Arranged Allegiances - 1x1 (Don't delete!)

[Cloudsong]

(LOL I just realized something! Evan and Ean have similar names o: Should I change his? XD)

Giovanna's eyes widened, and she turned around instantly as the voice sounded behind her, a frown on her face. Having seen what had just happened, Ean wasn't exactly her favorite person at the moment. She took a step closer to Evan, feeling more close to him at the moment than Ean; after all they'd been through, Ean couldn't even begin to understand why she was so upset. Silently she swallowed, glancing over at Evan. He had his eyes narrowed as he recognized the man as the prince of Mortifer, and he crossed his arms, removing his arm from around her.

"Easy, now; I don't have to answer your questions," Evan said softly, his tone annoyed at the man's hostility. Obviously he was holding against him something more than just his anger. He was offended by his very existence - and the fact that he was going to marry his friend.

"Evan..." Giovanna's voice trailed off, and she shot him a warning look. She could see that a fight was going to start, and was obviously against that idea. "This is my..." Her voice trailed off, and she hesitated, unsure really what Ean was to her. A friend? No. And definitely not her fiance, if she had anything to do with it. "This is Ean," she said finally, turning her gaze upon Ean again. Her eyes were cold, and she obviously didn't forgive him for not sticking up for her before. But a moment later she introduced the soldier, wanting to answer his previous question. "And this is Evan; he was my brother's friend, and is mine too."

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

( Nah, it's okay. ^^ )

Ean knew that Giovanna was hating him at the moment, and he most likely would never gain her trust again. He had lost it for good, because he'd been stupid. But, then again, had he really? Or had he simply been doing what he normally would have done to anyone from Anima? He would think about that later, he decided, and he pushed it to the back of his mind for the time being.

"Actually, yes, you do. You are in my city, considering I am the Prince here, and I can have you thrown out upon command." He knew he had acted hostile and rude for no reason, or no obvious reason, towards the solider, but he was surprised at the sudden anger.

His green eyes darted from Giovanna to the solider, who was apparently Evan. When she hesitated, and simply said his name instead of saying anything more about him, he scowled. So, that was how it was going to be? It was going to take a lot, and a long time, he could tell, to make her trust him again. The short peace that had been put between them had been destroyed in that instant when he had not spoken against his friends' harsh words.

"A friend, I see," Ean murmured, his expression dark. He knew, yet again, that he had no right or reason to act like this. And yet, he couldn't help it, somehow. "Seems like more than a friend, if you ask me," he said, almost tauntingly, eyeing the way the two stood very close to one another. Almost touching, in fact. He said it as if he almost dared her to object or deny it, and his eyes were still narrowed.

[Cloudsong]

Evan laughed coldly, as if amused by how worked up Ean was getting. "I see you feel the need to remind me of your title," he said quietly, smirking slightly. "But by all means, try. I am not here for tourism; in fact, your own army suggested to meet with our own, regarding a particular alliance." His tone was laced with meaning, and obviously he was implying the wedding, and how the two cities would connect.

Giovanna blinked in surprise at Ean's sudden anger. So he had the nerve to be upset and angry at her after what he had just done? Quickly she recomposed herself, and narrowed her eyes slightly, meeting his gaze fearlessly. Was there some jealousy she could detect in his voice? What on earth could fuel such anger? Just that she was with a man that wasn't him? As if you own me, she wanted to snarl. He did not own her, and the idea that he thought so made her grit her teeth together. "Thankfully no one asked you," she said slowly, wishing she could slap him in the face. But such actions were not proper for a princess, so she kept herself calm. "But either way, how is that at all of your concern?" She was in a way daring him to mention the marriage; the thing he hated as much as she did. But did he? Why was he acting so jealous upon seeing her holding hands with a man? After all, if he was going to go for being polite, he wouldn't be so close with Karra.

Karra winded her way over to them, and snaked her arm into Eans'. She narrowed her eyes as she watched the two of them, as if she were looking at dirt, and her lip curled in disgust. Everything that Ean said she nodded to, as if agreeing with anything he would say. Because she would be in favor of anything Ean said; especially now, when it came to these Anima people. They were so disgusting, and she found herself balling her free hand into a fist.

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean knew he was being unreasonable, especially considering what had just happened, back before Giovanna had run off. He knew he had no right to act the way he was, and yet something inside of him kept him going. Perhaps it was the sight of Giovanna standing so close to Giovanna, or the fact that Karra was standing beside him, nodding her head to everything he was saying, or maybe it was the stress and strain inside of him finally cracking. Whatever it was, it was driving him to continue to argue with the two people in front of him.

When Evan brought up the 'alliance', or rather hinting at the wedding, Ean's lip curled. He was half-tempted to speak what he was truly thinking and feeling; he wanted to ask him what buisness was it of his? Of course she would have a friend in the military, of course. Things could have gone so well today, but they just kept going farther and farther downhill.

Ean strongly wished he could say why he thought it was his concern. They were supposed to be getting married, after all, and despite the fact that one of them was sure to put a stop to it sometime soon, it was the truth. But he held his tongue, and for the only reason that Karra stood beside him, looking up at him almost adoringly. He had almost forgotten how she clung up him almost needily, and how truly harsh she could be. Goodness, the people of Anima were starting to rub off on him...

"Yes, well, I think we both know why it's my concern." He left it at that, leaving his words hang in the air. He was unsure if Evan or Karra or even Giovanna would understand what he was implying, but he hoped at least she would.

(Fail post. </3 )

[Cloudsong]

Karra smirked and gave Giovanna and Evan the middle finger before skipping off after him. As soon as she caught up, she jabbed Ean in the ribs. "What was that about?" she asked accusingly. "You seemed actually hurt at seeing them together." Her voice was harsh, and she crossed her arms, obviously upset. "You wouldn't actually be... falling for her, right?" Suddenly she seemed shocked and almost disgusted that Ean could possibly like someone from Anima.

-

Giovanna opened her mouth to reply, but Ean had already left, and his words went with him. She hesitated, taking a step in the direction he had gone in, then thought better of it. He doesn't want my comfort, she realized as she stared down at the floor. He didn't want anything from her, and she had failed to see this until now. This peace - this friendship she had believed they had was all an illusion. Was he pretending, or had he just realized now that he would rather be around his stupid friends than her? Silently she sighed, shaking her head. Why on earth did I ever imagine today could go well? It was only yesterday when they had met, and that had started off badly. Back to square one.

Evan cleared his throat once Karra had stalked off. He reclaimed Giovanna's hand, and turned her around to face him, tipping her chin up so that she was forced to meet his gaze. "Hey."

Giovanna forced a smile, and shrugged out of his grasp.

"You're not actually affected by that guy's words, are you?" Evan knew better than to let shock or disbelief into his voice. She was obviously seeming crest-fallen, and Mateo had never called her out when she seemed down.

She shook her head. "Not at all," she said. The lie hurt, and her voice shook slightly, but other than that she seemed convincing.

Evan sighed, then ran a hand through his hair. "Look... how about I take you to the castle you're staying at? I'm going back to Anima anyway, and it's on the way."

Giovanna's eyes lit up, and suddenly she was clinging to him, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Take me with you to Anima! Please, Evan. I can't stand having everyone trying to push me and Ean together. It's just so agonizing."

Evan hesitated, obviously tempted, but then he shook his head. "We'll see," was all he said, before towing her off towards the other guards, where his carriage awaited.

(I have plans for Evan x3 You're reallly going to hate him I am too~)

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean looked down at Karra, studying her expression. She seemed genuinely angry about his reaction towards Giovanna and Evan. But why? Anderson and Gavin had often teased him, constantly saying he and Karra were meant to be together, and were equally horrible to people, so they would be a lovely, perfect couple. However, until now, he had simply pushed their words aside stubbornly, and thought nothing of them; figuring the words were nothing more than jokes, and were only meant to get under his skin. Yes, Karra was very attractive, and he had often found himself wooed(sp?) by her. He'd caught himself more than once thinking about her, before the whole marriage proposal, wondering of their possibilites. It had only seemed logical, after all, that they wed; but, when the marriage was brought up by his mother, those thoughts had been thrown out of the window. Especially now, for he was still unsure of where his feelings and loyalties were exactly placed, now.

"Falling for her? Don't be absurd, Karra," he muttered, although he seemed to be avoiding having any type of eye contact with her, now. "Something like that would never happen. I wasn't hurt, either, thank you very much. I just didn't like that solider's attitude." Ean turned away, folding his arm across his chest.

His eyes cast skyward, the prince realized that it had already begun to get late. The treck back to the castle would take some time, he knew, and by the time he got back it would most likely be dark. Sighing, he shot a glance towards Karra. He was half-tempted to invite her back with him, but thought better of it. Best not anger his mother any more than she already would be; he knew when he arrived back, she would be even more angry to see that he was not with Giovanna. And when she found out where he had been, she was going to, without a doubt in Ean's mind, lose her temper.

"I have to be getting back; I'll...well, I'll try to see you soon, okay?" He managed to smile at her, and he hoped she couldn't tell it was forced. He just had a lot on his mind, that was all. "Give Anderson and Gavin my best, will you? And try to stay out of trouble." He winked at her, reached over and lightly squeezed her hand, before turning and beginning to walk away. He wasn't looking forward to whatever was coming, he was certain of that.

[Cloudsong]

Karra bit her lip, not at all convinced by his words. She had always fallen at Ean's feet; they had always been together, and she had never doubted that. But now, as he avoided her gaze, and said next to nothing, she wondered if she was actually losing him. His words were empty; she could sense that after so many years of being around him. She knew him like the back of her hand. But perhaps it is not mutual. What if Ean actually was falling for Giovanna? They would marry, and then... Nothing will ever be the same. Instead of feeling sad, she focused her feelings into anger, and cleared her throat. "Fine," she said quietly, voice barely audible. She didn't return his smile, instead just nodded and stalked off.

--

Later That Night

Giovanna paced up and down her bedroom in the castle, her fingers working tirelessly on wrapping the tips of her hair around and around her fingers. She always would pick up these nervous habits like this, and they helped her think in a way. Evan hadn't given in to her pleas to take her back home, and had dropped her off at the castle by the sea. It vexed her that she would soon have to face the wrath of their angry parents; they would be furious that the two of them had disappeared all day. And what am I to say to them? she inwardly wailed. She wasn't sure if Ean was back yet, and if he was he wouldn't come to see her. And although she told herself otherwise, she did wish that he would. A small part of her wished that they could talk - she didn't want to tell their parents about what had happened that day. She and Ean would have to agree on staying silent about it.

After what had happened in Mortifer, she didn't really think that they had any future in peace. All she wanted to do was talk her father out of this... this alliance. But it was going to be hard to convince him.

At that moment, a loud wrap sounded on her door, and a suited buttler entered. "Mrs Giovanna, the King and Queen wish to see you and the prince down on the porch. They would like to discuss your... absence." His eyes were twinkling with disdain, and obviously this was a scandal he was eager to witness.

Giovanna stopped her pacing instantly, and hesitated. "Where is the Prince?" she asked quietly.

He shook his head, not wanting to answer her question. "He will be there. Come."

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

It hadn't taken Ean long to get back to the castle; he'd hoped he could get back as quickly as possible, and therefore find a way to avoid his mother, and the King as well, and had therefore moved as quickly as he possibly could.

He was unsure where Giovanna had run off to, and simply assumed she had either already arrived back at the castle, or had gone off somewhere with that solider, Evan. He scowled slightly at the thought, and hoped for the first. After all, if she wasn't back yet, and their parents did decide to confront him, he certainly would not want to have to deal with that all on his own. She was as much to blame as him.

As if the heavens and all above had read his thoughts, not long after he had settled into his bed, Ean found himself being disturbed by a quiet knock of his door. At first, his mind quickly jumped to the possibility that perhaps it was Giovanna, coming to talk over what had happened. Then, however,the thought slipped from his mind, as he realized that that was not going to be happening any time soon. And yet, somehow a small part of him wished it would.

The door opened slowly and a butler poked his head in, looking slightly nervous. It was one Ean recognized well; a servant from his own castle back in Mortifer. He distinctly remembered yelling at him many times as of late; he'd been doing that quite a bit, if he thought about it, ever since he had been tol of the wedding, actually. "Sir, your mother and the King have requested that you and the Princess go down at once and meet them on the porch."

"Did they say why?" Ean almost didn't want to hear the answer, and hoped that the servant might not know.

"Yes, sir; they said something about an absence on your part." The servant's voice was slightly jittery, and it was quite clear he wanted to leave.

Sighing, Ean nodded once. He knew it had been coming. "I'll be down." The servant waited, however, and Ean realized that he was to be escorted down. It was clear that they really didn't trust him, now, and he could only hope Giovanna was being treated in the same way. Or, at the very least, that she had gotten back, and was on her way down as well. He could only hope, though.

[Cloudsong]

Giovanna could sense that the servant was waiting to escort her, and that she wasn't allowed to go by herself. The thought bothered her, because it was obvious that the king and queen no longer allowed her their trust after what had happened today. How would they react? The question burned in her mind, and she wasn't sure how to answer it. Surely, they would be happy that the two of them had gone off somewhere together, but perhaps that triumph would fade once she had arrived alone at the castle without Ean, and instead with a group of Anima soldiers. She had not seen them upon her arrival, but either way she was sure that the news would come to their ears, and it would not have been welcome at all. They would have to assume that something had happened to make them return alone, and she half-wished that they had seen that this was a futile attempt, and obviously they were not going to fall in love. Perhaps they would then cancel the wedding, and let them go home. But she knew that they were stubborn, and that they would not just let this idea of uniting the cities go because of a bump in the road. Her father had once even mentioned that if love did not appear, then perhaps a forced marriage would be brought upon them.

And I am quite certain that I will never love him. Giovanna followed the servant as he led her down the grand staircase, which was lit by a few candle light fixtures on the walls. It was dark out, and the fact that they were being called down at such an hour meant only one thing; trouble. Disappointment. At one point in her life, Giovanna had always trusted her father, and expected him to do what was best for her; what would make her happy. But now, she found herself wondering if the king cared at all about his daughter's happiness. And maybe he is right to it. After seeing the hatred the two cities had for one another, it seemed almost like a good idea to try and extinguish the fire. Bringing the cities together would be overall for the better, and although it vexed her to admit it, perhaps they would have to make a sacrifice, even if the sacrifice was one that would guarantee her sole misery her entire life. How long would it take them after being married for Ean to go off with Karra? She felt a twinge of jealousy, and felt her dislike for the woman grow. They were made for each other - Ean and Karra - and even if Giovanna and he were forced into matrimony, she felt quite positive their relationship would continue.

When they reached the door that led outside, Giovanna felt her stomach do a backflip. What would they say to her? She found herself dreading it, and all too soon the servant had the door opened, and was waiting for her to exit and face her doom.

Ean had not arrived, and she felt a flicker of annoyance as she imagined that he might have gotten off the hook. Was she really going to have to face this alone? Silently she crossed over to where the King and Queen sat in armchairs, their expressions stony. Clearing her throat to get their attention, she dropped into a quick curtsy, meeting the Queen's gaze evenly. What would she be thinking? I can guess. Probably along the lines of me being ungrateful, and undeserving of her son. And she was right. I don't deserve him, and he doesn't deserve me. Why are you forcing this?

The King didn't try to speak, and they were obviously still waiting for Ean to show up to begin their lecture. Giovanna rooted herself to where she stood, ignoring the loveseat that was in front of them - a place where two people would sit. She and Ean. It had been placed there so that they could not sit far away from each other. So they were still trying, even after what had happened today. Still trying to force them together. She wouldn't sit there unless it came to an order, because even Giovanna knew not to disobey the King and Queen.

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean walked deliberately slowly throughout the castle, followed closely behind by the black-suited butler, who was still acting rather nervous and twitchy. Ean was unsure if it was because he was in his presence or not, but he surely hoped he was not the complete cause for the butler's nervous attitude.

It was quite clear that Ean was going to take as long as he possibly could to get downstairs and reach the porch. His steps were slow, tentative, and his heart began to race and beat rather fast as he got closer and closer to their destination. His brow furrowed ever-so slightly as he wondered what would be awaiting him; would they be angry, and start shouting at the two of them? Or perhaps they would be calm, and understanding, and simply tell them not to wander off like that again? He was unsure; he knew very well how the Queen could get when he did something wrong, for she was from Mortifer, after all - it usually resulted in quite a lot of yelling, followed by a punishment of some sort. He sincerely hoped that this would not be one of those times.

Ean was also unsure whether or not the King could or would get as angry as his mother did sometimes; he had seemed like a rather peaceful fellow during the times in which they'd spoken, although there had only been a few of those times since their arrival at the castle. Most often, the people of Anima were peaceful people, but he knew that was not always the case. If the King was anything like his daughter, well then Ean had no clue what to expect; she had a temper, that was for sure. Perhaps it had been her father she had gotten that from. Ean prayed he was like many of the other people of Anima, and would take everything with a good attitude. If not, Ean had no idea how to prepare for the storm that would be coming.

Sooner than he would have liked, Ean found that they had arrived on the porch. His expression was impassive and uncaring, but inside his mind was racing. He strode over to the King and his mother, where he found Giovanna already standing, seemingly rooted to the spot. Dropping into a hasty bow, when he straightened up Ean's eyes went towards Giovanna immidiately. He studied her expression, but it gave away nothing. Swallowing, nervously he turned to his mother and the King, who both wore equal expressions of a mixture of disapointment and anger.

"Sit." Those were the only words his mother spoke, and Ean hesitated only for a fraction of secon before complying and crossing the porch to the small couch. A loveseat. Ean inwardly groaned; well, that would be lovely indeed. He could only imagine what Giovanna would think of sitting next to him, in such cloe proximity; he was probably the very last person on this earth she would want to sit near, or even look at, for that matter. I'm sure she'd enjoy sitting with that little solider friend of hers, he thought, and realized with shock at how bitter his thoughts were. After all, why did he care? He told himself he didn't, and left it at that.

( I'm veeeeeerrrryyyy sorry for not posting for a long time. </3 End of the nine-weeks is hectic. D: But I finished my projects. :3 )