Aftermath

Anastasia stood pacing in her private chambers. She was still dressed in her ballgown, although she had let her hair fall down about her shoulders. Although she had stopped swaying to the music nearly an hour before, her mind still danced with thought. Sleeping under her roof were nearly 30 men who wanted to marry her, a court full of people anxiously awaiting and participating in the Spring Season, and an enemy who could very well be the destruction of her kingdom. Yet, the man who posed the main threat of being defined as an enemy didn't disturb her as much as many of the other before mentioned things.

Yes, he was unnerving. Yes, she felt a great bit of unease around him, but his thought out pragmatism calmed her in an unnerving way. However, she was not calm. Not right now. Not after her somewhat unconventional departure from the ball.

They had been dancing, and it had felt extraordinary. That is until he had said two simple words.

"Marry me."

She had lost her footing and nearly fell had he not been bisque in his recovery. Now that Anastasia was completely lost in thought and action, Prince Taren took back over in leading the dance.

"What do you mean?" she could not hide the unnerve in her voice.

"I mean I want your hand in marriage." it was said calmly and coolly.

"Whatever for."

"For so many reasons you have yet to even comprehend."

"And what good would your hand in marriage do me."

"For starters, it could end a war."

"I am not at war, is there something you have yet to tell me Prince Taren."

"Nothing you don't already know."

"It appears I do not know a great many things. For instance what are your intentions here Prince Taren."

"I have already told you, or at the very least shown you my intentions."

"Can you remind me."

"No. That would be too easy."

"Is this a game to you. The safety of my people, of your own men, is it worth the war you threaten to declare."

"Your perceptions are getting in the way."

"Then tell me the truth so I may perceive no farther."

"Put the pieces together, Your Highness. It will all make sense when you do."

The trill of the final note gave way to silence until a round of applause ruptured from the participants. The song was over, so to was the dance, but her mind was left reeling. Now she paced her room over and over again, until there was a knock on the door. Anastasia opened it tentatively and found a Lady in waiting standing there. She quickly bowed and then handed a letter to the Queen. She was quickly gone and the Anastasia opened the letter to find the testimony of Duke Algear written in plain black text. His seal was placed at the end of the letters with his signature for extra measure.

She took in a deep breath, the unknown tension in her chest suddenly unfastening. Her legs suddenly felt weak and she quickly marched toward the chair by the evening fire. She reopened the letter and began to unfold part of the story.

"Listed below is my testimonial of when Prince Taren came to meet my acquaintanceship and the course of events that brought him to Karthia...

It was towards the beginning of Summer when I first received a letter from the Crown Prince of Dreterra. In his first missive he informed me that he meant no harm, but was simply becoming accustomed to the borders of his kingdom and who assumed what roles near the defining line between Karthia and Dreterra. He prefaced that he intended to speak to her majesty upon his coronation, but was unable to do so without appropriate introduction before then.

We proceeded to exchange various letter about the condition of Drettera's border and how he might better relations between Karthia and Dreterra since I had worked as a liaison between the two in the years prior. We traded correspondences on a multitude of occasions. When I spoke about my future absence in my province due to the spring season, he once again expressed a desire to meet the Queen.

At first, I thought nothing of his wishes, until he wrote a lengthy letter stating he required me to make his introduction during the spring season. At first a laughed it off and ignored the letters. I would later dread that mistake when several dozen Dreterra troops snuck over the border and found their way to Algear Mansion.

At first they stayed far away, simply leaving an additional letter from the Prince. However, soon their message became clear. I would be unable to leave or live at Algear Mansion should I not respond to the prince. I asked him his reasoning and purpose. His response was simply that he required an audience with the queen and was willing to do whatever it took to receive the attention he needed from her.

Another quadrant of troops arrived with the new letter. They all kept their appearances low key so that no one realized the building army in my yards. There were two events that caused me to finally cave into the princes wishes. The first was when my dearest eldest daughter returned home from visiting neighbors in tears due to the ceaseless taunts of the solders her entire journey home. Even within the walls of our own home we knew that we were being watched.

The second event took place when my dear wife grew ill, but the soldiers would not let the servants leave to retrieve the doctor. Although she was able to heal with what we had at Algear mansion, my mind was made up. This could go on no more.

I am ashamed to admit that I could not withstand more for the kingdom of which I am so honored to be apart of. However, I could not allow my family to suffer anymore because of who I am. I understand and except whatever reprimand and repercussions required of the dishonor I have committed to my kingdom. It is with a heavy heart that I write this, but my fellow Karthians need to know the enemy I have brought into our capital.

With my sincerest apologies and well wishes,

Duke Algear"

Anastasia folded the letter and placed it into her desk drawer before getting up and walking out the two French doors leading into her private garden. It was obvious that a storm was brewing, as the air was thick with humidity. How very fitting that the weather would reflect the reality of Karthia.