Why is King Marcus Looking at Us Like That?

The traveling army arrived in Dawnacia by nightfall. Knight Peter had rallied an army that was presently training in the garrisons. The innocents of Dawnacia had been evacuated to safe places in case war did break out. Amarei had been monitoring the progress of the armies while Amaya cheered on her warriors. The queen had thought about sending Amaya into hiding as well, but decided she'd be safer in the palace and she did not want Marcus catching on to a surprise attack.

Presently, they were sitting down to evening meal. The dining hall was not packed because the armies were having a feast and did not wish to eat in the hall. Amarei and Amaya ate along with Lydia, Jilliana, Morgana and a few others. Nothing was said, as the adults did not want to frighten the princess.

After the meal, Amarei took Amaya to her room and helped her ready for bed. Amaya dressed as Eve curled up on the floor. Amarei looked around the young girl's room to see if anything was out of place, she did not notice a thing. Amaya climbed into her bed and sat waiting.

"Queen Amarei."

"Yes, Amaya?"

"Why is everyone training to fight?" she asked. Amarei looked at the innocent child and sighed. There is no reason to lie.

"There maybe a war and the men will be need to protect Dawnacia," Amarei said. Amaya's eyes grew wide.

"But I don't want to fight!" She snapped. Amarei was taken aback by the little girl's tone and force.

"Amaya your kingdom must be defended. These men will fight for you, because they know you will be able to take care of their families," Amarei explained. Amaya looked sadly towards the woman.

"Amarei, will you stay with me when the king comes?"

"Yes." Amarei tucked the princess in and than retired to the throne room where a meeting was being held.

In the throne room stood Knights Peter and Rupert, Miss Chelsea, Lydia, and Jilliana, each discussing. Peter and Rupert were looking at a map of Dawnacia, while Chelsea was showing Lydia and Jilliana some small daggers. All talking ceased when Amarei stepped in and they all greeted her with the proper respect and waited for her word.

"So blood is to be spilled a gain, is it?"

"We are not sure, Queen Amarei," Miss Chelsea announced.

"It appears that this is just an army to keep the king and his son safe as they travel, however we cannot be certain," Knight Peter added.

"I think it may be best to wait at the palace for him to arrive," Knight Rupert suggested.

"No, we ride when the sun cast no shadows," Amarei declared.

"Majesty, what about Princess Amaya," Lydia inquired.

"She shall learn how to greet rulers properly. We ride with all the men of the armies who are ready," the queen ordered.

"Queen Amarei, if Marcus chooses to fight…"Jilliana faded off.

"If Marcus wants to fight the answers to me. There will be no more blood shed in this Palace. One massacre was enough, we do not need a second." The people nodded their agreement and conversation switched gears.

"Majesty, what about Morgana?" Miss Chelsea put in.

"If I did not have to be respectable I would beat the life out of her! I still want to know how she is able to continually harm this child, your FUTURE QUEEN!" The queen angrily barked.

"Queen Amarei, if I may, we do not know how it happens, but we would like her removed from the court," Lydia remarked.

"I do not have the power to do that, as much as I would love to," Amarei sighed.

"Why not?"

"As regent, I can govern in Amaya's name, but the dismissal of court unless federally charged, only the true ruler can do."

"Could we charge her with treason?" Knight Peter questioned.

"Under what circumstances?"

"Well this whole thing with Fooville is rather suspicious," Peter said.

"It is all tangible, I need hard core evidence. Yet you are right, I do not want Morgana anywhere near the princess, Marcus or his brat at all tomorrow. If I see her near anyone from Fooville I will charge her with conspiracy in attempt to murder!"

"Yes majesty," they all agreed. The meeting adjourned and everyone returned to their rooms. Amarei lay in bed trying to fall asleep, but finding it very difficult. An hour into her restless slumber, Amarei heard the door to her room being pushed open. She heard a jingling collar signifying Eve's arrival. The noise of two tiny feet soon followed.

"Amaya, you should be sleeping," Amarei informed. Amaya hoped up on the bed both eyes covered in tears. "Amaya what's wrong?"

"Morgana is coming to my room," she sobbed. Amarei sat up.

"Why?"

"I don't know."

"You can sleep here tonight," Amarei comforted. Amaya nodded and curled up. Amarei watched her sleep and finally managed to fall into a sleep of her own.

When the sun rose onto the pale blue canvas, Amarei was still sleeping. A loud rap sounded on her door and roused her from her dream world. The queen looked towards Amaya who was still sleeping on the edge of the bed. Another rap to the door caused her to get out of bed.

"Who is it?"

"Ladies, Jilliana, Lydia, and Morgana," Jilliana called. Amarei pulled on a cover and went to the door. She opened it just enough to slip out without anyone seeing Amaya.

"Yes?"
"Majesty we believe the princess is missing," Lydia informed.

"She's in my room."

"She does have her lessons this morning with Miss Chelsea," Morgana stated. Amarei nodded and retreated into her room. Gods I hate the woman! She infuriates me so much! Queen Amarei went to the side where the princess was dreaming and Eve resting her eyes. Gently she shook the princess awake. Amaya's eyes fluttered open; she smiled at the queen and than slid under the covers.

"Amaya, you silly little girl, come out here," Amarei said tiredly. The child did not come up. "Amaya." Amarei suddenly had an idea. She began to tickle the small princess. Amaya tried to roll away but could not escape.

"Stop, stop, it's making me laugh to hard," she giggled. Amarei persisted and a little head came up from under the covers. "You win."

"Ha! Don't you mess with the queen!" Amarei gloated. Amaya stuck out her tongue and Amarei laughed. "Oh don't be so sour, I had to get you out of bed somehow."

"You could have asked nicely," Amarei said, she was really bad at pretending to be upset. The little princess sat up in bed and watched the queen go into her closest. A few minutes later she came out and was dressed in a dress to go riding. Amaya did not move.

"Amaya, do you want to go to lessons?" Amarei inquired. Amaya was out of the bed and out the door faster than a flash of light, Eve trailing behind. Amarei left her chambers a few minutes later. The queen strolled down to Amaya's room and slipped inside. She had expected to see Amaya getting ready, but there was no sign of the princess at all.

Amarei looked around the bed and under it all the while calling her for her. She opened the door out on to the balcony and Eve rushed in teeth barred. Recognizing the queen, she began to whimper. Amarei peaked out onto the balcony but did not see the princess. She checked the bathroom and finally the closet. Eve began to growl as Amarei approached the back of the closet. A moan came from the corner and Amarei looked towards it. Amaya was trying to stand up.

"Amaya!" she cried rushing over the princess' side. "Are you okay? Oh Gods, what happened?"

"Queen Amarei," Amaya struggled.

"Who did this to you?"

"I don't know," she whimpered. Amarei scooped the princess up and carried her to her bed. The princess was only a little bruised but it made Amarei want blood.

"Let's get you ready," Amarei suggested. Amaya nodded. She dressed and than went down to morning meal. The meal was eaten in silence and when it was through Amaya led Amarei down to the garrison. Miss Chelsea was waiting for them.

"Princess are you ready?"

"Yes." Amaya took her small blade and faced Chelsea. They danced as Amarei watched on. The blades kissed and the metal sang out. Chelsea let her guard down and Amaya moved in. "I win!"

"Good job, Princess," Chelsea praised. Amaya smiled and Amarei applauded. Morgana appeared near the entry. Amaya held her blade tight and Amarei took a step towards the lady.

"Morgana."

"Queen Amarei, I believe it is time leave," Morgana stated. Amarei glared, she hated being told things she already knew. The queen took Amaya by the hand and they went to the stables. Master William was waiting with SunDew and Evening Rose. Knights Peter and Rupert were ready to ride. Amaya and Amarei mounted the horses and Amaya led the way. As the road widened Amarei rode up next to the princess. Peter and Rupert followed just to the sides of each ruler and some of the army flanked out behind. Most of the army was hidden so if Marcus did attack they could launch a surprise counter.

The precession rode up till they came upon a field where Amarei called a stop. They waited anxiously until they heard the beat of a distant drum. A brown horse appeared at the far end of the field followed by at least a hundred more. Amaya starred at the oncoming mass, suddenly fearing the meeting. The lead horse halted the mass ten feet from the Dawnacia force.

"Princess Amaya," addressed the elder man with the cape and fading black hair. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am King Marcus of Fooville."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Amaya said all to politely fro Amarei. A young boy on a white horse stepped forward.

"This is my son, Prince Nikolai, heir to the throne of Fooville," the king announced. Amarei moved toward the princess slightly.

"Allow me to introduce my regent, Queen Amarei of Eveana," Amaya said. Amarei nodded her approval.

"We have already met, I did not know you would be here as well. My son, Prince Nikolai, Queen Amarei." The boy smiled towards the queen and princess. She's very pretty, but I wonder where her parents are, the young boy thought.

"Let us return to the palace," Amarei suggested. Amaya nodded and turned SunDew around. Amarei pulled in right next to the princess and Rupert and Peter came in close as well. Marcus and his son rode slightly behind the females. Marcus was furious. When the arrangements had been made, the princess was to be alone, but somehow that wretched queen had found out.

Amaya's court was waiting outside to receive the travelers. At the front, Amarei was relieved to see only Lydia and Jilliana. Good, hopefully that witch won't give me reason to murder her. Eve was waiting at Jilliana's heel for her mistress' call. Peter helped Amaya off her horse while Rupert lent his queen a hand. The court greeted the rulers respectively and Eve bolted towards Amaya. Lydia came behind Amaya and whispered something in her ear. Amaya responded with a nod.

"Perhaps, King Marcus, you would like to change and rest before the evening meal?" Amaya inquired.

"Thank you kindly, Princess," Marcus replied. Lydia and Jilliana showed the travelers to their quarters and the rest of the court was dismissed. Master William set the horses out to graze and Miss Chelsea helped the knights with their weapons. Amarei approached the princess, who was standing in the middle of this.

"You did very well, Amaya. I am very proud," the queen informed.

"The boy was looking at me," she said. Amarei had noticed and could only imagine what it meant. "How come King Marcus was not happy at seeing you?"

"I am not sure," Amarei lied, knowing the truth. He's just pissed because now he can't take Dawnacia, nor will he ever be able to claim it.

Amarei and Amaya walked along the halls, Eve following close behind. They spoke of nothing in particular, mainly what Amaya had learned since coming to Dawnacia. Amarei listened intently trying to hard to find out what Morgana had done to Amaya, but did not discover it. The two rulers walked along the gallery hall where there were pictures of all the former Dawnacian rulers. Amarei was happy to see that the picture of Aurora and Sol had been changed from a family portrait to their coronation portrait. At least know I don't have to tell her who the baby is, the queen thought.

Amaya passed in front of the former rulers portrait and starred. The woman was as lovely as Amarei, but how can that be? She wears the same type of dress and looks so kind. Who can she be? Amarei followed the princess' gaze and was horrified to see that it landed on her friend. Oh Gods, what if she recognizes them?

"Amaya?" the queen said jolting the girl out of her thoughts.

"Yes?"

"What are you looking at?"

"The lady, what's her name?" Amaya asked.

"Her name was Aurora and that man was Sol," Amarei replied.

"Dawn and Sun, how appropriate," Amaya giggled. "Is she the one that field is named after?"

"Yes."

"Oh." The two continued down the hall. They each went to their rooms to change. After Amarei had bathed and dressed she went down to Amaya's room. The queen arrived just in time to see Morgana leaving. The lady did not notice her and Amarei bolted into the young girl's room. Amaya was sitting on her knees, head bowed, and crying.

"Amaya," Amarei whispered. The princess turned her head and the queen saw the receding red mark. She opened her arms and Amaya went to them, trying hard to stop crying. "It's alright, little one, I'm here now."

"I swear I was good to the boy," Amaya sobbed. Amarei nodded her understanding. There was a knock on the door announcing Jilliana and Lydia's arrival.

"Majesties, evening meal is ready," Lydia informed.

"Thank you, we shall be right down," Amarei replied.

"Queen Amarei, King Marcus wants to speak with the princess tonight after the meal," Jilliana added.

"Than he shall, and I shall stay with her." The two ladies nodded and left. Amarei helped Amaya stand up. They went to the meal and all was peaceful. During the meal, people made polite conversation and Amarei was happy to see that Morgana was not at the table. Eve sat at Amaya's feet and did not beg. No one seemed to notice the occasional food that Eve had. After the meal Amaya dismissed her court and asked King Marcus and his son to follow her to the throne room. Amarei smiled proudly, she had told Amaya what to say and was glad she had done it. She followed Amaya into the throne room, much to the dismay of Marcus. Amaya stood and did not bother sitting for she knew the second she did she would sleep.

"Princess Amaya, my son, Nikolai, wishes to speak with you," Marcus announced. Amaya looked briefly towards Amarei and she gave a light nod, against her will. The prince and princess went to the side of the room and began to chat. Amarei watched until convinced Amaya was safe before returning her attention to the king.

"Marcus, I thought I made it clear that you were to stay away from Dawnacia and it's ruler!" Amarei reminded.

"I am trying to be decent, everyone of the other rulers brought or sent her something. I figured it was my duty," he answered snootily.

"While I appreciate the gesture, I believe Amaya would prefer to see her coronation day," Amarei countered. The king flashed a glare.

"Implying I would harm the dear little princess, fear not for I would never harm her," Marcus answered with a grin. Amarei's ears picked up the last sentence and somehow believed she'd hear it before.

"Good because if you so much as look at her the wrong way, I'll have your head," Amarei threatened.

"Now that I seriously doubt," Marcus laughed. Amarei closed the distance between them.

"You want to test that theory?"
"Ah, tisk, tisk, Queen Amarei, you would not murder me in front of my son and the princess, now would you?"

"Don't give me the reason too, and I won't!" the queen snapped. Marcus sensing that this time she was not just joking backed off.

Across the room, Prince Nikolai and Princess Amaya were trying to talk. Neither had ever had much interaction with a child of the same status, though Amaya had never degraded any of the other children and always treated them as her equals. Nikolai was not only unaccustomed to speaking to someone of the same status, but also girls.

"Um, Princess, where are your parents?" the prince asked. Amaya starred.

"Um, what are parents?"

"People who care about you and take care of you, like the king is my parent," the prince explained.

"Oh, well than I guess Queen Amarei is my parent."

"Oh," the prince said. I didn't know they were related. Gods what a dumb princess, he thought. The children's conversation was interrupted when Marcus announced that he was retiring for the night. He took Nikolai by the hand and left Amaya and Amarei.

"So what do you think of Prince Nikolai?" the queen asked.

"He's strange; he said some weird word that I'd never heard," Amaya responded.

"What was the word?"

"Parent." There was a pause as Amarei waited for Amaya to continue, when she did not the queen grew worried.

"And?"

"Hm?" Amaya was clearing falling asleep.

"Never mind," the queen sighed. She took Amaya by the hand, but the princess did not move.

"I'm sleepy," Amaya stated. Amarei laughed lightly and picked the girl up. She touched her forehead to the princess'. The queen carried Amaya to her room. When they reached her chamber, Amaya was completely in her dream world. Amarei took out the princess' little tiara and changed the six year old. Amarei tucked Amaya into bed and watched Eve curl up next to her mistress.

Amarei retired to her room. The queen had barley any energy to dress. She collapsed onto her bed and her iron lids shut. Amarei fell into a death like slumber. Her heart began to slow.