Cold steel always talked louder then any words or anything really. That truth had always revealed itself to soldiers throughout history. And looking into the cell that housed all of perhaps ninety five pounds of the Fearian princess Richard could not but agree with such a saying. The bars were perhaps not as cruel as a naked sword but in their own way it was a cruelty beyond battle. Though the red head was somewhat beyond caring. The woman, for her figure denied any other term, knew nothing of the struggle he faced. And that lack of knowledge in his mind absolved him of any wrong doing.

He would liked it immensely if such perceptions matched reality. But only death was so clear cut. In the year he had been here the hope and dreams of his childhood rose high as Valdimir fanned them high, but so to did the doubts. He was a soldier, even if only a private, and more to the point a scion of a military family and the inherent treacherous nature of the plan sat ill with him. But one look at the doll of a princess reminded him of the prize.

You never knew the burdens I have. No your silver spoon birth gave you everything. Richard thought with a heat that no doubt showed upon his face. Had he known the soldier would have been equally angry at himself. For such anger was a loss of control and that was less then prefect. What do you know of true want.

He then studied the woman in her cell She was admittedly a fine specimen a nice cross of innocence and pure seduction. But the lowly private with dreams of a future free of want thought little of such matters. In that he was perhaps different from the others who knew her. He had no benchmark to judge from however. She was however every bit as dangerous as he was. Richard needed no warning to know that. Fluttering lashes and heaving bosoms could not hide a core of steel.

" So tell me your Highness what is your desire today? I assume the basic necessities of life are in order. Perhaps a tea party with our other guests." He asked in a deadpan manner, the only way he could maintain a leash upon his control. For in his mind she had not earned the comforts once hers.

Taran awoke early that morning as was his habit. 0500. He barely ever slept to begin with, so now days most of his time was devoted to guarding the Princess's cell. After a groan of misery, he rolled out of his bed and began his morning ritual. Make his bed, change clothes, go on a 30 minute run around the deck , before a 30 minute weightlifting session. He hated both running and lifting weights, but he knew that if he slacked off, then he would not pass the standard physical fitness test next month. Once finished, he took a shower, dressed in his duty uniform, and filled his day bag before going to get his breakfast. Grabbing two trays, he opted out of eating at the dining hall and instead, carried the trays straight to the door he would spend the rest of the day sitting in front of.

Assuming that the princess was still sleeping, he silently slid the tray through the slot at the bottom of the door. He nodded to the guard who watched the door while Taran slept, signaling that he could leave, and sat on a provided chair directly across the hallway from the door. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was 0630. He was a bit early, but it did not matter to him. He pulled a book from the bag, and propped it on his knee before taking his knife from his belt and cut up a fruit he grabbed while he started to read. This particular book was titled: A History on the Tyranian Empire. Ever since he began guarding the princess, he developed an interest in her people. Along with this, he also brought Tyranian Customs and Culture, Tyranian Military History and Tactics, along with a Tyranian fictional novel, Art collection, and Poetry. Nothing about it was particularly fascinating to him, but it was different enough to his own culture, so he read on, listening to the room he faced, awaiting for the girl to awaken.

The sky was clear and blue as the sun shined through the trees. The wind danced a crossed her peachy skin and flew through her light brown hair as she road on top of her beloved grey mare, Minerva. Terynia always felt some sort of freedom as she took her daily ride. It was one of the few times she could be herself without a care. If only her own heart could be at ease. This was not the case though. Death had come to her kingdom and just last week one of her cousins had been found dead. Being an only child, Teri became close with her cousins and this one had hit her hard because it was her favorite cousin. Seeing her dead body still lingered in her mind. Suddenly there was a chill in the air. Terynia looked up to see the sky darken. Her violet eyes widen before she could feel herself falling into darkness.

Falling . . .

Falling . . .

Falling . . .

Princess Terynia Erathius woke up with a gasped, bringing the sheet up with her. Her hands were shaking as she tried to take deep breaths. A dream. It was only a dream. Teri looked around, confusion written all over her face. This wasn't her room. It was than that memories came flashing back to her. She remembered. That day when she went out riding for the last time. After her ride, her parents told her she was leaving and going to the Xexian Space Station for her own protection until security was backed up. The Tyranian princesses protested but eventually gave in. Now she was being held hostage. She recalled seeing two other princesses she recognized before they were all split up. She wondered if they were okay.

Terynia didn't understand this situation at all though. The Xexian Military was suppose to be protecting them! Not enslaving them. A sense of dread had settled in the pit of Teri's stomach. All thoughts left her mind though when her stomach growled. Embarrassed that such an unladylike thing happened, the princess looked around her cell and saw a tray with food on it on the ground. Getting up, Terynia slide a bare foot towards the ground and flinched when she realized it was a bit cold. Still, determined not to be a weakling, the brunette stands up. She was only average height at 5'5". The cell was at least adequate temperature wise and the bed she was on had one small mattress, sheet, and blanket with a pillow. Terynia was used to more elaborate furniture, but she wouldn't complain. Still it was a prison and she wanted out of it.

Walking to the tray, she bent over and picked up to a small chair and desk. Sitting down, she started to eat, trying her best not to shove it down her throat.

”...all the birdies are singing happily. But don’t you also think that they will look prettier if they stay still?” floated out Seraphine’s under-the-breath melody, a certain bitterness lacing the words. On any normal day, had she been back in her rightful kingdom and in her rightful home, this particular princess would have been swiftly reprimanded for indulging in such a frivolous habit, a worn copy on the topic of the basic lessons of etiquette scornfully dropped into her lap. On any normal day, the doll-esque girl would have then allowed for an exasperated sigh to escape its confines, before, with gentle precision, lifting the front cover to reveal the ancient words already ingrained and hardwired into the front of her memory. On any normal day, as those golden rays stretched further across the gray-slatted floor and deepened their color, Seraphine would have casted a longing flicker over to her closed notebook, the leatherbound front mourning her absence.

However..this was not a normal day. No longer was she secluded away in the stone-built room designated as her own, as her prison. No longer was she in the Fearian kingdom, the tantalizing rolls of the cerulean sea alighting a yearning within her core. No no, far from it. Currently, at this moment in time, Seraphine was stationed aboard the Xexian Space Station in order to be protected from god only knows what, the tiny room far from displaying her status. However..it wasn’t like she could really complain. After all, despite the ‘prison’ guard that would occasionally make his rounds, Serrah was free here. At least mother isn’t present...or even worse, Troma. My my..she would have a fit if she caught me singing! Even worse, if she caught me drawing! mused her gleeful inner whisper, the outward pull of such emotion causing her to squirm ever-so-slightly on the mattress.

Such emotions, unfortunately, much like any other event or time in history, were rapidly fleeing. In fact, Seraphine felt him before she heard him.. her guard that was hastily closing the distance between her cell and his location. A familiar dread settled into the pit of her stomach as expectation of what was next to come made itself known. His thoughts. ’Silver spoon’ huh? Well.. I wouldn’t exactly call it that… but still-! was her mulling, an inward wince given at the tangible distaste and animosity stowed away within the young man's thoughts. Not even wanting to turn around, Serrah merely gave a soft sigh as his footsteps halted in front of her door, the usual demands, each syllable filled with disdain, ringing out. Tearing away a moment of time to collect, and restrain the silver-laced words bubbling up on her tongue, Serrah casted Richard a glance over her shoulder.

Mouth opening, the princess couldn’t quite gather her words nor summon her voice. The reason? She was stunned. Despite having constantly seen other’s auras since her birth, every single one still continued to mystify and entrance her.. this guard was no different than the others. However..his was swirling with hues of dull colors, the sign of hostility. A second past before another couple followed in pursuit, the Fearian heiress still dumbfounded. My god.. pull yourself together, Seraphine! hissed out her conscious, not-so-subtle, annoyance. With a hasty series of blinking and the narrowing of her mauve-hued orbs, a response was finally given life. "Well, yes I would assume the basic “necessities” of life would be provided… considering I am human and alive, after all. As for my desire? Hm.. well I would adore being moved to a more pleasurable and adequate room. I would also adore if I, as well as the other nobles here, were to be released to return home. However.. I highly doubt you could provide and fulfill either request. So yes, why not? A tea party would be lovely” bite out her response, a certain snarky and sarcastic tone colouring the words. After all, his thoughts and negative energy had struck with the the ailment of a terrible pang in her head, something of which she didn’t take too kindly to.. it was only natural for Serrah to be snippy.

Taran had finished approximately twenty five pages of the book when he heard movement in the room in front of him. His eyes still glued to the pages, he spoke up. "Good morning, your highness. Did you sleep well?" He had mixed feelings on holding the royal girls captive, so he tried to be as polite as possible. At least until she gave him a reason not to, he would try his best to make her life easier. In a sense, it was a way of both apologizing to her, but also for thanking her. Although he did not initially want this tasking, it was the easiest job he ever had. So far, except for the few times in which he had to escort her somewhere, he spent most of the day sitting in his chair, reading. For someone like him who preferred to exercise his mind instead of his body, it was almost perfect. Although sometimes he grew a bit restless, and needed to talk to someone, so in any case, he felt it best to stay on his ward's good side.

By the gods of war you'd think the woman seen right through me...That or I've got something on my face. Richard thought with perhaps the slightest hint of smug amusement at the slack jawed surprise written large upon his charge's face. The moment dragged onto a somewhat awkward pause before with a visible effort the princess gathered herself together. Eyes they always give you away. Though I'd give a week's pay to know what worries the girl so. It can't bode will for either her or the rest of us.

Though he didn't fear anything the princess was capable of, this unknown was enough to warrant attention. After all for all intents and purposes she was basically Richard's problem. And the private always attacked a problem from every conceivable angle


Whatever his plans for the moment were the red head was forced to abandon them for the tone of Seraphine's reply reminded Richard of exactly the things he hated. True upon reflection the soldier would no doubt realize his own words brought out the coloring of her reply. But the private was hardly in the mood for reflection.

Instead he dug around the left chest pocket of his uniform, it's freshly starched nature cracking audibly. Pulling out what obviously a old photo he looked down at it. Upon it's surface was captured one of his few truly happy moments. A tall red headed couple, Richard's parents, held a very young Richard between them. Clad in swimsuits the happy family stood in front of a sun drenched white sand beach. The father laughing with open joy, the mother with a impish grin, while Richard himself was halfway between a jump and a shout.

He remembered that day well for it was the last time true joy was his. Before his mother died, before his father became a ghost, and before the real weight of what it meant to be a Point truly meant.

Still the photo was able to remind him of the feeling of happiness. And so it served as a focus for his emotional control and the perfection he demand of himself.

Tucking the picture back within it's pocket Richard looked once more at Seraphine, the princess in chains as it were." Merely existing entitles one to nothing your highness. That being said Vladimir said to keep you lot alive. If you are hungry we can get a meal at the mess hall or I can simply bring you one." Here the soldier paused to flex his wrists, the motion seemingly unconscious. " Also if you wish we can hit the gym, or perhaps the station's library given your rather delicate physique. Furthermore if so should desire I can see if our other guests are free." He asked wirh a flat tone doing his level best to disregard Seraphine's scathing reply.

How long would it be until the nightmare was finally over? It felt as though a eternity had passed in mealy one night. The dreams seemed to get deeper and deeper into oblivion. Was this insanity sneaking up on her? No. Perhaps something worse was upon her. Could it possibly be fear or just grief. Loneliness or pure boredom. All the possible emotions she could express the situation she had been in for not too long couldn't possibly be enough. She began to look around the steel coated room she was placed in. It's very appearance was bleak. Almost as if they intended to send her to a state of insanity. But she could not complain. Sadly, if she had the choice, she would prefer this place over the place that was beyond it.

Space. Nothing but pure cold and eternal emptiness. With no sure end in sight, it was truly a ensured death and burial. Just the thought made her shiver. So die in a empty dark freezer. It was as if her three worst nightmares had joined forces to imprison her. It was truly cruel and yet amazing. She sighed slightly while holding her head. How could it possibly be amazing beyond the point of the only pure thing in this universe. The sun. Sure she couldn't see it's beauty as well as she could when she was at home but everyday she feels as though her connection with it was fading. There were no sun shrines here unlike at her home. Her faith in the beautiful orb was still as strong especially now.

She paused slightly then look towards the opening of the cell. Now was about the time that he would be coming. She had no opinion of him nor did she have a reason to. She did not know of this male and did not know about him. Was it false to think he was pure evil? Of course not. She could since it in her mind that her cruelness was quite fair.

How often do you think people speak of peace? No land is without strife, so you suppose all those in woe speak of it often. The people in woe are more often then not the commoners of the land. The laborers, shopkeepers, the farmers. The people necessary for a land to be a land in general. Though oddly enough, it is those of Noble birth that speak of peace the most. For it is they who are responsible for every aspect and facet of achieving the peace, yet also the reason why there is none. The common people couldn't care less who truly ruled, so long as they can scrape out their own way in the world. So when the Three Nations of our planet claimed peace between them, the common folk were happy. nut the Nobles ever happier. Nothing changes. Though, peace, however a popular ideal it is, is fragile. How long would the peace last? For many fools are under the notion that once peace is established, it is permanent. This is not so. How long until the next generation brings forth a vicious ruler, or an idiot one? What would it take for the peace to break? How easy is it to slip into war? Very easy. All it takes.....is a single word.

Lorenzo stopped typing and began to massage his eyes. He had been working on his thesis for several months now, though only recntly has he really found the time to truly work on it. He would have to think of a title eventually, but or now, he was content on just calling it his thesis. He looked over at his clock and realized he should probably check on his prisoner soon. Lorenzo gave a satisfying crack to his neck and stood up from his leather bound captains chair siting behind his large wooden desk. Vladamir was kind enough to send him a real wooden desk for his position on the Station. The smell of real wood would sometimes let him forget that he was in the darkness of space.

He grabbed his gloves from his hat and placed them on his hands, then he did the same with his cap. He adjusted himself in the mirror, making sure he looked as presentable as his rank would require. Once he was satisfied, he walked back over to his desk and lightly grasped the green stem of a pure black Orchid. He gave it a loving smell and let one of his rare true smiles spread across his face. Lorenzo then gathered himself, placed the Orchid down, and marched off out of his office.

He marched off down the hallway towards where she was being kept. He hadn't really seen much of her, but he had read her file enough to know what she was like. She was, out of the three, easily the most dangerous. At least, that's what her power would suggest. Fires in a pressurized space would be absolutely destructive. If she wasn't careful, or him, she could destroy the entire station......in a worst case scenario. Which is probably why Lorenzo was but in charge of her. His mind briefly wandered to Lt. Mortair and Pvt. Point's progress with their respective wards.

Lorenzo finally reached the cell and found himself at its entrance. He stared to see she had awoken. He put on a charming smile. "Good morning Ms. Montoway. Though I say good morning, on this station there is no actual relevance to time, as time of day is measured from within an atmosphere, instead of out here in the Void. I am Ryker, Captain First Class." He then stopped briefly and chuckled lightly to himself. "Though, I doubt you care of my station. So, lets make things a little less formal then you're used too. For all intensive purposes while you're here, I am not a Captain, and you are not a Princess. How does that sound, neh?"

She paused hearing the males cold and yet mocking voice. She wasn't sure what this males single intentions were but, just like the rest of the troops, she did not trust him. She pushed a bit of her smooth hair out of her face and released a small sigh. At moments like this on her home planet, she would turn to the sun and close her eyes hoping to find enlightenment in it's warmth. Now, she could only remember what the warming lights felt like. In her dreams, she could still feel it's wonderful love. She wondered how long it would be before she could feel it again.

"If you could call it a "good" one." She mumbled slightly. In the void, it truly was difficult what was morning and what was just darkness. Everything out here was nothing like what a human was meant to be put through. But what could she possibly do about it when this man was literally down her neck. She sighed slightly half listening to the male. "Yes well, Ryker was it? If those are your terms then i suppose there is nothing more i can do about it now can i?" She said while shivering slightly from lack of heat. "And it's Viola. As you said i am not a princess so no need for formalities. Ms. isn't a requirement."