Belia- Change of Scenery; Change of Dress

Belia stands in silence as she watches Timur talk to his parents, her soon-to-be in-laws, enemies of the Krystaliv Crown. Timur keeps looking over at her, almost like he's asking for her permission. When the conversation is over, Belia turns the node off.

"Thank you," Timur tells her.

"It is my duty," Belia responds. Belia knows it's now or never to ask the Prince. "Are you ready for a quick tour?"

"As I'll ever be," Timur tells her with a slight grumble.

"We'll start with the Capitol and see where it goes from there. I've contacted several domes, but we may not get to them today." Belia leads them to the hanger and onto a ship. Belia introduces Timur and Karolek to the pilot and her guard. "This is Rin, my personal guard." Rin faces them and clicks his heels before turning back to the control panels. Belia can sense Karolek's disdain. They take their seats and the thirty-minute ride to the next dome is mostly silent, with both royals looking out the window at the natural barren landscape of Krystaliv. When they arrive, Rin escorts Belia off the ship. The dome leader had been expecting her, and quickly comes up to greet Belia, a smile on his face. It quickly fades as he sees Timur and Karolek.

"You didn't tell me you were bringing, guests," the man says as he tries to regain his polite smile.

"Serkan, this is Prince Timur of Voyna and his guard. Prince Timur, this is Governor Serkan, Dome Leader of the Capitol Dome," Belia says.

"Your Highnesses," the governor says with a bow.

"I am here to show the Prince around the city." The governor offers to guide the tour and take them wherever Belia asks. They get into the governor's hover and start the tour. "The Capitol is where the council meets and where most of the trade ships dock and are unloaded," Belia explains. Timur looks around the opulent city. As they drive around, more and more people recognize the Princess, but even more, notice the Prince. The farther they go, the more people seem to be upset. The governor gets word from the local law enforcement and upon hearing the word unrest, the governor ends the tour early. "It was time for us to go back anyhow," Belia says politely, "we have a ball to prepare for after all."

"Did you enjoy your tour?" Belia's father asks when they return.

"It was, educational," the Prince replies. The King gives Belia a look and she knows she's in big trouble. Timur leaves with his guard and Belia's father pulls her into his study.

"What were you thinking?" the King demands.

"I thought giving him a tour sounded like a good idea-"

"With all the unrest we've had, you thought, taking an enemy of the Krystaliv Crown on a tour of our capital was a good idea?" Belia feels a headache coming on as her father's mood intensifies.

"Father I-"

"You and the Prince could have gotten hurt, or worse, and then where would we be?" Belia bites her lip. "You're smarter than this, that's why I suggested you take on this role in the first place."

"Yes, Father." Before he can say another word to Belia, Kya comes in and whisks her away to get ready. Belia's mood had changed and she was no longer looking forward to the evening's festivities. However, when she enters her room Belia gasps at the sight of her dress.

"Do you like it?" Alexei, the royal dresser and tailor asks.

"What happened to the other one?" Belia asks, looking at the fairly revealing and form-fitting garment.

"You are a young woman, not some old maid. The other dress made you look like your mother," Alexei says, bringing Belia over to his creation.

"But-"

"You want to impress that Voynan Prince, yes?" Belia nods, thinking about the poor demonstration and her father's reprimand. "Then wear the dress. Men are visual creatures and in this dress, he won't be able to take his eyes off of you." Alexei winks at Belia. He and Kya help the Princess with her dress, Alexei making minor adjustments while Kya does Belia's hair and make-up. Rin knocks on the door when it's time to leave.

"M'Lady," he says as he opens the door.

"Rin, you're a man; tell me, how do I look?" Belia turns to face her guard. She watches his normally stoic demeanor falter. He quickly snaps back to attention, though.

"You look beautiful, M'Lady." Belia smiles at him.

"Don't worry Rin, I won't tell your wife." Belia gives Kya a wink.

"You're going to be late," Kya says, looking at the time.

"Done!" Alexei exclaims as he puts Belia's crown on. Alexei unveils her mirror, and Belia looks at herself in the dress and almost doesn't recognize her reflection. Rin helps Belia off of the dressing platform and she takes his arm as they walk down to the main ballroom. Belia lines up behind her parents and waits for their introductions. Her father gives Belia a confused glance.

"Alexei made a last-minute change," Belia explains. A horn sounds and the royal announcer introduces her parents, saving her from another reprimand. They walk out, her mother holding onto her father's arm, and the crowd applauds. The double doors shut and Belia and Rin take a step forward. She suddenly begins to feel nervous. Rin puts his free hand on top of hers and gives it a little reassuring squeeze.

"Now presenting her Royal Highness, Belia Istas, Crown Princess of Krystaliv." Belia feels like she is going to be sick as the doors open, she is so anxious. She and Rin walk into the large room and pause on the balcony for Belia to acknowledge the crowd before descending down the grand staircase to the main floor.