A Boom to Start

"Pleasure to meet you, Francis de Roche"

He held out a hand, in which she placed hers in. He lead her to a sitting area that was set up for them. Dominick inwardly threw sharp daggers at Francis head, despite the pleased expression on his face.

"My my, you're as pretty as a doll."

"Please don't say such polite comments. I'm sure you have come across many more beautiful ladies during your travels."

"None as beautiful as you, Princess Iyana. But if you are interested, I'll be glad to share a story or two."

"I would love to hear. Please share."

Francis began to tell a story about his first time working as a knight. Iyana listened with fake interest. Her mind focus on ways to draw Dominick's attention, without seeming obvious. Aware that every time she smiled at another, he seemed to make this cute annoyed expression.

Meanwhile, Francis continued to talk. His stories had lasted for almost a hour now. He couldn't help himself. Her smile had encourage him to tell his most successful stories ever. His voice would rise and fall, animated with his story.

Boredom had slowly drew the princess's eyes closed. Catching herself, she glanced over her shoulder. Immediately, she found Dominick's eyes. Moving her eyes from side to side, rather quickly, she signaled to Dominick. Dominick returned her signal with one of his own.

He doesn't understand! She head turned a little more. She moved her mouth to form the words: Help me.

Noticing the princess turning her head, Francis slowed down his story. Next, he reached for his cup of tea. Not knowing for sure, he was sure he could sense something between her and her servant. He suspected that the servant had a romantic interest in the princess, which was usually common among the servants.

In fact, it was welcomed because the servants would take good care of their royal charges if they had developed a sort of crush on them. Knowing this, however, did nothing to put out the flames of jealousy for him.

The rumors about Princess Iyana being tainted had not discouraged him from pursuing her neither. Yet, he couldn't help, but wonder whether the princess of Velvet Crown was in fact tainted because of some secret relations with her servant. He patiently waited until the princess turned her attention back to him.

"If you wish, Princess, we can chat about other matters." Francis offered with a friendly smile.

Uneasiness made Iyana uncomfortable under the heavy gaze of the nobleman. Clearly, he wants to talk courting and marriage. Ugh, I rather not. "I'm so sorry. That was rude of me. Please continue."

Arching a thin eyebrow, Francis asked, "If you're sure?"

"Please." She encouraged with a smile.

He nodded his head slightly, and he returned his cup to the table. He went on to tell her about his adventures in Velvet Crown, thinking to amaze the princess with his achievements in her kingdom.

Dominick could tell that Iyana was quite bored with the nobleman by just watching her body language, to which Francis remained completely oblivious to. I should let her suffer in Francis de Roche's company for making me tolerate this show. He smiled a little as he watched the two-Iyana's impatience, but quiet tapping of the foot and, Francis's shallow attempt to impress her.

He stepped forward and placed a hand on the back of Iyana's chair. His eyes meeting Francis with purpose. "If you will, Sir, Princess Iyana- " He turn his gaze to Iyana. "There is a situation you must attend to abruptly. " He could feel Francis's hawk like stare on him as he spoke with the princess. Dominick could guess that the nobleman was trying to figure out if Iyana was impressed.

"Excuse me, Sir Francis." The princess stood and Francis followed her lead.

Walking around the table to Iyana, Francis took Iyana's right hand in his."I'm sad that we must part ways."

Iyana only nodded her head in fake agreement.

The nobleman leaned over and planted a small kiss on Iyana's right cheek. "We'll meet again, Princess Iyana."

Dominick watched the final goodbye exchange between the pair, catching one final glare from Francis before he turned to lead Iyana away from the nobleman.

Once they were out of earshot of the nobleman, Dominick smiled when he heard Iyana words of thanks. "O, you didn't enjoy his wonderful stories of how he saved the prince of Samfom from the very jaws of death?" Dominick whispered using a sarcastic tone. "I thought you were enjoying his stories. You looked like you were." He teased knowing full well that she didn't, but unable to pass up teasing her.

Besides the way she was looking at Francis de Roche was enough to drive him crazy. She had seemed so content, so happy,he remembered. As if she could listen to his stories forever.

"You wishes! I was bored after he first opened his mouth. He didn't even have an accent."

Once he was sure that the nobleman couldn't see them, after turning a corner, he turned to face the princess. Taking out a napkin, he cupped her chin in his hand. Princess Iyana found herself staring into Dominick's dark eyes. The closeness was comforting to her. "Your face is dirt, Princess, allow me to clean it." He smiled slightly.

As he cleaned the area where Francis de Roche kissed, Iyana felt small under his touch. She averted her eyes to the side. Her body felt hot. Her mind rational said that the weather was the cause.

Once Dominick was finished, Iyana pulled her chin from his hold. "I need a nap! I'm done with being a princess. This is too much!"

"Are you giving up so early already?" An amuse tone colored his words. "You know better then I do that you have a horde of activities scheduled for today. "

Returning the napkin to his pocket, he took out a hand size folded paper once again. Unfolding the paper, he began to read from the list with his usual blank look. "You have a dance lesson at one. The ball is in a week, and your foot work could still use work."

He glances up, seeing her narrowed glare of hate and added "The King's remark on your dancing." Then he glanced down again. "You must see to the people requests. Today is the day to hear their needs and today you start. You have another meeting. This time with knight Bobby." The tips of his mouth turned upward in a small smile. What kind of name is that for a knight?

"Riding lesson at six. You have a dressing try out with the Queen. Dinner will be with the Nobles Windsors. Afterward, well, you may have to yourself, but I doubt that since their son is around your age." Looking up, he returned the piece of paper to his pocket. "Too bad. I may actually be to busy to see you later, Princess."

He was sure he saw Iyana's cheeks turned another color with his statement, yet she simply averted her gaze from his and put up a shield of annoyance. Her next words, he knew, would most likely be an insult of some sort. However, her words didn't come.

Boom

The sound came after a few minutes from Dominick's statement. Looking past Iyana, Dominick frowned. Is the kingdom being attacked? But by whom? Realization hits. The kingdom is under attack. Dominick took Iyana hand. "Princess, your kingdom may be in the process of being attacked. I must get you to safety now."

An look of concern touched Iyana's eyes, etching outward into her facial features. Unconscious, she closed her hand around his. The hand providing a soothing comfort like no other for the shocked princess.

The concern had been more for her parents than herself, Dominick knew. This was who Princess Iyana was: a lady who cares more than she led on. With one pull, Dominick brought her along behind him, into a side door. They ran down the hall.

The safest place is her room. I'm the only one with the key, and there's no way I'll allow them to get it from me."