The room had that awkward feeling floating in the air. Silence creeped over, as if a ghost slid its way through the door. Hobbes looked heartbroken. That job, had been his life.

"If you can give me more time, please." He asked, hands wringing.

The Queen scowled back at him, then raised her nose northwards.

"Your an old man. I don't feel comfortable having a feeble old man responsible for my back." She smiled. She tried to make it sweet, but Hobbes knew she was nothing but sour.

"I am fifty two years old, your Highness. I got many years ahead of me. My health is more than sufficient. I can still comfortably wield my one hundred pound mace. Fifty two? That's only, but ten years older than you."

The Queen struck him across the face, the smack itself making anyone within range's ears ring. One thing she loved is giving a good slap. What she loved more, is her fingers dressed in an array of rings.

"You never discuss a woman's age with her. Hasn't your mother or wife told you so.

Braelynne stared back, from the end of the table. Her head shook back a forth facing Hobbes, in an apologetic way. She felt bad for the poor man. He's fought for the royal family since the age of Twenty. It took him ten years from then to be promoted to General. A very hard, grave man, but also an honourable one. Everything he ever did, was for the capital. His whole life now began to melt before his eyes.

He stared back at the Queen, eyes protruding from his skull. He did not argue back. The only sound he did make,heavy breaths. Braelynne began to wonder, how had SHE been the one to have his tongue. THAT VILE WOMAN. How did SHE always win in HER own way? General Ruffe Hobbes, always got the last word in. Everything must have an end then, right.

"May you all excuse me," said Braelynne.

"Well... excuse you my dear." The Queen narrowed her eyes back at Braelynne. "Sir Hobbes here, is having a goodbye breakfast. You will stay."

"I am going to take my leave as well, my Queen. No point of her staying either." Said Hobbes. Before the Queen could say anything else, he was already out the door.

"Fine, go." The Queen barked, her hand waving dismissively.

Braelynne got up, and went for a walk towards the Western garden. She needed to be alone. Either that or with Chrispen or Vionna. They were the only two people left in her life it felt like. Some guards, and workers at the castle waved or smiled back at her, as she walked by them in the hall. She ignored everyone of them. She didn't feel like being friendly. She hasn't for some time now.

She took a seat on the end of a marble carved fountain. It depicted the Goddess of life Alarye. Water sprouted through the palms of her hands, as she stood in front of a tree. The marble felt smooth, and the details were lifelike. From the curves of the goddess's face, to the ones at her hips.

Chrispen walked towards her, he seemed worried. He knew she would be here. She knew he would come. He wore the red colors of the royal army. Braelynne smiled, trying to keep a laugh to herself. The red in his tunic made his always flushed cheeks stand out even more. She had seen him don the royal color's before, but it still always made her smile.

"How was he?" Chrispen asked, his eyes narrowed at the words.

"Well he didn't say much surprisingly," Said Braelynne. "He didn't seem too happy."

"Yeah, I'm not sure I want to go home to our quarters tonight. Dad's likely to take this out on someone."

Braelynne searched his face. His usually bright eyes appeared dark. His lips quivered, holding back tears.

"You know, not returning to your quarters would make him even more mad though."

General Hobbes loved his son, but he loved his Capital more. He always hoped that Chrispen would take his place. Chrispen didn't care to fight. There had been many secrets he kept from his father. Secrets that would sweep any pride away, that remained.

"It's not fair you know. The both of us living in denial." Said Chrispen. We are both meant to do different things, better things. Ironically for us, we were bred from royal blood. Our life has been unjustly chosen from birth."

Chrispen stared off into space. A composed look swept over his face, but Braelynne knew what lied behind the veil. He could hide it well, on the outside. On the inside however, unspooled a dark web of resent.

"The lute will always have your fingers, as the brushes will always have mine." Said Braelynne.

"You don't have to paint in secret though. My father would never approve of me playing music. He prefers me to live in his shadow, not cast my own light."

"Well, I am sure if he has seen you play. Heard the songs you written..."

"Only if my lute where made of steel and had a pointed end."

Braelynne gave Chrispen a soft smile, then giggled.

"Well, as usual, your company has always been a pleasure. I have my own individuals breathing down my neck, and will be expected to dress like a lady. I am going to get ready. Who knows maybe the Queen will choose you, to take your father's place."

"Me and you both know, that's highly unlikely Brae. I doubt my father is even keeping his hopes up. I will see you at the ceremony later."

She made her leave, and returned towards her room. As she walked down a maroon and white hallway she took notice of the paintings that were placed on the walls. Portraits of her Mother were replaced with the new Queens. Pictures of her brother just vanished, like his own questionable disappearance. They were also replaced with the Highnesses. The big photo of her parents' wedding day, nope, gone. In its place stood King Percy, and his new wife. Her venomous smile gleemed back at Braelynne.

You ruin everything.

Braelynne gave a long sigh, as her shoulders remained tense. She continued down the hall, and into her room.

She sat in front of her vanity mirror. Onyx eyes blazed back at her. She brushed back her long violaceus ringlets, and tried to decide whether she would wear it up or down. She thought about putting it in a high ponytail, then decided against it. Braelynne let the long wavy tendrils graze down her back.

Braelynne made her way into her oak wardrobe. Her nose crinkled at the sight. Dresses, skirts, and her least favorite of them all, corsets. Her pants and shirts were all gone. Before her father remarried, her clothes never made it harder to breathe. She didn't sweat under the tight form fitting attire. At one time, once upon a time ago; her clothes were loose, movable. She preferred it that way. Of course her new 'Mother' had to control her life, as she did with everything else.

After some deliberation, she chose a black under gown. As she looked through the wardrobe her head started to spin. So many pieces of clothing, for one outfit. Braelynne had a hard time imagining any one being comfortable dressed up in constant layers. Her fingers fished, not liking their catch. A tiny groan made its way from her throat.

"Just pick anything." She grumbled.

She grabbed the next fountain skirt in line. Long enough to reach her ankles. Black like the under gown. Overtop was a soft mesh fabric, the color of silver, and donned with glistening white gems. The mesh gave the skirt volume, airiness. It proofed up like a cloud. Like a fountain.

She began to go simple, just get it over with. A basic white off the shoulder Purlga meant to wear under the tight bodice. Short sleeves showed off Braelynne's slender arms.

"Almost done. Maybe I should send for Vionna to help with the ties"

Out of the room, back in the hall.

She didn't have to go far, she never did. Sir Riyall of the Capitals guard stood down the hall. Doing his rounds, as usual.

"Hey Riyll , a favour please."

He turned his head and smiled. Could of been a generous smile, or a lecherous one. She couldn't tell anymore.

"Sure my lovely princess. How can I help?"

"I am going to need help tying the corset I will be wearing. I need you to find Vionna, I trust her."

Riyll nodded, smiled again. One side curved more upwards.

"I almost didn't recognize you. I don't think I have ever seen you so..."

"What, dressed like a royal pain in the fanny."

"It looks nice. It's different I guess. I will go grab Vionna."

*****

Vionna's fingers tied up and tightened at black strings lacing up the form fitting corset. The corset was a dark shade of purple, with silver and black flowers made of lace.

"Oh my. Are you ever a sight."

Braelynne's eyes narrowed, and her jaw clenched as she looked back at Vionna. Vionna gave her a vibrant smile paired with sparkling eyes. Braelynne's lips returned with a half smile

"Please... This isn't me." Said Braelynne

Vionna's head tilted to the left side. Her eyes looked concerned. The brows came closer, as the eyes searched through Braelynne's. Dark green, almost Onyx, with flashes of dark grey scattered about. Dark grey like rain clouds before a storm. Vionna understood Braelynne's emotions from her eyes. Not fully. She could understand the gist usually. Braelynne had the same traits as Arialla, her mother.

Vionna gave Braelynne a kiss on the forehead, and followed it with a hug.

"Your so beautiful." Said Vionna as she brushed a lock of hair out of Braelynne's face." You should show your own beauty more. I know it's not you. Your different, and it makes you stand out. Sometimes, it's just nice to dress up, make that beauty glow proudly."

"I love you." Is all Braelynne said before embracing Vionna in her own arms tenderly.

"I love you as well, like I loved your mother. We were like sisters. I miss her, yes, I know you do as well... look, your mom would of been so awestruck right now.

The thoughts of her mother made Braelynne's eyes glassy. She lifted her chin up, and let it all go. Vionna may be right. She imagined her mother's face. Jaw open, with shimmering eyes. They probably would of been bright and colorful. Cheerful. Dancing. That though itself made Braelynne beam. She went to her mirror for another look. She smiled back, but she still felt conflicted.

The tick-tock of the clock above her head signified time was drawing near. The ceremony would start in about another hour, so Braelynne made her way towards the castles dining room. She ingnored the ogles and stairs as she sauntered off down the hallway, and up the stairs. She almost made it to the Dining Hall, then something made her stop abruptly. Up ahead sat a small cage. Its presence itself, cast a sheet of gloom over Braelynne.

She heard the scratching. She heard the meows. Her heart froze, and her knees fell weak. A new general, meant the ritual of the gods. The poor thing. She strolled swiftly towards the noise.

Hard mats bonded to the cats light grey fur. Golden eyes looked back at Brealynne, wide and wild. It's ears slicked back towards its tail. Brealynne put her hand up to the wired cage, and the cat yowled back. Braelynne made a clicking sound with her tongue, to ease the cat. She tried to put her hand up to it again. The cat still appeared cautious but it's nose neared its way from the Cage's wires. It's whiskers tickled the tips of her fingers.

"I am going to let you out, and you have to run. Run as fast as you can, the window down the hall is open."

She wasn't sure if the cat understood, but she had put faith in it. She opened the latch and the cat took its leave. Halfway down the hall it stopped, and turned its head back at Braelynne. Their eyes met for a last time, then it took off down the winding hallways, and out of sight.

*****

A Luminous glow filled the room. Against white walls, once donned with fine maroon silk tapestries .Candlelight flickered against the walls. Long tables crafted with the finest Rockwood filled the large dining area. The tables and chairs held no occupants, yet. Servants moved about with quick, airy steps, getting the room ready for the days later ceremonies. Braelynne walked between a set of tables that were set vertically, to one long table that was set horizontally. She eyed a glass bottle with blood red liquid inside it. The plug came off, with a pop and she took a long swing before placing it back on the table. Tonight she definitely needed a little more warmth in her belly, to handle the days festivities.

Someone chuckled behind her.

She's never seen him before, but something about him made her flesh run cold.

His bright hazel eyes flickered, as they grazed up and down her figure.

"Well my eyes, have never..." He smiled back, with a lustful smirk. "Your Highness, what a gift you are. " He looked her over once more. "A gift indeed. I must thank the Queen for bestowing you on me."

Braelynne had no idea what this buffoon was going on about so she gave him a half smile and made her way to the window. From outside she had a clear view of the Eastern courtyard. A stone paved walkway Circumscribed around a lush shroud of grass. A fountain depicting the God of Death Zaun stood proudly in the center of the courtyard. Streaks of dark red paint splattered across its face and hands.

"Such a ruthless thing isn't it." Came a familiar voice.

Braelynne turned to face Chrispen, then met him with a platonic hug.

"Death, it's like both a vivid nightmare, and a sweet dream. It terrifies us yet, it's the beginning of an end to all. Worries, tribulations, it all becomes nothing."

"Oh, having one of those dark days are we?"

"Well you know me, as a writer of songs and poems, my perspective is a little morose and real for those more naive.

"You don't always have to be such a melodramatic all the time Chrispen."

"I thought you loved that about me." Chrispen said

Braelynne gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Strange enough, I really do."

"let's grab a seat, and get this whole thing over with." Chrispen said.

They made idle chit chat, and became deeply entranced in their own conversations that they didn't realize the dining room filling with guests. Beside Braelynne sat the man she briefly met earlier. His eyes glued themselves to her frame, her figure. She ignored him. Let him ogle, not like she could do anything about it. The Queen would probably give her ten lashes for causing a scene. Braelynne has lost the fight in her. 

The Queen then arrived followed by the King. This being peculiar, as usually the King should be the one to lead. Ruffe Hobbes slowly stalked behind them, his head down and shoulders rigid. The Queen sat herself on a large throne with a maroon velvet cushion. She waved a hand at a servant, and they brought her a long stemmed glass of wine. She took a slip, then stood up.

Braelynne didn't bother to listen to her little speech. She couldn't care less of the new general, or what the Queen had to say for that matter. Her and Chrispen exchanged some jokes, some laughs, and gossip. In the middle of conversation his cheeks emitted a bright pink, making them even redder then usual, if that were possible. She noticed the smile, the nervousness take over, as his hands started to fidget. 

"I think that guy just cheersed me Brae." He said his head pointing towards a handsome yet broody looking gentleman.

She gave Chrispen a playful and coy half smile, and was about to say something when he stopped her.

"No, no words Brae. Nothing I can do to make things go further no matter how bad I want to."

She wanted to say something, do something. Poor Chrispen. If only there was a way to make his father understand. To make him feel. To make him not cast any judgements, and be open minded with Chrispen's choices. Her mind ran wild with emotion, until the very words seeped out of the Queen's mouth like a sticky venom.

"He will fight for our capital, and marry the lovely Princess."

"Did she just say..." Braelynne whispered into Chrispen's ear.

Her eyes focused back on the man that now stood in front of her beside the Queen. The man who just recently took a seat beside her. The man she would be unjustly married too.

"Death I need you now more than ever. Take me now Zaun."

"Oh what was the word you called me Brae, melodramatic?" pestered Chrispen.

"What gives that shrew the right to be choosing a mate for me."

A shuffling of feet echoed throughout the dining area. Heads turned back towards a guard clad in sleek red iron.

"Your Highness, I found the sacrifice. Thing was wandering the halls." He spoke as the cat wrestled with the air. The guards hand firmly grasped onto the scruff of its neck

"Good work sir Fue. Now we can continue."

Her eyes found Braelynne's. They were cold, and calculating.

"I am a little puzzled as to how it got out." She continued to bore holes through Braelynne with slanted eyes. "Now let's get on with it. I must admit I am getting a little bored up here."

Braelynne started to break. The cat, her life, nothing appeared to be working in her favor. Her eyes scanned the room once more, as she tried to keep some composure. She searched for Vionna, who was most likely off doing one of the Queen's ordered chores. The Queen's voice trailed off, as Braelynne's senses were now closed off. She let her mind wander elsewhere, as she picked at her food. The world around her was now nothing, but a blur. Images of Shiva, formulated in her mind. For that moment she was free again, gliding through the clouds, no worries, no problems. It didn't take long however; and reality took over once again. Once again encumbered within her own demise. Even her daydreams couldn't free her from the actuality, that was her life.