Fantasy For The Love of War!

[Lilbutterfli94]

The Kingdom of Lustvan had been at war for such a long time that the Princess hardly remembered a time of peace. However, about two years ago the war had finally ended after the signing of a treaty between Lustvan and the kingdom of Tyran. So, the kingdom had been finally at peace for two years. It allowed the king to spend more time with his wife and daughter, and for him to allow his daughter to entertain suitors. He had passed up on many that he was worried his daughter might not marry. Many of the suitors were issues he had with them, the way he saw them and the way he saw the people who were offering them up.

However, after two years of peace the neighboring kingdom of Drustvar tried to claim they had an heir to the throne. See, the Crustan’s were a former royal family who got their power after the last King of the previous dynasty died. They were the noble family that was elected to take their place. Drustvar had sent a claimant to Lustvan and tried to take power from the Crustan’s. That didn’t happen though and as a result Drustvar declared war on Lustvan.

So, King Adrian was preparing to leave for war once more. As he looked over his wife and daughter he smiled softly as he adjusted his armor and nodded his head. “I will be back my darlings.” He said as he rubbed their cheeks and smiled softly. He then straightened out and looked to a Knight, one that had served him in the last war. He was here to protect his daughter and wife. “Castiel, you must remember that if anyone enters the castle that isn’t the staff, find my wife and daughter and get them to the vacation home to the north, as far away from the castle as possible.” He said as he looked up to the sun for a moment and then back. “I must be going now, serve me well.” He said before he descended the stairs and down to his horse and got on. He took one last look at his daughter, wife, and Castiel and then turned his horse to ride off.

Drania watched her father go, nothing could be said about how upset she was to see yet another war. In her fathers old age he shouldn’t be forced to do such things as participate in wars. It was unfair to say the least, especially since Princess Drania was preparing to take the throne. However, that would have to wait until she was married and the war was over.

She looked to Castiel for a moment, then to her mother, Queen Lyra. “I think I’m going to my studies.” She said as she looked down and Queen Lyra looked to her daughter for a moment and sighed. “Sir Castiel, if you could accompany my daughter please.” She said before she turned as well. She had servants around her enough that she knew she would be okay for a little while without someone watching her.

Drania looked at her mother for a moment, “I don’t need a baby sitter.” She said as she looked at him and Lyra sighed, “he’s going with you and that’s final young lady.” She said before looking to Castiel once more and motioning for him to follow her daughter. She then departed without another word.

Drania looked at Castiel and frowned, “I’m going alone!” She yelled before running off, though she had no hopes of really losing him.

 

[Crysie]

Castiel sighed as he watched the princess take off. He didn't bother running after the young lady as his big strides were more than enough to keep her within his sights as he followed behind her. Even if she didn't want him, it was his job to keep an eye on her and keep her safe. He had never failed King Adrian before, and he didn't plan on it now. Besides, he owed the king too much to not give his task of guarding and protecting the princess and queen his all. He was just an orphan on the street before the king took mercy on him one day and took him in, trained him, got him to where he is today. Castiel had been faithful to the king ever since, always giving his best at everything the king asked of him.

"Princess, I know you do not wish you have a guard, but it is necessary right now in this war torn time. An enemy can come at you any moment. I am just here to ensure your safety and well being, so please understand." Not like either of them had much choice in this. Well, he could just leave her be like she wanted, but that would be going against orders, and he did not want to do that. He never disobeyed an order, and he wasn't going to start now. He knew how important the king's family was to him, especially the princess, so that only made Castiel want to ensure their safety more.

It wasn't long until he caught up to the princess. Stretching his hand out, he placed his hand on her shoulder to slow her down. "Princess, please try to understand and accept things how they are. You're not going to lose me either by scampering off like that, so please, slow down. A beautiful princess like you shouldn't waste her breath trying to run from her guard, who she has no chance in losing. Now, what are your plans for the day?" Castiel liked to know what he was in for the day, and whether or not she would try and trick him with false information, he didn't care, as long as she gave him something. Castiel always like to have a schedule and stick to it, have an outline of the day so that he had a loose idea as to what he should be doing and such. Castiel was an organized man, though it may not seem like it at times, but he was. Disciplined and organized, a good man really.

"Though, I must inform you, there has been a curfew set for the whole kingdom, including you and the queen. No one is to leave their places once it is dark out for safety reasons." He thought that he should just remind the princess just incase she had any thoughts on nightly activities that involved being outside the castle walls or just the castle in general.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania continued her run, which progressively turned into a brisk walk. She certainly was excerting too much energy and right now she was starting to feel particularly tired. She slowly stopped running and bent over, placing her hands on her kneecaps and sighing as she breathed heavily. She had an advantage because she still knew more about this castle than anyone else, for example she knew were some secret hallways were that most people didn’t. It was where she hid if she didn’t want to be found by anyone.

Soon she heard the voice of Castiel behind her and groaned, “just go away!” She yelled as she shook her head a bit more and placed a hand on her chest. “I don’t need a babysitter, I don’t need anyone to constantly watch over me. I am quite fine just watching over myself!” She said as she finally turned to look at him and shook her head.

“I will not tell you what’s going on in my life because it is no concern to you. I’m going to go now, now just leave me alone!” She yelled before she just started walking away.

She had never gotten the luxury of getting to see her father as often as she would like. After all, when she was younger her father was constantly away at war, and meanwhile Drania and her mother stayed here in the castle, nothing to do other than to sit and watch. Her father had been home from time to time, but most of her young life was spent with just the staff and her mother.

So, she felt like she didn’t need a babysitter, which was where the attitude came from. That and the person who she really wanted to be with her right now was her father. She wanted him home, not away at war again.

 

[Crysie]

Sighing again, Castiel followed the princess, keeping quiet for a bit as he thought about what to say. Sure, she was acting like a bit of a child or a brat, but he could see where she was coming from and didn't hold it against her in any way. "Princess, I know that you may not like this arrangement, and you don't have too. I'm not telling you that you have to like it, all I'm asking is that you tolerate it. Your father only wants what best for you, and he cares about you and your safety deeply. Hence why he had me stay to watch over you and your mother. The enemy this time is much more formidable and dangerous, and he wouldn't have me here if he didn't see it as necessary. So, please, try to understand and make this easy for both of us. Either you tell me and I can guard over you in peace or I'll just keep on following you closely and be more bothersome." Either way she wasn't going to get rid of him, not while he had his eyes on her.

Castiel didn't dare think of what would happen if something happened to either the princess or the queen while they were under his watch and care. He dare not think of the consequences of failing. "Whether you like it or not, your life is a concern to me now, and it will remain that way until further notice, so please try to understand." He said with another sigh before reaching out and placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her again. "Princess, please." His voice was stern to show that he was serious and wasn't playing around nor was he wavering to her.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania rolled her eyes as she looked at Castiel, “I said to leave me alone. I don’t care what you think your doing, but I am not going to have someone watching me. Gross,” she said as she looked at him. “You are not watching over me. I am fine in the care of my maids and my butlers. I am fine without some wash up for a Knight watching me.” She said as it was pretty obvious she was just trying to hurt him now to get him to leave.

“Now get away from me if you know what’s best for you.” She said before turning on her heels and walking away again. She was being good right now, trying to control her powers, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t above using them on someone. Especially someone who was really bothering her and who she didn’t want to annoy her.

So, she started walking again, making her way to the library where she would probably spend her day reading until dinner time. After that she would then head out to her room and get ready for bed, probably resulting in her calling it an early night.

 

[Crysie]

If he knew what was best for him then he'd follow her, which he did. Castiel didn't say anything though as he followed her, figuring it was best to watch her in silence rather than try to reason with her at the moment. It was obvious that she was bothered by this arrangement to some extent, and he did not blame her one bit. He only wished that she was more tolerable so that his job would be easier for both him and her if she resisted less. The king had warned Castiel of his daughter's powers, but Castiel didn't care, only caring that he carried out his orders to the end. He wasn't going to stop watching the princess unless she killed him or broke his arms and legs and rendered him completely useless. That's how serious he was taking the king's orders.

As he followed her to wherever she was going, as he had no idea, he kept a close eye out for anything out of the ordinary. So far things seemed pretty normal and in place, besides the tension and somber mood of the place, but that was expected during a time of war. Though, as he followed her, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself a bit as he thought about what she said about her being fine in the hands of mere maids and butlers of the place. Not that he doubted their work, it was just they weren't up to his level and there was no way they could fend off an intruder of high skill.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania soon arrived at her destination, the library and sighed as she pushed the door open carefully and then pushed it closed behind her. It was pretty obvious she didn't want to be bothered, didn't want anyone near her right now. She just wanted to sit and read some books and be alone. So, she found a cozy corner and a nice book and sat down and opened the book up. She had been reading many books, almost too many some thought. It seemed to be why many suitors didn't like her, because she was an educated woman with a mind of her own. This wasn't common among many princesses, many were dumb and subservient to their husbands. However, Drania refused to ever be in a position where a man held power over her and she did nothing except constantly produce heirs to the throne that was hers.

So, as she read some servants brought her some tea, and she held the book up to her face and kind of sipped from it. It seemed like days or years had passed before the princess finished her book. It had in fact only been about six hours since his disappearance into the library. She sighed as she closed her book and looked to the empty cup next to her. She went to the bookshelf where her book had originally been and put it back. She was debating starting a new book, but she decided against it. She looked out the window for a moment realizing that it was nearing dinner time. So, she grabbed a book to bring with her. After all, she was allowed to bring books to her room if she so wished, why should dinner be any different if she was going to her room afterwards?

So, she exited the library and held the book close. Of course the knight was still sitting out there and part of her felt bad for him for sitting on the stone cold floor. So, she went up to him and offered her hand out. "You know you could have come into the library and sat in a comfy chair." She said, her voice much softer and kinder than it had been earlier in the day. It was a sign that she had calmed down from what was angering her.

 

[Crysie]

"The shut door to my face was pretty clear that you wanted to be alone, and that is fine, you do not have to offer me your hand. You don't need to trouble yourself with such trivial things m'lady." Castiel told her with a soft smile as he stood up. He was happy, and glad, to see that she was in a far better mood than before. He did thought about just going into the library earlier, but he decided that it was best to give her the space and time that she needed. As risky as it was, it seemed that it was the right call on his part. Although, he made a mental note to himself to be more careful next time. Someone could have been int he library for all he knew, having snuck in before the two got there. "It's just about dinner time princess, so shall we make our way to the dining room? Or would you prefer to have your dinner in your personal quarters tonight? Although, I think the queen is waiting for you at the dining room though." Castiel spoke once he stood up fully and stretched a bit. It was uncomfortable sitting not he stone floor, but nothing he wasn't used too.

"Is reading books really that enjoyable? You were in there for quite some time, I was beginning to wonder if you had fallen asleep or if something had happened to you." He wasn't lying, he did started to worry a bit when she was in there for a long time, and if she was in there for any longer then he would have just barged in to make sure that she was alive and still in the place. Though, he did wonder if books were that good. Castiel didn't read much, or any really. The only thing he ever read were letters from carrier pigeons about reports and such. He never touched a book in his life, besides the time he had to learn to read once the king took him in. He didn't have parents or anyone around to teach him how to read when he grew up in the streets. Only thing he learned was how to steal better and be a better thief or cheat. Sometimes he wondered if he would be dead or in prison at this point in his life if the king hadn't taken mercy on him and taken him in. Castiel wasn't leading the most promising life, and at that point there wasn't a good outlook to it.

"What is the book you have there princess? If you do not mind me asking, I am merely curious that is all."

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania looked at Castiel for a moment as he got up from the stone floor. She knew personally that it wasn’t comfortable, that sitting on that floor was not a fun experience. After all, she was allowed lessons to teach her customs from different nations and many of them opted for just a pillow between their behind and the stone floors of their castles, and that was their throne. Drania had kind of taken to the idea after a seemingly long time. It had become something that she had grown accustom to. Soon she was pulled from her mind and smiled a bit as she nodded her head. “I’m going to eat with my mother tonight... I actually prefer it.” She whispered as she did in fact prefer eating with her mother than alone in her room.

She soon looked to her book and blinked as she thought about it. She then looked back to the library and nodded her head. “I value a good book... some of them are long and others are short and sweet. I like the longer ones if I’m being honest. They’re much more enjoyable.” She admitted as she took in a deep breath and started walking slowly. After all, she had to go to dinner sooner rather than later. “I hate not to be able to read... I think everyone should know how to read because it provides an escape from heavier issues.” She said as she shrugged her shoulders a bit.

“As for this book, it’s called The Art of Pursueing Happiness.” She said smiling a bit as she shrugged her shoulders, “probably some helpful tips... I’ve probably read it before, but what do I care.” She said laughing a bit.

 

[Crysie]

"Reading gives me a headache, all the words just kind of start jumbling together after a while, and it's boring. Although, I quite like it when someone reads to me, hearing a book being read sticks to me more, and there's just something about it that's more enjoyable. But I don't think a book can help you with a pursuit of happiness, that sounds kind of strange and unhelpful. I mean, happiness is your own thing, and I feel like a book wouldn't help much. Though, you probably shouldn't listen to anything I'm saying, I'm probably just saying nonsense and such things that don't make sense." Castiel said as he escorted the princess to the dining room, where her mother would be waiting along with a dinner table full of food.

Sighing softly, he looked out the window real quickly when they passed it, taking a quick glance at the lonely kingdom. The streets weren't lively and bustling like they usually were with the war going on, everyone was hauled up in their houses, men were drafted into the battle, it was an unfortunate time really. Castiel only hoped that the war would end sooner than later, and that they would be on the winning side of things. Deep down he was thankful that he was assigned this position, being the personal guard to the royal family. As much as he wanted to be out there on the field fighting, this was much more safe, and he wasn't quite ready to lose his life on the field just yet.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania looked at Castiel for a moment and blinked as she looked to her book. “I used to like being read to, but now I don’t like it... though it doesn’t stop my mother when I’m ill.” She admitted as she smiled a bit and then thought about the book she was reading as he made a comment. She laughed a bit as she shook her head.

“It’s a form of escaping for many people. It’s not actually about pursing happiness. It’s probably just some smart asses idea of helping others escape and to not blame themselves for what’s happened to them in their lives.” She said as she shrugged her shoulders a bit. “Honestly I think it’s all a load of crock... there’s nothing to no one to blame for problems in your life other than yourself.” She said as she could be negative at times. “Don’t get me wrong I understand that things that are out of your control are not your fault, but when you make a choice and it falls apart I fully believe there’s no one else to blame.” She said as she sighed a bit.

 

[Crysie]

"I believe the same thing. Sure, there are somethings that are out of your control, but most things in life happen from your own choice, you decide to do such things, so you have to own up to your own decisions that were made out of your own free will." Castiel hated people that blamed things on other people when they were at fault, it always made things more messy than they should be whenever it happened.

"And being read to is fun, at least to me. It's just calming and soothing to hear someone's voice, makes me feel less lonely in a way. It's also easier to tune into things if it's being read out loud to me." Castiel said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. It wasn't a surprise that Castiel was a lonely person, he never really had friends growing up, and those that were with him in the streets didn't stick around when he rose up in the ranks. He never really clicked well with most of the other knights either as he tend to keep to himself most of the time. "What are you going to do after you have dinner with your mother? Or are you going to try and run away from me again?" Castiel asked with a small chuckle at the end as the doors of the dining room came into sight.

 

[Lilbutterfli94]

Drania nodded her head in full agreement that there wasn’t always someone to blame for your actions other than yourself. Sure, every so often things were out of your control, such as deaths, but there were so few things that happened in this world that couldn’t be tied back to something you did in the past, whether it be years or weeks in the past.

“Well, I won’t lie in that when I’m ill I do enjoy having a story read to me.” She said as that much was true, she often didn’t leave her room when she fell ill, but that was a very rare occurrence. “As for after dinner, mother will probably want to take a walk in the garden with me, which I will gleefully attend to get my mind off things, and then after that I’ll probably go for a bath, and then I’ll retire to my chambers for the evening and rest, maybe start reading my book.” She said as she knew how a typical day went, and whether or not her mother wanted to go for a walk the plan was always pretty solid.