Start with Nobles

Liandra fell in love.

Luxius laid in the horizon, dressed with the sea and the sunset sky. Never before Liandra had seen its stone walls painted in sunset orange and red, nor paid much attention to the large pyres that guided the returning sailors, but it all formed such a lovely composition. She felt rather foolish, she lived there all her life and never paid a second though to the place she lived.

"I feel just the same, princess" said Sir Kreyos, who stood just next to her.

"I will not have war destroy my home, Sir Kreyos. What do I need to do to protect it?" Her eyes never left the city in the horizon

"I think the first step is to make peace with Duke Arthos. He used to be a good friend of your father, but the two had a falling out twenty years ago."

"About the time father married mother"

"... yes, that is correct. Arthos could never forgive your father for outmaneuvering him, despite him being the Queen´s favorite. Does that surprise you?"

"No. I don't want father to know about my visit, do you think it is possible for one of the ships to carry me to his lands?"

"Your namesake is at your service, Mylady."

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Duke Arthos´s court was a small affair, almost provincial in its make. Liandra found it very much to her liking, for everyone was friendly without being too formal, and she had very few warnings from the pearl in her rear entrance. The music, the food, the dance, it was all very pleasant

Eventually the Duke asked for a dance, and Liandra agreed. He lead very well, and even the princess could tell how much he saw the Queen´s likeness in her. The fact the pearl´s magic excited her was just a pleasant **** she would endure for the good of the kingdom.

"I am afraid to ask why you finally decided to make a visit, Princess Liandra."

"Is it really so hard to imagine? I always thought my naivety was rather famous" She said with a tint of art.

"It was my heart´s hope that finally me and your father would reconcile, but I don't think he would send his beloved daughter as an ambassador between us. No, I think I know the reason, but it strikes me as a child´s fancy" Duke Arthos didn't lose his famous attractiveness, his built would put to shame many of the royal knights. But if the duke minded the princess feeling his biceps, he didn't complain.

"My dolls lay forgotten, it is but the safety of the kingdom and happiness of those who live in it that fancy my heart" She had rehearsed the phrases,

"Tell me more" And she did, as they danced a song after the other.

"It is grieve-some, in our youth your father and I made something of a name campaigning against said kingdom. We were disguised as mercenaries and adventurers, but still we weren't completely incognito. It is possible that there is more than meets the eye in your arranged marriage" The duke´s tone was worried, and Liandra felt a pang of guilt, as if she was taking advantage of the Duke´s long buried feelings.

"I don't mind being stuck in an unhappy marriage, Duke Arthos, but I wont compromise our kingdom" And he found her admirable, and volunteered "You have my oath to help you, in whatever capacity I can. In fact... Take my two daughters, Dani and Olivia, take them as your handmaidens if you will. I promise you they are both capable and schooled."

And there were seven more songs before Liandra noticed they were alone in the ballroom. In fact the last was only playing in her mind, as she rested her head on Artho´s strong shoulder.