Alexander Goldsworthy's Story

Alexander felt himself groggily regain consciousness. He got his arms under him and slowly information began to form concrete bits of information. His head was spinning and felt like a spike had been driven into his skull...right he'd been at a party the previous night. A dry burning sensation was coursing through his throat and his fangs felt heavy but he could have sworn he'd drunk already. His stomach was also painfully empty another sign supporting he hadn't properly fed himself. It was at this point he noticed that the hall in his immediate vicinity and his own personage was covered it what had in all probability been his previous meal.

"Hmph this hasn't happened in a while... must have been something I ate," the comment was mostly to himself but the response of nearby staff made it apparent they agreed with his conclusion and thought he should shape up. The near immediate cleaning of his own mess seemed to further augment the issue. But a particular group held back, apparently there was something of relative import going on. His public image usually resulted in him only being contacted if something absolutely had to be addressed. He gestured to indicate they should hurry as he began to walk towards his room.

"The Lady Katherine has once more escaped before meeting a potential suitor who is currently en route to the mansion. As things are now it is doubtful she will be fetched in a timely fashion-" the speaker was unfortunately unable to continue their thoughts due to an untimely interruption.

"Then send Percival after her, I do believe that is part of his job,"Alexander cut off the unfortunate security aide. A brief smirk occurred at how he handled his issue with potential brides. He also began shedding his ruined vestments, "fetch me a clean outfit while I take a quick bath. Direct the suitor towards one of the private sitting rooms- Third floor's central should do- it has a good balcony for a view and is rather discreet." House keeping was gathering his clothes while he dropped them and another pair set off for the respective tasks. At this point he finally reached a bath and to no surprise everything was ready for his use, "Also rouse my other sister and Lucian...just in case someone with a better image is needed to handle our guest." At this point he shut the door on the personnel behind him. The people in question had something of a dazed look on their faces but quickly set off to prepare everything. Oddly enough it seemed his own behavior was the most unusual thing this morning. The fact he'd also forsaken any information available for a finer handling of the situation was something he hadn't done since he'd actively behaved as the eldest son should.

Alexander kept his bath incredibly short- truthfully he preferred showers to clean and baths were for relaxation- but his words had put him in this situation. He quickly suds up and rinsed off, checked to see if any smell remained and then rushed off to the room of his designation. In a further effort his only put his pants and shoes on before beginning his trek. He tossed the tie aside and left the top couple of his buttons undone before putting on his jacket. He tied his shoulder blade length raven colored hair back, the effect left his crimson irises to contrast with his pale skin.

Unsurprisingly his haste had left him the first to arrive to the room in question. This was reassuring since it let him settle in place and get ready for courtly matters such as this. He took a large armchair that granted a commanding view of the room- the windows and balcony naturally behind him- the theatrical edge should belong to him. He leaned his jaw against his right fist, the arm of the chair propping his elbow. In this posture he closed his eyes and focused: he needed memories on how to do this and to psyche himself up a bit. If he swung his weight around properly a lot of trouble could be avoided...Hayden would take over in case he couldn't manage. No, he firmly thought to himself, she's only been called to watch.

Oddly enough the thought comforted him somewhat and his body felt a bit warmer. Had his eyes been open he may have noticed a slight ripple in the air due to his unconscious increase in the output of his power. When the doors opened once more, he opened his eyes.

The early morning shone through the silver curtain's. Hayden sat a in luxurious silver and dark purple chair as she looked outside. She and her sister had suitor's coming in today and Hayden had woken seemingly early not wanting the maids to help her get ready. Since she was going to out right reject the suitor Hayden went for an elegant long lace sleeved white dress that stopped just above her knee and grey high-heels. She had done her hair in curls and pinned it up in a loose bun, large curly blonde pieces framing her face. Hayden didn't wear make-up cause she didn't like how it felt on her face. Like all of her siblings Hayden had a necklace given to her by her mother to keep the sun from harming her. Hayden's necklace was a beautiful sphere stormy grey diamond which hung on a white gold chain. Hayden disliked her appearance for whenever she looked in the mirror she was reminded of her mother, for besides the light hair color they almost look actually alike. She had gotten none of her father's looks.

"My lady, it is time to wake" Hayden heard at the door and stood up to greet the maids, whom just welcomed themselves into her room. They appeared a bit saddened that Hayden had once again dressed and groomed herself, the maids seemed to wish to treat her like a doll.

"I am already done, were shall I be meeting my suitor?" Hayden asked polity and the maid gave her the instructs her brother had given them. Hayden just nodded her head and left the room making her way to where Alexander was. Like everyone in the mansion Hayden maneuvered her way around with ease as she made her way to the room. She opened the door and was greeted with the sight of her brother.

"Good morning Alexander" she greeted formally, giving him a small smile.

"I don't know if you have been informed but it seems dear Uncle has not only sent Katherine a suitor but also sadly myself" Hayden said stoically. She didn't enjoy the whole match making thing for Uncle seemed to involve them all in, for Hayden herself had already rejected many this year and see was growing tired of it. Hayden gracefully took a seat on a small couch and awaited for the other's to join them.

---

Lucian had woken up at sunset and had being standing guard outside Hayden's door for the past few hours. He leaned against the wall beside the door, making sure to focus his enhanced hearing on what was going on inside encase there was an intruder. His long black trench coat hung loosely for he had yet to zip it up. His dark eyes scanned the hallway. He watched as the maids scurried around and once he saw Hayden his posture stiffened as he followed her. she didn't seem pleased this morning and truthfully he wasn't neither, he didn't like seeing Hayden unhappy. He followed soundlessly as they entered a room where Lucian saw Alexander, the eldest prince, sitting. Lucian bowed slightly to the man then followed Hayden to the couch, standing behind it, directly behind her. His large figure casted a shadow across the room as he crossed his arms and took on a cold facial expression.

"May I ask when these suitor's are to arrive sir?" Lucian questioned formally, as his dark grayish blue gaze met Alexander's.

Alexander found Hayden and Lucian on the receiving end of his gaze when his eyes opened. Naturally she had a suitor of her own and she managed to keep her expression rather clear. He was good enough with body language but Hayden was better than his ability to read-fortunately the ability to manipulate emotions also came with something of a sense for them- it was only this way that he detected a bit of irritation from her.

"Come on Hayden no need to be so formal," his face softened into a playful expression as he answered her greeting. A large, uninhibited smile formed on his face as he continued, " If you want I'll scare yours off too. Or we could try that one thing...what was it again. Something with 'cops' and their relative behavior."He found himself hoping Lucian would spot him on this one as the large man set himself behind his sisters choice of seating. Though instead he was reminded once more of business, damn that guy had some focus.

" No idea, I honestly hadn't thought to check," a rather helpless expression formed on his face while he answered Lucian. "Thought my best guess would be less than five, closer to three minutes from now said noble will arrive on premises. Then staff will show him hear, and with lovely sister's consent everything can be handled here before breakfast." His expression flatted out when he caught onto the tone Lucian had used.

" You do realize that you can address me casually, right."

Matthew wandered down the hallway, fixing his cufflinks as he did. His sister's suitors would be coming to visit them today.They most likely would have become the maids' living dolls for the morning. No doubt Alexander would be over protective of his sisters. It was the only time Matthew had actually seen his brother make a conscious effort to be decent. Matthew's gift was helpful when finding out about the suitor's pasts but not their future intentions.

He tended not to use his gift on people, he'd rather not know their secrets when they could not know his. Sometimes he wondered if he knew too much already. He snapped the cufflink into place and strode down the corridor, smoothing out his shirt as he did. He smiled brightly wen he entered the room, seeing his siblings, ignoring everything his clairsentience had taught him about his family. "Good morning brother, sisters," he looked around the room seeing no one else, "when do they plan on arriving?" Knowing his uncle's inability to keep time, he hadn't expected them to be here yet, but it seemed polite to ask.

Hayden smiled at her brother "That is not necessary Alex, I seemingly wish to reject him before he utters a word and if he doesn't follow command Lucian will surely escort him out, and I think what you are referring to is the whole 'good cop bad cop' scheme" she said lightly, her cold calculating feature's and dark violet eyes softening at her brother's words. Hayden slightly turned in her seat to look up at Lucian, whom looked as cold and emotionless as she had. Sighing slightly Hayden got out of her seat and went to stand in front of Lucian, his towering figure had once frightened her but now it was a comfort. Folding his arm's she took one of his hands in both of her's and craned her neck to look up at him.

"Relax Luke it will all be fine" Hayden said softly, giving Lucian a smile before she turned to face someone that had entered the room. She half expected it to be the suitor's but instead it was her dear brother Matthew.

"Good morning Matt" Hayden said formally then turned back to Lucian.

"Could you go and find my sister please?" Hayden asked polity.

---

Lucian nodded in response to Alexander and stood stiffly behind Hayden. He would gladly get rid of any person that angered or annoyed Hayden, especially other male's who were trying to take her away from him. Werewolves were very protective and possessive creature's and the thought of Hayden being taken away by a man made a deep, dark growl vibrated in his chest while his inner wolf snarled angrily at the thought. Lucian felt on edge but that all seemed to fade as he noticed Hayden. He loosened his arms so she could untangle them from each other and let her take his hand, his body instantly relaxing as she smiled at him. Hayden was the only one that could ever calm him down. He let a small grin make its way to his emotionless feature's. A slightly loud growl left his throat as he heard someone enter, drawing Hayden slightly closer, Lucian took on a defensive stance before he smelt who it was before he saw it was Matthew. Once again Lucian relaxed and looked back at Hayden.

"Of course, I'll be back in a few minutes" Lucian nodded then swiftly left the room. Him being of Alpha werewolf blood he was faster and stronger then normal werewolves and vampire's and noble vampires. In the lycan world Lucian was considered Royalty because he was an Alpha but it was merely just then strength and speed and not so much the riches and title like vampires. Using his nose Lucian quickly tracked down the youngest princess and walked up to her.

"Miss.Katherine I have been instructed to bring you back, so we may I would like to get back to Hayden" Lucian said stoically, looking down at the princess.

Ai Sato

Ai walked into the room. This was her first day on the job, so she didn't know what to do. So she bowed to the royal family and said solemnly with Hermes still on her shoulder, "Hello, I am the youngest princes guard, Ai. It is a pleasure to become a guard of the royal family." Hermes did a bow as well, and Ai stood up. She felt the eyes of the royals on her. This was her dream, to become a guard. So why was she almost shaking from excitement and fear mixed together?

"Sup bro," Alexander waved in response to Matthew's salutations but could only shrug in response to the question concerning time. He was caught off guard when Hayden answered his question on the scenario. The surprise wasn't due to her knowing the answer so much as the fact she actually answered his question.

It would seem his morning of unplanned events wasn't over. The next manifestation was Ai, though it did remind him of a detail he'd need to address.

"So you're the new girl, did you get a small vial with a drop of red fluid in it? They would have advised you to apply it on your skin somewhere or drink it. If they have not I can remedy the situation." He wasn't about to admit that he was the reason the vial was needed...it kept the confusion caused by his own emotions being broadcast like a radio from bothering everyone. It might have been due to his thirst, but he was paying more attention to the girl than he believed he usually would.

He also noted that having his fangs fully distended wasn't overly friendly but the burning dryness in his throat was nearly drying him mad. He couldn't retract them at this point in time despite his best efforts. The realization was cut short by a butler waving for attention near the door. He felt a wave of irritation sweep down his body as he rose to his feet.

"What is it," he unintentionally sounded irritated at the messenger. No effort was made aside from standing, to an extent his lack of sustenance was beginning to kick in. The result being his body felt heavier than usual, but he'd have to hold out for a while.

"One of the suitors has arrived, but he insists that one of you come down in person. Something about a lack of true royal precedence meaning that effectively this is a visit among equals." The man's face paled during his announcement, Alexander couldn't help but roll his eyes. After all this gave some prudent information on the suitor in question: they were a duke that much was obvious. The other was variable, either the duke was a relatively young duke of appointment or of a particularly bold elder line.

"I see,"Alexander deliberately kept his tone somewhat comforting.He attempted a joke with the fellow occupants of the room, "Anyone want to take bets one this one?"

"Yes sir, I received it last night. I drank it, sir." Ai replied honestly. She did receive the vial and she did drink it. She never knew what it was for, but she didn't ask as she wasn't about to lose her job for asking. The servent had told her not to ask Alexander, so she didn't. Hermes snuggled into Ai's neck, and she pet him. He felt just as nervous as she was. Petting Hermes calmed her down a little.

Katherine sighed once seeing Lucian. She didn't dislike him she just dislike the fact he was sent to fetch her. She stood up and followed him all the while formulating a plan for rejecting her potential suitor as she always did when her first plan failed. Katherine stepped into the room where everyone else seemed to gather. Her sister and her didn't exchange so much as a few words or even glances as they hadn't spoken to each other in a while. Katherine had been like that with her sister for a long time but she never understood why but never questioned it as they weren't on speaking terms.

She heard what the dilemma was when she approached the room with Lucian. "I guess I'll go though I doubt he'll be staying here long." Katherine spoke up. No matter the status of the suitor or who he was she as was the rest of her sibling a part of a higher class and could dis miss him at the door if she pleased but in order to keep up with her family's reputation of grace and politeness she would politely speak to him a bit then turn him down and be on her merry way.

Ai Sato
Ai looked at the one coming in who must be Princess Katherine. Assuming that they were talking about suitors, Ai looked back down. She never was asked to marry anyone. Even if she were, she would most likely turn them down. "Is there anything I may help with regarding the royal family? I will gladly do anything to protect." Ai was less nervous, and Hermes was calmly preening himself.