Realistic or Modern A Heart For A Kingdom

[Endless Love]

Vampirelovee submitted a new resource:


A Heart For A Kingdom - Four sisters, one chance to become the king of Ember.

Behold, Ember. A greatly powerful kingdom nestled in Medieval Spain.

It is notorious for being the home of four princesses, all currently grieving the loss of their parents who disappeared on a ship in a storm. Immediately after their tragic disappearance and assumed death, the king's advisor sent for wealthy suitors to stay at the kingdom from foreign lands, in hopes one of them would...

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The rain was aggressive. Pouring in sheets to the ground, and swaying every which way in the wind. Thunder rattled the large windows of Isabella's bedroom as she gazed outside to the front of the castle, where carriages were already arriving for the kingdom's suitor welcoming ball. The King's adviser had high hopes that one of the suitors would win one of the hearts of the princesses. Isabella, wasn't so sure she'd be losing her heart to anyone in only one night.

The sisters had all gathered in her room, and were getting ready for the event. Mainly, it was their maids and servants who were dressing them, fixing their hair. Things Isabella was perfectly capable of doing. Isabella felt herself gasp suddenly when the maid tightened her corset. She fluttered her eyes a bit. "Ouch." Isabella whimpered out, feeling her waist to see if it was still there. "I'm sorry, your majesty." The maid said. Isabella didn't mind form fitting clothing, but this was quite a bit overdone. The maid sat her down at her vanity and brushed through her soft dirty golden waves.

Ever since her father's death, Isabella had not been herself. Neither had her other sisters. How could they be expected to be so spontaneous about a ball when their parents had only recently been buried two weeks before?

.​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Isabella are you alright?" Concerned as ever, Elena, the responsible eldest sister stood from her vanity, shooing the maid back a few steps as she approached her younger sister and examined the corset, "Loosen this corset. We want people to adore beauty, not wonder if she is simply a stick with legs." She ordered the maid at once, even going as far as yanking the ties loose herself.


It had been like this ever since their parent's burial. Any time she thought a threat to her sister's was near, she ended it and fixed it, even if the threat was her suffocatng from a corset. "I'd like her hair up, she has a beautiful face and I want her to be seen as such." She ordered yet again, and moved back to her own vanity and sat back down. Her own maid returned to her, taking the long brown waves she had and began pinning them up as well.


Elena had fallen into the role of the adut of her sister's now, and she would do so until each of them was safe with a husband. She knew that she could never replace their mother in thise facts...but she wanted a good life for her sisters, she wanted them happy again like they used to be. "I would like to wear the white dress this evening." She told anither maid who rushed off to fetch it. Oh yes...tis would be a grand ball indeed....

 

[Endless Love]

"Don't worry about me, Elena." A gentle smile creased Isabella's lips as the maid began to pull her hair off of her neck into a braided bun. But inside, she was all relief. The maid had loosened her corset finally so she was able to actually breathe. Elena, the eldest, was very protective and responsible. Isabella had always believed she was the wisest of the sisters, just like their mother. In fact, they bore such a similar resemblance it was almost uncanny. Same familiar blue eyes, same cheekbones. "You will look lovely in that dress. White was always your color." Isabella observed, fixing her bun in the mirror a bit.

Soon, they'd all have to be downstairs, greeting the new suitors. Elena, of course, and even Vannessa and Maria, knew that their duty was to find a suitor, and whoever found the best suitor to be king, would be named queen. Or at least so it seemed. But Isabella resented the idea. And she made her point very vividly. All Isabella wanted was her mother and father. All of them wanted them back. But when times are tough, tough decisions need to be made. Only Isabella was just too young to accept that.​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"It is my job to worry about you Isabella. Who else will keep you from fainting this evening?" Elena forced a smile at her sister as the maid behind her finished tugging her curls into place, having braided them and slipped them up beneath the small silver tiara in her hair. "Do you think so...?"





At the compliment, the eldest's face hardened once again. White was a color she wore often during balls...just like their mother. It was a miracle she did not cry just then, she fought them back and held an iron will to keep the cursed things hidden in those light blue depths. "Father always said it made me look shorter." She attempted at soft humor, pulling a fond memory of their father. She had inherited a lot from their mother, including the short height. Even as the eldest, she was the shortest even still. "How is it you all gained father's height, and I was the lucky child to gain the genes of a dwarf?"

 

[Dak]

Gavino was not like most of the others. He didn't have any royal ties, no birth right to be King. He was a man of the people. He had worked for little to nothing for the people that couldn't afford anything. He was humble, and proud. He worked for every piece of armor, which he was wearing, on his body, and blades that was on his body.


He was still in the rain. He was walking with his trusty steed, Haywood. "Come Haywood, I need to get you to the stable... And get you out of the rain!" He said as he led his horse to the stable. He was a brown horse with white spots covering his body. He had a black mane, and a leather saddle. After he put Haywood in the the stable he had made his way into the Hall.


It was large hall, but Gavin had been in the hall before. He was knighted, for his work with the people, in fact his name had a little weight in the kingdom. He saw the throne of the King and Queen. He stood at the bottom of the stairs and knelt in honor for the dead Queen and King. "Praise be the gods, and find the kingdom of the Gods...." He was saying a prayer.


He got up from kneeling. His armor was clanging. He loved his armor, it was his safety blanket, and he knew it was his, like the blades, and the horse, Haywood.


Daniel was in a carriage with some robes that his father had picked for him. "I hate wearing these damn robes." He said to himself. He never had anyone to talk to most time. The rain kept coming down, like a tat tat tat. It wouldn't let up.


They had finally arrived at the castle. He walked in and was amazed at everything. He was a prince, and he lived in a castle for most of his life. It shouldn't be anything new to see one, but this castle was better then the one he grew up in. "By my hair." He was holding his white hair. "This place is amazing!" He said as he began to walk around.

 

[Endless Love]

"By only an inch, my dear Elena." Isabella smiled at her reflection. "Your height will not stop you from being the envy of the ball, this evening." It was true, most often guests, princesses in particular, envied the Alatorre sister's beauty. The other sisters were busy in the other room, and Isabella was starting to become puzzled as to where they were. No matter, anyway. Chances were Maria wasn't even getting ready. No guarantee, but it was possible. Despite her beauty, she didn't seem to notice it. She was by far the most adventurous out of all the girls.

"Have you seen any of the suitors before?" Isabella asked, standing and examining herself in the full length mirror in front of her. She'd worn a double off shoulder white gown with a gold trim. White was certainly popular among the Alatorre family. A color of innocence and purity. "And where on earth are Maria and Vanessa?" Isabella pursed her rosy pink lips, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Maria must be out riding or something crazy, and she must've taken Vanessa with her." Isabella shook her head, but smiled, a mischievous glow illuminating her cheeks. "That Maria. She should know the ball is tonight."​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"You look lovely." Fitted into her own gown, the jewels clinking gently, Elena approached her sister and smoothed out the ruffles on it, and gave her a smile so soft and kind. It soon turned to an almost...exhausted look. "I have no clue of their whereabouts. I will soon have grey and white hairs of my own worrying about those two." She sighed heavily and ppace a small tiara in her sister's hair, fixing it in.





"As for the suitors, no. I have met a suitor before, but he was an older gentleman and I denied his offer. But as far as I know, all of the men who will arrive here tonight will be a variety of ages..." she glanced at her sister's face in the reflection, those light blue eyes piercing her with a serious stare, "I do hope you will try tonight Isabella. Mother and Father would've been so proud to see us wed and happy. That is all I wish for all of you." She wasn't too concerned with herself, to her, it didn't matter if she found a suitor or not, as long as her sisters where taken care of. "Are you ready?"

 

[Endless Love]

Hesitantly, but sincerely, Isabella nodded. She looked gave a glance at the two of them in the mirror. Such a similar resemblance. The only difference was Elena's eyes were bluer, while Isabella's were more grey and pale, and she was a tad bit taller. And of course Isabella was the only sister with golden tones running through her hair. Neither her mother nor her father had had that. It was always a mystery as to where the light hair gene came from.

"Ready." Isabella looked over her shoulder at her dark haired sister. "I only want to make them happy." And then it happened. Isabella felt a silver tear roll down her cheek. "I miss them so much." She whispered, blinking back more tears. Her eyes stung, and were slightly red in the inner corners. Her face flushed. "I miss them so, so much." She repeated herself pointlessly, looking at Elena with the memory of her mother in those deep blue eyes.​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Come here..." Elena instantly opened her arms and pulled her little sister in gently, holding her close and wiping away that little tear with her thumb. "They would be so proud of you Bella..." she whispered into the younger girl's hair, gently rubbing her back, trying her best to comfort her. "You've been so strong, just like Father." She told her and pulled back slightly, fixing her dress and had to blink back tears of her own.





It took so much for her not to cry, but it seemed as though she was out of tears. She had to stay strong, for Isabella and the rest of their sister's. "And they would want you to stay strong, right?" She whispered again and smiled at her, such a genuine resemblance to their mother's comforting smile. "I know you can do this."

 

[Endless Love]

Isabella took a deep breath, and nodded. Bella. Only Elena and mother had called her that. It was like a little nickname they kept for each other. Stay strong. It was as if Elena was the figure of their mother now. "Let's go, Ellie." Isabella smiled, leading her sister into the hallway. They walked down the hall and descended the main staircase. It was a classic; the princess slowly and gracefully walking down the stairs, her hand delicately gripping the banister as she glided over the steps. Isabella had learned how to behave like royalty from Elena. Even today she was nowhere near as graceful.

The palace was packed with potential suitors, and like Elena said, they varied in ages. A few seemed young, even younger than Isabella. But a few seemed old..much too old. Isabella couldn't make out many that were exactly her age, but she could see one. There was also, a boy with long white hair. He stuck out very much in the crowd.​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

Ellie...she hadn't heard that nickname in so long, it was almost what broke her barrier. But, she sucked it up, and continued on, taking her sister's hand and then watched her enter the ball, smiling proudly as she watched her entrance. Isabella was young yet, but even so she was learning fast.





It was her turn to enter, and she straightened up and remmebered what their mother had taught them...





"Always keep your back straight, the suitors don't want to see you slouch. Smile sweetly, you want them to like you. And lastly...be yourselves..."





With a sharp breath, Elena entered the party, doing exactly as she remmebered. Her back straight, smile kind as she looked at all of the potential suitors below. As she had expected they were of various ages, all of them watching the two princesses with interest. To be honest to herself, none of the caught her fancy, though when she saw one kneeling before the thrones in respect, she knew he was a gentleman. That made one suitor for her sisters. Tonight, she would not worry about herself. There would be other balls and she could find a suitor then, but she would not focus on herself. She would take her mother's role and assist her sisters.

 

[Dak]

Gavin looked at the two out of the four princesses walk down the staircase. It was like they were floating on air, the glided so much. He looked at the shorter one. He was very tall so he could stick out, but the armor was a dead give away. He never took it off. He close to dumbstruck when he saw her. "By the gods... I have seen her before... when I was knighted." He said.


When she reached the bottom of the stairs. He stayed where he was. She would be around to talk with him, to greet everyone. He looked around and saw a lot of different people.


Daniel was just standing around when two of the princesses walked into the room. The younger one was cute. The older was a bit different. "She is beautiful." He whispered to himself. 'I am a prince and it is my birth right to marry a princess.... She will be mine... Oh yes, she will be mine.' He thought to himself.

 

[Endless Love]

With curiosity, Isabella followed her sister's approving gaze to a man with choppy brown hair kneeling before the king and queen's thrones. Everyone loved the king and queen, in fact, they were beloved throughout the entire country. No surprise at all that he was paying his respects to his rulers. It brought the terrible familiar sting back to her eyes. But Elena had given her the strength she needed to pursue her parent's wish. To see them happily wed.

Isabella weaved through suitors, most of which shouting for her attention. She spotted the white haired boy again, and grew even more curious than she had been when she first laid eyes on him. White hair on such a young man. He was still handsome, despite it, which was remarkable. Instead of being cut short, it was very long, which was rare in a place like this. It was all the more reason to be curious for Isabella. She glanced over at Elena, who she hoped would speak to the knight. Elena, as everyone knew very well, would make a wonderful queen.​

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

When she reached the bottom, the eldest knew to keep up the smile she held, her pink lips spread only slightky as she greeted the small group of men by the staircase, the ones who greeted her were older men, those of whm she recognized from other balls and even here on business to meet with her father. She politely spoke to each, giving a curtsey and allowing them to bow and kiss her hand. They were all very nice, but as she swore, tonight she would speak with the men,but she was not looking for a suitor.


Giving her sister a wink and a smile of encouragement, Elena moved off, giving the men she had already met a small wave and smile as she moved further into the crowd of suitors and guests, wondering just who all in their beautiful kingdom had decided to attend. She once again saw the man who had been kneeling, and of course saw the young man with white hair. It was lovely and unique, she had never seen such hair on a man. Though she kept her posture and moved about, greeting more menm these still older gentlemen who recognized her from their meetings with her father. 'Just smile and be kind...smile and be kind...'

 

[Dak]

Gavin looked as the other men were talking with the princess. Hell they were shouting at her. It was barbaric, the way they were doing it. Gavin couldn't take it anymore. He had to talk to her, and to get her away from them. He walked up to her. "I'm sorry." He said to the guy that approached her. "I would like a word with her." He said softly pushing the man away. "Excuse me, may I have a word."


He then moved to a window that was near where he was standing. "Even the heavens weep for your lose, your majesty." He knelt to the ground. "I... I am sorry." He said as he lowered his head, out of respect.


Daniel saw that the younger one was looking at him. "She's interested." He whispered to himself. " Now it is time to set the hook." He walked up to her, but was stopped by one of the guards. The guard put his hand on Daniels chest, on the emblem of his homeland. The guard grunted. "Your lucky the princesses are here. If I had it my way I would have you killed for stepping in here." 'Ignorance.' Daniel thought. "I am sorry for your lose." He said a little angry. "But I am here to make amends for what my father has done." He looked that the angry guard. "Now if you don't mind I wish to speak with this young and fair beauty." He said as he motioned to the younger princess.

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Knight it is not your fault for my parent's death, but thank you for such courtesy." It was a shock to Elena. This man had simply come up, excused them both away and led her to the window. A shock, but it was indeed a welcome surprise, those older men sure were a handful. "And I thank you, for cmming here this evening and sending your respect to my parents...and for getting me away from the epitome of elderly love." Her smile was soft and she reached down, and placed a hand to the shoulder of his armor, "Rise Knight, there is no need to kneel before me." She whispered and straightened.





She found it odd though, that he had come up and moved her away from the men, and she truly wondered his intent with her. While of course she hoped it to be innocent, that he simply meant to send his regards, she also wondered if he was also here as a suitor for her and her sister's. Regardless, he was a gentleman and guest and would only receive the best treatment.

 

[Endless Love]

Isabella felt a tingle of flush in her cheeks, and bit back a shy smile. She waved away the guard. "I am truly sorry, sir." Now she knew who he was. Prince Daniel, the son one of the king's only rivals. But, of course, the fact that his father was not friendly with her parents in no way meant she could not speak to him. "I am princess Isabella Alatorre." She managed her most polite smile. "You must be prince Daniel. I recognize you from your father."

"I trust you're enjoying your visit?" Isabella asked, her voice soft and gentle. She was taught this by her mother; not to be loud among the suitors. A quiet lady is a respectable one. Holding her tongue may not be an option, but making her voice quiet would. It was particularly easy for Isabella, because her voice was already naturally smooth and shy.​

 

[Dak]

Gavin stood back up. "I am sorry... I was out of town, when they died, so I never really had a chance to say my good bye... I had only returned this morning, to hear the news." He looked out the window. "There is a farmer to the north who needed assistance dealing with some raiders that were trying to steal his food, and his money." He scratched the few chin hairs that he had. "Oh, where are my manners. My name is Gavino, Gavino Ramsted. It is a pleasure to meet your assistance." He reached down and kissed her hand.


Daniel smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you." He said. After she asked how he was liking his trip he could only frown. "I am treated like a monster... Have you ever had a person come up to you and spit right in your face." He thought for a second. "Well probably not... But you get my point." He looked back at the guard. "He is not the first to give me a death threat... And he won't be the last." He walked over to one of the tables and grabbed a flower. "But enough about the bad..The food is good, the culture, the art is amazing. The architecture of this castle is amazing."


He walked back over to her, and held out the flower. It was a water Iris, it had a little white, with a hint of gold and purple. "It's beautiful, no?" He asked. "Here for you." He gave her the flower. "But it is not as stunning as what is standing in front of me."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Well it is a good thing you there to assist the poor man. My father would have been extremely happy to know that a kind man such as yourself was out helping a man in need." She responded and bowed her head, smiling as he introduced him, and felt the hint of pink color her cheeks. Where did that come from? It had to leave...now...





"I am Elena Alatorre. But please, just call me Elena." She greeted back. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well. However..have we met before?" There was something familiar about that name, but for the life of her she just simply could not remember...another ball perhaps?

 

[Endless Love]

If it was possible for Isabella to flush even more, she did. She took the flower gently and held it up to her eyes. "It's lovely, I can't thank you enough, prince Daniel." She smiled shyly. Being raised in a castle, Isabella had never had much encounters with males. Only ones that were interested in her older sisters. "Are you here as one of the suitors?" She asked, beginning to walk around the ballroom with him at a slow pace. Isabella wondered if he would be one of the men chosen to stay in the palace until a marriage was proposed and the most valuable suitor and his sweetheart were chosen.

Hopefully, he would be. She liked him, he was very kind, and the flattering compliments didn't hurt a bit, either. But Isabella's lack of experience with men left her a curious, and hesitant.​

 

[Dak]

Gavin smiled at her. "It's funny you say that about your father." He took out a small blade from his boot. "A couple of years ago the King, your father knighted me." The blade was a little it of a special one to Gavin. "Your father gifted me with this blade, for my honor, and courage. I am a man of the people..." He flipped the blade a little, he flipped it so instead of holding the hilt in his hand, he had the blade in his hand. "I choose this blade, because it is how you use it, not how big your weapon."


He looked at the jewel on hilt of the blade. It was shiny, and blue as his eyes. He put the blade back into his boot. He couldn't help but see her eyes. "My word... Your eyes. I never had the chance to see such eyes so beautiful." He said, almost staring at her eyes.


Daniel kept pace with her. "Yes. I am one of the suitors." He said, as his plan came to his mind. She looked young, maybe a couple of years younger then himself. He couldn't help but ask. "Please don't think anything of this, but would mind if I asked how old you are?" She was younger, and it interested him. He thought about himself real quick. "I am sorry, that wasn't right for me to ask. A gentleman should never ask a lady how old she is." He hit himself in the head.


He looked at the older sister and the guy in the armor. "Isn't that interesting, a man in armor. You would think that people would dress for the occasion." He motioned to the guy. "Can you believe this guy."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

She chuckled warmly, watching his little trick with the blade, and she found it rather impressive he hadn't cut himself. "My father always adored those who took in the value of how you choose to use your weapons, than the value of how large theyare. Why, your blade could defend just as well as a large sword." She complimented, those light blues shining as she spoke of her father.





Though the moment he complimented her eyes, the heat returned and as did the slight hue of pink on her pale cheeks. "I-I....thank you." She stammered, the first real slip of her barrier happened, and so quickly as well! Elena tried hard to get it back up, and cleared her throat quickly. "Thank you, sir. My mother had the same...she always told me we were meant to spend our days laying in water, and that I was blessed to have such a gift." She rambled, but even so, the pink hue remained, and her eyes sparkled when he complimented them. In truth...she was flattered.

 

[Endless Love]

"Don't worry, I have no problem telling you." Isabella smiled, shaking her head. "I'm fifteen, the youngest of my sisters." She answered, folding her hands in front of her as they paced the marble floors. The bodice, though loosened, was a bit uncomfortable. It was a good thing a loud voice was not considered necessary.

Isabella traced Daniel's eyes to find the man who had knelt before the thrones, and was now conversing, and no doubt being captivated by Elena's striking eyes. "I believe he is a knight. Not sure if he is a suitor." Isabella observed, stopping at a white pillar and leaning her back against it. "I think he may have even been given his title by my father. Isabella looked back to Daniel, her pale eyes studying him carefully and ever so subtly. He had very defined cheekbones.​

 

[Dak]

"A wise man once said." "It isn't the size of your weapon, although, it helps. Can be a hinderance rather then an aid." Gavin had said. "He noticed her blush. Even a smile. "Ahhhh. There's that smile I had heard about, and even remember... You have a very pretty smile." He said. He liked to see people smile. "I always say that I should have one thing to make people smile.... And I see I have one person smiling." Gavin smiled back.


He looked out at the rain again. Some how it was starting to let up. "By the gods good graces, the rain... It has stopped." He walked out into the courtyard. He looked back at the Elena, and held out his hand. "Would you like to go for a walk?" He asked.


"Ah, the youngest. I am 17. " Daniel said as he looked outside. "Huh, the rain is letting up." He stated. "The whether he is interesting." He saw the knight offer his hand to the older sister to go on a walk. "Looks like they are hitting it off." He stated again. "So do you do anything fun around here?... like go swimming, walks, anything... Because it is a little boring just walking around this room."

 

[Egyptiankitten2113]

"Oh...um..." Now this, Elena was unsure about. Well of course she was beginning to like this Gavin, his compliments to her eyes and her smile, well it was the first time she had ever heard such compliments from a man that was nit her father and not twice her age. However, her hesitation was the vow that she had made herself before entering the ball. She was to help her sister's find suitors before worrying about herself.





Though, as she looked back behind her, and saw Isabella with the white haired man...her hesitation slowly began to slip away. It seemed as though her sister had that under control, she looked to be enjoying herself...and the other had not yet arrived...


Glancing back at the Knight, she smiled again, a true smie, and placed her small hand in his. "I would be honored to go on a walk with you."