Powerful Princesses (One on One)(Private) 2/2

[xX Araleid Xx]

It made Alessandra relieved when Alessia told her she wouldn't have let her go alone. Knowing that she had someone there with her who at least wanted to help her made Alessandra feel ten times better about this arranged marriage to a man she didn't know anything about. Where was he from? How old was he? Was he a good person - nice? As she worried she could feel her force field power creep out and surround her. It was the ability she didn't have as much control over and when she got upset or emotionally distraught in any way it came out - as if to protect her from the outside forces upsetting her. When Alessia spoke, however, it shattered. Not in a way that it would be painful to anyone - it was just energy after all - but it looked much like glass as it fell away, disappearing before the tiny shards touched the floor. She looked up at her younger sister, her hands shaking with an effort she hadn't known she'd exerted. Alessandra nodded at her sister's words but when she hesitated it didn't take long for the older girl to realize why. "Your abilities... are you sure you want to go out?" Alessandra understood her sister's abilities were much more dangerous to have than her own in public. Her abilities were much more subdued - much less noticeable. They didn't affect Alessandra the way Alessia's abilities affected her. "We could just stay in? Have a movie night?" Her sister started suggesting the beach or a restaurant but before Alessandra could respond Alessia was already picking up the telephone in their room. Her sister spoke to the person who picked up the phone and a few short minutes later she hung up, explaining what they had said. "Are they saying we're not high class enough to go to their beach?" Alessandra asked with an eye roll. They were princesses for crying out loud! How much more high class could you get? She mentioned a club and Alessandra perked up at that, however she got distracted at the mention of a stripper show. "Seriously, classy? Why would they even suggest it? Whatever, the club sounds nice, if you don't mind going out." Alessandra was by far not a club kind of girl, but she had gotten some alarming news that morning and all she wanted was to forget about it for a little while. She didn't want to think of her now fiance whose name she didn't even know. When her sister agreed a smile lit up Alessandra's face. "Thank you, thank you." She said before rushing off to get changed.

It wasn't long before they finished getting ready and arrived at the club. Getting out of their 'escorts' aka body guards coming with them was a little tricky but somehow they had managed. How were they even supposed to have a fun night with two big burly men following them everywhere anyway? They weren't. She knew her personal body guard well enough to know he would scare anyone off who wanted to come within two feet of her. So it was no wonder she worked hard to get away from him as often as she could. But finally they arrived without backup and Alessandra was all smiles as she stepped from the car. Grabbing her sister's hand she approached the long line of people waiting to get in. Alessandra caught the bouncer's eye before getting in line and he waved them forward, letting them in without even checking an I.D. When they got inside she couldn't help but look around her in awe. Alessandra had never been to a club before, and she almost couldn't contain her excitement. "Look, Alessia! It's so amazing!" She had to shout over the music as she led her sister to the bar. As she pondered over what to order the bartender sat down two drinks in front of them. She was assuming one for her and one for Alessia. "Courtesy of the gentlemen down there." He gestured to two men and Alessandra smiled her thanks before taking a drink. The alcohol burned as it went down, but it wasn't a bad taste. The drink was almost fruity in a way. "You should try this Alessia. It's great." She really hoped her sister was having as much fun as she already was.

xx

[xX Araleid Xx]

It wasn't long until the princess he had been waiting for entered the room. He looked her over briefly, surprised to see her so... normal looking. There were no fancy clothes or well done hair and makeup. She seemed worried, but that didn't stop her mouth the second her eyes lighted upon him. He tried not to take offence to the words, but it was hard when he knew for certain they were actually what she was thinking and not just a front because she was scared. He waited until she was finished and then he smiled at her. "Not many people speak exactly what is on their mind. I must say I like it." Yes, her words were quite offensive, but he understood why she was concerned. He didn't look like much of a lawyer. "To start with, my name is Adam Lathim. I take it you are Princess Lorelei and that is your sister, Princess Iris. I just want o say, I may be young, but I passed law school and the bar with perfect grades." He was't going to go into why or how. All that mattered was that he had. I am the best lawyer you will find. I was second only to my late father, who I feel I should remind you was just buried yesterday. I came as a favor for your father. If you trust his judgement, then I will help you with your case. And believe me when I say we will win it. If you do not trust him, then I will wish you all the luck with a different lawyer and return home to work on my other cases." He needed to lay the ground rules with her. He was young, but he was also better at what he did than most lawyers who had been working for thirty years.

The younger sister was sitting away from then on the couch - but when he threatened to leave he noticed her eyes flash red momentarily. As he continued to speak to Lorelei he tried to tune into Iris' thoughts, but he found nothing. Either she had been training to be closed off, or there were too many distractions. Either way he turned his attention back to his client, hoping his words had been enough to make her understand. "Now then, you said the other woman started it by assaulting you after you danced with her boyfriend? There is no one who can confirm this?" He was looking at his computer now, typing down everything as quickly as possible. "And your sister won't count as a reliable witness. Just incase either of you were wondering." He waited for Lorelei to speak. The quicker they got to the bottom of everything the quicker he could go home.

[xX Araleid Xx]

At Dorian's first words he spoke a polite 'thank you'. However the politeness vanished when he began to speak of his future wife. Full? What kind of explanation was that? "Full? As in what way, friend? Trouble?" He knew Dorian understood his need to know about his bride-to-be. Christian would inherit his country one day and his wife needed to be perfect - untouchably so. There could be nothing to tarnish her name. But the news Dorian gave him was not good. Arrested? His future wife had been arrested? And now there was a young man at her hotel? That was definitely not the behavior of a future queen. Especially not his future queen. How many people had seen that man go to her room? How many were speaking behind her back right this moment? No. He wouldn't stand for it. The problem would have to be sorted out very soon, but for now he was catching up with his old friend. The girl could at least wait until later. Christian listened to his friend speaking of his own future bride and was jealous. It seemed that Dorian's was not getting into trouble at least. The news that he had men keeping an eye on both princesses made Christian relax a little. He took the drink his friend offered and nodded his head. "If you have men watching the princesses than I shall stay in this hotel as well. Keep my distance for now." He took a sip from the glass and nodded his head. "It sounds as if you got the better end of the deal with these girls my friend. Yours at least does not sound like she's out misbehaving and getting in trouble." What on Earth was he going to do with Lorelei? She was turning out to be a lot more than he had signed up to handle, and he hadn't even met her yet.

[Peppermint_Candykane]

Lorelei smiled and inclined her head to his compliment. Well, he certainly had the right last name. Then he went into defending himself, which she did not like. Had she touched a nerve? Obviously she had. When he mentioned his father she almost felt guilty. Almost. Yet she was insistent on not liking this man and not feeling sorry for him. "I apologize. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for coming out here on such sort notice." The words were difficult for her to say but she knew they had to be said. He could help her win and that was all she needed. Even taking the time to look for another lawyer would be too much for her to handle. Despite her not liking his attitude, she liked his style. There was something about him that demanded respect and there was something about how he demanded it that was just sexy to her. Naturally, since she was promised to another man, she couldn't exactly see it that way. But of course she did. What was to stop her? She hadn't even met the mystery man. Nor did she want to. Instead, after her apology, this Adam lawyer of hers went into his job. Oh poo. As he spoke she nodded and then shook her head. "Not anyone I know by name. And she wasn't even there." She added about her sister. How could the girl be a witness when she wasn't there to witness it. "Isn't there some way you can find a list of the people who were there at that time? Have a cop interview them or something? Oh, here." Pulling out of her clutch, she had the phone number to the man she had been dancing with. Well she had several numbers. So she handed him each of them. "This guy I think is the one I was dancing with right before I danced with her boyfriend. Then this one definitely is the boyfriend. Pretty sure they witnessed it. The two of them seemed to be friends I think." She hoped that helped. Beyond that, there was no way for her to help him. Even if it was only to help herself.

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[Peppermint_Candykane]

Dorian chuckled and nodded to his friends question. Yes, a lot more trouble than she seemed to be worth. Well, not really. She was worth a quite a bit, but there was no need to bring that up. He too casually sipped on his drink as his friend digested the rather unfortunate information. When Christian spoke up again, he couldn't help but to agree. Staying low for a bit was a much safer route. Especially if Lorelei planned on getting into more trouble. When Christian voiced how upset he was about the match, Dorian smiled. "At least she's beautiful. If that sort of thing matters to you." Then his phone rang and he answered it. He spoke Romanian in a hushed tone and a smile crept onto his lips. Turning to Christian, he put his phone away. "How do you feel about going to a club? It seems my princess is looking for some fun tonight. My informant overheard a conversation between the desk clerk and the room my dear future wife is residing in. It was confirmed that they left the building. I have eyes following them as we speak." He needed his friend with him on this one. He still wanted to remain unknown for at least a little longer, but he was beyond curious as to what she looked like. Unlike Lorelei, she hadn't made magazine headlines by just arriving in the states. Not to mention again the tabloid covers with Lorelei getting arrested. His own men had told him that she was indeed beautiful, but there was no way for him to see her. Having them take pictures was too risky, not to mention him having pictures of her before they met? No, that would no do well for him at all. Christian graciously agreed and neither of them really needed to get ready. They were already dressed in button ups and decent shoes. What more did men really need to do to go out to a club? Not much. Dorian called a taxi for them and it wasn't long before they were off. When they arrived he headed straight to the bouncer and handed the man an ungodly amount of money and they were both allowed to enter. He He began to scan the room. Then he turned to his friend and shouted into his ear over the music. "She is here with her sister. They both have dark hair, amazing eyes. And..." Then he ran down what they had been described wearing as they left the hotel. How was he supposed to know which was which, though? Even if he was able to locate them, what were the possibilities of him walking up to the wrong one? Then he had an idea. "Look, we find them. You walk up to one. Once you get her name, run your fingers through your hair. I'll call you? If you have Alessandra, you act like I'm late and pretend to be irritated or something. If you have her sister, act like you just got here. Sound good?" Perhaps it wasn't exactly the best idea. How could he hear the phone ring? Even so, it was the only plan they had.

[xX Araleid Xx]

The first words she spoke Adam nodded at. "Thank you." The polite words came out rather curtly. He was only being short with her due to the way she had spoken with him. He spent his entire law career proving himself to others and apparently it wasn't going to stop until he aged. Perhaps then he would be viewed as experienced. Finally she answered his question and he was surprised to hear she had left the hotel alone. What was the relationship between her and her sister? Obviously Iris had bailed Lorelei out of jail but that didn't exactly mean the two were close. However, her not going could just mean Iris wasn't a people person. Something about her made him feel that was more the case. She felt and appeared quite closed off. Not to mention he couldn't read her thoughts, which to him was unnerving. As Lorelei spoke however his concentration was on her. He was reading her thoughts as he spoke, making sure she wasn't omitting anything from him. She pulled out a couple numbers and he took them from her, glancing them over. 'Yes, I know someone who can look into that for me, and these phone numbers as well. I will call him when we're finished here." He pulled out the affidavit Lorelei had filled out when she had been arrested. Nothing was different from what she told him and he could read no more from her thoughts and so he knew she was telling him the truth. Adam was relieved for that. It made his job much easier. Especially since if she was lying he couldn't just come right out and call her on it. He would have to beat around the bush until she admitted something. That was always the most irritating part about his job.

With nothing more to do for the moment he closed his computer and returned the affidavit and the numbers to his folder before looking back at Lorelei. He shouldn't ask what he was about to ask, but he couldn't seem to help himself. Something about the girl was just alluring. "You must have had a long day. Do you want to go out and grab a coffee or something, try and forget about the case for a bit?" He was almost sure she would shoot him down, but it was worth a try. Did he know she was engaged to be married? Oh yes, he knew. Yet he also knew it was an arranged one. Her father had been very forthcoming with his information. Arranged marriages didn't really count until she was actually married, right?

[xX Araleid Xx]

When Dorian spoke again all Sebastien could do was let out a heavy sigh. He knew now that Lorelei was definitely trouble. "How bad?" He didn't want Dorian to beat around the bush any longer. He had to know how hard he would have to mold this girl into a perfect future queen. And yes, by the sounds of it there would be some molding. Did it put his mind at ease to know she was beautiful? No. It didn't hurt but he would marry an ugly bride if she exemplified queenly demeanor. After all, she would be a reflection on him now. Hearing she had been arrested was definitely a shock, but one he decided he would handle later when Dorian received his phone call. "Hmm an American club.... Sounds very interesting. I will go with you, perhaps scout out your bride to be?" Lorelei had been easy for Dorian to recognize - she apparently made headlines. Alessandra was not one to catch interesting press releases. She was more well behaved it seemed than his own princess. He had read much about her, but hadn't been able to catch a glimpse of her. Shortly after he agreed the two friends left the hotel together, taking a taxi so they didn't catch too much attention. Once they arrived Dorian handled the bouncer with some cash and they were allowed entrance.

Once inside, Dorian explained what the two girls looked like and what they had been wearing when they left the hotel. Then he went on to tell him what to do with which princess he approached. "Leave it to me." Sebastien told his friend with a smirk. Of course Dorian knew about his ability to turn invisible on a whim. It had taken years to perfect, but now with it down to a science he would have no trouble locating the girls. He slipped into a large crowd and literally vanished in the sea of people. Being in a club made it quiet a bit easier for him to move around. If he were to run into anyone they would just assume someone near them in the crowd had jostled them. Keeping his eyes open for the girls it didn't take him long to find the two at the bar. Making sure no one was paying attention to the spot beside one of them he became corporeal again and tapped he on the shoulder to get her attention. When the girl turned his breath literally caught in his throat for a minute. However he shook it off. He was here for Dorian and how bad would it look if he was caught gaping at his friend's future wife? Not to mention he was already promised to another woman. "Excuse me for my forwardness, You're just so beautiful I couldn't resist asking for your name. Mine is Sabastien." He gave her his middle name, hoping that if she had heard the prince of France was in town she would not suspect that she was standing before him. When she spoke her name his smile widened as he ran his finger through his hair. He had found the sister his friend was not engaged to. What luck he had! "Alessia is a beautiful name." Just because he was engaged to be married didn't mean he couldn't flirt a bit, right? Besides, there wasn't a ring on his bride-to-be's finger just yet.

Shortly after his compliment Sabastein's phone buzzed and he held up a finger to the girl before him. "Excuse me a moment." He told her with a smile as he answered Dorian's call. "Hey, I just got here. I'm standing at the bar." Once the call ended he turned his attention once more to Alessia. "So, what brings you here this evening?" He noticed the drink in front of her and couldn't help but wonder if she had ordered it or if someone had ordered it for her. Her sister had the same drink as well, though hers was already a third of the way gone. Alessandra's attention also turned to Alessia and he smiled at her briefly, giving his name when she asked who Alessia was talking to. The polite pleasantries were exchanged and then he saw Dorian approaching and waved him forward.

[Peppermint_Candykane]

Alessia gave her sister a soft smile. Today was not about her. In fact, things wouldn't be about her for some time. Having your sister being forced into a marriage with a stranger kinda took the focus off of you. With a small nod, she agreed to going to. If things got bad, she would let Alessandra know. Yet, she knew at some point she would have to learn how to block things out. Her sister suggested a movie night and she shook her head. That sounded amazing, but they would be here for some time and they could do that another night. Tonight she knew Alessandra needed to get out and forget everything. Not watch a movie where she could zone out and only think about the mysterious man she would be connected to for the rest of her life. At her sisters next question she shook her head and let out a giggle. "No, I think that's why they suggested it, since we would be considered higher class. I think they think we are afraid of the 'common people'?" Alessandra was funny to think that there could be a beach too high class for them. America didn't have royals, so wouldn't they then be the most high class people on the beach? She shrugged when Alessandra asked about the stripper show. There was no way of knowing exactly how classy it was. Even if it was classy, why suggested it in the first place? Another question she didn't know the answer to. That didn't seem like a fun night out anyway. Besides, she could tell that her sister wanted to go to the club and she nodded when asked. Of course. She would go just about anywhere to help cheer her sister up. Which she obviously had. Her sister thanked her and rushed off to get girlied up. She followed suit and went to her clothes were. They were still in her suitcase, but they had been folded nicely so she wasn't worried about wrinkles. She pulled out a cute mini dress. Mostly black lace, but with nude portions covered with the black lace. She wasn't much for dressing provocatively but that was good for her. Grabbing out her bathroom supplies, she headed over to go do her hair (after showering, of course) and get a decent amount of make-up on. It was nice to shower after the flight, not that she was awake for most of it or anything. After she was out, she dried her hair before putting her make up on and then left her hair for last. Then, when she was all done, she finally slipped her dress on and walked out to her bag to find a pair of heels to wear. "Okay I'm ready!" Her sister came out, looking stunning of course and they were off. Unfortunately so were their body guards.

Then again, her sister was good at ridding them of the two gentlemen paid to protect them. Alessandra grabbed her hand as they pulled up and instantly dragged her from the car. It was hard not to smile at how excited Alessa got. Luckily they didn't even have to wait in line! She muttered a 'thank you' to the bouncer before entering. Both girls were stunned by what they saw. Alessia wasn't what to expect from a nightclub, but this certainly met her expectations. It was amazing with crazy lights and so many people. For a split second she saw a scene unfold of where a man got shot here, then he turned into light and vanished with the rest of the moving lights. Instead of telling her sister that someone had died there, she kept that information to herself. Rather, she nodded in agreement when her sister commented. It wasn't soon before they were about to order drinks and then two appeared right in front of them. Guys had bought them drinks? She looked over and smiled before taking her drink in her hand. Her sister took the first drink and after being encouraged to do so, she took a drink as well. The face she made wasn't exactly a happy one, but the drink was decent. She just wasn't used to the taste. "They are't that cute." She commented on the men who had bought the drinks. But it was nice of them and so she drank it. Once she could drink no more, she took her sister by the hand and pulled on onto the dance floor. Of course they had had several types of dance lessons growing up, so dancing wasn't an issue for either of them. Alessia had wanted to get on the floor before some guys tried to dance with them. Mostly the cute ones seemed to be dancing already where the average to less than were at the bar still. If her sister wanted to dance with a hottie, she needed to get out and shake for it. Naturally it didn't take long before they needed a drink break and again some guys had bought their drinks for them. How nice was this? She sat down and began to sip away at it, looking at some guys her sister was pointing out to her.

Suddenly, however, she got a glimpse (not with her two eyes, but her third) of a transparent figure moving through the crowd. Oh no! It was happening. Her breathing began to speed up as her eyes tried to carefully scan the room. There was no way she was going to tell her sister that someone had died here, but it seemed that that was indeed the case. It was moving around quickly and with the emotions from everyone else, she couldn't pin point its position. Not until it was directly behind her. Her chest felt tight and her palms were waterfalls. There was no way she was turning around to face some ghoulish creature that wanted a medium to communicate with family or other such nonsense. Then she felt a tap on her shoulder? Wait, that had to be wrong. Slowly turning, she was delighted to find a very full formed man sitting next to her. Whatever she had been feeling had to be wrong. Perhaps he was some sort of medium too and that was what she had been feeling? Well, she wasn't about to ask! It took her a moment to realize he was actually talking, she had been so relieved to find he wasn't a ghost! His words made her flush and giggle. Or was that the drink? He was quite... Well, he was like Prince Charming or something. Oh! Speak idiot! He had asked her name and she smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sebastian. I am Alessia." He complimented her name and she smiled. "Thanks. So is Sebastian. Not beautiful, like girlie, but... Like, nice. For a guy." On the other hand, not speaking had been working out better for her. His phone rang and she was grateful. His friend was supposed to meet him and she wondered if it was a girl he had been talking to, but she seriously doubted it. He hung up and asked what she was doing at the club. Well that was a loaded question. There was no possible way she was going to blurt out that she was a princess and her sister, also a princess (and the elder one at that) who was set to be married to a stranger by force of their parents and she wanted to get her sister out to take her mind off of things. Nope. Instead, she decided to omit most of that, although still tell the truth. "Just a girls night out with my sister. What about you?" She asked, trying not to scream in his face, despite how loud the music was.

[Peppermint_Candykane]

Lorelei gave a gentle incline of her head when Adam thanked her. Once she took the numbers out, she handed them over and he took them graciously. Perhaps it was good that she had gotten arrested, or else she would have thrown the numbers away by now. Well, that didn't exactly work out. If she hadn't gotten in trouble, she would have no need for the numbers anyways. Then again, if she hadn't gotten in trouble, there would have been no way for to meet Adam. At least not any time soon. So perhaps something good had come from it after all. Nodding as he spoke, she was glad he had someone that would look into the numbers for her. So far things seemed to be going quite nicely. There had to be someone there who was able to verify her story. Since it was the truth and all. Even if they didn't find anyone, who would believe that hoe? She was a princess for crying out loud! What guy couldn't she get? Like she would need to beat some hoe up for her lame as boyfriend who wore fake name brands? Please. No one was going to believe that for a minute. Especially since she already had a prince. A French one, but oh well. She at least had one. Like she would really start a cat fight after hearing about her husband to be? Girls could be so stupid. In any case, Adam spoke up again and his words made her smile. Oh he was slick. She liked that. "That sounds wonderful." There was something about a guy like Adam that she just had to admire. If it wasn't the guts he had for asking her out (though she was sure that her engagement/arranged marriage was big news) or the abs she couldn't stop picture under his elegant suit, she didn't know what it was. Picking up the nearest bag, she stood up and waited for him to lead the way. "Be back later Rissy." (Rissy, her nickname for her kid sister. She was the only person who called her that. It was somewhat of a combination of Iris and Sissy. Just without the I.)

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[Peppermint_Candykane]

Dorian patiently waited as he watched his friend walk into the crowd before them and vanish. Even if he couldn't turn invisible, Christian would have been lost in the mass of wall-to-wall people that gathered on the dance floor of the club. Instead of attempting to find his friend again, he simply waited. There would be no way he would see Christian unless the man was once again ready to be seen. When he did reappear, it was near the bar, far from where Dorian would have thought. He spoke to a pretty girl and soon enough his fingers were in his hair. Yes! Dorian picked up the phone and after dialing his friend, Christian confirmed that the girl he was facing was the younger of the two sisters. Which meant that the prettier girl had to be his bride to be. A devilish grin crossed his face as he made his way over to the bar. He clapped Christian on the back and asked to be introduced to his friend. Once he was, he was then introduced to the girls sister. He took her hand and kissed it, moving to stand next to her seat as Christian returned to his conversation with the other girl. Dorian was more than grateful to have a friend like Christian. "Hello, beautiful lady. I am Aurel." He, too, went by his middle name instead of giving the game away too soon. "Forgive my saying so, but you seem out of place here." Not because she was a princess or he was worried she would do the same things that Christian's future bride had done. "I do believe you are far more beautiful and graceful than the rest of these girls." Just as he spoke, a woman nearly half naked and completely drunk walked passed, sloppy and provocative as she did. "Not to mention classy." He added with a smile. It wasn't a joke, but the situation was rather humors, at least to him. When he looked at the drinks he had to give a small amused sigh. "Have you been able to choose your own drink at all tonight? Sure it was nice to get free drinks, but if random men were buying whatever they wanted the girls to drink, it could mix alcohols and that could turn out for a sour tomorrow. "Would you mind picking out a drink of your choice? My pleasure, of course." There was no way he was going to let her buy her own drink, but he at least wanted her to be able to pick whatever she actually wanted to.

[xX Araleid Xx]

Sebastien had no idea the beautiful girl before him had sense his presence before he had even reappeared. When she had turned to face him she had appeared relieved about something, but he had just assumed it was because he wasn't a dirty old man. He had seen the attention the women were getting and the men around them were sub par compared to him and Dorian. However, none of that mattered now that he had gotten her attention and found out she was not the wife to be of his friend. That made her completely fair game to him. After he asked for her name he watched as color spread across her cheeks and she began to giggle. He couldn't help but smile at the sound. It was soft, innocent. This girl before him was something his future wife could never be - or at least he thought. Alessia seemed so poised and proper. Not to mention the drink on the bar before her was not even half empty. Obviously she didn't need alcohol to enjoy herself. When she thanked him for his compliment on her name she tried to compliment him as well and she stammered over the words. Sebastien waited patiently for her to finish and then let out a low chuckle. "Thank you. But you don't have to be so nervous." It was rather endearing though. He could get used to Alessia's shy stammering.

Sebastien had awaited her response to his question, wondering what she would say. He was sure she wouldn't admit anything about being a princess. Honestly, who would really believe it? Other than himself and Dorian that is. Her answer, when it came, was simple and he nodded his head at it. A girl's night out huh? It sounded like the truth but at the same time he felt like there was more to it. However, he would not pry. Dorian arrived before Sebastien had the chance to answer Alessia and he smiled at his friend. "Honestly, we're doing pretty much the same thing. Just having a guys night out. Alessia, this is my friend Dorian. Dorian, Alessia." He introduced the pair and once Dorian's attention was on his future wife he spoke to Alessia again. "So, I noticed you have an accent." Hers was as noticeable as his own. "Where are you from?" Of course he knew the answer, but he couldn't just outright admit that. It would look odd, wouldn't it? Or was he just over thinking things?

[xX Araleid Xx]

When Lorelei agreed to the coffee Adam had to admit he was surprised. He had half expected the stubborn, know-it-all side to come back out and explained to him that she was a princess and princesses didn't go out with the common folk. Grant it, he really knew nothing about her. Perhaps the attitude she had had earlier really had just been from nerves? When he had met her, Lorelei's mind had been racing so quickly he couldn't pick out every thought, so he wasn't exactly sure with her at the start. Now, however, he could hear her quite clearly and he smiled at her attempt to pinpoint what it was about him she liked. Grabbing up his things he turned to the younger sister and held out his hand. "It was nice to meet you." She did not reach for his hand, didn't reply to his words. After a few moments he dropped his hand and moved his attention back to Lorelei. "Shall we? I know of a nice coffee shop not far from here." With nothing more to be said he led her from the hotel room and to his car. When they reached the vehicle he placed his things on the back seat and opened her door for her. Once she was in he moved to the driver's side and they were off. "Is this your first time in Miami princess?" Adam asked her. He felt uncomfortable calling her that, but princess was at least better than your highness, right? If he was lucky she would tell him he could call her by her name.

[xX Araleid Xx]

She didn't like him. So what if he was the best damn lawyer money could buy - and trust her when she said there was money involved. And a lot of it at that. Their father would pay him handsomely for his work and discretion. Iris sat away from her sister and the stranger, listening as they spoke. She couldn't blame her sister for being weary. He was definitely green - or at least he looked like he had just finished law school. But when he spoke, threatening to leave and let Lorelei find another lawyer, fury raced through her. He would just walk away? Adam's eyes moved to her and she gave him the best glare she could muster before turning her attention from him. Iris couldn't place her finger on it, but there was something about him that rubbed her wrong. Surprisingly the conversation didn't last long. Adam at least seemed confident that he could help her sister. Perhaps if he was that sure h couldn't be all bad? And then he did it. He asked his sister out to coffee as if she was a normal girl. As if she wasn't engaged to be married to a prince! Shoot him down Laurel. Iris thought to herself. But when her sister didn't she couldn't help the surprised look on her face. Before anyone could see she put her neutral mask back into place. how could Lorelei encourage this man? Part of her could understand though. The attention must be nice. At least for her sister. Iris would be better without any attention at all. And speaking of attention she didn't want... Adam approached her, holding out his hand and saying how good it was to meet her. Iris said nothing, did not reach out to grab his hand, and after a few seconds the man walked away.

Iris watched Adam lead her sister from the hotel room and with nothing left to do she turned the TV on. It wasn't long after Lorelei had left that there was a knock on the door. Iris stared at it curiously for a moment. The front desk hadn't called to say they had a visitor - like when Adam arrived - and she hadn't ordered room service. There was another knock and slowly she rose to her feet and made her way to the door. Iris looked through the peephole to find a man she didn't recognize standing there and it was as she decided to ignore him that he called out. Detective Harris? Oh crap. Was Lorelei not supposed to leave the hotel? Unsure what else to do - and knowing she couldn't just ignore him - Iris at last opened the door. "How can I help you, detective?" She asked as politely as she could. What was she supposed to do once he found out Lorelei was not in the room with her?

[xX Araleid Xx]

Alessandra was just so excited to be out without any babysitters that she didn't even care the men buying them drinks weren't attractive. A drink was a drink, right? It wasn't like she even planned on speaking to the men. It was as she noticed them eyeing her and her sister more closely that Alessia took her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Had she noticed the men too? Alessandra wasn't sure, and she didn't care. The sisters danced together until the need for another drink arose and they returned to the bar. Two different men bought their round that time and Alessandra rose her glass in thanks before taking a drink. She scanned the crowd on the dance floor, pointing out attractive guys every now and then to her sister. The next time she looked at Alessia an attractive man had found his way to her side. They were engaged in conversation but when a pause came up she inserted herself. "Who is this man you have located so suddenly, Alessia?" She asked with a smile, sizing the stranger up. She needed to know if he meant any harm. He introduced himself and she recognized the accent right away. French? What was a French man doing in a club in America? Although, she had no room to speak. Her sister and she were foreign as well, and in the very same club. "Nice to meet you." She nodded her head at him before his attention turned back to Alessia.

It wasn't long, however, before another man approached her sister and Alessandra glanced back to eavesdrop on the conversation. As if they knew she was, Sabastien introduced her and the new arrival's attention was on her. Alessandra was startled into breathlessness by the man, now that she was getting a good look at him. He took her hand and kissed it, causing a blush to color her cheeks. It wasn't that Alessandra wasn't used to that kind of a greeting - being a princess meant she was greeted that way often - it was just that the man was so handsome. He spoke his name and she noticed the thick accent this man also had. Romanian? What would a French and Romanian man be doing in a bar in Miami? Not to mention, how on Earth were the pair friends? He continued on in his hypnotic voice and she forgot about the question in her mind. "You seem pretty out of place here as well. You're better looking by far than any man I've seen tonight." She admitted to him with a small smile. What was she doing, saying these things? She was a princess - an engaged one at that! She couldn't have eyes for anyone but her future husband, even if she didn't know who he was or what he looked like. She watched him eye the drinks in front of her and he graciously offered to buy her a drink of her choice. "Just the one." Alessandra told him firmly. "And only a drink. I must admit to you I am engaged." Perhaps it was just the fact that she couldn't not be honest with this handsome man, but she had to tell him. She didn't want him to feel at the end of the night he had wasted his time on her.

xx

[Peppermint_Candykane]

Alessia blushed harder when Sebastian called her out on being nervous. It wasn't exactly like she could explain why she was nervous. They both pretty much knew why she was nervous. But boy, his laugh? She wanted to hear that chuckle again. It was deep but sweet. He was probably laughing at her blunder, but the way he did it made it seem as if he was nervous too. Which made her feel a lot better, although he probably wasn't. Alessandra asked who it was she was talking to, which made her face get red. Oh big sisters! Always looking out for you, right? "Oh, this is Sebastian. Sebastian, this is my sister Alessandra." Now she had no idea what to say to either of them. Luckily his friend showed up. So a guys night out? They hadn't even come together, which was odd, and now they were both talking to girls already? Well, they certainly wasted no time at all. "Alessia, pleasure to meet you Aurel." His friend sure did have a thick accent. Sebastian had one as well. Ironically, the next thing he asked about was her own accent. So used to it, she forgot she had one. Until they were speaking to someone without an accent. Like the American guys. It was odd. She smiled and nodded. "Ah, I have noticed yours as well. I am from Italy. Is yours French?" She asked. Although she had never been there herself, she had hosted guests from France before, she and mostly her sister, but they heard accents enough from most of England to name them all. Or at least most of them. "Are you from there or here? I am... On vacation here from Italy. It is a most popular place to vacation. As is Paris, now that I think about it." She only hoped that her own accent didn't ruin the pronunciation of the most poplar city in all of France. It struck her as beyond odd that two foreign men happened upon two foreign girls in such a crowded place. Then again, Miami was extremely poplar for all cultures. Who was she to judge, anyway? The only guy she had spoken to all evening was him. Then again, it showed how little guts American men had. (At least in her eyes), since none had had the nerve to come and speak to them directly, instead they continued to buy them drinks from afar. Not that she was complaining about them staying away, but still. If you are going to waste your money, why not do it on someone you plan on talking to? Just because a guy bought drinks did not mean the girl had to be the one to initiate the conversation, after all.

I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clock screaming
Monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the raindrops, as they’re falling, tell a story





I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone



XXXXXX