"We could let the rivers flow. Lead us to where we shall go. Destiny or down the road. We could let the rivers flow. Let the two become the one, and see what color the water will become on this journey down we go, just letting the rivers flow. To the ocean or to the pond, we cannot see beyond the curve and bend we are on. Just letting it go as we go. We let the rivers flow."

Amnicity's voice cracked with laughter while playing the last note.

She should not be laughing. These were moments of true angst that should result in melancholy poetry, but she had grown tired of being sad. Depression had become boring.

Thus, she moved on, and decided to let the new persons inhabiting the palace do the complaining for her. One of the wonders of being the Princess, there are always persons able to take on tasks on her behalf. Especially when much of the palace was busying preparing for her wedding tomorrow.

A few months ago, this evening would have seemed magical. Her mother would come to find her, before leading her away for the evening of isolation. They would have gone to her room, and-it was far better to think of High General James Lessure aggravated. These thoughts had a way of making her sad again.

High General James Lessure, the man who had always looked handsome in his cape, but now seemed dull in every other aspect of his person. Perhaps Konrik Loren would have been the best match. He would not harm a dragonfly, let alone decapitate his own father. Due his adverse look upon harming his surrounding, there would be no worry regarding Konrik Loren being involved in a coo that resulted in her mother's death. His giving nature did cause him to have moments of patronization. Unfortunately, some compromise she had to be made for all of her suitors: patronizing, killer, possibly psychotic. The list could really be extended further, but she did not have the time or mental energy.

"I have spent too many hours with Lady Elry," Amnicity sighed, starting when the door behind her creaked open.

"Pardon me Princess Amnicity," High General Lessure bowed. "I was not aware you were here."

"It is fine High General Lessure," Amnicity smiled. "Not many persons are, as this is my own personal place for reflection. So-"

"Yes," High General Lessure nodded, moving further into the room. "I am sure you need plenty of time for isolated reflection when in a position of forced alliance to usurpers."

"We have joined in a union of two great countries to better serve the needs of our people," Amnicity smiled, rising from her seated position to be on a better level to face him.

"A quaint political speech," High General Lessure snorted, walking towards Queen Christaline's paintings.

Amnicity was unsure regarding the look upon his face as he stared at her mother. There seemed to be a small smirk on his face.

"It is a truth that makes me proud. For, it is the smartest match I could have possibly made," Amnicity smirked, moving at pace with him so he did not touch the frame of a painting.

High General Lessure paused, watching Amnicity place herself between him and the paintings. Her hands folded gently before her as she tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Is there anything else that you wished to say to us High General Lessure?" Amnicity asked.

High General Lessure started slightly, making Amnicity take a step backwards, bumping into a painting.

"James," he responded.

"Pardon?"

"We agreed you would call me James. Has it truly been that long?" James questioned, reaching for her arm.

Amnicity quickly pulled away.

"Much has happened since then," Amnicity replied, moving another step away and hoping her voice did not sound unsteady.

"Not enough for me to lose your confidence," James whispered. "We could work through this and fight it. There is no denying that your ancestry could be called into question, but can you not see? I could be the one that keeps your line upon the throne valid."

"What do you mean my ancestry?" Amnicity hissed. "My blood is of direct linage as deigned by our God. There is nothing that requires validation. Do you truly question this?"

"Not I," James defended. "But others may. This match would only further dilute the purity of the throne. There are many who value the traditions of our people. It would be wise for you to truly consider them. The possibility of us creating a purer line that would result in a great dynasty due to it being the will of God would placate them."

"High General Lessure, you should stop speaking," Amnicity snapped. "Please leave my presence."

"You must listen to me," James hissed, banging the side of his fist into the wall.

Amnicity's heart froze. Her eyes glancing quickly to the door.

"If you will not leave, I will," Amnicity responded, instantly moving towards her escape.

"No," James responded, grabbing her arm.

"Let me go," Amnicity hissed, trying to pull away.

The competing forces shouted for a moment without concession. Amnicity cringed upon High General Lessure's fingers pressing more securely within her flesh. She was proud to not let a scream leave her lungs to indicate the pain. Instead, a loud ripping sound could be heard, followed by a loud bang upon the floor. Instant pain shot from her right hip, and the wrist that braced her fall.

High General Lessure's apologies were muffled by the door slamming open to reveal an enraged Koman Shaed. His swift steps placed him between the princess and high general.

"Princess Amnicity directed you to leave," Koman Sutter stated, tapping the sword upon his waist lightly.

Amnicity turned away from James's stare while nursing her right wrist.

"It seems I am too late. The infestation is already deep," High General Lessure hissed, walking from the room.

Amnicity refused to answer Koman Sutter's inquiry upon her injuries. She even swatted away his hand while rising from the floor.

"It seems my hiding place is not well hidden," Amnicity laughed, waving Koman Sutter's hand away when he ventured to touch the wrist she held close to her chest.

She did not feel secure enough to accept further help from the man she watched kill another on the day of her birth. Her heart was not steady enough to process the blood that has been spilt thus far, or the look within High General Lessure's eyes when he was denied.

"Pardon me princess," Koman Sutter bowed. "I was simply following the orders of my Suzerain by making sure you remain in good health on the eve of your wedding. It was not my intention to violate your privacy. I heard the screams at the bottom of the stairs and knew I had to intervene. We were fortunate that this door was not fully closed."

"Yes," Amnicity scoffed. "How fortunate for me to be granted a watch dog."

"If it is any consolation," Koman Sutter started. "Suzerain Zakarus would have happily taken my place, but he had a meeting with King Valander to attend."

"He met with my father without me?" Amnicity asked in shock.

Koman Shaed Sutter tipped backwards on his heels, unsure of how to proceed.

"They were finalizing plans for the inauguration and-"

"Where is he?" Amnicity hissed.

He definitely said the wrong thing.

"Koman Sutter, we order you to take us to our betrothed," Amnicity pressed.

"As you wish Princess Amnicity," Koman Sutter bowed, sweeping his arm to lead her from the room. "Suzerain Zakarus should have returned from his meeting by now. To the right Princess, Suzerain Zakarus was given an office further down this hall."

"How fortunate of him," Amnicity scoffed.

"King Valander has been quite generous when it comes to Suzerain Zakarus's requests," Koman Sutter agreed.

Amnicity let the knowledge increase the temperature within her veins. These men were playing her role as if she was simply a pawn, and not a princess who was to become a Queen. Did they not realize the power she possessed? Lady Elry had taught her enough about it. So perhaps, these gentlemen were simply ignorant upon subjects that did not end with their genitalia. Her late mother would not be pleased with such thoughts, but High General Lessure's questioning of her rights to the throne were far more worrisome than unladylike mannerisms.

"Dilution of the blood," Amnicity hissed, making Koman Sutter quicken his steps before coming to a sudden halt.

"Suzerain-"

"How dare-"

Amnicity's expertly planned entrance of slamming a door open in outrage was halted by a pesky lock. The bad habit of using her injured hand also made her hiss in pain. She turned angrily to the koman.

"What is this?" Amnicity angrily hissed. "This is my palace, and I should not be denied entrance to any room."

"Well, the lock provided some knowledge to the current state of matters," Koman Sutter muttered, resulting in Princess Amnicity's narrowing her eyes upon him.

"Unlock the door."

"It would be of no use. Suzerain Zakarus only locks the door when he is not present in the room," Koman Sutter replied.

"Then go get him," Amnicity hissed.

"That would be in violation of my orders to protect you," Koman Sutter returned.

Amnicity stared at the Koman for a long time. She could feel her cheeks heat in indignation, and the threat of tears forming. Damn this pain. Damn this day.

"I am Princess Amnicity of Vetus. You are a guest in my palace and lands. Go get Suzerain Zakarus," Amnicity dictated in a voice slightly louder than she intended.

"We thank you for your hospitality," Koman Sutter bowed. "However, I will not violate Suzerain Zakarus's orders. Perhaps we could go work on developing a new lists instead? One for the types of flowers to be used at the wedding? You are an expert with decorations. I have heard the rumors of your mothering nature when it comes to the gardens."

Amnicity wanted to slap him. This man was quickly becoming the most infuriating person she had ever met. By the power of the Lord, she would have to turn his loyalty to her if she was to get anywhere.

"Is that all you have heard about me?" Amnicity smirked. "Did you not hear of how I managed the High Generals Council in my father's absence? I did well to bring men who thought too highly of themselves down a few pegs. It would be best not to underestimate me."

Koman Sutter's response was halted by another voice.

"It seems my intuition to return to my office was accurate," Zakarus stated, walking towards them.

"Why did you give me this intolerable guard and this door locked?" Amnicity demanded, spinning towards him.

Zakarus paused to assess her current state. She looked like she was a few moments from tears. He could also tell something of significance had happened from Shaed's posture. Shaed's eyes pointedly turned to Amnicity's right wrist.

"So that people my talk of how overprotective I am of my things," Zakarus replied, removing a key from his pocket. "What happened to your wrist?"

"It is nothing that you need to concerns yourself about. I demand to have access to this room," Amnicity returned, sending a small glare towards Shaed. "It seems like a perfect consolation for unknowingly being granted a guard not of my choosing."

"It is rather difficult to unknowingly be granted a guard of your own choosing," Zakarus responded, opening the door for her. "Koman Shaed, it may be best if you stay outside."

"As you wish," Shaed smirkingly bowed, opportunely avoiding Amnicity's glare.

Amnicity measured her steps and the incline of her nose while walking into Zakarus's office. Zakarus's sigh while closing the door only intensified the feelings bouncing from Amnicity's head to her heart.

"You really should be kinder to him. He has only been doing what is asked of him," Zakarus stated, walking to his desk.

"So now I am to receive orders within my palace as well?" Amnicity questioned. "Did you not hear how spoke to me with disrespect?"

"Koman Sutter is the man I trust most within this palace. He can be a bit sarcastic at times. I will have to speak with him about that," Zakarus responded, motioning for her to take a seat across from his desk. "And, darling, this palace will not only be yours for much longer."

Amnicity scoffed at the chair, moving to lean against the wall instead. She gained minimal pleasure from the knowledge that he was only granted one bookcase in his office.

"A fact that is becoming more and more apparent," Amnicity smiled.

"Do not be like this," Zakarus sighed. "There are matters that need to be dealt with that would be of no interest to you."

"How do you know my interests?" Amnicity responded. "A few dances and a conversation within a garden is hardly enough for you to know my personality so effortlessly."

"You are to tell me that after the death of your mother-"

"Do not pretend I am weak simply because I am female! I have been the face of this monarchy for months, and now men decide what my place should be. I understand my role. I understand this marriage is what is best for the people, but do not believe that simply because God made me a woman that you can disregard me when it comes to the political decisions of my people," Amnicity hissed. "King Valander is a wise king and father, but I am is his heir. You are marrying me. So do not disregard me. Do not simply send the man who gave me a bloody sword on my birthday to guard me."

"Very true," Zakarus nodded. "Perhaps you could work with Lady Toria to design a new arms for our union, or perhaps the new uniforms for our soldiers."

"Do not toy with me," Amnicity pressed, moving to place her hands upon his desk, leaning forward. "I will not be pushed aside."

"Protecting my betrothed with a guard that I trust with my own life is hardly placing you aside," Zakarus laughed.

"Keeping me from the meetings you are having with my father is," Amnicity countered. "Having this office locked so that I do not have entrance is."

"Very true, perhaps once we are married the conversation can be broached again. Speaking of," Zakarus paused to dramatically lookout his window. "It is almost sundown. Should you not be venturing towards your isolation? I would be devastated if you were not prepared for tomorrow."

Amnicity let her outrage settle to a smirk, pushing from his desk. She turned, walking from the room. Only waving when Zakarus called to correct her for rudely leaving without a goodbye.

"The guard stays," Amnicity returned.

"As you wish," Zakarus laughed.

Amnicity did not dare glance in Koman Sutter's direction. Such an action would only tempt her to return to provide further verbal lashes, and this was not the time for such actions. This was the time to retreat for a period of isolation, renewing her understanding of the situation before her.

"Princess!" Marie's exasperated voice called. "There you are! We must hurry so that you do not violate tradition!"

"Marie, we have time," Amnicity sighed as Marie quickly entwined her arm with the Princess's to hasten her steps through the halls.

"Not much," Marie replied. "The sun sets quicker on these days, and there is plenty of talk surrounding this wedding already. A violation of this tradition would only make the situation worse."

"Does it truly matter?" Amnicity whispered.

"Nici," Marie hissed.

Amnicity met Marie's pleading eyes for a moment before turning to the window. The sun was beginning to quickly change colors, enlarging as it made its decent to the darkness. Amnicity knew Marie was right, but this was not the time to be isolated from the world. She could not be alone for this. Allies were required.

"I want my ladies with me," Amnicity dictated.

"For the entire isolation?" Marie asked.

"Yes," Amnicity replied. "We have things that need to be discussed. Have Stephon care for Jace, and have Lady Elry and Lady Toria sent to my chambers for the preparations of my wedding."

Marie stared at the young princess, now hurrying through the halls, for a moment.

"As you wish," she nodded, turning to provide the instructions to two guards nearby.

Amnicity did not wait for Marie to finish dictating her instructions. She hurried her steps through the hall, letting her mind settle while taking the familiar steps. The guards opened the doors to her room without instruction. Amnicity slowed her steps while journeying to the full length doors of her balcony. She locked the doors before drawing the curtains.

In a moment, Marie was instructing maids about the locations of bowls and foods, refusing the offered wine.

"We are purifying the Princess," Marie hissed. "There is plenty of water."

"Please make sure there is ice," Amnicity instructed, causing one of the maids to scurry away.

Lady Toria was the first of her ladies to arrive. She too began passing instructions in concerns of her attire. There would be no wrinkle upon the dresses to be worn tomorrow. No impurity upon the cloth that she would change into when the sun fully left the sky.

"Oh heavens," Lady Elry sighed, entering the room. "I thought that I was going to be too late."

Amnicity turned to meet Lady Elry's eyes as a maid holding a bucket of ice entered the room.

"You have perfect timing," Amnicity smiled. "Everyone, apart from Marie and my ladies, leave us. It is time that I prepare."

The room instantly became quiet as the surplus of maids left the room. Amnicity made her way to the bucket of ice. She placed some cubes in a handkerchief before tying it into a not.

"Marie, tell the guards that they are to depart from my door to assist in my secluded state," Amnicity instructed.

Marie curtsied, turning to transfer the instruction as Lady Elry and Lady Toria stared at their princess in confusion. Amnicity closed her eyes for a moment upon hearing Marie shut the door and turn the lock. She let a small hiss out as the ice touched her sore wrist. The preparations have finally begun.