Title: Untitled
Authors: Domino and Anne
Email: zahfat@yahoo.com and
partypooh@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: Not ours…
A/N: Alternate Universe
Summary: A fairytale, in the kingdom of Antarra, a prince, a bodyguard, a Ball…
Chapter 5
In front of the door stood Isabel with a large smile plastered on her face. “Hey
Maria, sleep well?”
Maria had this odd feeling that there was more to it then a concern over her
beauty sleep. “Yes, actually I haven’t slept that well for ages.”
“Really, now isn’t that interesting.” Isabel’s eyes were twinkling like
Christmas lights.
Maria just stared at her for a beat before shaking her head, she sure had
strange friends. “Why don’t we get this shopping thing over with.”
When Maria slipped into the hall, Isabel stopped her. “Wait a minute, what are
you doing?”
Maria did a mental eye roll. “We’re going shopping, remember.”
Isabel looked Maria up and down, she was wearing the same blue dress as
yesterday. “But those are the clothes you wore yesterday. Maria when you’re a
member of court you can’t wear the same thing two days in a row. Come on let me
have a look at your closet.”
Before Maria could stop her, Isabel was already across the room and opening the
door. Her eyes widened at it’s contents. She glanced at Maria before turning
back.
“Maria, where are your clothes?” Inside of the huge dressing room hung two pairs
of pants, a blouse and a sweater.
Maria went to stand behind her friend, looking at the meagre content over her
shoulder. “You’re looking at it.”
Suddenly Isabel started breathing heavily, and Maria thought she was going into
shock. “Okay, well we better get started then, it seems like we have our work
cut out for us.”
As soon as she calmed down again, Isabel hooked her arm in Maria’s and together
they walked outside to their awaiting carriage.
Tess and Kyle were already waiting there. Tess was wearing a pale green halter
top with cropped white pants, a small purse hung from her arm. Her blond hair
was in a chignon accentuating the diamond earrings she was wearing. Kyle was in
his usual black attire.
Before Maria could ask, Isabel said. “Kyle is going to be our bodyguard. We
thought it would be best that you would be surrounded by friends on your first
public outing.”
Tess and Kyle turned to them when they heard their voices.
“Good day milady.” Kyle greeted her with a small bow and a grin.
Maria just rolled her eyes at him, before haughtily brushing him off,
unconsciously regal in her actions.
Tess furrowed her brow as she took in Maria’s clothes, behind Maria she saw
Isabel shaking her head, so Tess quickly swallowed her comment. “Good morning,
so are you ready to do some serious shopping?”
“Do I have a choice?” Maria laughed. “Well let’s go.”
Impatiently Isabel scanned their surroundings like she was expecting someone.
Just then Michael exited the palace and headed their way.
He took in the ecstatic faces from Isabel and Tess, the apprehensive look of
Maria and Kyle’s guarded face. He sighed. “I still don’t understand why I need
to come along on your little shop-till- you- drop excursion.”
Looping her arm in his Isabel pushed him into the carriage. “Because Maria is
supposed to be your lady friend, it’s the proper boyfriend thing to do.”
“Then how come Alex isn’t here.”
Isabel just looked at him with an unreadable face. “What’s that supposed to
mean?”
Michael sighed, his baby sister and friend could be so clueless sometimes, maybe
if they stopped meddling in other people’s lives for five seconds they’d notice
how stuck on each other they were.
When Maria moved to sit next to Isabel, Tess darted passed her and plunked down.
Leaving Maria no choice but to sit next to Michael. Kyle was sitting up front
with the driver.
Flashing her most innocent smile Tess asked. “So where to first?”
“Donarco.” Isabel answered as the carriage lifted off the ground and the driver
headed towards the shop district.
~*~
The store they walked into was huge, done completely in soft colours ranging
from opal to soft blue. The marble stairs in the middle led to the changing
rooms and a waiting lounge on the first floor. The walls were packed with racks
laden with clothes of the richest fabrics Maria had ever seen. Here and there
stood a mannequin modelling some of the creations that the house brought forth.
Maria had never been there before, having spent little time in Thera, and even
less time shopping. They garnered immediate attention, (it) came from walking in
with the Royal Family, Maria thought musingly.
A chirpy Isabel led the way to the front desk, followed enthusiastically by
Tess, while the men reluctantly brought up the rear. Maria almost snorted at the
sight of their miserable faces, what did they had to worry about, she was the
one who was going to be the real life doll for Isabel and Tess to play dress up
with.
Several salespersons' gathered around, waiting for instructions, they all wore
identical black skirts and white blouses. They looked knowingly at Princess
Isabel, recognising the power and superiority of her in all matters shopping.
Several of the ladies gathered around Michael, he didn't notice...it was normal
behaviour of women around him. Maria on the other hand did, she laid an arm on
his elbow possessively and looked around, making sure to include all the women
in her steely glance. They got the message, to the amusement of Isabel and Tess
- this was going better than expected. Michhael didn't seem to be aware of
anything besides the light touch on his arm, Isabel thought gleefully, even
though it was strange for him to reveal any of his feelings so openly.
She had noticed that about the two of them. They only touched each other when
they felt threatened or to stake their claim, and usually quickly after they
tended to let go, as if fearful of the feelings that arose when it occurred.
Still she could feel the electricity from here. Isabel looked forward,
reluctantly taking her eyes of her brother and her friend and met Kyle's amused
gaze. He had noticed as well.
Isabel turned back to the head Saleslady, who stood in front of her awaiting her
instructions.
She gave them a courtesy nod, before turning to the young princess who often
frequented the store. “Sarisan, Princess Isabel.”
Isabel graced her with one of her blinding smiles. “Jakan, Larine.”
Clasping her hands in front of her the elderly lady returned a genuine smile.
“How may we help you today, Princess?”
Isabel opened her mouth to count of all the events they needed the proper
clothes for, when Maria interrupted her.
“Take us to the ball gowns please, Larine.” Maria said her tone regal, not
leaving room for any argument. Turning to face her friend, Maria raised her
eyebrow almost daring Isabel to say anything.
The saleslady nodded deferentially, never questioning the order.
Isabel frowned, there was something so familiar about Maria’s stanza, her head
held high, her eyes sparkling with determination, the corners of her mouth
turning up slightly in victory. Shaking her head Isabel snapped back to reality
only to notice that the Larine was already weaving her way through the store to
the back which held all the ball gowns.
Gracefully Isabel hurried to follow them in the maze of what department stores
were and with each step she became more determined that Maria was going to get a
full wardrobe worthy of a Queen today, even if she had to tie her up to shop.
~*~
Being used to Maria’s fast walk and constant movement, since she’d lived with
her before, Isabel quickly joined the others.
Tess had fallen in step beside Larine, the both of them were discussing the
colour, fabric and style which would become Maria best.
Looking about ready to throttle someone, Maria walked beside them, forcing the
two ladies to pick up their step. She wanted this to be over and done with. Her
plan of attack grab the first dress in sight that wouldn’t make her look like a
court jester, try it on, buy it and leave.
Behind them Kyle was having trouble not to burst out laughing. He’d seen the
look on Maria’s face all too often, it was one of pure determination. But he
also knew that the Princess was a force to be reckoned with. And he was curious
which one would win this round.
The back room was covered in lush gowns from wall to wall.
Tess rushed to the rack picking up a pale green ankle length gown with a boat
neck set of with pearls. “Maria, this would just look lovely on you. Why don’t
you go and try it on.”
Maria held it at arms length, the dress was actually quite pretty, it would do
lovely. Phase one complete.
“Oh, what about this one.” Isabel gushed over a clinging dress in dark red. “You
just have to try this one as well.”
Taking the gowns from Maria, Larine turned towards the stairs. “I’ll show you
where the changing rooms are.”
Isabel clasped her arm around Maria’s shoulder, steering her in the right
direction. Looking back she locked eyes with Tess, giving the small girl a wink.
After returning the conspiring smile. Tess clapped and all of a sudden sales
assistants appeared around her. Giving them quick orders about styles and
colours, she send them out, scurrying all around the store looking for the
perfect cocktail dress, riding pants, blouses, …
~*~
Maria looked at the pile of clothes that somehow had found it’s way into her
dressing room. And sighed how had she’d ended up in this. One day she was
gathering Intel about the brawls that were shaking up the country the next she
was cornered in a dressing room.
After knocking softly Tess entered again another clothes hanger in her hands. “I
just saw the most perfect dress for you.”
Maria turned to look admiringly at the dusky pink halter dress Tess was holding
up, the small diamantes in the pattern of flowers shimmered. “I don’t think it
will suffice for the ball.”
“Of course it’s not for the ball. It’s the perfect dress for a nice warm day on
the town.” Seeing Maria open her mouth to object, Tess forcibly turned her
around unzipping the dress Maria was wearing. “Oh come on, live a little.”
“Oh don’t worry about me living my life, just worry about yours.” Maria grinned
mischievously at her. Looking from Tess in the mirror to the ever growing pile
of clothes in the corner, Maria sighed she knew that this was a fight she wasn’t
going to win, not with both of them. Isabel would always be waiting behind every
corner to drag her to a shop, and Tess didn’t appear to take no for an answer,
Maria mused silently, she might as well enjoy it a little. “So what is your
accomplice doing?”
Tess grinned at her as she helped Maria in another dress. “Don’t worry, she’s
probably suffering as much as you are. She’s gluing Michael and that guy Kyle to
his seat.”
Maria quirked her eyebrow. “That guy?!” Mmm wasn’t that interesting. To her
satisfaction Tess turned a healthy shade of pink. “So Tess tell me something
about your self.”
~*~
Max knocked on the wooden gate that gave entrance to the courtyard of Evantui
Palace. The house were he grew up in, a house that had been in his family so
long that it seemed to almost be a part of it. Handing his horse to the stable
boy, he walked in through the side entrance not wanting to go through all the
formalities.
He knocked softly on the door to his family’s private library before entering.
And there in a big oak chair in front of the blazing fire sat a woman aged in
beauty.
Reverently he kissed the palm of her hands in greeting. “Sarisan, grasa.”
Laying a kiss on the top of his head, she murmured. “Jakan, Max my dear
grandchild.”
Max flashed her a brilliant smile. “I’m your only grandchild.”
The saddened look in his grandmother’s eyes pulled at his heart as much as it
surprised him. “ Grasa , is everything alright.”
She briefly nodded. “Sit down. There’s something I need to tell you.”
As he took seat in the chair opposite her, he noticed the grave look on her
face.
She started the tale, and watched as his expression grew grimmer with each word.
He stood up and started pacing when Ellie got the part where America died and
didn’t stop till in a voice that grew softer with each word, his beloved grasa
finished the story. Turning around he took in her anxious face as she waited for
his verdict. Max’s face softened for a brief second.
“Don’t worry Grasa. All will be fine. I won't let anything happen to her. She
will be safe,” her grandson said looking at the old woman he loved so dearly ,
reassuring her with his eyes, which then turned into a determined expression, a
hard expression she knew was not directed to her but instead to those that
threatened the family. And for the first time, some of the worry lifted of the
woman’s shoulders – worry that had plagued her for years and now the burden
lightened she smiled at him, her dear grandson and said serenely, her noble
birth evident, “I know.”
“I guess I should get going, if I am going to meet my cousin officially,” Max
said and then he smirked, “of course that is if I can get her away from Michael
for a second.”
“Michael?” Ellie questioned.
“Oh yes, it seems by esteemed friend…how shall I put it…has fallen over his feet
over my cousin,” Max replied, his grin growing wider as he recalled the fall of
yesterday and recognised the irony in his words, “Never thought I would see the
day.”
“It is as it should be,” Ellie replied, her age giving the words wisdom, “They
were meant to love,” she continued…and she smiled too as she realised the pun of
her grandson’s words. Everyone knew about the collision.
“Where are they now,” Ellie questioned, worry colouring her tone slightly. Years
of fear for her grand daughter had its effect.
Max looked at her and reached out with his hand to touch hers lightly, a
reassuring touch on a hand that was graceful despite its age, “They have gone
shopping. I got out of it, by saying I was coming here. Alex hid all morning
when he heard Isabel cornered Michael so she couldn’t find him.”
His light words had the desired effect, and Ellie smiled again, the fear leaving
her eyes momentarily. Max smiled and stood up, and kissed his grasa on the
cheek, smoothing her greyed hair from her face in a tender touch to the woman
who he had adored since he was a baby. He turned and gave her one last look
before disappearing out the door to find his cousin.
~*~
A frail girl stomped her foot on the lush carpets covering the hardened mud
floor, she hated residing in tents. Khivar knew this, but no he’d insisted that
no one could know of their stay this close to the border so they had a tent camp
set up near the tree line.
She could have lived with being cooped up in a tent for four days, but then
Khivar had gone too far, saying she could only take the bare essentials with
her. Being a guy that meant, a change of clothes for each day, her small make up
kit and four pairs of shoes. When she’d objected he had the nerve to say that
she could always stay at home. She snorted at the thought, yeah sure like she
would let him come here all by himself so he could dive into the sack with that
Courtney bitch. She’d noticed the stares that ‘servant girl’ was giving her
lover. Sneaky, cheating bastard. The ball gown Khivar had promised would better
be absolutely gorgeous for all the hardships she had to endure.
Staying in tents without her wardrobe or an entourage, travelling incognito. She
shook her head, her poor subjects being deprived of seeing their beautiful
queen.
It better be a damn fine and expensive dress.
She let herself fall on the heap of velvet pillows in the corner. Drumming her
fingertips against each other, she started her favourite pass time, fantasising
about her future house, the white marble palace of Thera, Antarra’s capital, and
all the fine jewellery and dresses she would have. She would rule the place she
worked in now. One day it would all be hers. As soon as Khivar married her, of
course.
A voice just outside the tent interrupted her. “May I enter, my lady.”
Quickly she pinched her cheeks to give them a rosy glow while striking a pose,
she thought came over as sexy and irresistible. “Yes, you may.”
A man in his early twenties entered, letting the sheet fall back in place behind
him. His dark brown hair was glistening with the pork fat he used as gel and
parted on the side. He wore tight green leggings and a loose white shirt with
fringes, his upper body was covered with a red cape covered with fine dust
particles. His nose almost touched the ground when he bowed. “I have brought you
a present.”
The small figure that lounged on the cushions immediately perked up. “Show me.”
Her voice was demanding and petulant.
Opening his cape he revealed the sheer blue shawl. “I acquired it from a group
of travellers, we passed in the woods.”
Letting the soft material slide through her callous fingers, her brown eyes
twinkled. She kissed him hard on the mouth. “Thank you, Nicholas, honey.”
“It’s my pleasure, Liz. By the way Khivar asked me to tell you that he isn't due
back till later tonight.”
Grabbing his shirt she pulled him towards the bed. “I’m sure you can find a way
to entertain me till he returns.”
~*~