Chapter 4

"You've all decided on five candidates apiece so soon?" King Alixuran asks with an arched brow before turning to Sixuliana. "Please contact each of their chosen suitors with due haste. Ensure they are to arrive in exactly one week's time."

"Of course we'd handle it promptly father, it was a request from you." Katilis replies as she bounces over to him, then plops on his lap. Her poppets start to twirl and dance for them on his desk while the others take seats.

"I am rather curious why Prince Verocul is visiting at such a time." Veriona questions as she twirls her hair absently.

King Alixuran heaves a sigh, knowing full well this would be asked. Before he can comment though, Princess Doniverea interjects. "War is coming sisters, earlier than usual."

"Something's interfered with the normal timing of the wars?" Brightana asks with widened eyes.

"Unfortunately so, which also means that the normal routines is no longer aligned. Prince Verocul is here to be trained and come under my tutelage to be better prepared for the wars to come. We're looking into the cause of these changes, but in the mean time we must prepare ourselves." King Alixuran pauses for a drink from his goblet. "My treasured daughters, you must be trained and prepared to rule yourselves as well."

"Understood father." All six princesses reply, but each had many thoughts racing in their minds.

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"You've finally came for a visit, my handsome Rofinlor." Veriona seductively greets her sister's servant that she usually sends to her.

"Your highness, I could hardly stay away from such a beautiful royal. Even more so one that has need of me." Rofinlor responds respectfully with a bow.

"Oh my dear Ro, we should make sure my needs are well sorted then." Veriona leans against him, allowing the warmth to flow between their bodies as she whispers in his ear. She then takes his hand and leads him to her bed where she pushes him onto before straddling him.

"Yes, I am your tonight, your highness." Rofinlor agrees as he starts to under the fastenings of her gown. Without missing a beat, Veriona unbuttons his shirt as she presses her lips to his in a hungry kiss. It has been some times since she last had her fill of this male after all.

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Natalion strides with a purpose through the halls, none daring to get into her way. Her temper could be riled all too easily, so leaving such things to her family was for the best. That being said, many couldn't help but to admire her as she effortlessly made her way to her destination. Her strong gait full of purpose as she goes, not slowing until she reaches the door to her sister's rooms. Without knocking, she enters, causing some to flinch as a conflict between the two never boded well for the castle as a whole. However, before she can say a word, her target turns from a window to face her with a gentle smile.

"You know, I always hear war drums when you are around." Doniverea tells Natalion, then motions for them to sit at a plush couch. "Come, I require a rest as we speak."

Natalion huffs, but follows none the less. "Why didn't you mention the changes?" She settles on asking after they get comfortable.

"Such a question… Let me ask you, does it seem to change anything if you had known yesterday compared to today?" Doniverea asks in reply.

"Maybe not, but what a nuisance to not be told as soon as you knew!" Natalion complains, her obviously barely holding back her anger and frustration.

Doniverea smirks and tilts her head, chuckling a bit. "Natalion, those drums are pounding loudly right now. My sweet sister, I've seen you soaring through the air, burning away many enemies while leading your army of devote followers. And, I watch you get shot down, being near death." She considers her next words for a moment as Natalion lets her words sink in. "I chose not to tell you all yet because I needed you to focus on your suitors. Your consorts well help not just you, but all of us as a whole. We're family, and we'll always look out for each other."

Natalion shakes off the surprise of Doniverea's statements, then turns to look into her glass of brandy. "I shall prepare for this war to come, and I won't let any of you down."

"Silly little Nati, don't go thinking you're on your own. We need one another to get through this! We all have our roles to play, and our unique strengths to bring into this. We're a team, and we'll only win by doing everything together." Doniverea reminds her gently as she gives her a hug, playfully ruffling her hair.

"Hey! Stop that! I get it! I get it!" Natalion whines as she tries to bat her hands away.

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"How rude of them to keep such things from us." Gripilia complains as she walks back and forth.

"Mayhaps they have their reasons, I'm less concerned with that and more with why changes are happening." Brightana replies as she continues looking through her books.

"I wished those two relied on us more though, are we not capable enough to help?" Gripilia huffs as she crosses her arms and glares.

"Are we though?" Brightana asks her suddenly, staring into her surprised sister's eyes unwaveringly. "Are we really capable enough to handle a war as we are now?"

Gripilia pouts and averts her gaze. "Maybe we do need to get into a better position for these changes in the wars." She admits, then sighs as she plops onto a chair, eagerly chomping into a plate of cookies offered by Xerydiun.

"If I may be so bold, your highnesses, may I make a suggestion?" Cozmodiun questions after a moment of silence, capturing both of their attention. "I believe King Alixuran and Princess Doniverea are already aware of the more important things to worry about. Given that, they currently gave you your most prudent tasks, choosing the best of the suitors as consorts and preparing to govern over your own territories."

"Why should we bother so much, we all know that Doni is gonna be father's heir." Gripilia states with a nonchalant shrug.

"That may be your highness, but do remember that wars leave many territories left to be gained and redistributed for ruling. No doubt they expect to gain many, which means they are preparing you all for the obtaining of your own territories." Xeryklio politely adds in as she gives them both milk to go with their treats.

"I understand, I'll attempt to meet their expectations to fullest of my abilities." Brightana says in her always quiet and soft voice.

"Grrrr…. FINE! I'll do my best too! Geez!" Gripilia hurumphs as she plops back in her seat further, throwing up her arms in annoyance.

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Katilis hums a tune as she lays in her lush bed, her poppets singing and dancing around her throughout the room. She decorates a book full of ideas and plans with stars and glitter, hearts and ribbons. She stops her humming as she lifts the book up and considers how it looks. "What do you think Henry? Should we add more purple?" She asks a poppet that leans on her shoulder to view her work, then turns to look at her and giggles. "I think so too!" She exclaims as she leaps off of the bed and skips to a bin full of art items.

"You know, big sis Doniverea sure is sneaky. Of course, her and papa must have their plans as sneaky sneaky as they are." She absentmindedly mutters as she continues searching. "They want us to do this and that, and this and that, but they never wanna share their reasons… Aha! Found it!" She exclaims as she finds her purple stars, Yuji places the book on her table as she reaches it with a triumphant smile. "They can keep their secrets though, and I'll have mine."