"Brother, you should send her a letter," Fallyn suggested over their morning porridge.

Loren's had no dairy due to his weak constitution and respect for calves.

He considered his sister for a moment before speaking.  "She does seem to have an enlightened spirit."

"Yes, she did. It would be good for you both to share these insights," Fallyn agreed, adding milk to her morning tea, relishing in Loren's disdain. "She may even share more of your views on diet and purity.  I could see your auras embracing when the two of you discussed the crust of bread."

Loren took a bite while staring at some etchings on the wooden wall behind his sister.  "Suzera Irina also appeared to have a similar spirit. It would not be right to deny her my wisdom." He turned his attention to picking a nut from the bowl in front of him.  Loren threw it into his mouth.

Fallyn did her best not to wince at the loud chewing while deciding upon her next words. Fallyn's grandmother, the late Konra Brina, clearly stated a lady must be careful with her words when trying to reach an objective.

"I would agree; Suzera Irina has quickly become very dear to me. Yet, for all her attributes, she does not possess the ability to prompt change like Princess Amnicity does. There is a great opportunity when power is involved."

"Purity should begin at the head. There can be no pure being without pure thoughts brought about by deep meditation," Loren mused softly while examining another nut.

Fallyn tried her best not to utter the words his statement brought forth. Grandmother rightfully chose Fallyn as the true heir before her death.  She spoke at length about it in her bed and private rooms. Loren's insipidness weakened him as a leader. Her mother seemed ready to accept whatever a group of wanderers told her, and it had polluted her brother's mind.  His weakness could enhance her power if he obtained the right position within society. Unfortunately, for her will to happen, Loren needed to write a damn letter to Princess Amnicity.

He needs to fucking court her, so she becomes of no consequence when I move in on Suzerain Zakarus.  Jude and Vetus cannot unite.

Fallyn's thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of their mother.  "Oh darlings, it is so good you have answered the suns calling and risen today. Did you not see the birds are beginning to gather? It will not be long until the great migration. We must tell the staff to begin planning our festivities soon," Konra Lelena sighed, sitting to the left of her daughter. "Now, what is the current conversation?"

"Fallyn advised me to forgo correspondence with Suzera Irina in favor of focusing on Princess Amnicity. The advice just does not settle in my soul.  Ah, I always love big nuts."  Loren closed his eyes in bliss.

Fallyn did not know whether to praise the whimsicalness of her family or be terrified for her future. Her family needed to understand strength and ingenuity were requirements for advantageous unions. Fallyn believed her family's lethargic nature resulted from their mundane charge over the land. Little change could be found when only one queen and king reigned, and no person had the fortitude to question such a tradition.

Mother listened to a group of wanderers and took in their wayward daughter because she had become bored.

Grandmother believed Konri Ender's wrong decision not to challenge Vetus when empowered could be rectified.  Treaties could be broken. Lives could be righted. 

I can do this.

She had spent far too long dreaming of the fur cape upon her shoulders and jeweled piece upon her head while mounting the stairs to sit upon her throne. Her love of the vision was too deep to be deterred by the limitation of such trivial things as her family.

"Mother, you are right," Loren nodded, causing Fallyn to jump slightly before turning to look between her two ridiculous relations.

"About what?" Fallyn asked with a small hesitation.

"Our sweet Loren simply needs to send winter festival invitations to both ladies.  Then he can properly compare the compatibility of their auras with his. Until then, he should correspond with both. It is never good to be restricted within an infinite universe, daughter. Oh, my spirit is now filled with new positive possibilities for the day. Until later, my children."  Lelena rose from her chair with an imp-like gaiety.

Fallyn glared at her mother as she floated away to another world that existed within the confines of her mind. 

"I think I will go write my letters in the garden today. The breeze looks pleasant," Loren announced, following his mother's path.

Fallyn waited until the door closed before she threw her body backward into her chair.

"I live with utter fools," she seethed softly into the air.  "Wait, did mother even eat anything?"

Fallyn looked around the room before laughing.  She took a moment to recenter herself before rising to begin the day's itinerary. Fallyn needed to review and revise her plans. Her recent failure at acquiring a friendship with Jude using flattery or seduction required some form of compensation.  Before that party, Fallyn had easily obtained any ally she wished for.  The gentlemen had become the easiest to convert.  She just had to know how much of her they needed before declaring their allegiance.  

Suzerain Zakarus did not appear to care for her aesthetically or intellectually.  He only gave her a slight nod when introduced and did not converse with her when dancing.  Fallyn could tell he found nothing of value in her.

The idiot.  I will show him.

"You," Fallyn stopped suddenly in the hall, pointing at a maid who quickly stopped arranging the flowers in the hall.

She curtsied.  "Yes, Korak Fallyn," the maid whispered.

Fallyn examined the arrangement before her while scowling.  "These flowers do not look fresh.  Go cut some new ones from the garden."

"As you wish, Korak Fallyn," she murmured with a bow, making Fallyn strain her ears to hear her.

"Learn to speak properly, girl!" Fallyn hissed.

Fallyn smirked, once again feeling empowered.  She would find the alliances she needed to move forward with her plans.

A suzerain is only as strong as the komans that surround him.

A sight outside of the window caused Fallyn to halt for a moment.  "New allies must be secured. I cannot stand this."

She clenched her eyes shut. Unfortunately, the sight of her mother, father, and brother surrounding the fountain in almost full nudity while meditating had been painted upon her memory. 

Autumn had already begun to set in.  This gave her only a few short months to counter Princess Amnicity's gains with Suzerain Zakarus.  Pilfering a few Judian komans and Vetusian lords would help if she wished to go to war, but Fallyn wanted more.  She wanted the adulations shown to the Princess of Vetus.  The lady had people speaking her praises before entering into society, and now they would not stop talking about her ability to be cordial with Jude.  

"Curses to her," Fallyn whispered, walking past another window.

Fallyn's preoccupied mind failed to acknowledge a small bird singing for her on the ledge outside the window. The rare blue feathered creature had only wished to spare a moment of peace upon the darkened spirit. Yet, the lady did not seem to care.

The three bare souls around the lake had been receptive to the song. They even hummed the tune back to the creature. The bird would have stayed to lighten the spirits further, but it could feel the winds changing. It needed to begin the journey south before frosts began to overpower the morning dew.

So, our little blue friend made its flight south.  Along the way, the bird found itself outside a gentleman's window as he screamed in triumph.

Blue feathers fluttered in concern as it watched the man's triumphant scream became a subdued nod when an older gentleman spoke to him.  The man pushed everything off of his desk before coming to the window.

"This is your destiny," the gentleman whispered to himself as his soulful blue eyes glazed over.

The blue feathered bird stirred with pride at the words and quickly began a tune.

"Will someone please kill that bird!"  The man yelled while walking further into his room.  "And bring me my chest.  We will begin packing immediately for Taurean!"

The bird rested in the tree beside the window the next day to keep its enemies as close as possible.  After all, best to be watching the person who wanted one dead than to fly away and find an arrow later.  Well, one hopes that the bluebird could reason to that extent and did not decide to stay there foolishly just because it found the lakeside aesthetically pleasing.  Sometimes the most beautiful places are gravely treacherous.  

Once the party left, the bluebird decided to fly away with them.  It reached the Taurean Palace ahead of the man.

"Marie, do you think it should be a soft pink or a soft blue?" a young woman's voice traveled upon the air.

The bird flew to rest upon the balcony rail.  Curtains danced inward as the wind flittered in and out of the open doors.

A slightly more mature voice responded.  "State affairs call you to display your national pride, Princess."

The young woman's voice tutted.  "Fine, but choose a darker shade of red for my gown. I wish for my skin to look a shade purer than necessary."

The bird watched the two women flitter through the room. It did not take long for the younger female to be forced into a chair. He filled his lung and belted a new tune.

"Oh, look a bluebird!" the young woman gushed.

The older lady pushed the young woman to look ahead.  "Head straight, Princess!"

"Marie, that hurt!" She muttered, touching her head gently.

Marie shrugged her shoulders while pushing the young woman's hands away.  "Practice your addresses for court."

"It is an honor to meet High General—" the princess's hands paused their movements upon the table. Her eyes rose to meet the other lady's gaze in the mirror. "What is his name again?"

Marie sighed in aggravation.  "James Lessure. Try again."

"It is an honor to meet High General James Lessure," the princess stated amiably into the mirror with a smile.

Marie nodded.  "That sounded okay.  Do not look at that bird!  You need to remain still if I am going to do your hair!"

"Marie, that hurt! You are too harsh! It is such a beautiful bird. We rarely see bluebirds," the princess whined.

The older lady sighed, placing the objects she held on the dresser while walking to the balcony doors.  "Getaway!" she screamed, slamming the balcony doors. "Now, which hand do you grant him?"

Amnicity sighed, providing the correct response. Preparation was the most tedious part of life. She knew it could be worse; Marie confessed to cooking her own meals and washing her own clothes. The terrors that could have existed if she had been born from a different womb astounded her.

A knock at the door sent Marie into soft curses. She quickly forced the objects within Amnicity's hair.  The princess glared at her maid.

"Do not even bother with words. It is time to go, Princess," Marie hissed with a roll of her eyes.

"They can wait a moment for their princess," Amnicity huffed, softly touching the injured part of her head.

She rose from her chair and examined the results of Marie's work. The gown's shade of red did well for her complexion.  It also provided the right amount of modesty so that the new High General would not feel too disadvantaged in her presence.  But, it lacked something to make it special. 

Lady Toria's needlework remained superior to this seamstress.

"We should contact Lady Toria for her seamstress work soon," Amnicity commented.

Marie sighed, shaking her head.  "Princess, people are waiting for you."

"Will you contact Lady Toria?" Amnicity pointedly asked, holding Marie's gaze in the mirror.

"Yes, she will be contacted."  Marie nodded.  "Now, go."

Amnicity raised the skirt slightly on her dress.  "The slippers do not match the dress."

"Oh, stop," Marie sighed.  "It is simply a shade off.  No gentleman should ever be privy to your slippers anyway. So, the inconsistency is of no consequence."

A flash of Suzerain Zakarus, standing in the starlit garden while she rested her feet in the fountain flashed through her mind.

Do not go there, Nici.  He obviously does not care for you since he has not written.  Not that it matters, of course.  Your union would never be accepted.

"Of course.  I mean, we would never let such things happen.  I just should not have such complications weighing upon my mind when performing an important diplomatic mission.  Maybe next time we should choose gold to highlight the detailing.  It would make me feel more confident."

Marie did not believe her dear young charge even knew the true concept of stress or complication.  "We will do better with your attire in the future," she muttered with as much sincerity as possible.

Amnicity nodded with a forced smile.  "That would be nice."

She took a moment to spin slightly in the mirror. Satisfied, she placed her arms out for Marie to glove them.  Amnicity tilted her head twice more before nodding her head in approval.

"This will do for John Larsson's rise to some form of antiquated power," she sighed.

Marie placed agitated fingers on her temple.  "His name is James Lessure."

"Yes—yes." Amnicity waved away the correction without a hint of a blush.

Marie hoped Amnicity would make it through this phase soon. She used to not even care for titles, but, after one ball, her princess had changed.

***

Amnicity met her parents outside the doors of the great hall.

"Punctuality is a great virtue, daughter," King Valander commented.

"It is on the list of virtues that are being developed for my future perfection," Amnicity responded with a soft curtsy.

Christaline choked lightly on her laughter.

"Henry, we are ready," Valander redirected the conversation.

Amnicity braced her shoulders. She entered the hall before her parents and spared no glance to her left or right. As directed, she stood before her chair while waiting for her father's instruction. Amnicity bit her lip on holding her position longer than expected. Her father had peculiar ways to teach her lessons. It appeared he wished to teach her the importance of punctuality by taking his time moving towards his throne with her mother. Luckily, the golden fabric did compliment their skin tones. It even highlighted some of the cape's fur upon their shoulders.

Maybe it would be possible for Lady Toria to sew a dress of a similar shade. Instead of pearls, maybe fragments of rubies could be used for the accent. Though, that could be considered excessive and tasteless. Maybe simple red silk would do, with only the slightest hint of lace and pearls.

Her father discontinued her musings on fashion.  "Welcome, my friends," Valander acknowledged the mass of persons standing in the hall before sitting down.

Amnicity followed her father's example.

"Today is a grand day," Valander began. "It is the day we pass the responsibilities of the High General to a new generation. One that may very well carry to the reign of my daughter.   Send in Lord James Lessure."

She had never seen such a handsome gentleman in her life. He is almost as handsome as Zakarus. Amnicity quickly pushed the thought away with a small admonishment for only thinking of him by his first name.  They are not that familiar, and Lord James Lessure had very distinct differences from Suzerain Zakarus.

Lord James Lessure had blue eyes that held such an intensity it had caused Amnicity to force the air from her lungs. The lack of air could be why she felt so inept at processing her surroundings. 

"Do you swear to protect Vetus and its royal family even if it means your own death?"  Valander asked the man who kneeled before him.

"I do," James responded in a tone and resonance that gave Amnicity goosebumps.

The king continued.  "Do you swear to defend Vetusian lands from invasion and treat the people you are entrusted to protect with mercy and honor?"

"I do," James nodded. "I swear upon my honor and family that Vetus will always be my main concern." 

Valander nodded towards two soldiers standing to their left.  Amnicity watched as the hands moved to secure the cape upon Lord Lessure.

Is this possible? Amnicity thought. A cape can make a gentleman more handsome?

"Rise High General James Lessure," Valander's voice echoed in the hall. "May you never forget your allegiance to the crown and always protect her."

High General Lessure bowed to his king in consent, causing King Valander to smirk slightly.

"Welcome to our fold High General Lessure!" Valander bellowed. "Someone, get him wine!"

Amnicity provided two polite claps as the rest of the hall continued from where she ceased. The young princess would need to find a way to gather her wits when interacting with such an attractive gentleman. After all, he would be a far better match than a Judian suzerain.

It was heartening to think such attractive gentlemen existed within her very borders. 

Marrying him could be advantageous for anyone who thinks I am not pure enough for the throne.  We could even look handsome together in a portrait.  The thoughts quickly halted before Amnicity ran away with an idea.  She knew better than to hope for her opinion to be taken into account.

"Now, where is Lord Alster?" Valander asked, sitting once again upon his throne. "Tell us of one of your new musings."

Amnicity took her cue to sit. She focused upon whoever spoke for the rest of the afternoon. It would be of no use to glance in the direction of a High General's intense blue eyes. Propriety, or at least the illusion, had to be made. 

Well, one glance would go without notice.  She smirked.

***

Well, well, well... Fallyn has some plans forming for Amnicity and Zakarus.  And what about this new High General?  Will he be able to keep Amnicity from thinking more about Zakarus?  Drama is brewing.  Only if there was a bird to sing to me and calm my nerves...

Thanks for reading!  Don't forget to leave your comments below :)