Welcome to Gaia! ::

Celesse gave a soft grunt as she strode quickly though the luxurious castle halls.

"Some new help she is," she muttered to herself angrily. It was irritating that Papa had to always hire new helpers and maids. The old ones did just fine.

She arrived at the big double doors, waving to the two foot soldiers to let her in.

"Your Grace, he's in an important--"

"I care not! Open the door, or I'll say a bad word or two about you as well!"

They opened the grand doors. She immediately stormed through them a soon as she could fit through the space.

"Papa! I need to talk to you about all these new helpers!"

Her father looked towards her from his elegant throne. The man kneeling in front of him turned, only to bow courteously to her.

"Your Grace," he murmured.

"And who is this? Another soldier to hire! Papa, we have enough already!"
He sighed and shifted his weight on the velvet-covered seat.

"Now, my dear Celesse, these added servants are for your safety. You are well aware that we are under attack by the neighbouring Jettosen kingdom, and--"

"What does more servants mean to my safety?"

"More people to lay down their life for you."

"And who is he? What will he be doing, then?" The man shifted, noticing that he was now being talked of. "You may stand up," she ordered. He obediently stood.

"He will be your guardian from now on."

"Guardian? Why do I need a guardian?"

Her father sighed, not willing to tell her what weighed on his mind so heavily.

"The twon of Gardosen has fallen. The next probable attack would be...here."

"I'm not leaving." She crossed her arms under her breasts.

"I'm well aware of that. But he is here to get you out if things get too bad."

"What is his name, then?" The man's eyes moved over to her, and he spoke.

"I've no name, Your Grace."

"Well."

This stipped her tirade. Someone with no name? How could it be? It was just plain odd.

"Your Grace?"

She cleared her throat, then took a deep breath. "Please, sir, call me Celesse, seeing as you'll be around for a while."

"As you wish."

"And as for no name... Well, you must have a name, or else I can't call for you if you're needed. I shall find you a name that fits you."

He nodded, then turned to her father.

"So, my job will start immediately?"

He nodded, then slowly raised himself from his throne and left out the doors, pausing before him.

"Take good care of her, young one. Take care of her no matter what. Tend to her with the utmost affection and gentility." He left, leaving an air of sorrow with him.

With that, Celesse and the man were alone in the throne room. They took the time alotted to look over one another.

What she saw was a strong, well-built young man, almost her own 19 years of age, if not a bit older. He had long, rich chocolate-colored hair tied back in a ponytail. His bangs drew attention to his face, which would inspire a sculptor. His eyes were a cool, tropical blue.

His eyes roved across her figure, analyzing as well as taking in her beauty. She had soft golden tresses, flowing gently down six inches below her shoulders. Her curves were gentle, showing that she wore no corset. She's no reason to, he thought. Her figure suggested that she was naturally lean, but also fragile. Her skin was a gentle bronze, natural again, not from the sun. Her dress showed her off excellently. Her breasts were full and just showing only a bit of the swell that signaled the start of them. He raised his eyes up to her face, noticing her eyes. They were a sparkling green, like grass just after an invigorating rain.

"Well, Milady... I mean, Celesse." He fidgeted nervously.

"Do you have your things?"

He nodded. She turned and walked out. He followed her. She stopped just outside the doors and turned to him.

"Have the servants bring it to an empty room, near mine."

He blinked. "Pardon?"

"Well, if you're going to be protecting me, shouldn't you always be near? I've no intent to slip away, I know my father's will and I intend to respect it. He is the king, after all."

She flashed him a charming smile, then started walking again. She turned right, into a smaller hallway. Her fait was relaxed. Their steps echoed softly, hers barely noticeable at all. His clunked loudly, more or less due to his shoes, the toes of which were pure metal.

She took another right, going through a small wooden door, drab and dull compared to any other door. It led outside, to a small eutopia. There were a couple horses, one a deep, beautiful black, the other a chestnut brown with black socks and muzzle. They raised their heads from their content grazing and gave a welcoming whinny to her, then resumed their munching. Along one wall was a row of flowers, carefully tended to and blooming brightly. There was an old oak tree in the farthest corner. She smiled, then went to the horses. They noticed her coming and once more raised their heads and gave another soft neigh.

"How are you, big girl," she said softly as she stroked the black mare's neck. He noticed the horse's stomach bulged. His attention moved back to Celesse as she laughed softly when the mare nudged at her.

"No, no, no treats today. But I've someone new for you to meet, Sylla." She turned towards the man and beckoned him. "Come, she won't bite." She smiled softly.

He walked slowly towards her. The mare's ears perked his way.

"Easy Sylla."

He put his hand out when he was close enough. She reached her head out, taking a step forward. He smiled as he felt her breath on his hand, her whiskers tickling him. The other horse watched them carefully. A stallion, he noticed.

"See? He's okay." She laughed softly and smiled at him. "I wanted to show you this. It's where I'm normally at, if you can't find me."

He nodded, still smiling at the mare.

"She's beautiful. And pregnant?"

She nodded. A loud bell startled him and made him jump. Another lighter sound followed it, as clear as the bell he just heard, but easy on the ears. He realized it was Celesse laughing at him.

"That's the dinner bell. Go wash up. I'll see you in the Hall."

She turned and left, and he soon followed suit. He quickly washed up and asked a servant to take him to the Hall, seeing as he had no clue where anything was yet.

He opened the door to a sight beyond anything he had seen before.

The table, fit for at least 52 people, was full, loaded with servants and food. He saw Celesse and her father at the far end and made his way towards them. He bowed when he reached them.

"Your Highness, Your Grace." They nodded, and he took a seat across from Celesse. She looked ravishing, and he payed no attention to the welcoming speech the king gave for him.

She was wearing a red dress now, her shoulders bare, which was an odd style at the time. She had sleeves halfway up her upper arm, a soft creme color, with the end of the sleeves puffed out and lacy. The top of her dress went all the way up to her neck, the collar tight and hugging the delicate feature. The red part of the dress stopped just above her chest, and the collar was red with a blue jewel in the center. In between was a creme color to match her sleeves. The bottom of her dress was layered and accented her figure quite nicely. She blushed softly when she noticed he was staring at her. She brushed a part of her bangs out of her eyes, then looked down at her hands nervously. He cleared his head in time to hear a part of his speech.

"Now we are all well aware of our annual Rose Ball tonight, so I expect all of us to pull together to make this one great. But for now, let us eat. Colette?"

A young servant next to Celesse started to serve them, as he noticed a few others down the table did the same as well. When they all had full plates, the king took the first bite, then the air filled with the sound of everyone's forks agains their plates. There was no talk until everyone was finished and the table was cleared. The servants left to make the Rose Ball preparations.

"Your Highness," he said softly.

"Yes?"

"I was unaware of the Rose Ball, and I've no proper attire for it." He noticed Celesse smile.

"Not a problem, young one. I've gotten something made for you, seeing as how you're new to our customs and styles as well. It's in your room. A servant shall help you with it."

"Father?" Celesse interuppted.

"Yes, my dear?"

"Have you any idea of the location of the Jettosen troops?"

"No. Not at all. "

"Oh! Yes, Colette needs to finish my hair. Colette!" Do you need to get ready?"

Celesse left the table, hurrying to find Colette.

"Now, young one. The troops are actually going to strike tonight. I want you to stay near to her." His somber voice hinted as to something troubling him further.

"Is there...something wrong?" The king sighed.

"Just be sure...to tell her, when you two escape... That I love her...and she needs to survive. For the Capulet family...she needs to return someday and regain the throne. But for now, let us enjoy the Ball." He got up and left.

"Yes, Your Highness." He left to his room, where a servant was waiting to dress him.

As he was roughly dressed, his thoughts wandered. The kind cared deeply for his only daughter, it was very simple and plain to see. And evidently, he didn't plan on making it out alive. His own plans were quite clear, though. He planned on getting the princess out at the first sign of danger. And he planned to protect her as best he could. The servant finished up and left.

He examined himself in the mirror. His clothes were a cool blue, with hints of red. He admired himself. He looked handsome. The blue set off his eyes, making them seem brighter. He wondered what Celesse would wear. It sounded like the same dress as she wore to dinner, just a different hair style. He sighed and sat on his bed, laying back onto it. He closed his eyes.