Royal Treatment

Hi everyone, just letting you know I got my wallet back last night  some woman had taken it home with her from the bar . I've been tied up in the creditors/police/etc (precautions for identity theft, blah blah)

Update will be later today with Ian's part and then the last part should be quick.. Is it Van or Siegfried? 

and then back to the masked man! Expect an update in a few hours  thanks for your patience 

 

Crown Prince Ian Kirtak's Valentine's Story

I blew into my hands to warm them from the frigid cold. I was on assignment for a day in the Kingdom of Equix, which unfortunately was a northern country known for its rather chilly weather. A celebrity couple was celebrating the birth of their child and I had been contracted to write a piece detailing the event. However that was easier said than done, as the security was unnaturally high.

I sighed as I sat outside the country club, glaring at the beefy security guard that had denied me entry. It was horribly cold as I breathed out and saw my breath. Inside was the happy couple, who had rented out the facility, and unfortunately I was not on the guest list. I stood up, determined to gain access once more. It was my duty as a writer, and I wouldn’t get paid without this article.

The guard turned to face me again, looking irritated as I approached. I had tried to trick him before but he was unusually sharp for hired muscle. I opened my mouth to speak when he visibly paled and began stammering. I stared at him in shock as he fumbled for the door and opened it with a deep bow.

“Ahem,” said a voice behind me. I turned and was greeted with the vision of a man in a long fur coat, a perfectly sarcastic eyebrow raised at my shocked expression over dark brown tinted lenses. His light brown hair was tousled slightly by the wintry wind but he still managed to make the look seem completely intentional. “After you,” he said in his charming deep bass.

It was Prince Ian Kirtak, but what was he doing here? I managed to recover and held my head up as I walked past the security guard as if he hadn’t just forbade me admission moments earlier. Prince Kirtak followed me. We emerged past the empty receptionist desk to a large formal area where people were milling about and chatting happily. I recognized a ton of celebrities and was momentarily star struck.

Ian touched my arm lightly and I turned to face him. “You’re not going to thank me?” he said with a smirk, lifting his sunglasses up and placing them on his head. The subtle movement pushed his hair from his face, and I was treated to a view of his perfectly chiseled features. He really was built from a different mold.

“T-Thank you, your highness,” I mumbled and Ian gave me a look of self-satisfaction. He managed to do so without looking arrogant, although it didn’t seem possible.

“As thanks, why don’t you be my date for the night?” Ian said, bending his large frame to whisper in my ear. “It is Valentine’s Day after all.”

I looked at him, blushing from how warm his breath made my ear. “You remembered something like that?” It seemed unfathomable that someone like Ian would remember a silly holiday, but it made me feel tingly inside knowing he did.

Ian straightened and looked away disinterestedly. Just then a woman in a long sparkling red dress ran up to us and grabbed onto Ian’s arm. “Your highness, you came! I thought you said you wouldn’t attend.”

I recognized her immediately as Cynthia Lockwood, the actress who had just given birth. Her bleach blonde hair and stunningly painted bright blue eyes sparkled so magnificently, and the dress hugged her voluptuous frame snugly. It was incredibly unfair that she had just had a baby and still looked like that.

A smartly dressed man with a thin mustache and a well cut suit walked up after Cynthia. It was her husband Shawn Lockwood, a film producer. “Thank you for attending,” he said to Ian who was growing increasingly irritated by Cynthia’s close presence.

Ian shook free of Cynthia’s grasp and folded his arms over his chest. I watched as he stared down at the woman coolly. “Congratulations,” he said simply. He reached towards me then and grabbed my hand, pulling me after him as he walked to the French doors leading out to the golf course.

As we stood on the broad concrete patio before the drop off into the green, he let go of my hand. We stood next to each other in silence. My coat wasn’t quite thick enough for the northern weather and I shivered. In one simple movement Ian shrugged off his large fur coat and pulled me close with one arm, wrapping it about me and using it to hold me to his chest.

He stepped away from me then and I immediately missed his warmth. The coat was very large and heavy and I could feel the luxurious fur with my fingers as I held it closed about my shoulders. Somehow it felt like Ian was holding me and I reveled in that feeling.

“Always doing these strange things, making me follow you,” Ian murmured, looking out into the distance. I turned and looked at him quizzically. Ian sighed. “Hurry up and finish what you’re doing here.”

Remembering what I was here for I turned back to the party inside. The woman looked so happy; I began wondering when I would be able to look like that. Noticing Ian staring at me, I quickly pulled his coat off my shoulders and handed it back to him. Ian took it from me with an amused smile.

Heading inside I sidled my way up to Cynthia. She was in such a blissful mood I had no problem interviewing her. I moved around the room, talking to other patrons, who gave their well wishes. I finally talked to Shawn, and spoke to him a good long while, writing down important parts of our conversation for my final draft.

Leaning against the wall I gave a sigh. Sometimes it was tiring doing my job. I had to ask all the right questions and gather succinct information in natural conversation. Someone approached me then and handed me a glass of champagne. I looked up and was caught in deep brown eyes.

“Tired already?” Prince Kirtak said with a smile.

“A little,” I said and took the glass. Ian sighed and looked away in disinterest again, his long coat slung over his shoulder. From his profile he looked like one of those male models and I took a moment to admire him while I sipped my drink.

“If you’re done, let’s go already,” he said under his breath. He seemed impatient. Like last time I barely heard him. I wondered if I imagined it.

The party wound down and I again congratulated Cynthia before leaving. Prince Kirtak ignored the actress altogether but she seemed to have just been happy he had come in the first place. As we moved out of the country club, I headed to the street to hail a taxi but Ian grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.

“You’re done with your business, so you can come with me right?” he said looking at his watch. “The night isn’t over.”

Confused and stunned by his actions I nodded. The long black car with Equix flags was sitting to the side. The driver got out and opened the door. Ian pushed me inside and slid in behind me. The car drove along up into the mountains and stopped at last. Looking out the window I couldn’t see a thing. We both climbed out of the car.

Standing at the top of the mountain was a small wooden villa. As I looked around there was no one else in the area. The night sky was clear and I could see nothing but stars for miles up here away from the city. I heard the car pull away, leaving just the two of us. I was distracted however when Ian came up behind me and opened his coat, pulling me into his arms and enveloping us in the warm fur.

We stood in the absolute quiet staring up at the stars. I could hear the steady sound of Ian’s heart beating against my back, and the muscles in his arms trembling as he held me. He moved then and I looked up just in time to see him leaning down towards me. His lips touched mine lightly, as if testing me before the kiss deepened and I relaxed. When we parted at last I couldn’t hear anything but the wild beating of my heart.

Prince Ian had a strange expression as if sulking. “The night isn’t over and you promised to be my date for the night, so forget your work and make time for me.” He took my hand and led me into the villa.

Once inside he pushed me up against the wall and kissed me again. I was left breathless as he covered me in his large frame, the softness of his lips touching mine making my mind go blank. His hands traced lightly inside my coat, slipping it off my shoulders. He leaned down to look into my eyes and I was lost in them. Work was no longer an option.

“Happy Valentine’s day,” he whispered in my ear and I happily agreed. I would need to take assignments in Equix more often.

 

Crown Prince Van Orcello's Valentine's Story

I gave a sigh as I looked at the chocolates before me. One was tied in a blue ribbon, and it was dark chocolates truffles. The other had a gold ribbon and had milk chocolate swirled hearts. I glanced over at the shopkeeper. She had been watching me for a while. I at last picked up the blue ribbon box and walked to the counter.

Walking from the store I stared down at the chocolates. Was it silly to be buying chocolates when I wasn’t sure if the person would accept them from someone like me? The person in question undoubtedly received dozens of these. As I looked at the box I felt suddenly embarrassed. It seemed inadequate somehow.

“Ohh, what’s this?” said a voice.

I gasped as I looked up and quickly put the box behind my back. Standing before me was Prince Van Orcello in full uniform, flanked by a team of bodyguards. He smiled broadly as he saw my expression. He leaned forward as if to give me a hug but at the last second snatched the box from me and held it up high.

“G-Give that back!” I grabbed for it but missed and one of the bodyguards moved forward in my way. I shrunk back in fear.

“Oh calm down Hunter,” Van said to the bodyguard with a cheerful smile. He turned the box in his hands. “You just bought this? Why?”

I blushed. “No reason in particular.” I couldn’t tell him I had bought it as a Valentine’s gift. Especially now that he had it in his hands.

Van didn’t seem convinced. “You buy chocolates today to give to someone special, right?” Van narrowed his eyes and gripped the box tightly. Then the expression vanished as he smiled and handed me back the box. “Keep it safe, this key to your heart.”

Van turned to leave then, his long shiny boots pounding a little harsher than normal into the snow covered path. His bodyguards followed. I clenched my hands into fists, holding onto the box. If he left, would I have another chance to give it to him?

“Wait Van,” I called out.

Van turned from where he stood, getting into his car. His dark coffee colored hair swept over his shoulders and his long white gloved fingers gripped the doorframe. From where he stood mere yards away in full regalia I was reminded that I was on a different level as he. His green eyes searched mine and then he said something to his guards, walking towards me without them.

“What is it?” he murmured as he approached.

“F-For you…” I stammered, holding out the chocolates. “Valentines…”

He looked surprised but took the box from my hands. Then his eyes softened and his face became a hundred times more charming. “Don’t leave me hanging like that,” he chided me and then he pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m glad that these aren’t for anyone else.”

His hand traced my jawline and I felt my eyes closing at the tender touch. Turning us so he stood between the bodyguards and me, he kissed my lips briefly. The bodyguard from before cleared his throat loudly and Van turned in irritation.

“Man Hunter, can’t you let me be for a little?” He laughed, and grabbed my hand. “Slight change of plans for dinner tonight. Call the old lady and tell her to set a place for one more.”

“Really now,” the man named Hunter said. Then he shook his head and sighed, obeying as he pulled out a cellphone.

“Spend the day with me,” Van Orcello said as he led me to the car. “My sweet valentine.”

 

 Van's story is short... Because..... 





you'll see why soooooooon

 

Crown Prince Siegfried von Adler's Valentine's Story
Super surprise special: the tsundere prince LOL


I stared up at the black-haired man in disbelief. He looked embarrassed as he folded his arms over his chest and stared back at me, unflinching. He was dressed in a black suit with perfectly shiny shoes, looking out of place in the crowded street. People were staring at the two of us but no one could approach since his aura was so dangerous.

“Stop protesting and just come along,” the man said in his deep voice, glaring at me. He was Prince Siegfried of the Thiamat Kingdom, and we were currently arguing in the streets where I had just finished an assignment. It was a little ridiculous.

Really, if you ask someone a favor, you aren’t supposed to threaten them. He made it sound like I was doing him a favor. “Even if you ask something like that, I can’t.” I responded, folding my arms over my chest as well. It made me feel a little safer to hide behind my arms.

Siegfried flushed in anger. “Christophe!” he shouted. A shorter man came running up and handed over a photo. “If you don’t I will release this photo of you. I believe this is trespassing.” Siegfried had a smug smile on his face.

I leaned in to look at the photo and recoiled. It was indeed a picture of me, sneaking into a famous celebrity’s party that had been held last week. Had he been watching me this entire time? I reached for it but the prince pulled it away. He looked down at me with a triumphant expression.

“I understand.” I said, defeated.

Christophe opened the door of the expensive car behind us and gestured for me to get inside. I did so, with the blackmailing prince following behind. The driver took off and we soon pulled up to a large house, dressed to the nines with pink and red Valentine’s decorations.

Siegfried looked uncomfortable as he got out of the car. I followed, bumping my head as I got out and wincing. Siegfried sighed. “Please don’t do things like that. Christophe, take her to get changed.”

Since this party is being held by the King and Queen, I expect you to be on your best behavior,” Christophe said to me from the other side of the door as I changed. “You understand that Prince Siegfried is a very important person.”

I exhaled quietly and put on the fancy dress. It was a long black gown that hugged my hips, with silver crystals entwined within the fabric to make it sparkle. Then a woman sat me down and did my hair as another did my makeup. Everyone had serious expressions, and it was rather intimidating.

As I emerged, Prince Siegfried walked up then and did a double-take as he saw me. He opened his mouth to speak but then choked on his words and looked away quickly. What was wrong with him? I stumbled in my heels as I went to him and he glared at me, his icy blue eyes making me shiver.

“Don’t embarrass me,” he said although the cold tone seemed forced, and looped his arm around mine.

As we stepped into the ballroom I was blown away by the magnificent decorations. Despite just being a rented mansion, it reminded me that this really was another world that these people lived in. I could see the King and Queen sitting in tall backed chairs a ways away from the dance floor. A man in a suit announced Prince Siegfried’s arrival and the festivities paused as everyone turned and bowed to us.

I shrunk behind the prince a little from all the attention. “Thank you for attending the Valentine’s Ball,” Siegfried said his tone as serious as ever. “Please enjoy your time here.” The festivities quickly resumed, with no one asking questions about who I was, although I could see some of the ladies were glaring in my direction.

Siegfried pulled me close suddenly and I gasped as his arms circled about my waist. It was a light touch, but he seemed amused at my shocked expression. His arms were warm and strong, and he danced wonderfully despite the intimate song making us stay in close proximity. He really was an attractive man I noticed as I stared at his tall profile. He caught me staring and stumbled, causing our dance to come to a stop.

“D-Don’t stare at me like that,” he mumbled, looking cross. Then his expression changed and he said something under his breath. I barely heard it. “Don’t hate me for this.”

“I don’t hate you,” I blurted out. I don’t know why but although Siegfried was clumsy about his feelings, I couldn’t hate him.

Siegfried’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you talking about!” Then he looked down at me. “I mean. Thank you, for coming with me. You really are an interesting woman, aren’t you?”

I ignored the rather rude comment, and also the fact that he had blackmailed me into being here. Siegfried was really childlike sometimes. The song ended then and Siegfried took my hand, kissing the back of it lightly. He seemed nervous as he fidgeted.

“If you wouldn’t mind… please be my dance partner for the rest of the night.” He waited impatiently for me to answer. Perhaps that was his weakness.

“All right,” I said with a little smile. “Happy Valentine’s day, your highness.” I enjoyed the blush that covered his cheeks and let him sweep me into his arms for another dance.

 

back to the normal grind after the jump
 updates will be sporadic. I am now working 7 days a week, so IDK when I'm gonna be able to write (and/or live *sob*) who's the masked man?!

 

 Update spam.
Last we saw our heroine.... She was deciding between returning Prince Van Orcello's jacket or going to the masked man.... You chose the tiger masked man.


His stare drew me across the ballroom and I found myself standing before him. He took Van’s jacket from my arms and set it upon a chair that was near the fireplace. His eyes were like steel as they looked down at me and he took my hand and led me onto the dance floor. He held my hand in his left and circled his arm around my waist. I could feel the soft material of his uniform against my skin as we danced.

The mask he wore was terrifying to look at but the man behind it seemed kind. His lips were pursed in amusement as he swept me close into his arms and dipped me back dramatically. As he cradled me back to him, I clung to the front of his uniform from the shock. I noticed what I had done and gasped, releasing his clothing.

“S-Sorry,” I said.

He didn’t say anything though and continued to dance with me. By chance I looked over and saw that Prince Orcello was watching us, his eyes fiery. He was dancing with Giselle Schneider, who seemed to be enjoying the attention. I felt a pang of guilt as this was the second time I had snubbed Van, but then suddenly my dance partner twirled me about, and I was lost in the rush of the dance.

As the song ended, I was breathless from the exhilaration. Somehow these nobles knew how to make every step of a dance exciting and new. I saw around me the partners were bowing and curtsying to each other in thanks for the dance so I did the same, looking up shyly. The man in the tiger mask bowed low. Something about him was so familiar, but I couldn’t place it.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Van stalking to the center of the room, quite near where I was. He had picked up a microphone from somewhere, and he stared at me intensely as the lights dimmed. A spotlight fell on him and he looked out at the crowd from behind the blue mask. He lifted it up, revealing his regal face as he began to talk.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored by your attendance to my masquerade ball.” A light spattering of applause followed. “Let us enjoy the night, for it’s still young.” Waiters rushed by then, passing out champagne flutes. The masked man grabbed two and handed me one. I took it tentatively. “Let us toast to this new year that is coming upon us, and the hundredth year of our Royal Ball!”

Prince Orcello raised his glass and everyone else followed suit. Then he tipped his head back and downed the entire thing rather forcefully. I sipped on mine instead. It seemed that Van was in a poor mood. The man in the mask didn’t touch his drink. Prince Orcello pulled his mask back down over his face and handed the microphone away to a servant. Then he stalked towards me, a somewhat wicked smile on his face.

“If you’d please, I believe it’s my turn to dance,” Van said with a congenial air.

 

Van tilted his head a little as if daring the man to say a word. The tiger-masked man gestured a free hand and bowed to me again, walking away. I felt a little disappointed. Van then took my hand and stared at me.

“I saw you brought my jacket,” he said in a whisper as the music began. He laughed a little as we began to dance. “Now I’ve lost my trump card.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He winked at me, the effect lost a bit by his mask. “The only thing that kept you tied to me.” Our dance brought us close together and I felt his chest against mine. My heart beat a little quicker. “You look stunning tonight,” he said with a playful grin. “I better watch out.”

Again I was confused, but the next dance move pulled us apart again. As he twirled me around I tried to understand what was going on. The dress I wore flowed wonderfully on the dance floor and I was grateful now that I had it since it matched with the expensive theme of the other women in attendance.

“Did you enjoy your first meeting with the clown prince?” Van said with a bit of bite in his tone.

“Clown prince?” I repeated, narrowly avoiding stepping on Van’s polished shoes. I didn’t really know what I was doing but I was dancing the best I could. To my relief, Van didn’t seem to notice.

Van rolled his eyes and laughed a bit deprecatingly. “Pantora’s prince. You just danced with him after all.” A wild rushing noise filled my ears and I felt a bit lightheaded. Prince Orcello pulled me close then and looked at me with concern. “Could it be you didn’t know?”

I shook my head. Van smirked and leaned close to my face then, making me hold my breath. He studied me carefully, ignoring the curious looks of those dancing nearby. His lips were so close to mine I wondered if he was going to kiss me. This situation seemed familiar. Then he closed his eyes and grinned.

The song ended then and he straightened. I exhaled loudly, unaware that I had been holding my breath the entire time. I went to curtsy to Van but he grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me flush against his body. I gasped, my skin tingling at the contact.

“Perhaps I’ll monopolize you the entire night,” he said with a laugh.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and Van stopped laughing. “You really shouldn’t play such silly games, Orcello.”



I see you LURKERS  come out wherever you are 

 

 Pantora is the fifth and final kingdom. This is Prince Caspian's big entrance  or is it?
 I have another update ready to go buuuuut.... Maybe I'll wait until tomorrow to post it 