"So, the coronation has been postponed for several days...For what?" came a steely voice as Marcus bowed low.

"The Prince is mentally and physically fatigued," the Prime Minister began," due to exhaust--"

"Exhaustion!?" he was cut off, "Sounds like a weak excuse. But, then again, my brother's always been weak."

"Devon--!?" the Prime Minister exclaimed as the tall man brushed past him.

Devon swept back his coal-black hair, as he tugged on the collar of his white shirt, which he wore rather loosely. He looked like one employed to the mafia, a "bouncer", bluntly put; and, if not for his face, he would have been quite mistaken as such. Born of noble birth, he also looked the part, now, "acted", that was another story.

A sly look was in his slivery eyes, as if he was amused. His manners altered in a second, as if he was putting on a show for someone. After a moment he spoke, to an unseen audience, "Why don't you come out of hiding...Dannira...?"

The elegantly dressed woman revealed her form, slowly. A look of pure disdain alighted her face, perhaps from being found out, and she refused to look in the eyes of that man. However, she did notice that he wasn't surprised at her presence; ironic, it was just like old times.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, still not willing to look into those wintry eyes, as she crossed her arms.

She watched the ground intently, daring not to look in any other direction and saw devon's shadow shift until it fell completely on her. Soon his long fingers were tracing her pale cheeks; at his touch they flared. "Still on guard I see... Just like 'old times'..." reading her thoughts, he whispered in an implicated tone.

Dannira finally turned her face to meet his cold stare. "Quit toying with me..." she whispered as her eyes narrowed to a slim line, they flashed.

At her word's one of Devon's hands whipped out and grasped her chin. He smiled devilishly, "You haven't forgotten our bet, have you?" Dannira tried to wrench free but he held her still, "Or is it that you've already lost...?" he asked as he licked his lips, like a wild animal, hungry, ready to devour it next meal. A persistent, dark smile still hung on his face, satisfaction running through his eyes.

Dannira lifted her hand, as if to strike him, but refrained when she saw the look he gave her. It was a look of supreme indifference, the kind one has for unwanted trash. "My dear," he began as he loosened his hold, "you are mere baggage...Don't be so conceited...I'm not here to cause you grief. I hadn't even intended to see you. No, I am merely curious..."

"About what!?"

"Not 'what', whom..."

"Darrek...?" Dannira's voice quivered, at the point of becoming undone.

"I would be lying if i said he was the only reason..." he smirked as he backed off. He turned, in a cold manner, tospeak with a silent Marcus once more; their conversation was finished and nothing in the world could change that.

"But, Daddy, I-I can't--!" whined a young version of Rika.

A soft-spoken man, with light hair, and round spectacles looked at her kindly. With a smile like sunlight he began quietly, "Rika..." he paused, "Don't ever say that. Remember, 'you can do it'..."

"'You can do it'..." I whispered, with a sad, tired smile, as I stroked a budding rose. I was in the rose gardens, alone, or so I thought.

"You can do what...?" came a calm voice; the sound of its soft solemnity jolted me out of my shell. I looked up to lock eyes with a pale mysterious figure. He was tall, but a melancholy air was about him, like he carried a grievance, but that was crazy. I shook my head to dispel such thoughts, after all, this unexpected visitor was smiling at me; how could I think such things?

The smile he gave was eloquent but it only added to his mysterious charm and I had to ask, "Who...are you?"

"Ah, where are my manners?" he asked as he inclined his head; he made a move to take my hand and kiss it but i drew away unconsciously. I didn't feel like being touched by anyone, especially not with a "kiss." But as soon as I had moved away I knew I had been rude, "Oh, I'm sorry...It's just--" I said flustered. i couldn't come up with a good excuse, and everything that came to mind had "lame" written all over it.

As I searched my head for an answer that would stick he shook his head with a still, gentle smile. "It's quite alright..."You've had a bad day, correct? I think that's how I found you..."

I stared at him in further wonder, it was as if he knew, just like Ferrina. Nonetheless, I had to put the matter straight, "Not really...I'm just really...confused..."

"Then I was drawn to you because of that...We are the same...I too... am confused. I am Yavin," he said as he indicated such.

I stared at him for a moment, so that's why I thought he had a sad aura, I thought. Confusion. I finally caught up with my thoughts, "Wait! Yavin? The Yavin, Emperorof Kastra...!?" I asked in delayed shock. To think I would meet him so soon, and be speaking with him in such a casual manner!

"Yes," he said as he gazed intently at the rose I had been handling. "I am who you say..." and, as if guessing my distress, he added, "But worry not. I am merely a passing guess; one, who accidentally stumbled upon you...by chance..."

We both went silent then, as if an awkward mood had settled; but it wasn't unpleasant, it simply was time passing over two people, perhaps bound by fate- perhaps not, who understood each other.

"It's a lovely day though," I commented, as I let the conversation drop there and breathed in deeply the rich scent of roses. I had a feeling I would have plenty of time to speak with Yavin, another day; for now, I just wanted to take in the scene and reflect of all that I was trying to clear from my mind. I didn't nee more questions.

"Yes, it really is..."

Devon inspected a wine glass with supposed scrutiny. A rather bored expression alighted his face as he set the object of his attention down, onto a nearby table. It clinked against another, and he found that quite irritating; his attitude seeped gloom, perhaps because he got "this" way when bored. Whatever it was, he was having a hard time keeping up his little facade.

He stood in the banquet hall, where tables and chairs, aside from the main-table that stretched from end to end, had been abandoned for the coronation. Several groups of idle servants milled about with no apparent task to attend to. Better yet, they had "noting" to do.

Devon found that they, too, were irritating, in their own way; and he wanted to pick a fight with one of them who kept ogling him. For now, he had the self-control to stay put; but boredom kills, and it wasn't he that one should worry about.

He pulled out one of the many vacant chairs and sat down to better survey the lazy scene. He was almost tempted to kick up his feet and let them rest on the table in front of him, like anyone would care, like anyone could stop him.

"How dull..." he sighed. With a look of apathy he asked, "And why are you following me?"

"How did you know?" came dannira's voice, it was unusually subdued.

"Because you're not a very good ninja..." his voice was slowly coming to life, but it still held its monotony. At least he wasn't bored any more. "And because I know you."

Her temper falerd at these words, and the way he said them. His tome made her feel unworthy, like he owned her. "You don't know me!

Her yelling was enough to get bim going as well, "Oh, yeah!? I know that you don't really love him...! It's so superficial and petty! The way you strut about pretending! Your acting sucks and it makes me sick!" he scoffed without moving.

"And what do you care!?" she yelled back. They both didn't realize that they were making quite a spectacle of themselves, and that their voices echoed throughout the empty room.

"Because I--!"

"Oh!" a gasp interupted their escalating argument. The two of them glanced away from each other when they noticed a third presence. It was the Ambassador, and before they could respond she continued, "You sound like two jealous lovers..."

It was meant as a joke but it was enough, it pretty much ended their tirade, and Dannira had the courtesy of blushing out of shame, Devon, on the other hand, didn't care one or the other. Scolding didn't work on him.
Ferrina, with a look of slight satisfaction at the response of at least one of them, nodded to them both with a formal greeting; but she was here to address only one person, so she turned to him.

He grinned cockishly as her calculating stare fell over him. Her face was an immediate frown when she looked at him; she did not like him, that was apparent. It seemed he was unwanted wherever he went, a pebble in one's show, someone no one wished to have around yet present everywhere. he certainly wasn't wanted her and yet he held an invitation; Ferrina shook her head at this notion.

"I'm looking for the Prince...Perhaps you can help me..."

Something sparked in Devon's eyes, it was interest, as he turned to ignore Dannira completely. "I'm also looking for someone...The Princess, Rika Varnese..."

"My Lady!" came Amy's voice.

Ferrina looked up as her personal secretary, and friend, made her way to her side. "Where have you been!? I've been looking for you all day long!"

The two stopped in the middle of the corridor. The giant windows they stood in front of stretched to the ceiling, and they faced the west; it was a perfect display of the sunset and the wispy breeze sent the white curtains that framed them billowing up like clouds. The sky was set ablaze with crimson-reds and sheer-oranges, a soft glow enveloped all.

"I've been looking for the Prince and I recruited help," Ferrina said as she waved vaguely to the side, where Devon stood casually out of the way. He was leaning lazily against a marble pillar, whistling, not a care in the world. "But, as you can see," Ferrina continued, "We've gotten nowhere..." she said, letting her cockish accent slide. The absence of the Prince was evidence enough, she didn't need to emphasize anything.

"Why is Devon helping you?" Amy wondered aloud. Everyone knew what kind of person he was; he made no effort to keep his way of life a secret. Simply put, he wasn't very discreet. He preyed upon the weak, taking whatever he wanted, giving nothing back. He looked out for only himself, lived only for himself; he was a leech.

"Because he's looking for someone as well..." the Ambassador said, a bit on edge.
"Who...?"

"Rika..." at the Ambassador's words something genuinely interesting caught Devon's attention, for he stirred abruptly from his laid back position. The object of their conversation came into view, just beyond the open windows, in the gardens.

"Speak of the devil..." Devon whispered under his breath as he went to a window and hopped over it effortlessly. Amy and the Ambassador watched him leave, but the Ambassador wasn't finished.

"Tell me," Ferrina began, without being obvious, "Is Dannira behind us?"

Amy caught the hint in her voice and glanced in the direction Ferrina had indicated. Sure enough, Lady Dannira was there, trying to hide from them and doing a poor job of it; but her eyes weren't on the pair nor was she stalking them. No, her eyes were on something beyond them, or rather, someone. "Yes, she is...Why?" Amy asked in a whisper.

Ferrina sighed, "This love story just got a bit more complicated..."

I glanced up as I heard someone coming my way and instantly froze at the sight of a familiar face; but I pulled out of it soon enough. This man, although he had a face not like Darrek's, was entirely different.

The way he stood, the way he carried himself hid something greater than he let on. Because of this I didn't quite trust him; he had secrets.

He smiled, but it seemed hollow, and I couldn't help but compare it to Darrek's. "I've been looking for you, Rika..." he said with a sweeping bow.

"Do I...know you?" I immediately asked, even though he had the face of my husband, I was sure I had never seen him before in my life.

"That's right...I have yet to introduce myself," he said as he took my arm in his own, without my consent-- I might add-- and led me back the way I had come. "I am Devon... The Prince's half-brother, and sorry for the hasty introduction; I wanted to get away from the company... You see," he paused and spun me around to face him. "I wanted you all to myself," he whispered in my ear before his lips brushed against my cheek lightly.

Before i could protest, myself, a shrill voice cut through the air, "Devon, what are you doing!?"

I whipped around with surprise, "Dannira!?"

This was only the first surprise; what added to it was the fact that Devon was obviously unphased, as if he was going through practiced motions. What was going on!?

Devon pulled me into a tight grip, and I felt like I was going to pop as I was crammed so close to his chest, and what a chest it was... I shook my head-- I was not thinking that way!

My face heated, as his voice carried over me, "Snooping again...Dannira? Where's 'lover-boy'?" I bristled.

"Resting..." she shot a menacing glare towards me-- what had I done!?

"Are we going to have a falling out... again? Or are you going to let me and the lady partake in our business privately?"

I shoved him away, "What the heck are you talking about!?" I waved at the both of us, "There isn't a 'me and the lady'!" I shrieked as I nearly pulled my arm off to get away.

Rip!!

I looked at Devon, then the torn fabric at my feet, back at Devon, and then at Darrek... I stopped. Darrek! My mouth gaped.

His eyes were red, puffy, and tired looking, but it was him in the flesh. I did not need this; I only wanted to run at this moment, after our kiss-- I felt embarrassed just thinking about it! So many question whirled in my head.

Did he love me? Did I love him? Or was it just in the moment? Was he taking advantage of me? Did he just need a companion to share his troubles with-- not a wife? Why was I here and not back home!?

"Rika...?" came his voice.

I lurched out of my inner monologue, "Huh...? What!?"

"I asked what was going on?" asked my husband as I noticed that he had transported me from Devon's side to his.

"I was out for a walk... and... That's right! How are you!? Are you okay!?!" I said as I twirled around and the top of my head rammed into his chin.

In a moment he was nearly crumpled to the floor. Whoops...I had expected that. But he still managed to stay, "I was fine..." he said in that sarcastic tone I had grown to know.

"Well...I don't know why I was worried then... You sound fine!" I huffed as I stalked off. I had been worried about him!? He was making me fret!? Well not anymore!

"Smooth move..." came Devon's voice to the Prince's ears. "Was that your attempt to seduce your wife? Well that worked grand!"

"You think you can do better!?" Darrek gowled.

"Watch me, brother," his half-brother said with a sly smile as he followed Rika's path. The Prince's faith in himself wavered and his face went white as a sheet.

"Rika..." he breathed.

Dannira paced her suite, biting her nails in a rather unladylike fashion. "Why was he with her? Does he really...? I mean... No... It can't be... I won't lose!" she hissed as she walked to her window and pulled back the lace curtains.

Her eyes brightened, "Now this...could work..." and with that she was out of her room in a flash.

She ran past everything, stopping for nothing except when she past by Devon. As she saw him draw near she lifted her head, like she was the Queen herself, and strutted by him as if she were ignorant of his presence and the ploy worked.

He stopped and slammed his fist into the wall right in front of her, cutting her off from her path. "Now what's this? The lady finally found leave of her senses?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" she feigned it.

"Right. I suppose that's why you've been following me around, then? You simply 'don't know why'? Well I can tell you... You've lost, haven't you? Pay up." he demanded without relenting.

"With what? We never agreed to terms!" Dannira cried in defense as she scooted around him. "And I still have a chance...w-with...Darrek!"
 

He saw her face heat up as a smile split his face, "You know you don't. maybe once...Back when you had first been together. But not know, not after Marie, and now he's falling for her. You can see it..." he whispered in her ear as he pulled back her hair. "You're fighting a losing battle--"

"Shut up! Just shut up!" she yelled as she  jerked away. "Why does it matter to you, anyway!? You never once looked at me...and... and..."

His fist slammed in front of her again, and stopped her in her tracks, "Yes I did. At the beginning. I was the fool for not taking you when I had the chance...But now...Well, I guess the roles have changed. And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it!"

"What am I going to do!?" Darrek heaved as he wandered the grounds aimlessly. When Rika did not want to be found it seemed like she had the ability to disappear. He smirked; funny, why hadn't that "power" worked for them when they actually needed it!?

"Prince!" came a cry.

He turned around to find a pitiful looking Dannira, with tears drenching her face, and he only had a split second to react as she collided in him. Suddenly their lips met as they tumbled to the ground.

A gasp to Darrek's ears was the last thing he wanted to hear then.

"Rika...!?"