but flip to the pages at the back of the book. His lip tipped down into a pout when he read the last few pages depicting Anastasia's parents, but having no mention of her. She had but one line written. Anastasia Katherine Nevaeh, daughter of King Isiah and Queen Katherine, began her rule in xx44 and has yet to take a king to rule beside her.

Taren tossed the book to the side with a look of disbelief. Surely a book could not be so blatantly misguided as that. Even Taren who had lived in a completely different kingdom knew that Queen Anastasia had done much more than that. She had funded and started several schools and libraries leading to an age of progress in her kingdom. She had successfully maintained her alliance with the Eastern Alliance upon her parents sudden death. Although she had been Queen only 6 years, her accolades nearly doubled her parents who had maintained but not necessarily progressed the kingdom. She had elected one of the only women advisors in the Eastern and Western Alliances. Not to mention, she had held off marriage for several years as she stabilized the economy and court after the death of her parents.

Yet some bozo decided that because she had yet to marry it didn't count. Looking up at the lock as to distract himself from the disgust that turned to anger the more he thought, he panicked at seeing the time. The ball started in ten minuets.

Quickly grabbing his over coat and cape, he headed for the door and with a deep sigh excepted his fate. He was in Karthia, and for now that meant playing by their rules which meant he had five minuets to get into the ballroom before the queen did.

He quickly made his way down the stairs and to the foyer to where Duke Algear paced. Neither man spoke as they moved toward the ballroom. They had said just about everything they needed to say to one another.

When they made it to the doors of the ballroom Duke Algear held out the card of introduction to the Harold. Taren forced a smile as they were introduced to the ballroom full of people.

"Introducing Duke Algear of Erton and his elective Crown Prince Taren Ambrose of Dreterra"

They descended the stairs in unison and were met by the approving look of many of the women below them. Taren didn't care much about the stares he received, he had other things to focus on, but he amused them by putting a charming smile on his face. It didn't fall until he stood near the back of the room with a glass of champagne in his hand. Only when he sipped the bubbly substance did he allow his face to fall for a moment as his lips formed around the rim of the glass.

It was on his fourth or fifth long sip of champagne that he found his breath sucked out of him by the person who stood at the top of the stairs. Two horned instruments triumphed and were followed by a Harold enouncing the arrival of the queen.

He lowered the champagne flute and stood with his mouth slightly agape as he drunk in the sight of the woman who made her way down from the heavens and joined the common man. It was not the gown of deep blue and pearl that drew his eye, although it was a work of art that accented all her best features. It was not her perfect ringlets of auburn, or the slight blush that heightened as the attention was focused on her. Instead it was the all encompassing presence of her that held his attention. It was the look of endearment in her eyes as she walk with her head held high and a smile towards her people. She was proud of them and loved each of them individually.

His eyes followed her until she was unviewable from his position at the back of the room. He sat down his champagne flute and began to make his way towards the dance floor, as the first shrill of music played.

He wanted to go up and ask for a dance, but knew better than to do that. It was against tradition and he was trying oh so hard to follow the basic rules of this kingdom. He as an elective had no right to ask her for anything, and as a foreigner he held even less power. However, he had other plans that would force her hand into doing at least partially his will.

Patience was what he needed. He would play by their rules for now, but soon they would play by his.