Princess Corine:

It was mid-morning, Corine--Princess Corine that is--had just finished her morning lessons. It was the usual this morning, nothing too difficult, just some advanced mathematics, a lecture from the Veratin's greatest engineer, and to round it all out, a reading from the greatest philosopher that ever lived. All of which Corine enjoyed and excelled at. And Princess Corine's day was just beginning.

She planned to go for a short swim before her afternoon lessons began, but good old fate had other plans for her that morning. Fate, or Prime minister Ortho, he stopped her on her way to the waterfront just outside the castle. He demanded to speak with her, immediately. She walked after him having no choice, her one lady's maid trailing behind her.

As Corine was a princess, one would think she could just tell the Prime Minister "no" he was, after all, her subject no matter what office he held. But it wasn't like that, not at all. He had more power than she did or her parents, the king and queen did, for that matter, and had much power over all of them. And he was greedy, If he could have outed them from their castle for a few extra coins he would have a long time ago. He controlled everything including whether the country went to war (which it did, after which he took emergency power-and kept it) and how much income the royal family could receive.

But the commoners wouldn't have stood for it. They had quite a fondness for their royals. Even the few things that they were allowed were only because Ortho knew that the common people would not stand for anything less. Once he tried to lower her education to less than half of what she got now. However, in a country of well learned folk (Even the common folk knew at least how to read) that was not a wise move. The people wanted smart and wise leaders and royals, and Ortho trying to lower them almost cost him his job. So Corine was schooled by the greatest scholars, and was always clothed properly, and there was a ball here and there. But beyond that, she did not have many more privileges.

So she followed him through the light and ornate hallways of the castle to the room that Ortho had taken over for his work.

"Sit down."

"I'll stand, Ortho." She rather liked being able to look down on Ortho from her standing point.

"As you wish. I have good news for you, Corie."

Corine bristled at the nicknamed he had been pinned on her by Ortho , but she said nothing.

"I found someone to marry you." Even Corine's lady in waiting gasped.

Prince Astral could not imagine a better place to be than astride Raven, his jet black warhorse. Resting back in the saddle, he admired the forest and the many colors hidden within, flowers just beginning to bloom, winters being very harsh in Kethsar, spring is welcomed and rejoiced by all the people when it arrives.

A sudden movement in the bushes catches the Prince’s eye, whipping his longbow from around his shoulders and notching an arrow fluidly seemed second nature to Astral. It was a fine plump looking grouse taking careful aim……

“Prince Astral!! Prince Astral!!” A concerned looking guard came riding up the hill.

“Thunk!” Astral cursed under his breath his arrow burrowing in a nearby tree trunk. Turning to the guard he shouted “What the devil!?! I thought I made it clear to my father I wanted some alone time and I would be back around dusk.”

“Forgive me my prince, but his Excellency requested your immediate presence as well as your brother’s.” The guard said softly.

Astral was very curious now, his father never forced Stephen and himself to appear together unless it was very important. Not waiting for the guard to follow, Astral put Raven into a full gallop the trees on either side rushing by in a blur, then the forest gave way to a stunning valley with a tall imposing castle nestled in the center of well tended fields of crops. Astral slowed when he reached the inner keep; sliding from the saddle gracefully he gave the head groom a nod before racing up the small stairs into the castle.

The two servants opened the massive receiving hall doors for the now messy-haired prince, as he stepped into the hall he was immediately confused. What is everyone doing here? He wondered, there seemed to be every lord in Kethsar assembled, he broke out in a cold sweat. This was a very serious matter indeed. Even his brother was there, on time, and wearing his usual scowl. Astral took a quick look at his father’s face trying to glean the meaning of such a gathering, but the King revealed nothing his mouth set in a firm line.

Astral took his place standing beside his father, who sat in the mighty gem encrusted throne of Kethsar, famous throughout the nation. Stephen being a foot taller than Astral sneered down at his younger brother hating the fact Astral would be king and not him, he was better at everything. Astral ignored his brother’s look and focused on remaining calm.

The King rose suddenly and announced in a deep booming voice, “I have called you all here today to announce a most important event.” Giving a pause for effect he continued, “I have chosen a bride for my son Prince Astral. I believe she will bring stability for our country and ensure the continued survival of everything we hold dear.”

There was silence for a moment, and then whispers began to break out. All in attendance wondering who could it be? Several young ladies in the hall began to giggle excitedly hoping they had been picked for the great honor. Astral was even more puzzled, why had his father called all the lords together, just to announce his betrothal. Astral knew he would have to get married eventually being heir to the throne, but he hoped he had a few more years in the forest before he was tied down with such things. It was slightly strange his father had not even told him of the search for a bride. Astral could only hope she was one of the lovely lord’s daughters.

Once the whispers quieted down, King Liram spoke again shocking all assembled, “Her name is Corine Luna, princess of Veratin.”

Even Stephen had nothing scathing to say, his normal angry scowl replaced with a surprised and yet somewhat thoughtful expression.

"How dare you? How DARE you?!" Those were the only three words that Corine could get out of her mouth, but get them out she did. And she shouted at the top of her lungs at Prime Minister Ortho, who in response to her outburst, simply picked up his quill and began to write. He was completely ignoring the Princess.

"You have no right, do you hear me? None!" Ortho continued his work, scribbling away on the rough paper. "I am Princess Corine Luna of Veratin, I do not take direction from you." Ortho glanced up with a look that said "Yes, my dear, you do and you must." But Corine continued, "It's bad enough that you think you can orchestrate mine and their majesty's life, let alone that you think you may promise me in marriage. Marry the son of a king of a barbarian, backwards country like Kethsar, Indeed! I'd like to see you make me. He probably can't even read."

Corine plopped herself down in the cushioned chair opposite Ortho, confident that she had made her point and possibly put that commoner who called himself Prime Minister in his lowly place. She smoothed out her now wrinkled sea blue dress and waited.

Glancing up and seeing that Corine had finished her tirade, Ortho laid his quill down.

"Now then, Corie dear, let's talk calmly and reasonably, shall we?"

Corine responded with a very un-princess like snort. Then she checked herself, she had no reason to lower herself to his position.

"I know that we can accomplish that." Ortho shuffled through the papers on his table until he pulled out a large map, "You of course, recognize Veratin, and can see futher inland is Kethsar." He said in a patronizing tone, "You also know that up until recently we have been at war with Kethsar for many years, and that peace has been strained to say the least. But now, they have graciously offered to enter into a peace treaty with us. But even you must see that they cannot do that without collateral."

"Which would be me." Well, of course, it certainly wasn't going to be anyone else. Unless there was a fat old Duchess from Kethsar who would take Ortho.

"Exactly, see Corine, you really are bright." A horrible attempt at flattery.

"Then tell me Ortho, what is it we get out of this treaty?" She knew what she was getting: a dull, boring, probably dumb, husband.

"Peace of course. And there is a small matter of some land...but that will be my own personal property."

"I see" Corine said icily, for she did see. Ortho was getting richer, and getting rid of her at the same time. He was killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes.

"Do you, Corine? Do you know how important this really is? How your people long for peace? The countless lives that will be saved because of you. Do you care, young princess?"

ah! Ortho was a master of words, and how he knew it. He was playing on what had been bred into Corine at a young age: Do whatever it takes, no matter the cost or personal sacrifice, for the common people, because they certainly can't help themselves.

Corine sighed, there really was no way out of this, was there. Ortho probably already had her parent's permission, he just wanted a willing victim.

"When am I expected in Kethsar?" And Ortho smiled.

Astral clenched his jaw, it was one thing to betroth him to a woman of Kethsar without his consent, but entirely different when the chosen was heir to the Veratin crown. His father never would have agreed to such a union a year prior, what had changed?

The room erupted in shouts of rage from the present lords and even a few bolder females spoke up. Questions flew back and forth. “Why would the King do this? Were they losing the war? What did this mean for the country and their traditions, beliefs?”

King Liram had to raise his voice till the windows of the hall rattled before the room fell into an uneasy silence, “I know some are opposed to such an idea, but the alternative is the end of our great civilization.” Letting that statement sink in King Liram began to speak again “The princess will be here within two days time, she is to be treated with the utmost respect. There will be a ball held soon after her arrival. Celebrating the great union of our two countries.”

The King then turned to view Astral, who was turning red with anger. Had the two been alone Astral would have already broken something and stormed from the room as it was the prince was biting his tongue to keep from speaking. King Liram gave his son a smile, but it did not reach his eyes. For they glittered dangerously warning Astral to keep silent and agree happily to the betrothal. Giving his father one last look he changed his expression to one of acceptance while squaring his shoulders to face the nobles “I also believe this union will benefit Kethsar in many ways, we have much to learn from the princesses people.” Astral knew his father wanted him to speak more, but he was unable to continue lying to the assembled nobles.

“Now, my son has much to prepare before the Princess Corine arrives. I shall continue to discuss the matter with you all.” Giving a nod to his son, Astral was immediately hurrying through the crowd and out the massive doors, trying to leave his fate within that room. Making up his mind Astral rushed to the stables, placed a bridal on Raven, swung onto the stallions back and rode off without saddle or bow. The woods would help him relax and he could stay out for several hours without anyone bothering him.

Corine was on her way, for better or for worse, and she was betting on the worst.

She leaned back in her comfortable seat as the seashore slowly faded away. At least [i]her[i] country had a advanced, running transport system, unlike Kethsar she was sure. Right now, she was traveling in the comfort of the royal tramcar. The Veratin tram system ran from power of the water that would rush from the sea into the rivers and streams. It was a work of genius, really. But today, Corine took no pleasure in the engineering genius that went into making it run and work.

The sea was now behind her, and who knew when she would see it again? She loved the sea, she grew up with the sea, she was even named for the sea. Corine-for the lovely coral that divers found and then fashioned into jewelry for the rich and noble, like the necklace that Corine herself was wearing now. And then her second name of Luna, for the moon, which controlled the tides.

And her family was gone was well, behind her, in the capital.

Corine had been right when she suspected that Ortho had already gotten her parents permission when he talked to Corine. But her parents had given him the condition that Corine must be willing to enter the match, else, he would have to find some other way to make peace. But Ortho had made sure that Corine was willing.

Really, he guilted me into it, she reflected. But it was the right thing to do, if peace came of it and lives were spared. But sometimes, doing the right thing isn't easier just because you know it's the right thing. Especially when a man like Ortho was behind it all.

It was nice of her parents to want her to be willing for the match. Even though they were sending her far away, it wasn't because they didn't love her. They were simply doing what they had been brought up to do, take care of their country first. Country always came first, then family, but happiness was always last. Corine knew that even though they gave her the choice, she would disappoint them if she refused the match. It really was the easiest rout to peace.

So when they had said good-byes, they had been sad, but without tears, since they were too proud to cry. The queen had placed the coral necklace around Corine's neck in the few minutes before Corine had bordered the train.

It was only a matter of minutes, perhaps an hour at most, before the tram reached the end of it's line and Corine would have to travel in whatever transportation the country of Kethsar sent to her.

She could only guess that it would not be near as advanced or as comfortable as her own countries system.

"Backwards, rotten, barbaric old Kethsar" she shouted, to the fright of her ladies maid.