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

[Cloudsong]

A sad smile appeared on her features.  Giovanna didn't even turn around to look at him to know that it was over; any hopes, any possibility of something beside hatred had just been vanquished.  She had known from the moment she had overheard the king and Evan talking, that marrying the general would be the final word in the deal.  It had always been the inevitable.  But for a moment there, when she and Ean had been laughing and joking together, it had almost seemed as if... As if there was another option.  But now she knew that it was gone - over.

"I know," she murmured, half to herself.  Without another word, she left, walking swiftly towards the castle.

( time skip to next day?) 

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean awoke the next morning to the sound of soft rustling on the other side of the room, near his wardrobe. He sat up groggily, and with half-open eyes began to search the room for the cause of the noise. "Who's there?" he murmured, blinking his eyes a few times in a desperate attempt to wake himself up.

Slowly, Ean dragged his feet over the edge of his bed and stood. He yawned and shook his head when he saw a small figure poke it's head out from within his dresser. "Marietta? What are you doing?" he asked, still only half-awake. "Come on now, get out of there," he said, taking her hand and helping her out of the wardrobe. He groaned when he saw the mess inside. "You're going to clean this up, you know," he muttered, closing the door. "Why were you going through my stuff, anyway?"
"I was looking for one of your ties; Chloe and I are playing pretend," Marietta replied, looking distinctly frustrated. Ean chuckled softly and lead her over to his other dresser. Pulling open the bottom drawer, which was full of ties and such things, he stepped back. "There, take whatever you like." He didn't even seem to care if it got ruined or not; after all, he could just go out and get a new one whenever he wanted. "And aren't you two getting too old for that nonsense? And when did you girls get back, anyway? I thought you were at that Girl's Camp, to practice manners or whatnot?"

Marietta's crouched down on her still rather knobby little knees, pushing aside different ties. "We were. We got back last night. Mother is very angry with you, you know," she said, her voice soft and wistful. She seemed to be ignoring his first question.
"Of course she is," Ean muttered. He wasn't surprised. He had somehow managed to sneak back into the castle without getting caught my his mother, but she would have had to have known he would come back sometime. He quickly pushed the thoughts from his mind however, for he didn't even want to think about what had happened.
Ean quickly grabbed a few items of clothing from his wardrobe before hurrying into his bathroom to change. When he came back out, Marietta had one of his plain white ties around her neck. It dragged across the floor when she walked, and he laughed at her appearance and ruffled her dark hair. "Come on, let's go down to breakfast. I'm sure Mother can't wait to see me," he said, blowing out air between his teeth. He was certainly not looking forward to being punished by his mother.

"All right." Without another word Marietta reached up and took Ean's hand, something she seemed quite comfortable in doing, and began to lead him out of the room. "She's pretty, you know," she added, seemingly as an afterthought.
"Who, Mother?" Ean teased back, although he was rather confused as to who she was referring.
"That girl, the one with the odd eyes."
Ean's heart seemed to stop for a moment, and he said nothing as they made their way to breakfast.

( I wanted to bring Marietta in finally ;D Hope you don't mind. You can play some of the other sisters if you want. ^^ )

[Cloudsong]

Giovanna awoke very early the next day. The first thing that registered in her sleepy mind was that it was still raining. Tuner roared outside of her latched window, and as she opened her eyes to look at the wall next to her bed, the room lit up with a bolt of lightning. She let out a soft sigh, remembering the final argument she and Ean had had the night before. When she had returned to the castle the night before, her father and Evan had both gone to bed, and she hadn't been able to see them. Certainly, they would have heard by now that she and the prince had had an argument, and had gone out. Word travelled swiftly within the castle, and even though she hadn't been aware of anyone watching them, there were many eyes in the kingdom, watching them closely. She was learning this the hard way.

She lay there for a moment, just content to listen to the patter of the rain against her window. It was odd for Giovanna to not want to get up; after all, it was usually a given to get up right when she woke up. But now... She knew what the day would bring; with any luck, she would be on her way back to Anima very soon. Any other day, this realization would make her rejoice, but she couldn't really bring herself to be happy now.

Silently she rose after a while of just laying there, and approached the window. The sight of the rain on the violent waves was beautiful, and she allowed herself a moment to just watch, half-wishing that the dark, deadly waves could engulf her. At least then, she would be free of her problems.

She dressed quickly, and approached the door. In only a little while, she would be speaking to her father and Evan. In a little while, she would be betrothed.

The hallways were not empty. Servants were bustling through, their arms carrying huge bundles. It seemed as though they were preparing for something. For what? Giovanna wasn't going to ask. A servant rushed up to her when she opened her door, but she shook her head. She was not going to be escorted, as she was before. For heavens sake, soon she would be queen. These punishments were well behind her. "I am only going to see my father," she said firmly, in an authoritarian voice that was not like her at all. "You so not need to accompany me.".

The servant seemed very frightened by her sudden change in attitude, but nodded, scurrying off. Giovanna paused a moment before walking off into the hallways, not even acknowledging anyone that passed.

Evan was in her father's room, as she had expected him to be. Both of them looked up, surprised to see her. Evan rushed forward, opening his mouth to say something, but she held up her hand to silence him.

"What is it, child? Why have you come?" the king's voice as gentle, and he seemed somewhat surprised to see the manner that Giovanna was acting in.

Giovanna approached him and bowed her head. "Father, I wish to tell you something."

The king raised his head slightly, intrigued. "Yes?"

"I wish to accept Evan's request of my hand in marriage," she said, voice strong. "Even you said that it would be a suitable match that would rival the Prince of Mortifer."

There was a silence. Evan seem to be grinning with some look of insanity that she didn't even dwell on. Neither one of them questioned how she knew this, just seemed to be satisfied.

The king just nodded. "I will tell the queen. You two may go down for breakfast now. We will leave for Anima hopefully by this evening." The king had never been one for many words, and Giovanna knew that even now he had little to nothing to say. Perhaps he would have preferred the match with Ean, as it would have soothed the rivalry between the cities, but in the end, this was the match he has expected to make.

Once the king had left the room, Evan turned his grinning face to Giovanna. She forced a small smile upon her features, and watched as he pulled out a velvet box from his pocket, and pulled a golden wedding ring out. Giovanna wondered faintly how long he had carried it around in his pocket. As he slipped it onto her ring finger, she took a closer look at it. An elegantly cut diamond was welded into it, and even she had to admit that it was quite beautiful.

"My princess," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I'm sure if Mateo was here, he would be happy for us both." Somehow, Giovanna didn't agree. Although she did like Evan, it was not love. Mateo wouldn't want to see her marrying someone against her will. But I will learn to love him... In time. she told herself. She did not reply, and he did not try to cause her to speak.

He didn't try to kiss her on the lips, and Giovanna was glad. Perhaps he could tell that she was not yet comfortable with any form of affection yet. But he did take her hand and pulled her towards the door. Giovanna followed, but her steps were hesitant.

When they reached the dining room, Evan opened the door for her, still smiling quite widely. Giovanna's eyes widened as she saw that Ean sat there with a young girl, who she guessed to be his sister. She looked down, refusing to meet his gaze; for a reason other than their argument the night before. What would Ean say about this? Surely he would be thrilled; after all, now he would never have to see her again.

"Look who we have here!" Evan exclaimed. Giovanna noticed a gleam in his eyes, and bit her lip. "The little prince of Mortifer! Looks like you lucked out my friend. We both did." He held up the hand he held of Giovanna, smirking.

"Evan, stop," she said quietly, not wanting him to be bragging to Ean. It somehow felt... Wrong. Her voice was not very commanding though, as it was before. Again she seemed upset, but not as vulnerable as she had been the day she had gotten to the castle.

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean was spooning some type of oatmeal with fruit spread throughout it into a bowl for Marietta when he heard the doors opening. Assuming it was just a servent, he didn't look up until he heard Evan's voice. Looking up with a distinctly dark expression, he was dumbfounded as to what the other man was talking about. That was, until he saw him raise Giovanna's hand, on which was a glittering, diamond ring.

"So, it happened, then? Congratulations," he murmured, a catch in his voice that he hoped no one would notice. His expression was still rather dark, and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes.

Beside him, Marietta wore a confused expression. "Who's he? I thought you were supposed to marry her," she mumbled, her little brow furrowed.
"Things changed. Now hurry and eat, Marietta, before it gets cold," Ean said. His voice had lost the darkness, and was now soft and caring.
"But-"
"Hush, Sister," he murmured. His eyes had never left Giovanna, and his lips formed a thin line. It was obvious something was bothering him, but finally he cleared his expression. He smiled, but it was clearly a mocking smile. "I'm sure you two will be very happy together. And I'm sure Evan will make a fantastic ruler of your city, Giovanna," he said, and the sarcasmn in his voice could not be missed by anyone.

( Someone's butthurt. ;D I wonder who? x3 )

[Cloudsong]

Giovanna watched, almost fascinated, as Ean spoke gently to his sister. It was a side of him that she had never seen, and it was quite interesting. When he addressed her again, a mocking smile on his face, she bit her lip. He didn't seem at all upset, as she had half-expected him to be. But why on earth would I ever expect that? Ean didn't like her; he had made that perfectly clear so many times over since they had gotten there. She couldn't even imagine of anything to say that would make him feel remorse, so she just met his gaze. "Thank you for your blessing, Ean." Her tone was almost rueful, but not exactly angry. Let him decide what she meant. "I'm sure you should be happy; you can finally go home."

She didn't hear the catch in his voice, but Evan did. He laughed out loud, and released Giovanna's hand. "I suspected it before, but you just confirmed it," he sneered, obviously quite triumphant. Giovanna blinked, glancing over at him. What did he mean?

"You're in love with her, are you not?" He laughed out loud, obviously amused in an awful, twisted way... "And you still treat her with scorn? You're stupider than I ever imagined, your highness. Not that I'm complaining, though." His voice was taunting, and Giovanna noticed that his fingers touched the handle of his sword. What exactly was he trying to accomplish here?

(LOL yeah XD Silly Ean.)

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

"Very happy indeed, actually," Ean replied smoothly, his expression still uninterested. A muscle in his jaw jumped as he stared at the two of them, his eyes darting now from one to the other.

Something flashed across Ean's features at Evan's words however, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. He merely laughed boldly, a sneer now placed on his face. "In love with her? Please, tell me you're kidding. That is a sick joke, actually." When Evan went on to call him stupid, however, his expression turned dark. "Watch your mouth. You may think you've won something special, but you haven't. I didn't want her in the first place, obviously, for if I had wanted her, she would be mine already." Ean did not miss the man across from him touch his sword, and he merely sneered once more. "Oh, I know you'd enjoy killing me. I'm sure of it, actually. Just like you've killed others for power, right?" he said, his eyes narrowing maliciously. He did not want to say Mateo's name, not in front of Giovanna. Despite his words, he would not hurt her like that. Not yet, at least. "And would you dare try it, in my own families castle? In front of Giovanna? In front of a child?" he added, his voice now having dropped to a dangerously angry whisper.

Marietta had sat in silence, her eyes wide, and her face rather pale. Ean knew she was scared, so he silently reached over and took her hand. He felt her squeeze it, and he stood up, picking her easily up in his arms. He felt her wrap her small arms around his neck, and he silently patted the back of her head, trying to comfort her. Ean stared defiantly at Giovanna and Evan. "I dare you to try something, and just wait and see what happens," he spat, his eyes flashing.

[Cloudsong]

Giovanna listened in silence, seeming to get more upset by every word he uttered. What did he mean - Evan had killed someone before? And if he had, why would Ean of all people know this? She met the man in front of her's gaze, hoping that he could see how angry she felt. So he had never 'wanted' her. Of course he hadn't. But the way he said it, as if she were just some property to have made her stomach turn. She felt hurt more than anything, and half-wished that she could say something rude back to him, so that he could know how it felt. But something told her that he already knew; that he was experiencing the same thing.

"You just wait," Evan said slowly, as if savoring the words. "When I am king, you will regret those words." He glared directly at the child in Ean's arms. "You all will."

Giovanna's head snapped up, and she narrowed her eyes. It was obvious that he was referring to the population of Mortifer itself. What was he planning - to go to war with them after he ascended to the throne? The idea was despicable, and even more so that he was threatening a child with it. How low could he sink...? "Who do you think you are?" she said suddenly, her voice barely a whisper, but yet full of power. Her eyes were like chips of fire as she turned on Evan. She wasn't sure what part of her was causing this sudden commanding quality, as usually she just stayed submissive. But something snapped within her when Evan glared wickedly at the innocent child. "Threatening a helpless child? Are you completely insane? If you believe that I will just sit by and let you take our city to war, and sacrifice hundreds of people for your sake of pride, then you are mistaken."

Evan seemed dumb-founded, and was shocked into silence. Her words were like a slap to his face, and he couldn't find any words to say. The look of anger that was on Giovanna's face was one he had never seen. Back in Anima, it was always a legend that the royal family all had some fire in them, an a leading, commanding quality to them. It shown through in Mateo quite often, but Giovanna had always seemed so quiet. Now however, she was proving herself not to be the little helpless girl she was a few months ago.

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

Ean could tell just by Giovanna's expression that his words had hurt her, but he said nothing. He felt only a little bit regretful, but it was not as if he was just going to stand there and let Evan insult him. No, certainly not. He told himself that his words, however hurtful, had been necessary.

When Evan began to threaten him and his city, Ean simply narrowed his eyes and said nothing in return. He had expected the threats, and was simply surprised they had not come sooner. He would have taken a step closer to him, but he did not want to put his younger sister so close to a cruel, heartless man, who also happened to be holding a sword at his side. It was not until Evan stared directly at Marietta that Ean's blood began to boil under his skin.

Marietta, who still remained silent, merely buried her face in Ean's neck. He could feel her tremble ever-so slightly as he held her in a tight embrace. "It's okay, don't worry," he whispered into her ear. His anger was threatening to boil over, and he had a hard time keeping his voice in control as he spoke to his sister.

He was opening his mouth, about to say something due to his temper, but Giovanna seemed to beat him to it. Ean was shocked to see her own temper flare up all of a sudden, and was surprised to see the comanding quality come out in her. He had not even known she had inherited such a quality, but in a way thought she would of had to have gotten something out of living in a royal family. Ean had always assumed she was just a quiet, innocent girl - but not anymore. He should have already known that his opinion of her when they had first met would have to change eventually.

There was only some satisfaction for Ean as Giovanna let her anger out on Evan. The man across from him seemed almost as shocked as he was at her commanding attitude. When Giovanna said that she would not step aside and let Evan sacrifice thousands of people, he could not help but smile just a bit, and he smiled even wider when she fought against threatening Marietta. Perhaps she isn't so bad at all, he thought.
Finally, he took a small step forward. "It seems as if your little plans are not going accordingly, now, eh?" he said to Evan, his tone mocking.

[Cloudsong]

Giovanna continued to glare at Evan until he finally lowered his gaze, muttering something unintelligent under his breath. She didn't bother asking him to repeat himself, and just shook her head. He was probably just cursing Ean, anyway. Such comments were not even worth listening to. She watched calmly as Evan left the room, throwing over his shoulder; "You just watch your back, Truen."

Once she was sure the door was closed, and Evan had left, she sighed. Half of her wanted to roll her eyes, but since Ean was there, it probably wouldn't be the best plan of action; after all, they had just become engaged. Admitting Evan was ridiculous would be insulting her own intelligence. So instead she just bit her lip, unsure in reality what to say.

So she just cleared her throat. "That wasn't necessary, you know," she said quietly, referring to his smug reply at the end.

(Short, fail post ): Sorry! I just finished BIOLOGY THOUGH! : D )

[FoldєdPapєrHєarts]

( It's fine. ^^ And woohoo, congrats! ;D )

Ean said nothing as Evan threw one last threat over his shoulder before leaving the room. Finally, and hesitantly, he lowered Marietta to the floor. She was safe now. "Don't go anywhere near him, Marietta, understand?" When she nodded silently, rubbing her eyes with small, rounded knuckles, he patted her fondly on the head before crouching down and swiftly kissing her forehead. "And go tell your sisters as well - especially Annabell, you know how she gets around boys." When Marietta smiled, and hugged him quickly around the neck, Ean could not help but let a smile form on his lips as well. He did not even seem to be caring that Giovanna was seeing such a small, rare part of him. He watched her scurry out, and it was not until she was gone that he straightened up and stood, facing Giovanna. His smile fell from his face.

"My words were unnecesary? What about your fiance's?" Ean said the last word mockingly, scathingly. His lip curled, and he turned his head slightly, suddenly unable to meet her gaze. "I can't believe you. I thought you were better than this, than him. I was wrong, obviously," he spat, his eyes narrowed into slits.