Sleeping Handsome

Kingdom of Layfette Archive 1







We open on the day before the princes' eighteenth birthdays... The entire city is in an uproar! The King and Queen have announced a kingdom-wide ball in their honor. Afterall, it is also be the day that the eldest, Prince Dyllin, becomes a man, accepts his bride, and begins his training to become the new King. The entire kingdom is getting ready... cooking feasts, making wines, tuning instruments, buying and making gifts to present, and cleaning out their closets of their finest clothes.

"Look at them... scurrying about like ants. So concerned about making a good impression for my... brother." The word left Reise's lips with such venom, it almost burned. He glared at the hustling townspeople out in the village, along with the maids and butlers that moved around to prepare the castle, cleaning furiously and hanging decorations. He could smell food cooking everywhere he went in this god-forsaken castle. He grit his teeth, his hands clentched into fists at his sides. "They all think he's so special... that he's so strong, smart and handsome... If only they knew how weak he really is." he grumbled. It wasn't fair. Just because Dyllin was older, he got all of the special treatment. He got the training from their most esteemed army generals, his lessons were taught by the wisest of tutors, artists and philosophers, and had so many women chasing him every day--maids, village girls, even married women. And naturally, he was betrothed to a princess from a neighboring kingdom.

But what did Reise have? Mediocrity. Abusive teachers, pointless lessons, a thinner, weaker frame than his brother, and no betrothed... No woman even so much as laughed at him. He was small, frail, quiet and serious, nothing like his outgoing brother, and it was all because of the sickness he'd acquired as a child.

"Damn that gypsy curse." Reise snarled, glaring hard at the grounds below. "Damn my brother... damn those people."

"Reise?" came a deep voice from behind Reise. When he turned around, he was confronted by his father's robust form, dressed in the finest velvets, furs and silks. He smiled at Reise as comfortingly as he could, but he could tell Reise was tense. He always hated his birthdays. "Are you alright?"

Reise didn't answer, simply turned to look at his father more rightly, his hands still in fists at his sides, a deadly glare in his eyes.

Xander sighed and shook his head, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, Reise... Just because your brother is taking the throne doesn't mean you aren't important too. As his brother, you have the distinct privilege of being his personal advisor--for his military, for his estates, for his money..." he listed and tried to smile again reassuringly. "If you want it, that is. I think you would be great at it, son, you're so book-smart..."

Reise scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Don't try to make me feel better by offering me some fake honors, father." he grumbled. "I don't want that damned position, simply because I don't want another reason to interact with my idiot brother." he snapped, folding his arms over his chest with a wrinkle of his nose. "Shouldn't you be getting ready for the arrival of his betrothed?"

Xander's smile fell, and he sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Reise... Please stop this jealousy... It is taking you to such a dark place. Yes, Princess Samiya will be here soon with her father. Is that another reason you hate him so? Because he is betrothed?" Reise scoffed again and Xander shook his head. "Son, you will be betrothed as well, I promise. Soon."

"You mean when Dyllin is married off and no longer a bigger priority than me?" Reise snapped, shoving his father out of the way and moving off down the hall angrily, growling to himself. That didn't matter to him anyways. He didn't want to marry. What pissed him off was that Dyllin was always put first and Reise was left to shiver in his cold shadow. "No more." he growled. He had reading to do.

Xander watched Reise stomp off with a defeated sigh, then turned and continued on down the hall, his smile returning gradually as he saw people around his castle. The happy air in the castle couldn't be ignored. It was their eighteenth birthdays! If they survived this night, then Jollel's predictions from eighteen years ago won't have come true... Dyllin won't fall into an eternal slumber, and Reise wouldn't be sick. He really hoped this was so... The thought of losing either of his sons killed him inside. He headed through the castle and eventually outside, smiling widely when he saw Dyllin training in the fields with one of his generals. "DYLLIN!" he boomed.

Dyllin skidded to a stop, crouched low to the ground. He was enjoying his hand-to-hand spars with the general. He stood up straighter, his bare muscles glimmering with sweat under the sun. "Hey, dad!" he called, waving an arm over his head with a broad and handsome smile. He turned to the general and said thanks for the training, then headed off of the field. He waved at the crowd of maids and village girls that had stopped off to watch him in his fight, hearing them giggle and squeal with delight at being noticed. He grabbed up his shirt from the dirt and headed for his father, pulling him into a brief hug and panting heavily from his workout. "Hello, father." he smiled, dabbing his forehead with his shirt. "What news?"

"Princess Samiya and her father are on the horizon." Xander smiled widely, patting his son hard on the back. "You should go clean up and get ready for supper! It would be rude of you not to greet them properly." he winked.

"Father!" Dyllin laughed in exasperation, rolling his eyes. "It's Samiya! She's just a friend. She's probably the only woman on this planet who doesn't want to be swept off her feet by a dashing prince." he chuckled. To be honest though, he guessed that's what he liked about her most. "But I'll go wash, dress appropriately and see you all in the main hall when they get here." he smiled. He was rather looking forward to seeing Samiya again. It had been a while since he'd seen her, and he wondered how much she had grown. He had a few more laughs with his father, then parted from him, waving at his brother on his way to his room. But all he got in return was a harsh glare and a slamming door in the face. He sighed and shook his head, turning and heading into his room to wash.

---

Amongst the hustle and bustle and noise of the birthday preparations the far off sound of several trumpets could suddenly be heard, announcing the arrival of the Princess Samiya and her father, King Auguste. “Alert the King! His guests will soon be here!” Shouted a guard who stood in the courtyard of Layfette’s castle and another hurried inside to deliver the message. On the horizon a small procession of guard’s horses and an extravagant horse drawn carriage could be seen moving towards Layfette with the trumpet blowers leading the way. They moved slowly at first, moving in perfect sync with each other until suddenly one of the horses from the centre of the group broke free and galloped on, the cloaked figure, urging it to go faster. After a few brief glances amongst the guards several of them took off, following as fast as they could, trying to stay with the rider in front. The strong wind whipped round the rider, snagging their hood and ripping if off, revealing their face.

“Come on! Keep up!” Samiya yelled over her shoulder to the guards before laughing and riding on, loving the brief sense of freedom she was feeling. She laughed happily then rode on and it wasn’t long before she was galloping through the streets of Layfette, villagers jumping and diving out of her way before they were trampled. “Sorry!” she called then carried on. Only when she had arrived in the castles courtyard did she pull hard on the reins, causing the horse to rear up onto its hind legs and give a loud neigh. “Good boy..” the princess cooed as she gently patted the horses neck then turned as the rest of her party arrived. Several guards leapt from their horses and rushed to secure her horse as the others moved to open the door to the carriage. “Samiya! What did I tell you!” came a stern voice causing her to scowl as she watched her father slowly step out into the open.

“I told you the only way I would let you ride on your own horse is if you promised to stay with the guards and you disobeyed me.” Auguste continued as he moved to his daughter’s horse, a heavy frown on his face. “You told me you would be good during this visit and behave like the lady you are!” Samiya rolled her eyes. “Don’t give me that look! You’re not even riding your horse like a lady.” The king threw his arms up in defeat as Samiya climbed down from the horse then he turned back to her still frowning.

“Look at you! Your hair is a mess and the hem of your dress is splattered with mud. How do you think your future husband will feel when he sees you in this dishevelled state?” He continued angrily then motioned to Samiya’s hand maidens to fix her up. “I don’t know how my husband will feel as I haven’t yet met him and he’s most definitely not here. Dyllin and I are just friends.” Samiya snapped causing her father to growl as her hair was fixed and her cloak peeled from round her shoulders.

“I will not have this discussion again Samiya, you will be wed to him and that is final! Now let us go. We do not want to keep our hosts waiting.” Her father said then moved on, climbing up the steps of the castle and inside. Samiya glanced at her maids who smiled reassuringly then she bowed her head and followed after her father into the castle.

Idre blinked after Princess Samiya and her father once she stepped out from around the corner of the castle. She watched them leave in silence before she took the reins of the princess' horse in her hand. "It's alright." she whispered to the stallion, patting his neck gently. She smiled when the horses' ears instantly perked forward in response to her touch and voice. Idre led the tall beast carefully to King Auguste's horse, and she did the same to the mare: petted it and spoke to it softly. She took its reins from over its head and led it with the stallion to the stables. Both horses seemed extremely relaxed with their ears perked forward as the three of them walked in complete harmony across the grounds.

It wasn't a far walk to the stables at all. Whinnying and the scuffling of hooves could be heard within the huge stone walls of the stables up until Idre and the two steeds were a few meters away from it. Silence crossed the entire stables as Idre led the horses into it. All of the horses within the stables perked their ears forward and pushed their heads over the doors of their stalls, watching intently in complete silence. Idre smiled at all of them and couldn't help but laugh a little. "You are all so silly." she said softly, her voice honing a very breathy and lovely warm tone with a British accent to go with it. She opened one door of an empty stall and led the mare into it after letting the stallion's reins go. "Stay here, alright?" Idre had whispered to him. The stallion had merely snorted gently and let his ears flick curiously as he watched her. Idre proceeded to take off the mare's bridle and saddle and she hung them up on the wall at the back of the stall on the pegs provided. Idre did the same with the stallion and his tack, and she closed his door after scratching his muzzle gently. "I'll be back soon to give you all your dinner. Be good, alright?" Idre said softly, looking around at all of the horses. Amusingly enough, they all whinnied in response, and Idre laughed gently, having to cup her mouth with her hand. She beamed at all of the horses and left the stables, holding the hem of her yellow skirt as she walked back toward the castle.

---

---

Dyllin was singing to himself softly as he left his room, adjusting his loose, white cotton shirt, making sure the V at his neck was unlaced and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. Since it was only the day before his birthday celebration, he didn't see the need to dress up for dinner with Samiya and her father Auguste. He smiled at maids and handmaidens as he passed them, making them all hurry off and whisper conspiratorialy, and he chuckled, shaking his head and running his hand through his short chestnut hair. He hurried through the halls, having heard the announcement that Samiya and her father had arrived, and knowing that his own father was perhaps becoming more and more impatient and irritable the longer they had to wait for Dyllin to arrive. He pushed the doors to the main dining hall inwards with a grin and threw his hands up into the air. "I have arrived!" he announced before the caller could. "Please, don't stand up or anything." he laughed, as his father stood to approach him.

"You're late!"

"You wanted me clean." Dyllin shrugged lazily with a smile. "Don't worry, pops, I'm here, right?" he asked, haphazardly adjusting his father's fur collar and then patting his chest. "Let's eat. I'm starved." he winked. He moved around his father, waving at everyone at the table, including his brother (who just scoffed at him) and moving to kiss his mother, Anaita, on the cheek. "Mom." he greeted.

"Hello, dear." Anaita smiled back proudly, lightly touching his arm in greeting before motioning to Samiya. "Please, greet your bride properly." she whispered.

"She's not my bride, mom." Dyllin chuckled lightly, but when he looked towards Samiya, he stopped in mid-motion, blinking at her. "Well..." he started gently and slowly grinned. "Look who grew into her high heels." Though he said this jokingly, he still bowed at the waist and kissed the back of her hand, his eyes never leaving hers.

"How rude. Do you address all your guests in such a way? Maybe your first lesson in being a king is manners.." Samiya replied with a joking smile after she had carefully got to her feet and curtsied politely to Dyllin. The room seemed to have gone silent as all eyes focused on them. She smiled softly at him and was surprised when she felt a nervous flutter in her stomach as her eyes remained locked with his. Stop it! she scolded herself then softly cleared her throat and pulled her hand free of his as she averted her gaze. "We shouldn't let the food get cold.." she remarked quietly as she took her seat again, ignoring the small groan that came from her father.

"No, of course not... We wouldn't want it to spoil your delicate stomach." Dyllin said sarcastically, playfully, smiling at her as he moved to take his seat beside his father at the head of the table. He could almost feel his father grinning at him, and he caught the grin changing to look at Auguste instead. It was... knowing. Dyllin coughed slightly and elbowed his father hard, but he was smiling too. Once Dyllin was comfortable, Xander waved the maids and butlers to bring in their food. As the dishes were served, Dyllin glanced at Samiya again. "So I heard about your... grand entrance. Racing on the back of a stallion like you were running from the devil himself." he chuckled. "Were you trying to impress someone?"

"Well certainly no one at this table, I can assure you that." Samiya replied after thanking the butler for her dinner. "But if you must know only when I ride my horse in that sort of fashion do I really get a sense of what it is like to be truely free. You should try it sometime." she lifted her glass and took a small sip, her eyes watching Dyllin carefully. "But I suppose my grand entrance will hold no light to whatever entrance you have planned for your ball tomorrow. I'm predicting something over the top.." She smirked lightly then looked towards Reise. "I hope you outdo him this year and then I shall dance my first dance with you."

"Don't bother." Reise snapped at Samiya before Dyllin could interject. "I won't be dancing with anyone tomorrow night. In fact, I doubt I'll even be attending."

"Of course you'll be attending, Reise! It's your birthday and the biggest celebration of your life! You'll be a man!" Xander insisted firmly, frowning at his son across the table from where he sat on the other side of Anaita.

Reise shot his glare to his father. But when Dyllin made a soft joking remark of, "Finally..." his eyes turned to glare at him instead. If he could burn holes into Dyllin's head, he would have by now. He stood up abruptly from the table, spilling his bowl of food and growling at his brother before turning and stomping away from the table.

"Reise! Darling!" Anaita called sadly, frowning heavily. She was the only one who could ever speak sense into Reise anymore, it seemed. She frowned apologetically to everyone as the maids rushed to clean the mess, and she stood up to go after her son, giving a swift but polite farewell to Auguste and Samiya. "Please excuse me." she mumbled, turning and hurrying off in a lady-like manner.

Xander shot Dyllin a harsh look and Dyllin shrugged with a pout. "I'm sorry, father... I was only joking... I didn't mean to affect him so.." he said honestly. That's all he ever did with his brother--joke around. "I'll apologise to him later, when he's cooled down." he nodded. This sated his father, not only because it showed Dyllin taking personal responsibility--a fine trait of a king--but also because it meant Dyllin was staying where he was to entertain Samiya.

Once that had all been settled, Xander sighed and looked at Auguste with a renewed smile. "So how do you like the food? It's good, isn't it? Our own chef, Sein, makes all of our dishes! And so expertly! She's perhaps the finest cook in Layfette, and perhaps in all of Cuole!" he beamed.

Samiya's eyes had widened in surprise at Reise's snap response when she had spoke to him. She had been forever trying to include him, show him she could be a friend but he always turned her down with cold glares. I should have stayed quiet. she thought feeling responsible for the disruption at the table. Her shoulders slumped forward sadly and she kept her eyes on her bowl as she moved her spoon around it but never taking a bite.

"It is truely delicious..I may need to see if I can aquire this Sein for my own kitchen!" August joked before laughing loudly. "And if this is only the welcoming dinner then I am greatly anticipating what the ball's banquet will be like tomorrow." he beamed a great smile again then glanced between Samiya and Dyllin before looking back at the other king. "So when shall we be making our arrangement official? You know your son actually asking Samiya to marry him.." he said in a hushed tone regarding their childrens betrothal.

Xander leaned closer to Auguste so they could whisper amongst themselves, his thick brows furrowed together at the question. "I'm trying to convince my son to do it tomorrow night at the celebration... When the party is at it's peak." he whispered back lowly, glancing at the two. "Though... with the way Dyllin is looking at her... I may not need to do very much convincing." he said softly and slowly smirked at Auguste, nodding at the two of them.

It was true, Dyllin was watching Samiya with a newfound interest... stirring his own soup slowly as he watched her sulking over the dinner's disruption. He scooted into a chair closer to hers and cleared his throat slightly, his expression changing to something more sympathetic. "Please.. don't blame yourself for Reise's behaviour... He's been like that with all of us for as long as I can remember." he whispered, feeling the urge to put his hand on her back, but refraining, just in case she felt it fit to break it off.

Auguste smiled and nodded as he turned to look at their children but he could not help but feel a knot of apprehension in his stomach. Please don't let me down Samiya. Accept his proposal graciously whenever it may be..

Samiya gently placed her spoon down then turned to look at Dyllin. "I should not have bothered him. I know myself of his behaviour and yet I still spoke to him. I've never had someone dislike me so..how will we manage when I am meant to come and live here. He is another good reason I should say no to you." she said quietly and couldn't help but smile slightly at her joke as she looked into his eyes once more. Have they always sparkled like that? she thought then blushed slightly. "Shall we go for a walk..escape these formalities?" she asked him quietly.

Dyllin gave her a warm smile and nodded, looking her in the eyes as well. "I think that's a good idea." he nodded. "I hate being watched." He said with a sideways nod at their fathers and chuckled before standing and offering her his hand, hearing his father gasp excitedly at the notion. "Calm yourself, father. The lady asked for a walk." he said and grinned at Xander and Auguste. "I swear we won't leave the castle grounds."

Auguste grinned as well as he watched Samiya gently take Dyllin's hand and stand up beside her. "You two take your time. Allow yourselves to become reacquainted, i'm sure you's have a lot to discuss." he said eagerly. An engagement on his 18th and a wedding on hers! It shall be splendid!

"Papa.." Samiya said with a sigh then moved to his side and kissed his cheek before looking at Xander and curtsying politely. "Your highness.." she said then stepped towards the door, glancing at Dyllin, a mischievous grin suddenly on her face. "Shall we?" she said then slipped through the door that the guard had pulled open for her.

Dyllin gave his father and Auguste a bow farewell, then turned and moved after Samiya with a deep chuckle and a murmer of, "Absolutely." He followed her out of the door and through the corridors until they exited the castle through the tallest entryway in the castle: the main doors. They were near thirty feet tall, and made of thick, oak wood, carved with ornate sculptures and depictions of the family blood line. It took two guards just to push one door open. Dyllin slid outside once it was open and smiled at Samiya. "Where to, your grace?" he asked lightly.

"Must we really stay within the castle walls? Honestly what harm would there be in the future king of Layfette leaving the castle without an armed guard?" Samiya asked, grinning softly at Dyllin. "We could sneak out..our fathers need never know. So what do you say? Can we...or are you too scared, your highness?"

Dyllin made a face of mock offense, his hand to his chest in a dramatic gesture, before he slowly grinned and seemed to study her. "Only if you can keep up, princess." he whispered cheekily, his body close to hers before he suddenly turned away and bolted in a sprint down the stairs and towards the castle gardens.

"Oh! You cheat!" Samiya exclaimed as she took off after Dyllin, lifting the front edge of her dress to stop herself from tripping on it. "What would your mother say!" She hurried on after him, laughing as she did until she rounded the corner into the gardens and found herself to be alone. "Dyllin?" she called as she slowed to a halt, looking round her as she did. Did I take a wrong turn? she wondered then shrugged lightly. "He shall have to come find me." she muttered then began to walk slowly through the garden, enjoying the scents of the flowers.

Dyllin watched her from atop the brick and stone walls of the garden's maze as Samiya wandered through it. He grinned and crouched low, moving slowly so his boots wouldn't make a sound amongst the leaves and vines. She was so beautiful.. she certainly had grown into her heels... and other places too. He could feel his heart racing as he watched her move, and saw her smile. Finally, after he felt enough time had passed, he leapt from the wall and landed behind her with a growl, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Samiya's had been kneeling to smell an especially sweet smelling rose and was only straightening up as Dyllin jumped down behind her undetected. When he wrapped his arms around her and growled softly her eyes widened and a small gasp escaped her lips before she suddenly raised her arm and drove her elbow painfully into Dyllin's stomach. "Get off me!" she shouted angrily at who she thought was someone trying to attack her.

Dyllin gave a thick grunt as her elbow connected with his abs, and let out a shout of surprise and pain when her head suddenly collided with his nose. He stumbled backwards, letting her go and groaning in pain, then blinked at her. "What's your problem?!" he shouted, frowning at her before wincing and rubbing at his nose. "Dear gods! Are you paranoid??"

"Excuse me! But whoever told you it was acceptable to sneak up on a woman like that?!" Samiya replied with a snap then moved over to him and batted his hand away from his nose so she could get a better look at it. "You're such a baby.." she muttered with a roll of her eyes then looked up into his eyes. "You'll live."

Dyllin straightened up with a pout at her mention of how big of a baby he was. He rubbed his nose after her "assessment" and huffed. "Thank you, doctor, I was terrified for my life." His nose was pulsing achingly on his face, but it wasn't bleeding and it was still in one piece. He gave her a small smile, rubbing his abs next. "Gods, you have a wicked arm.." he grumbled, giving a weak smile and another wince. "Are you an ogre in disguise? Because that's the best disguise I've ever seen. You could almost pass for a woman." he teased lightly, giving her a smile, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Am I an ogre in disguise and I could almost pass for a woman..what delightful compliments to give to your betrothed." Samiya said sarcastically with a smirk and gave the point that she had elbowed on his abs a gentle jab with her finger. "I've been getting lessons from a few of the guards back home..they've been teaching me how to fight if you must know. Something I am glad of for I refuse to ever play the damsel in distress role.." she continued sternly but her expression softened when she caught him still watching her. "Shall we continue our walk?" she asked then before he could answer she moved to his side and gently slipped her arm through his and held on to it lightly.

"Mm, I highly doubt you will ever be caught as the damsel in distress, fair Samiya." Dyllin chuckled, watching her as she looped her arm lightly through his. He smiled at her slightly and tilted his head. This was certainly new... she never hung onto his arm. "But yes... let's continue." he whispered, leading her through the gardens and out towards the stables, a small, happy smile on his face. "So how was your year?"

"Boring.." Samiya replied with a sigh. "Between my lessons in embroidery and music, I had to refine myself as a lady in preparation for being your future Queen.." she rolled her eyes lightly as her fingers gently fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. "And yourself, have you had a good year? Tormenting your brother and flirting with endless counts of women I presume.." she finished glancing up at him with a raised eyebrow. She had been witness to the many girls over the years who had been drawn to Dyllin and it had never bothered her, but now a small twinge of jealousy rose in her stomach and she couldn't understand why.

Dyllin laughed lightly and shook his head. "No, not really. Same as you, I had to concentrate on my lessons to become your future husband and future king of this land." He nodded, then his mouth twisted into a thin line and he sighed. "I don't know what has been bothering Reise... But over the last year or so, he's been... Different. Dark. He keeps talking abut some gypsy curse." he mumbled, frowning at the ground. "I'm really concerned for him."

"Gypsy curse? You know you do not believe in such things so do not let it trouble you. Reise has always been...a little odd. But if it troubles you that much I could deal with him for you." Samiya replied smiling playfully as she raised a fist. "Or I could at least try talking to him..try and find out what is going on in that little mind of his.."

"No, Samiya, but thank you. I wouldn't want you alone with him for too long, lest his convoluted stories of myths and curses start to weasel their ways into your mind." Dyllin said teasingly, lightly poking her head and smiling. "Besides, mother is the only one who can talk to him. She's the only one he ever opens up to." he frowned, sighing down at the ground again. He then looked up as they neared the stable. "Would you like to go for another ride? Or humor our fathers by letting them spy on us from afar and let them imagine what we're discussing?" he chuckled, giving her arm a soft squeeze.

"Its best not to encourage our fathers don't you think.." Samiya whispered as she moved to stand in front of him and caressed a gentle hand down his cheek before laughing and stepping backwards. "Lets go for a ride..Do you wish to ride on the back of my horse? I promise i'll go slow." She continued as she clasped her hands behind her back, an innocent smile on her face as she tilted her head slightly watching him. She laughed again then twirled on the spot and hurried into the stables.

Idre blinked when she saw Samiya rush into the stables and she froze on the spot with a huge bundle of hay in her arms. She was inside one of the stalls, feeding a huge chestnut mare who also blinked and raised her head to see who had just come inside. There was lots of hay stuck to her clothes, so she looked very messy indeed. Some of it had even gotten into her hair, too. "Y-your highness..." Idre whispered, bowing her head and bending her knees a little as she was unable to curtsey properly.

Samiya stared round briefly to see where the voice had come from then smiled when she caught sight of Idre. "Hello. I'm sorry to have startled you. His highness and I are just going to go for a horse ride, we won't be disturbing you for long." She smiled again then moved towards her horse, patting his nose as she waited for Dyllin to join her.

Dyllin had been left in bashful and rather shocked silence at the light caress that Samiya had dealt to his cheek. He blinked at the empty space she'd just been standing in, feeling his cheek buzzing from her touch. He looked up slightly and could make out the figure of their fathers in the window of his father's office, and he swore he could see his father's beaming, proud smile. He lightly rubbed his cheek to get the buzzing to go away, then moved after her into the stables, coughing lightly. When he saw Idre in there too, he smiled warmly at her. "Idre." he greeted with a nod. "How is Halo?" he asked, moving to his beautiful chestnut mare and stroking her black mane.

"Y-your highness," Idre whispered again, bending her knees and bowing her head like she had just now with the princess. She backed away from the mare, keeping her eyes down. "She is well. I replaced one of her shoes yesterday evening. Please be gentle with her today if you wish to ride as she will be very heavy footed.." Idre said softly and she stuffed the bundle of hay into Halo's feeding stand. I just told the prince what to do! His job is to tell ME what to do... Oh dear... Idre thought, her eyes widening at her realization. "I-I will leave at once." she said softly, curtseying the proper way and glancing at both Samiya and Dyllin very quickly but making sure that she didn't make eye contact. She kept her head down as she hurried out of the door, almost in shame.

Samiya watched Idre quickly exit then turned to look at Dyllin. "I wish people would stop doing that when they see us coming. Scurrying away as if we do not wish to be in their presence." she said with a small frown then turned her attention back to her black stallion. She carefully opened his stall door then led him out and set to work saddling him up. "Good boy.." she whispered soothingly to him then once he was ready she turned back to Dyllin a curious expression on her face. "So where shall we ride to?"

Dyllin had also watched Idre scurry off with a perplexed expression. "I agree... I feel as though I've insulted her merely by being in the stables." he said softly, frowning slightly. He sighed, but still set to work saddling up Halo, glad that she was staying still as she ate so he could. "We can ride out to the fields just past the main gates of Layfette. It's open farmland, perfect for riding." he nodded and smiled at her.

"Well then what are we waiting for?" Samiya replied with a smile then turned and pulled herself up into the saddle of her horse. She gently kicked her horse's side and he immediately responded by walking forward towards the stable door. "I'll go slow for you, I would not want any harm to come to your horse." she said over her shoulder before disappearing outside to wait for Dyllin.

There was a small chuckle from Dyllin behind her from inside the stables. After a few subtle sounds of Dyllin saddling up Halo, then silence, he suddenly burst through the stable doors and past Samiya on her stallion, laughing as they raced away from them. "Try to keep up, Samiya!" he shouted over his shoulder. Halo, being half Arabian and half quarter horse, was built for both speed and endurance. And boy, could she run.

"You cheat again! I must warn your father who he is letting onto his throne!" Samiya yelled then kicked her heels into the stallion and tightened her grip on the reigns as he suddenly took off after the other horse. "You are going to cause an accident!" She shouted again but was laughing as her long hair whipped around behind her. She raced on after him and it wasn't long before she was nearly by his side.

Dyllin let out another laugh at her words, loud and free, deep in his chest. This was fun. He glanced over his shoulder at Samiya again, watching her as the wind whipped her hair around behind her head, and how her body moved with her horse. She was graceful, he'd give her that. He smiled at her and snapped his reigns again, making Halo snort as she increased her speed only slightly. They ran out of the castle gates and into the town on the other side, laughing as people jumped out of the way and children laughed after them. It wasn't long before they were free of the winding streets of the town and broke out of the main gates of Layfette and into the open fields, surrounded by fresh air and the smell of both wheat and sweet corn.

Samiya wished she could throw her arms up and enjoy the feel of the wind but she knew that would surely result in her toppling from the saddle. She let out a loud cry of happiness that echoed over the hills then turned to Dyllin as she galloped now by his side, a large grin on her face. "Thank you for this..you always know how to make me smile." It was true. She could remember no other person that caused her to smile and laugh the way Dyllin did. She couldn't help but blush slightly at this thought as she turned her attention back to the path in front. We're just friends..

Dyllin turned to smile at her, admiring her a moment before responding, "You're welcome, princess. And same to you." he nodded. It was true. Looking back on it, he'd realized that he never looked forward to anything more or as much as when Samiya and her father came to visit, or when he and his father traveled to visit them. Summers, holidays, birthdays... He saw Samiya at least four times every year and every occurance had been fun and memorable. Perhaps because he'd always found a kindred spirit in her. He blushed as well and looked ahead again, but upon seeing something upcoming... a caravan? He slowed his mare to a trot and frowned. This caravan was all the way on the other side of the fields, away from Layfette, but not quite lost in the woods of Cuole. It was a simple structure, made of wood and set upon wheels... but there was no oxen or bulls to pull the cart. It had obviously been in this same place a long time, since the harness used to hook the oxen to the cart was now dried and crusted with mud on the ground, and the post was stuck in the earth. The wheels, too, had moss and vines growing on them, and buried in the dirt. The top of the caravan was constructed of a bright yellow tent, held taught by flaming red leather. A single, blue glass star hung from the back corner of the caravan by a wooden door, swaying gently in the breeze. He looked at Samiya. "I've never seen this here before... have you?"

"I can't say I have..but it looks like it has been there for some time." Samiya replied as she slowed her pace to remain by his side. "Who do you think it belongs to?" she asked quietly glancing at Dyllin. "Should we go over? It seems harmless enough." Her voice remained quiet as she spoke, as if trying to remain undetected to whoever lived in the caravan.

Dyllin still had his eyes on the caravan, studying it. It felt... familiar to him. Somehow. He shifted and slid down from his saddle, patting Halo's neck lightly and slowly starting towards the building. "Stay here." he told Samiya, waving for her to stay on her horse. He inched closer to the building. It looked almost rundown... maybe abandoned. He stopped when he heard a shuffling and saw something move under the wagon, making him tense.

After a few moments, a wolfdog appeared from under the wagon, brown in color with a white underbelly, and piercing blue eyes. It stood tall, tail low, head up and ears perked forwards, watching Dyllin and Samiya silently.

"Stay here? Have you forgotten who you're talking to?" Samiya replied with a roll of her eyes as she jumped down from her horse and followed after Dyllin. "I'm not letting you have all the fun.." She froze when she heard the shuffling from under the caravan, a hand clamped on Dyllin's arm. When the wolfdog emerged, she smiled suddenly and stepped forward a few steps then knelt down and held her hand out slowly to the animal. "Hello.." she said softly.

The dog tilted his head at Samiya and Dyllin hissed lightly, "What are you doing?! It could be rabid!" he whispered, staying close behind Samiya. "It's best we leave it alone." He looked up at the wolfdog, who seemed to be watching him closely. He got a chill, like maybe the dog understood what he had said. The dog moved closer to Samiya and sniffed at her outstretched hand, then began to lick it, wagging its tail.

"Oh hush Dyllin, it's harmless." Samiya replied quietly then smiled more brightly when the dog licked her hand. "Who's a good boy?" She cooed as she edged closer to it then raised her other hand and scratched its head gently. "What a handsome boy.." she spoke to the dog, continuing to show it affection. "Are you here all alone? Where's your owner?"

Dyllin frowned at Samiya's blatant disregard for his comfort, and he wrinkled his nose a little. But as he opened his mouth to say something to her, another voice spoke up first.

"Prince Dyllin and Princess Samiya... what a pleasant surprise." When Dyllin looked up at the caravan door, a woman was standing there. She had a bright red bandana around her head, with brown curls flowing out of it and down to her back. Her hazel eyes were dull and tired, circled by wrinkles and dark patches beneath. She was thin, perhaps malnourished, or maybe just healthy, but he couldn't tell with how her clothes hung off her body. Her shirt was loose around her arms, tucked into her skirt at the waist, and she was barefooted, the bottoms of her feet dirty, but not unkempt. She had large earrings in both ears, hanging down in delicate silver designs. "I hadn't been expecting you until a little later." she smiled, stepping down from the caravan and approaching them slowly.

"You... know our names?" Dyllin asked in confusion, watching this woman. "Who are you?" And why did she feel so familiar? As a brother or sister might?

Samiya looked up quickly at the sound of the woman's voice and after one last stroke of the dog's head she stood and moved to Dyllin's side. "And what do you mean you were expecting us?" she said continuing the questions after Dyllin had fallen silent.

The woman gave Samiya and Dyllin a small smile and folded her arms over her chest. "I'm not surprised that neither of you know who I am. It comes with the territory of being a banished gypsy." she shrugged and smiled again, the dog loping over to her side and sitting faithfully beside her. She scratched at his head and nodded. "My name is Jollel. This is Eon." she said with a motion to the wolfdog. "And I know far more about you, Prince Dyllin... than you might even know about yourself. Certainly far more than just your name." she smirked.

Dyllin tensed and he pulled Samiya closer to his side, his arm around her waist protectively. "Gypsy..? As in... the same gypsy who cursed my brother and I as infants?"

Jollel suddenly burst into laughter, shaking her head and waving at Dyllin. "Cursed?" she asked and laughed again. "I take it that means Reise has begun to fall ill, just as I predicted..." she whispered and her laughs faded into a serious frown. She looked at Dyllin again and shook her head. "Prince, please heed my warnings, as your father hadn't done all those eighteen years ago..." she said seriously, moving closer and lowering her voice, watching him seriously. "Stay away from Reise tomorrow night... he is not well." she whispered. "He will deceive you."

"What are you talking about? That curse is nothing but a tale, it's not real." Samiya responded quickly as her eyes darted between Jollel and Dyllin, her hand gripping his that was wrapped around her waist. "You stop this talk immediately, gypsy. Nothing is going to happen tomorrow, other than the ball everyone has been anticipating for weeks!" she said stubbornly.

Dyllin shifted uncomfortably on his feet and frowned at the Gypsy. "We all know Reise is not well right now, but... he would never harm me." he said firmly. Though, he still couldn't stop this sickening knot in his gut. "C'mon, Samiya... This woman is crazy." He turned and headed for their horses quickly.

But before Samiya could follow him, Jollel lightly grabbed her arm. "You, princess..." she warned softly. Her eyes locked with Samiya's as she spoke to her in a low whisper. "You will get the adventure you so greatly long for... if Dyllin doesn't heed my warning." she whispered, nodding solemnly. "Be prepared."

Snapping her arm from Jollel's grip Samiya frowned heavily at the gypsy woman. "Adventure? What are you talking about?" she asked glancing briefly at Dyllin. "Even if anything were to happen to him, what use would I be?"

Jollel gave Samiya a gentle smile, having allowed her to rip her arm from her grasp. "If Dyllin feels the bite of steel... he will fall into eternal slumber, princess. It was foresought eighteen years ago. And if my predictions are true... you will be needed to save him."

"Samiya! Let's go! Don't listen to the gypsy's lies anymore!" Dyllin said firmly from atop Halo's back, the horse pacing impatiently. "Let's go back! I'm sure our fathers are waiting for us." 

Samiya had taken a breath to question Jollel further but stopped when she heard Dyllin speak. She took a step backwards then turned and hurried to her horse, stumbling slightly on the hem of her dress as she did. She pulled herself up into the saddle then set off back towards the castle after glancing one last time at Jollel.

Jollel watched silently as Samiya and Dyllin raced back towards the kingdom of Layfette, leaving her alone in the fields with Eon. He huffed through his nose and then looked up at her, questioningly, and she chuckled. "Worry not, Eon... That is why the sprites are there." she whispered. She moved back into her caravan and sat in a stool, looking in at a crystal ball and sighing as Eon joined her side once again, giving a whimper. "My sprites... the seed of my blood... the guardians of the prince... hear me. Stay close to him. Tomorrow night... my predictions become reality. It will be up to you three to keep him safe as he sleeps." she whispered into the ball, her voice reaching out to the three sprites in the castle.

---

Iswe had been traveling for several days when she finally came upon Layfette. Sighing heavily she slumped against a building, her natural blue hair, braided down her back to keep her cool, flapped gently as a breeze kicked up. "Thank the gods..." Pushing away from the tree she continued further into the kingdom. Her destination, the biggest building of them all. The palace. She got many strange looks on her way through town. A vibrant and beautiful girl with blue hair was not something someone saw every day. Blushing slightly, she squared her shoulders and held her head up high. After wandering through streets she finally came to the palace. (Castle?) Biting down on her bottom lip she stepped up to the door and knocked hesitantly. A guard near by noticed her and cocked his head slightly at the strange sight before him. Clearing his throat to get her attention, he placed a soft smile on his face and waited. "Oh! Terribly sorry... Uh... I'm wanting to speak with the king." The guards eyebrows raised in surprise as she stood there waiting for him to respond. "The king? What about, may I ask?" Iswe sighed in frustration and glanced around them, trying to see if someone would just let her in. "I am in need of work." The guard, realizing he probably wouldn't be able to get rid of this clearly determined woman, nodded his head and allowed her inside. "I'll take you to him." And he did just that, moments later they were standing in front of the king himself.

King Xander had been busy peering out of his study's bay window that opened up towards the stables and gardens when the guard had announced Iswe's arrival. He gave a beaming smile to Auguste, then turned to address Iswe, coughing slightly and moving to sit at his wide oak desk. "Who are you and why have you come?" he asked formally, sighing as he fell into his chair and adjusted his fur-lined coat.

"My name is Iswe, sir. I am a Water Sprite and I have come looking for work." Iswe held her head up high, refusing to be intimidated by the powerful man in front of her. It occurred to her to her she really had no right to come to this man and ask for work. She just thought she would be more help at the palace than anywhere else in the kingdom.

Auguste stayed by the window a few moments longer until the pair disappeared into the stables then turned to face the room, a triumphant grin on his face. He looked at Iswe as she spoke then turned to his old friend Xander. "I'm sure there is something she could do, you could use all the hands you can get finishing the preparations for the ball tomorrow.."

Xander leaned on his elbows on his desk, his fingers steepled in front of his mouth as he studied Iswe and took her words into consideration. A water sprite...? Does she really think this is necessary? Or is this some sort of game to her now? he wondered to himself as he studied Iswe in silence. After a moment, he sat back and stood up. "What can you do for me, Iswe?" he asked gently, watching her. "As a water sprite, what are your talents? I already have two such sprites in my castle... Idre, an earth sprite who cares for the animals, and Sein, a fire sprite to works in the kitchen. So... what do you have to offer?"

"I could work in the gardens. Help the plants, and if there are crops grow. Water, especially water from a sprite is very beneficial to crops and flowers." Iswe clasped her hands behind her back and rocked on her heals. She was quite proud of the garden she had back where she used to live. Too bad she had to leave it all behind when she came here.

Xander listened to her words, then rubbed his bearded chin in thought. "Hm..." he nodded in approval, then gave a brief smile. "Very well. You can stay. You'll stay in the maid's quarters with the other sprites and we'll see just how beneficial your work is." he smiled. He then nodded to the guard that had let her in. "Please show here there. Also, show her where the greenhouses and gardens are..."

The door to the room opened again and Sein walked in carrying a small tray containing a teapot and a selection of her finest biscuits and treats. "I thought you would like a little after dinner treat Your Highness.." she said as she pushed her flaming red hair from her face and looked at Xander. "Is there anything else you would like?" she asked taking no notice of anyone else in the room.

"Oh, thank you, Sein. That is very generous of you. Auguste, would you like anything?" Xander asked of his friend and ally, giving him a smile. "Though I'm sure there's enough of these delectable treats for us to share... Thank you, Sein, they smell wonderful. They always do." he smiled at her with a nod, then looked at Iswe. "This is the fire sprite I was speaking to you of. Sein, this is Iswe. She's a water sprite, looking for work."

Iswe had meant to smile kindly at the other sprite but at that very moment a voice erupted in her head. My sprites... the seed of my blood... the guardians of the prince... hear me. Stay close to him. Tomorrow night... my predictions become reality. It will be up to you three to keep him safe as he sleeps. Placing her hands over her ears she felt to the ground, panting from exertion. Almost as if to protect herself, her sprite form took over, enveloping her in a giant wave.

Sein had finally turned to acknowledge Iswe with a fleeting smile but froze when she heard the same voice within her mind that Iswe was hearing. She growled at what she heard and like the water sprite before her she switched to her natural fire form, fists clenched. This cannot be! she thought angrily. Finally she slowly switched back to her human form, a heavy frown on her face.

Idre had heard the voice as well, however her reaction had been nothing but silence. She was outside the same room as the others when she hunched over on the spot, her entire humanoid form exploding into that of thousands of different colored butterflies. Where her heart had been in her humanoid form, fluttered one, huge silver butterfly. It flew through the wooden doors of the room after opening them with its powers. After all, this butterfly was Idre, and she could control the earth. It was as though she was simply asking a tree to move aside for her. Idre fluttered between Sein and Iswe for a moment, not saying a word before she fell gently to the floor and landed, her humanoid form appearing again. Idre did not seem shocked, nor did she look afraid. She merely sighed softly.

Xander had watched all of this in shocked silence. First Iswe, then Sein, and finally Idre. All three sprites were in his study, and all three had transformed to their natural forms before reverting again. "What is going on here?!" he asked firmly, looking between the three of them with a stern frown, his hands on his desk. He looked at Auguste, just to make sure he wasn't crazy and hadn't been the only one to see this, and then looked back at them all.

Iswe, now back in her human form, sat cross legged on the floor, looking up at the king. "Your son is in danger. We must stay close by him tonight and keep him safe." Running a hand through the strands of hair that had slipped out of her braid, she sighed softly and shook her head. She had a small ache in the back of her neck, most likely due to worry and stress.

"The prophecy..it threatens to become a reality." Sein said after Iswe had finished speaking. "We will guard him with our lives. Do you trust us your highness?" she asked seriously as she turned to Xander, her fists still clenched. Auguste just stood mouth hanging open in shock, his back pressed against the window.

Idre did not say a word. She simply looked around at the two other sprites and her eyes eventually fell on King Xander's. She had been living here at the castle for four years. When she had first arrived, she had told the king of this very moment. He had not believed her story, and yet he allowed her to stay regardless. Idre watched him closely, knowing that she wouldn't have to say anything to the king in order for him to understand and remember their first meeting four years ago. Since now, she had two other guardians with her, backing her story and its truth.

Xander straightened up at their words, looking tense now, his jaw set tightly so the muscle was pulsing. He looked at Auguste again, then sighed at the three sprites before him. "Jollel sent you, didn't she?" he asked of Iswe, but before she could respond, he held up his hand. "Sein... Iswe... Idre... I will trust you all with my son's safety... Until after tomorrow night. That was Jollel's prediction. Until midnight tomorrow night... You have my permission to do whatever it takes to keep him safe."

"As you wish your highness. We will try not to fail you.." Sein replied then bowed to him before turning to Idre and grabbing her arm before pulling her over to Iswe. "How do you suggest we do this? What is the best way to ensure the prince's safety?" she asked them in a low voice.

---

Once they reached the castle gates again, Dyllin had finally had enough of the silence they had shared on the ride back. He looked at Samiya and frowned heavily. "Are you alright?" he asked her gently as he rode Halo into the stables and dismounted her, leading her into her stall and starting to pull her saddle and blankets off her back. "What did she say to you?"

Samiya had slowly climbed down from her horse and led him into his stall and carefully removed his saddle and other bits. lying her head against her horses neck, Jollel's words echoed in her mind. When Dyllin spoke she sighed lightly and stepped from the stall and looked over at him. "She just continued with her ramblings..told me it would be I who would have to save you if her prophecy came true. She told me I would get my adventure.." She smiled weakly then sat down upon a bench.

Dyllin frowned heavily at Samiya's words, moving to the bench she was sitting on after closing the door to Halo's stall. The bench was just outside of the stables, so he knew their fathers would be able to see them if they were watching out of the windows... but he didn't care right now. He gently wrapped an arm around Samiya's shoulders and pulled her close. "Ignore her words.. Nothing is going to happen to me, and you will still have your adventure."

"No I won't. I'm doomed to be your wife..nothing more." Samiya replied softly though she was smiling as she laid her head on his shoulder. "I shall stay by your side tomorrow, then nothing will happen to you for certain." She couldn't stop him seeing his brother but surely if she was with them then nothing would happen. "We mustn't let this ruin the ball.."

Dyllin gave her a soft smile and hugged her lightly, blushing a little at the close contact. "Sure..." he whispered, shrugging. "But... just so you know, my birthday ball isn't all that important to me." He looked down at her and rubbed her arm and back soothingly, biting his lip. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine..I just..I guess she just spooked me a little. But i'll be fine, you don't need to worry about me." Samiya glanced up at him and smiled before speaking again. "Why isn't your birthday important to you? This is your big moment!"

"Because my brother and father have been counting down until tomorrow, like it's some marathon! I don't know why it's so important, but to be honest... I'm terrified of becoming King. All the rules and responsibilities... The pressure of everyone coming to me for answers." Dyllin sighed heavily, running his hands through his hair. "I just don't have the heart to tell my dad. He wants this for me so much..."

Samiya turned in her seat then took Dyllin's hand in hers. "Then run away with me..we could both escape. Right now. We could travel the world without a care. Reise could take the throne, it might actually make him smile for once." She smiled and her eyes sparkled with excitment. "What do you say? Shall we become runaways?"

Dyllin gave her a weak laugh and a soft smile, but he seemed to be seriously considering it. "I would love to, Samiya." he whispered, holding her hands lightly. "But that would kill my father even more... Let's wait until tomorrow night... I'll announce it at the ball. I'll tell my father and offer the throne to my brother." he nodded and smiled. "Then we'll run away."

"Really?!" Samiya exclaimed then squeezed his hand before leaping up excitedly. "We'll go on an adventure together. It will be wonderful." She twirled on the spot then stopped in front of Dyllin, smiling happily. The fear that Jollel had filled her with was now a distant memory. "Thank you.."

Dyllin laughed at her as she got up and spun around. He rather liked her when she was happy like this... she seemed to glow, and her smile was so beautiful. He blushed again and got up too, moving to her and nodding. "You're welcome." he whispered, standing close to her and raising a hand to stroke her chin, his thumb lightly brushing along her bottom lip. He looked her in the eyes and smiled again, then whispered, "Do you think they're eating this up?"

Samiya's eyes had widened slightly as he touched her cheek and for a second she was about to ask who he was talking about when she realised it was their fathers. "Oh. Most likely..but we really don't have to do this anymore. If we run away we no longer have to get married." she told him with a soft smile then stepped back from him. "You're free to be with whoever you want." She turned to face the castle, clasping her hands gently behind her back. "Maybe we should go back."

Dyllin couldn't hide the slight disappointment in his face when she turned away. Her words had stung slightly... strangely. He sighed and nodded. "You-re right... We should go back." he whispered and moved around her, leading her back inside. He gave her a bow at the waist and kissed the back of her hand before whispering, "Good night, princess. See you tomorrow." He gave her a forced smile, then turned and headed off towards his room.

"Good night.." Samiya called to him as he moved away from her. Finally she turned and retreated into her room, closing the door with a soft click. She pressed her back against the door and sighed, this day had been very eventful. After a few moments of thinking she straightened up and moved to ready herself for bed. Once she had changed into her nightgown she carefully brushed her long golden hair then braided it loosely down her back before crawling into her large four poster bed. Tomorrow will be a good day...hopefully. she thought as she closed her eyes and slowly fell into a dream filled sleep.



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