{all the world's a s t a g e;

[Di]

To have said to Rian that such a task as to uniting their kingdoms would be difficult might have been a mistake. As Prince Berlus whisked into the room, Adalia hid back a slight a confusing blink. The servant had announced the entrance of the prince, correct? Because this man looked more aged than her father had told her. And he surely did not seem enthused to be standing presently before Adalia. Nonetheless, Adalia figured it was of no use to judge upon those she had barely met, considering the truth that was to come…

So, with a smile, the Reginien Princess curtsied in response to the rather lanky prince. “Prince Berlus, so glad you could join us.” She arose, waving her hand daintily as she shook her head. Well, he had been polite enough to apologize, and there was nothing to be fixed. There was no point in holding a grudge. “Please, there is no need to fret, you are forgiven. Some things we cannot help.”

That statement couldn’t be truer. How was she to settle on either prince? On the one hand, there was Prince Rian. It would be blasphemy to assume that Adalia wasn’t being wooed by the prince. He was quite the actor, and could assume the façade of charm when he wanted to. Yet he seemed so bent on this treaty –the sole reason as the arranged marriage– that the illusion was broken.

Then there was Prince Berlus. The fact that he was less aggressive on the matter of the marital affair was more appealing to Adalia. And though he seemed years beyond his actual age that could also mean his mature was far advanced as well. However, his optimism was absolutely bleak. He hadn’t smile once since greeting her.

Out of these two men, how was she to choose who she’d spend the rest of her life with?

Adalia couldn’t help a little knowing smile. Oh, their fathers expected a prompt choice, did they? Unfortunately, that wouldn’t go quite as planned of the royal family of Silus as well as the Helion prince.

It had all been thought out. After weeks of persuading and begging, the King and Queen hadn't shatter, but their impulse to withstand did. The time span Adalia had been given wasn’t a lot, but it was enough. The condition stood that they sent a messenger describing Adalia’s request to the Kingdoms of Silus and Helios, in demand of their permission for the sake of the treaty. Otherwise, not many had known of such an ordeal that was to come.

“I would hate to reveal that we’ve hit a little snag, but,” she paused, unsure of whether she was fighting back a victorious grin or an anxious flinch, “then I’d be lying.” Adalia cast a side-glanced over to Odette, wondering how she could take such a sudden proclamation. Adalia pivoted from where she stood, retreating from the princes, giving herself some distance from them. Mostly hiding the worry contained in her eyes, for fear of the princes’ reaction and the slight glee for catching them by surprise.

“You both assume that I shall make an impromptu decision based on two men I have barely met? To, how do you say, ‘make quick of it?’” She asked rhetorically, turning back to face them, her face an eerie calm. She tilted her head slightly, casting her eyes downward. Anyone watching Adalia understood that this toss was a silent but adamant declaration of "oh, well.” “Well, I can tell you this:” She continued, tilting her chin upward, braced herself for what was to come, “I have no intention of making a choice today. Nor tomorrow, for that matter.” Finally admitting her plan, Adalia pressed on.

“With the permission of the Kingdom of Regina, Silus, and Helios, both princes will reside within the castle boundaries of Regina as both guests and contenders. Over the duration of seven days, I shall be spending the every other day with the opposing prince. I wish to get to know you both a little better, naturally.” The brunette was the tease now: the gleam in her eye exposed that she had been the source of this plan. “On the eve of the seven day, a ball will be thrown, open to all three kingdoms here, then the verdict the next day.” Adalia’s smile faded, gazing intently at moth males. “Although the decision will be entirely my own, you both must be constantly vigilant. For not only must you impress me, but my family and peers will be of influence to my choice. I hope you take no offense, but I do not wish to fail my country by choosing erroneously.”

Done with explaining her plan to them, Adalia cleared her throat from such a long-winded speech. “Your guest quarters are up the stairs into the hallway. Prince Rian’s room is down the far left, and Prince Berlus down the far right of the hall. I have sent a message to the King and Queen to either kingdom explaining details that would require accommodations that would suit you best to live more… comfortably here.” With a final nod, Adalia searched the eyes of the foyer for any expected rage, confusion or distraught.

“Any questions?”

{ooc} Lavender for Adalia, blue for men, pink for women. :3[/size]

[Mimi]

Rian sniffed a bit contemptuously at the arrival of the Helion prince...well, if he could even be called that in the fullest sense of the word. Even with just his entrance, Rian could tell the man was painfully awkward, and his visage wasn't so much an unprecedented shock as it was, for Rian, a curious afterthought. His father hadn't even fully grayed - the man enjoyed his work - and neither had Rian though one might argue the escalation of his disease was due to stress.

Rian looked the man up and down. They hadn't really formally met before; when the war broke, Silus had taken on an isolationist policy. Thus, Rian hadn't come into contact with foreign royals since he was about eight. If he had met this prince previously, he couldn't recall, but he'd wager that he didn't have wrinkles then.

...This was the man he was to be contending with? Rian had never been one to boast, but in this situation...could the Princess choose otherwise? Really now. Not only was his kingdom larger than the other (( OH MAN. MY PERVERTED MIND JUST THOUGHT OF SOMETHING PERVERTED >< )) man's, but if he did say so himself, he was also more... appealing to the eyes.

At the same time he'd digested the other's physical appearance, he noticed the man had pointedly avoided his gaze and wondered if it was a deliberate snub or a simple slip of the manners. Either way, he supposed it didn't matter. All that mattered was Adalia, and she was already his.

"Prince Berlus," he stated with a languid shift of the eyes toward the aforementioned person, "I must say, I am slightly offended that I do not have the privilege to such a warm greeting. Are we not friends of old, Berlus?" he asked innocently.

Decidedly not since he couldn't even remember the man, but such was court life. The truth hardly mattered as long as one could sculpt a pretty lie, and Rian had to admit, he found amusement in the - eh hem - "art".

Rian hadn't been paying much attention to Adalia. Thus, when she finally spoke to address both of them, he was a bit jolted, but only for a moment before he regained his stature. It was a difficult task, however, when he felt as though his very chest were about to implode from an unknown force. He cleared his throat subtly before refocusing on the princess's words.

"...we’ve hit a little snag, but then I'd be lying."

Oh? Rian raised an eyebrow. He didn't like her tone of voice or the glint in her eyes. What was she implying? What snag? What decision could be easier? He refrained from scowling; how like a woman to drag affairs on!

He waited impatiently for her to get to the point.

“...I have no intention of making a choice today. Nor tomorrow, for that matter.”

"W-what!" Rian sputtered but immediately clamped his jaws shut as the shock from her words threatened to loose his suppressed coughing fit.

He gritted his teeth as he listened to the rest of her little announcement, feeling his chances slipping away with each passing second. Seven days? Seven days? Rian had barely enough medicine to last one day much less seven days. Nor did he have the life span to waste seven entire days trying to woo a girl he could really care less for!

"Any questions?"

"What trickery is this?" Rian asked, straining to keep his voice under control. His eyes, however, betrayed his anger as they flashed dangerously. "Seven days? You reveal this...now?"

His voice took on a desperate strain at the last syllable. His hands fell to his sides and balled into fists for a few moments before he finally exhaled dejectedly and released them. Pressing his forefinger and thumb against the bridge of his nose, he sighed. Wonderful, now he felt an oncoming migraine.

"Very well, then," he murmured after a lengthy pause, "Seven days, and I expect no more."

What else could he say? Stomp out in a mad fury? And risk his father's rage? He'd rather not if he could help it. Rian had heard tales of something called "royal oppression", but he never really understood them until now.

He glanced up, letting his arms fall back to his sides and allowing something like indifference wash over his features once more. In all reality, he was in a panic, but they didn't need to know that, now did they?

"I see. However, I will be needing to send a few messages of my own nonetheless, Princess. Hopefully, that is not against your wishes?"

Rian took a step towards the foyer doors, intent on calling for a footman in his entourage to hastily relay Rian's situation to the court doctor in an angry letter. His father would most likely chance upon that letter as well, but he was in no mood to soften his words, even for his father.

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[ollie]

[/i].

With a small smile, she watched Rian’s face change, and suppressed the urge to exclaim something like “IN YOUR FACE!” She raised an eyebrow when the prince stammered, and she stepped over to Adalia, putting a hand on her shoulder. An almost protective gesture, since she cared so much for the princess. And how proud she was! Stalling!

“It is obviously no trickery, Prince Rian,” she replied to his questions, looking at Adalia before back at Rian, raising her chin. She knew Adalia was a sweet girl, and to retort to Rian would be just a bit nerve wracking for the girl, she supposed, and especially wouldn’t be doing any good for her after the decision she’d made. Anyway, Odette would take any chance to fight the prince verbally, since that was the most ladylike thing to do. “I did tell you there was a high chance you would actually have to be charming, if that is not too much trouble for Your Highness. Otherwise, I assume, you would not mind leaving Regina… but you would not do that to your kingdom, would you?”

A slow smile spread across her features, bordering a smug grin, and she glanced at Berlus before back at Rian. “I’m glad you accept this. It’ll be… interesting to see you woo the princess, as I suppose you will be attempting to do,” she replied, tone lofty.

Odette now looked at Berlus, looking him over. An awkward man, wasn’t he? Handsome, but still ungainly in the eyes of most, especially with his lanky frame and his gray hair. Definitely not as appealing to the eyes as Rian, but then again, Rian was a bit of an ass, and Berlus had yet to make any sort of offense. Unfortunate that some had to gray early out of sheer breeding – yes, she’d heard about the prince graying so young from her father’s gossiping entourage.

Now, the smug look on her face left and a sweeter smile took its place. “And you, Prince Berlus? Are you opposed to this notion, or are you content with staying in our castle for a week?” she asked, hand leaving Adalia’s shoulder. “A ball would be interesting, would it not? Especially a Reginien one.” That was true; the balls of Regina were often notorious for being grand, especially one like this. There was no doubt there would be many interesting things happening then – not just the princess’s decision.
[/ul][/justify][/size]

[dede]

Berlus was not sure whether he was supposed to answer Prince Rian with the same, greased-over tone quality or with blatant sarcasm. He had expected such… silky and lavishly well-hidden disrespect from the opposing Prince, yet he still had the distinct urge to physically scrape the caustic, verbal bile off his face. What with Rian’s superior good looks, not to mention distinct lack of silver hair or creases in the corner of his mouth, greater, near monopolistic power, along with a severely high probability of winning the princess, Berlus respectfully allowed Prince Rian all the leisure he was capable of. If that meant it solved his problems without outwardly trying to refuse Princess Adalia’s hand…

Though, what Prince Rian insinuated about a bygone acquaintance, be it with jaded cheer, did make Berlus hesitate. He highly doubted Rian could recall crumpled memories from so long ago, but since Berlus had been a little older at the time, he managed a faded recognition of a healthy, green- eyed young boy, who did not smile between his teeth or fray at the edges. Berlus did not blame Rian if he had forgotten the sparse dinner affairs their families shared before the war began. Besides, Berlus had looked different; he was thoroughly blonde back then. Shorter, and completely free of wrinkles that were chiseled from the same, indistinct smile he always seemed to carry nowadays.

However, before he could respond with equally rehearsed demure politeness and humility, his slightly bemused expression twisted into one of weighted disbelief as the Princess gleefully listed the surprise conditions of the situation. “A… A week, but Princess, I beg your pardon!”

Had the choice not been as clearly plain? Perhaps, the dear Princess suffered from an optical disorder and could not quite see that Prince Rian was the ultimate and only choice- he had auburn hair, for goodness sake! How hard was it to choose the better actor, anyway? If Prince Rian had to live the rest of his life, standing next to her with snakes pouring out of his mouth, the false rat he was, then so be it!

Berlus, collecting his posture hastily, turned to walk after Rian, but paused as the young woman wafted in the scent of well-trodden stables, addressed him with saccharine. He nearly coughed, but managed a slight gasp instead. Though his eyes were beginning to itch. “Yes, especially interesting, I am sure. I am quite fond of… of, ah-“ With a practiced flourish, he retrieved his silk kerchief just in time to catch another impending sneeze.

“Excuse me, Princess Adalia; and my lady. Preperations, and such…” He offered a weak smile, returning the cloth into his coat pocket with a hasty bow to each young woman before chasing after Prince Rian. Berlus reached the storming Rian’s side in hardly a full stride. “Prince Rian, current affairs aside,” Berlus glanced over his shoulder, then back at the Rian. "I hope you do pardon my forgetfulness. It is a pleasure to reunite with an old friend such as yourself.”

[Di]

"W-what!"

“A… A week, but Princess, I beg your pardon!”

Her heart was already doing the quick-step in her chest. Adalia tried to organize the mess in her head into clear thoughts, but the shocked faces of her pursuers kept waltzing through and destroying her attempts. Adalia inwardly groaned with frustration; she needed to decide how she would respond properly while this stubborn anxiety flipped her stomach about.

I wonder how they will respond to my decision on the seventh day.

Adalia grimaced and tried to push that train of thought back, but it was no use. Rian was brilliantly handsome, but Berlus was kind and mature, and seemed sweet. In all honesty, Berlus had the upper hand for his positive qualities. Adalia was excited about the chase that would ensue, but tonight she had cause for real fear. This had the makings of the best and possibly worst week of her life—it would depend on whether the brunette’s choice: to choose Rian or to choose Berlus.

Adalia was pulled back into the real world by the hand of Odette’s upon her shoulder. “It is obviously no trickery, Prince Rian.” Odette had probably seen her in a nervous fit and took it upon herself to respond for her; either that, or to take a chance to snap at the angered Prince Rian. Adalia figured it was a combination, hiding a small grin as she could hear the smirk in Odette’s voice.

"Seven days, and I expect no more,” he had finally agreed, seeming to be in pain by living her for the next week. Was she honestly that repulsive? She didn’t believe so. Adalia may have been plain-looking, but she gave herself the benefit of the doubt that she was at least pleasant to look at.

Adalia reluctantly paused. "Naturally, I never go back on my word," said Adalia. She swallowed and subtly gripped at the skirt of her dress, trying to still her trembling hands. This was true. The King and Queen of Regina had raised their daughter to that no matter the consequences, a promise is kept. She was told it is a fine quality to keep a promise, because then she would have to strive the courage and perseverance to meet the ends of a vow. Honesty was key to Reginien rulers, and Adalia didn’t not want to disappoint.

“I will be needing to send a few messages of my own nonetheless, Princess. Hopefully, that is not against your wishes?" To feel the need to ask such a question! She was trying to make her guests feel at home, not like prison. Why on earth would she reject such a natural task and trivial request? If the comment was taken as an insult, Adalia did not show it, save for the pursing of her lips. She did not speak though, in case her voice betrayed the hurt from which she kept hidden. Instead she nodded twice, to reassure Prince Rian that although they were staying in unknown territory, they would be given their freedom. That taken care of, she turned to any concern that Berlus held.

“And you, Prince Berlus? Are you opposed to this notion, or are you content with staying in our castle for a week?”

“Yes, especially interesting, I am sure. I am quite fond of… of, ah-- Excuse me, Princess Adalia; and my lady. Preparations, and such…”

“Bless you,” Adalia responded to his sneeze, both out of impulse and sincerity. Instead, she smiled at his kinder submission, and nodded. “I’m glad you accept. I will have the pleasure of getting to know you both better.” Adalia then glanced at both princes before adding, “Your kingdoms should be arriving with your necessities by late tonight, or early in the morning. I haven’t received word as to which is more accurate,” She admitted sheepishly. It was bothersome that an important detail was still murky, especially as the responsibility of the host. “Nonetheless, you will be provided with sleepwear tonight shall they be arriving early morning.”

Adalia bowed her head deeply in respect, and retreated from the stairwell so it was open to both princes. “Now, I shall leave you to making yourselves at home.”

[Mimi]

Oh, now, Odette must have been made giddy by the entire situation and the princess's inane, little game. Such was readily apparent in the way she seemed to beam at Rian's shock or in the way she eagerly picked up the princess's reply. Rian was in such a passion, however, that he hardly noticed the girl's verbal jests. A ball? Interesting? Ha! He'd attended hundreds - thousands even - so how would a Reginien one be any different? They all served the same low purpose: to find spouses for nobles. And then there were the women who blushed, giggled, and gossiped at every chance they got!

A ball! Rian refrained from repeating the word distastefully.

He watched for Adalia's approval, and at the slightest hint of a nod, he was off. Well, then! The court doctor was certainly going to get a mouthful from him, his father too. Rian was so intent on composing his letter that even the pain in his chest seemed to disappear, and he didn't notice of Berlus until the man was directly as his ear. Shaking off indignation for a moment, Rian glanced casually over at the Helion prince and shrugged good-heartedly. "Of course, what sort of friend would I be if I didn't? And I do hope we will become good friends, as you said, with 'current affairs aside'."

He meant it, which was rare for him, but he honestly did this time. He doubted the Helion prince would take his words at face value though. One never really stopped playing the court games, and even when one did, others seldom knew.

There was no point in feuding with Berlus. If he actually was madly in love with Adalia, perhaps, but even then, as they say, "keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer". Anyhow, Rian needed a good male companion. At Silus, he often surrounded himself with a group of strong, young men who talked politics, sports, and whatnot. Here, all he had was maybe a few gentlemen of the court and Berlus, but he supposed he'd just have be make do with what he had.

Reaching the doors, he pulled them open and gestured impatiently for one of his footman who had been chatting idly with the Reginien stableman. The boy quickly excused himself and scuttled over to Rian, bowing down on one knee when he reached him. "Your Highness?" he asked.

"I need you to summon a footman and tell him I've a written message that needs to reach Silus without delay - today."

The boy raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Today, Your Highness? But we've just -"

"Today," Rian affirmed. "Tell him to wait here; I'll be but a moment writing the letter."

With that, Rian retreated from the doorway and brushed past Berlus in hurried strides toward Adalia. "Forgive me my initial reaction, Princess. You understand such a sudden proposition would take any by surprise. I do hope to better make your acquaintance during these seven days, though. 'Twill be a pleasure and an honor."

Rian bowed his head for a brief moment before ascending the stairs, one hand on the banister and the other at his side lightly clenched.

Now, that letter...