Princess Alexis Conall Aries



Alexis yawned before shivering slightly once more. Despite her travels, she had not gotten used to the cooler temperature of the other kingdoms in comparison to the sweltering heat of the Aries Kingdom. She pulled her cape closer to her, before turning to the window. The carriage had set off at the break of dawn, according to her memory, and the time was now approaching midday.

She peaked out the window, noting the many mountain kingdoms they passed and the strange features they assumed. Her tongue ran over her lips at random as she pulled back, not used to sitting still for so long. As her fingers fiddled with one another, her mind raced on earlier events. Alexis yearned to be on horseback, racing across the kingdoms to meet with the Queen, but her head servant had exclaimed that the ride would not agree with neither her dress, not to mention her hair which had to arranged just right so as not to allow it to grow wild in the humid weather.

The Queen. Immediately when news of war reached Alexis's ears, she announced to the kingdom her stance on the manner. Choosing the Queen's side was wise, considering the tension between the South and North as of late. Having the war would shift the attention away from internal problems and Alexis was now stalling for time. As much as she would not admit, she intended to join a war since either beginning so as to unify the kingdom against the common enemy: even if that enemy be the King.

She ran her hand through the bottom part of her hair and avoided the top part, seeing the labyrinth of braids and clips and twists would most likely fall to sudden tugging. People always seemed to compliment her hair, saying that it showed the enthusiasm and spirit of the Arian kingdom. Alexis wouldn't necessarily disagree but she would laugh it off. Her hair by far was incredibly difficult to contain and her advisers had often suggested she cut it short. But her hair needed to be long. How else would she cover that mark between the shoulder blades?

Her fingers gently touched the scar, trailing along the lines of the X, before moving away and feeling the dress's soft texture. She played with the thick fabric between her fingertips, amused from the idea that this was definitely not in the Arian. The fiery red seemed to make it so as well as the golden embroidering which created curls along her sleeves, but other than color the dress showed no signs of being Arian.

Her eyes raised once more to the outside, absorbing the flourishing lands. Inside, she felt excitement rise up in her and she patted her chest to calm down. She usually made mistakes when she was too excited, her advisers said. She could not afford any mistakes. Alexis reached down for her large brown bag, the simple demeanor not matching any of there surrounding elements.

"Driver, when will we get there?" Her hand rifled through her belongings, brow furrowed as she searched.

"Soon. An hour or so more, if I may believe correctly."

Alexis groaned and continued her search. Most of the contents were tactical papers that she did not feel like going through at the moment. After rifling through, she finally found what she was looking for. She ripped off a bit before placing it in her mouth and chewing, savoring the taste as well as the feeling of chewing.

"Princess Aries, do I hear chewing?"

Alexis gave a couple more chews."It's just gum. To settle my nerves. I'll throw it out before we get to the castle."She heard a sigh from the driver.

"As you wish, Princess Aries."

"Repeat that back to me again soldier, what was found within our borders? Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, sitting on horseback and returning from a few days camping in the West of the kingdom... he looked down upon a lone soldier from his army, whom had approached the young ruler with a hurried expression and fast-paced message.

"I-I am sorry my lord, I've been sent to find you hours ago but to no luck, however The Iron Ring was adamant sir, I fear I am out of breath..." The man spoke quickly and tiredly, Sebastian in response simply raised a hand and smiled calmly.

"It is alright, calm yourself and speak clearly... you are in no trouble for being tired."

The soldier righted himself and smiled thankfully before taking a few breaths and repeating his words. "A spy sir, soldier clad in armor designed for espionage and observation... he was dead on our borders." The soldier paused, waiting for his Lords reaction.

"...So? 'Tis not an uncommon thing, for others to watch us... mercenary companies, foolish attempts at assassination... common fare, why is this corpse of relevance."

The soldier frowned before continuing. "His armor sir... the insignia and make... this man wore the armor of the Queens army."

Sebastian frowned suddenly and paused in his train of thought. He had claimed neutrality since the wars early days post the untimely death of his father and as far as it had seemed the Queen was respectful of his decision... and although no words were traded between Sebastian and she, not a single attack or incursion had occurred in the Taurean lands. To hear of a potential spy watching over his kingdom led to the possibility of more spies being present... which led to the assumption that the Queen was preparing to invade his lands.

Sebastian's brow furrowed further and he felt panic rise within him. He had not the army nor the allies to stand against the Queen, aster his claiming of neutrality he highly doubted that the King would come to his aid should he truly be in danger. Looking to the back of his steed, Sebastian checked his remaining supplies from camping, his weapons were loaded... as well as the over-zealous funds that the Iron Ring insisted he carry... food and water were plenty due to his flasks and rations... and if he ran out he could gather more rather easily with what he had.

He decided then, that action would have to be taken... and it would have to be taken quickly, if the Iron Ring themselves were informing Sebastian that the armor found was legitimately of the Queens army, then the time to meet with the Queen personally was at long last becoming a necessity. He understood that, of course, this could all be a misunderstanding... hell there was the possibility that the Queen was being framed and had given no such order for a spy to be present or even passing through the Taurean kingdom... but even still, the quickest way to resolve the issue would be to question the Queen personally and politely... rather than to start a fight over nothing.

While there, he would also be able to re-affirm his neutrality to the Queen... in person.



[color=#8A0808]"Soldier, carry a message to the Iron Circle from me, write it down if you must."

"N... no need sir! I have the memory of most of my platoon combined, I'll deliver whatever message you need delivered." The soldier puffed out his chest and Sebastian smiled at his determination.

"Very well, then tell them this; I ride for the Queens lands, alone, to discuss this issue. They are not to send anyone after me, as this visit is one of peace and any more than myself would raise an eyebrow to insecurities that I do not possess. I hope to be back within the next week or two, if a month passes without my return than I permit the Ring to send whomever they wish to find me... understood? The soldier saluted and shortly after bowed to the Prince.

"Consider it done my liege!"

Smiling and nodding at one of his many wards, Sebastian reigned back his horse and turned on the spot before breaking into a gallop in the direction of the Queen's kingdom. He hoped that upon his arrival he would find a peaceful and simple solution to his newfound issue... however, he was almost certain that it would not be so easy a task as he hoped for.