The Beginning of Spring {Part 3}

He walked in with his head held high, but not in a pompous way. It was in a determined and knowing way, that stated so much about him without him ever uttering a single word. He held everyone in the courtroom captive with his slightly tanned skin, tall stature, and broad shoulders. He was dressed in a deep and rich blue, with gold embellishments. The gold embellishments only highlighted the richness of his chestnut hair. It was obviously brushed and groomed yet fell in a sort of mischievous way as the sunlight made parts of his hair illuminate as if brushed with gold. A cape of deep blue was attached at his shoulders, and reached the very top of the floor. It swished from side to side in a handsome sway as he walked towards the throne.

While the eyes of the court zeroed in on the finer details of the masterpiece before them, his eyes stared straight forward at Anastasia. He looked no where else, not even to spectate the competition, but for her. She had intended to only glance in his direction, as she had with all the others, but he had captivated her, and held her captive until he reached the throne.

When he did reach the throne, we swooped low into a bow, and for the first time turned his gaze towards the ground in respect, instead of pierce her heart with that gaze. It was not until a voice not his own spoke that Anastasia looked away and towards who the man was being presented by.

A man who was tall, but not nearly as tall as his companion stood beside the other. He was older, and looked securely in his 40's. However, he was a man who looked better with age. His dark hair now laid peppered, but still as thick and plentiful as was in his youth. He had a smile that was wide and showed his near perfect teeth. However, Anastasia cared not to look much further, for she already knew the smile was fake and wardrobe was supplied by gold not his or her own. For it was none other, than the familiar face of Duke Algear, which meant that the man beside him could be none other than...

The Duke had stooped low in a bow along side his companion and they both muttered, "Your Majesty."

Anastasia attempted not to show her interest, but made an effort to smile as she spoke, "Duke Algear, after hearing of your late arrival last night I didn't expect to see until much later,"

The Duke smiled and spoke with a dignified knowing, "Well I could not dismiss coming to an event when her majesty so graciously invited me. Besides, I need to make sure my elective has a fair chance against those the others have brought."

"Indeed. Well, will you leave me in suspense or introduce me to your elective."

"Of course, your majesty, may I introduce you to Crown Prince Taren Ambrose of Dreterra."

"Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you." The prince spoke for the first time, and she had to admit that his voice was lovely. He had expected it to come out haughty or taunting, but instead is was extremely soothing and danced in the air like how chocolate melted on the tongue. It was low but had a lightness to it that made it float in the air and a certain smile of awe was forced from nearly every woman.

However, she could not be phased. This man was on the brink of declaring war on her kingdom, and that was enough to make any of his statements or looks turn bitter. At least as queen that was how she felt. If she was thinking solely as a maiden then she was in a small trance by the man. However, she was ruler first, woman second.

"The honor is mine." She tried to speak as calmly and unmoved as possible, but it was hard. This was hard. It would be so much easier if he was a ghastly looking man who had presented himself in any other way than as a gentleman. It would easier if it was not Duke Algear who was betraying her.

As it was now, her decisions would be based off of feeling not fact. She had been determined to not make decisions from a place of feeling, but that is what she would have to do. Fact said that Taren of Dreterra was an extremely handsome man. Fact, said that he was acting thus far accordingly to Karthia tradition. However, fact also saw a look of mischief in his eye.

Her feelings however were much less lovely. She felt angry at Duke Algear for his betrayal. She felt hatred towards Prince Taren for being here on the precipice of war. She feared for her kingdom, and even herself at the potential danger and ruin they all faced should a war take place.

"Thank you for hosting me and giving the opportunity of a life time. To meet and enjoy the company of the Queen of Karthia is a rare treat. I hope I can give you a reason valuable enough so that I might spend even more time in your company." There was hidden meaning in his words, and her mind ran amuck trying to decipher them. However, he did not speak in malic, just with a stupid cavalier smile on his face.

"It will be interesting to see what the next days hold for us."

He stepped closer, and she instinctively stiffened as her guards moved a bit closer. However, the man hardly noticed as he stared into her eyes and reached for something within his pocket. Her hands now followed his hands as he pulled out a small folded letter. Once he stood within reach, he handed her the paper. Before she could fully take the paper, he enveloped her hand and turned the the back of it up and brought it to his lips.

His touch was sure and warm, while she nearly trembled from fear and uncertainty. He pulled away and smiled as she took back her hand and placed it, with the letter, in her lap.

"I cannot wait to get to know you, your highness." He bowed and walked back to beside Duke Algear, who merely looked on at the sight before him. The rest of the court was reduced to mummering as the Duke and Prince bowed before walking away and joining the crowd.

Anastasia gulped as she turned her eyes towards the door. No one else entered. The introductions of her suitors was over, and my what an introduction this had been. She stilled her heart as she felt the letter in her hand. She stopped herself from opening it now, and instead turned to address her people.

"I am pleased to have met, and renewed my introductions with so many of you. I cannot wait to see what the future of Karthia beholds, and hope you will each find just as much beauty within the castle walls as the rest of my kingdom provides. Although I would love to stay longer, I have a few things I must attend before the ball this evening. Enjoy some refreshments and rest for this evening."

She bowed to her people, and they bowed in return. each one muttering a "Your majesty." She then took the steps down her podium and walked down the cleared aisle. Her people followed her with their eyes as she left. The grand doors of the hall opened before her, and then closed after she walked through. Everything was quite for a moment before she heard a herald mention the refreshments in the other hall. She then heard the mass movement and beginnings of conversations as the people moved from the throne room, to the adjoining hall.

She leaned against the now closed door and took it all in. There was no going back, and the steps forward were foggy at best, but for Karthia she must attempt to take the next step, but which one was it? She still held the letter in her hand, and with determination began her walk to her office.