What Sisters Say {Part 2}

Anastasia relaxed as Bryn ran a comb over her hair in a tender almost maternal way. Although Anastasia would often have maids brush her hair, it had been awhile since someone did so as tenderly as Bryn did. It relaxed Anastasia until she nearly fell asleep in the chair she sat in. That is until, Bryn spoke for the first time since she had helped Anastasia into her sky blue morning gown.

"Will you ever tell me what troubles you so sister?" Bryn asked Anastasia earnestly as she made contact with her sisters eyes in the mirror.

"Will I ever truly know what troubles me for myself?" Anastasia emphasized the I while stating her rhetorical question rather pessimistically.

"You know more than any of the rest of us Anastasia."

"But I don't..."

"Yes, you do." Bryn stopped brushing Anastasia's hair abruptly and nearly threw the brush as she crossed her arms. "Ana, you fainted yesterday, presumably from stress, but its anyone's guess what is stressing you to this point. Is it the Spring Season, your responsibilities, your ball gown not being done? What is it?"

"Bryn, I don't want you to worry."

"It's too late for that Anastasia. I'm already worried about you."

Anastasia's eyes misted as she viewed her sister from a different lens then she normally did. Bryn was a young woman, who had been forced to grow up much to soon. Should anything happen to Anastasia she was next in line for the throne, which would thrust a whole other slew of responsibilities upon the poor innocent girl. Perhaps it was better Anastasia let her know some of what was troubling her.

"Sit down." Anastasia requested. She took a deep breath trying to sort through her thoughts as Bryn took her seat.

On the one hand, Anastasia was glad that not all of Karthia knew what was troubling her so. On the other, Bryn may know absolutely nothing about any of this. Thinking there was no better way then forward with this conversation, Anastasia began "Karthia's border was breached a little under two weeks ago. It would appear that Dreterra is amassing soldiers near the Algear mansion. Their intention is unknown, but we can only assume the worst."

Bryn sat in shock for a moment before her mind reeled in contemplation. "But isn't Dreterra's Prince currently in Karthia as one of your suitors. " Bryn had a slight hint of panic in her voice, but stayed otherwise unmoved from her location.

"The public is being led to believe he is here as one of my suitors, but we know little of his true intention."

"But he is here with Duke Algear. Surely you do not think our own Uncle would do anything to purposely harm you Anastasia?"

"I do not think that he would do anything to purposely harm his own blood. However, according to his own testament, his wife and children were at stake. Even if I am his niece and Queen, he has no reason to have me take precedence over them. If you would like, you can read his letter explaining himself. It's on my desk." Anastasia waited as Bryn got up, grabbed the letter and absorbed the contents with the hunger of one uncertain of their next meal.

Before Anastasia knew it, Bryn sat the letter down with the click of her tongue and returned to Anastasia's side.

"So we have no clue why he is here?" Bryn repeated the question Anastasia had questioned for herself time and time again. The same answer resounded for the both of them. Why was the prince here?

"No."

Any air that had remained freely floating in the room now sucked out as the obtrusive thoughts dance between the two of them. Not a word was uttered until Daisy came busting into the room once more. This time her hair was combed and ribbons were woven into it. She had also donned the appropriate slippers and was being followed by Cora who was carrying a large tray full of foods.

"It's time for breakfast." Daisy beamed, totally unaware of the discomfort present between the two sisters. Daisy grabbed Anastasia's hand and helped her raise from her seat. Bryn quickly rose and forced a polite smile on her lips as Daisy led Anastasia out to the garden. They were quickly followed by Cora and Bryn.

Soon the four sisters were siting around the garden table with a healthy spread of a variety of breakfasts items. There was fresh fruit, a variety of fruit turnovers, oats and omelets, There was also fresh milk, tea and water. The beginnings of breakfast were rather quiet as each sister took their helping of the chosen treats they had for breakfast.

Daisy talked happily among the group, and Anastasia was content to simply sit and listen to her sister's idle chatter. It wasn't until a maid came to give Anastasia her schedule for the day that any serious conversation took place.

"You still expect to work today, Ana?" Cora asked unaware of the prior conversation Anastasia and Bryn had. Bryn gave a smug look directed towards Anastasia.

"As much as I would like to ignore my duties for the rest of the day, I have things I need to do. It's the Spring Season which means I only have more things that need to be done within the same amount of time I had previously."

"Ana, you can manage one day off to recover." Bryn spoke shortly, but Anastasia kept her mind about her.

"I feel fine today. Yesterday was the result of several factors that I had yet to attend to built up to much. It won't happen today. Besides, the Spring Tea is today, and I need to continue to meet with the potential suitors of this season."

"I don't see why you have to continue with the suitors and the Spring Season when Duke Phillip Vern has already offered himself. You two have history and work well together." Cora leaned back in her chair stomach now full and uninterested in the food when such intriguing conversation was taking place.

"But not that sort of history." Anastasia's response was short.

"Oh please, like you've not thought of marrying him." Cora pushed.

"Cora drop it." Bryn saw Anastasia's continence turn icy, and attempted to intervene before the serenity of the morning was ruined. Daisy was much less conscious of the atmosphere.

"Phillip wouldn't like staying here all year. He just likes Anastasia. At least that's what Aubrey tells me."

"There is a lot to consider when making this decision and the presumptions we carry about people cannot take precedence over the actuality of the arrangement they will be agreeing to. I understand this decision will affect each of you, as they will become like a brother to you, but it will affect all of Karthia as well. I understand from your perspectives why certain individuals would be less desirable as your king and my husband, as they are for me as well, but the simple truth is Karthia must come first in the way we think of things. Although I will gladly take into consideration what each of you has to say about the suitors, we are only three days into the Spring Season, and there is still much to be decided. Please spare your judgements for a little while more." Anastasia pleaded with her sisters. She knew that they were bound to have feelings about all of this, but she needed to think for herself at this time.

"We will respect your request for now Ana. However, you and your happiness will always take precedence for us. We will make sure the same goes for your future husband, and our future king." Bryn spoke diplomatically and both Cora and Daisy agreed with a nod.

Anastasia acknowledged their statement, but not much more. Her happiness didn't factor into her marriage for her. She had promised to give her all to Karthia, and that included her marriage and the happiness within it.

To preoccupied with thought, Anastasia allowed the conversation to drift elsewhere for the remainder for their time together, before she had to leave being Ana behind, and assume her role as Queen Anastasia.