The Golden Age
Chapter Four : A Changing Tide
"Falling too fast, didn't prepare for this..
Imagine Dragons - Whatever It Takes
__________________________________________________
Two solar days had passed. The castle had been buzzing with gossip; each one pertaining the young Princess who had taken to beating a Galaxy Admiral. A man who was trained in military action, and strategy. A top solar sailor, who had been given honors many times.
And a mere Princess had brought his ego back to where it should have been.
Every time he heard whispers of it, from scuttlebugs who passed, it left him with an endearing smile. Each moment, during rigorous training of other Galaxy Militia, snide comments and simple teases that came at Dawnson McCleary left a swelling of pride of her actions. And... It seemed, his own at defending her honor.
Lilliana hadn't ventured to the training grounds since then, though he often found himself scanning the crowds for her shapely frame. Hair glistening a lovely viridity. Each time, he was left disapointed.
Sanderson Mansnoozie had even gone as far as wandering the halls, during the evening hours. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the young woman. He found himself, more often, in thoughts of her. Curious, and wishing to know more. Though, the answers never came, easily.
Any probing the Captain had done, was from the servants that serviced the Mercurian family. Each with a different solvent;
"I remember she often played with the dock-hands, when she was young. Spends a lot of time there.."
He had kept an eye out for the waters that surrounded the palace. Not once finding a shred of evidence she had been there.
"Often times, I find her in the Observatory. Mapping stars with Illict, the Philosopher."
The Observatory had been off limits for himself. Having tried to wander into the tower, only to be blocked and told it was only for welcomed guests and family. Sanderson had tried not to glower at the men stationed at the end of the spiraling staircase.
"She enjoys reading. I'd try the library."
Unfortunately, upon that mission, Sanderson had entered the library to find nothing. The Captain had turned, yet again filled with a new yearning and frustration..
Until he spotted a fluttering of fabrics that quickly rounded the corner. Of a deep teal, and made of the softest silks. Sanderson nearly ran to pursue what he believed had been Lilliana. No, instead he was met with the slender back of a taller woman. With dark hair that was pulled into a tight, regal bun.
Queen Rosaline, in her surprise, had turned to see who had tried to rush from behind herself. Until it was seen to be the Captain.
"High Captain Mansnoozie.." Her voice flitted with a solemn nod of her head.*
"Your highness, I am sorry for the intrusion.."
"No worries, High Captain. Is there someone I can help you find?" A glint sparked in her deep eyes, as Sanderson quickly adverted his gaze.
"No, your highness. I was just roaming." A lie. It slipped form him so easily, that Sanderson had even surprised himself.
"If there is anything I can help you with-" That knowing smile left him shaken. Quickly finding any excuse to retreat, run for the hills from the formidal woman.
"No, your Majesty. I was just wandering the castle. However, I realized I had promised Captain Sinslumber to meet him for dinner. Excuse me.."
It seemed each time he tried to pursue the young woman, it was nearly a dead end street. Sanderson couldn't remember a time he had spent so much of his free periods searching for a woman. Certainly not one who spent nearly every minute of a day busy.
Of course, he mused, it wasn't uncommon. Lilliana would be given the Throne in just two years time. She would be given the highest of honors, and most noble of duties. It would take every inch of her every day.
Yet, he often spied her friend roaming the grounds. Looking dejected, and bored, Duchess Adeline would sulk her way from one end of the castle, to the other. However, he had caught that young woman shifting flirting glances at standing Guards. Once, even to his own shock, whispering with one of his Star Captains.
Oh, that had been a sight! Catching the two pressed against a corner, nearly hidden from view behind the neatly trimmed bushes that had made up the gardens. The young woman had shied away, at his sight. While his Captain quickly hurried off, darting as far from his superior as he could. In shame, and fear of reprecussion.
Did Lilliana find time to do the same? Sanderson wondered, while neatly rolling the Star Whip in his hands. Did she follow in the flirtatious, and coquettish ways of Adeline? Sneaking out, and around to whisper sweet nothings in the ears of young men. Pressing her sweet softness against their bodies, with lowered lashes and a blush rising across her flesh?
The ideas left Sanderson Mansnoozie hot with jealousy. Even as he began to wind up, yet another whip, to place in the chest. Securing it with a quick twist of his wrist, and giving it a toss to land amongst it brethren.
None was worthy of such actions from the lovely woman. Lilliana seemed pure, innocent in the ways of desire. That much seemed true, from her actions two days prior. Willing to savor that innocence, and shut anyone down who stated otherwise.
The sun was setting, allowing a cooling to the moist, hot air he had been in all day. The breeze that shifted across the waters brought a relief he hadn't realized he desperately needed. The High Captain paused his minstrations, to close his eyes. Wiping the back of his hand across his sweaty brow, as his bowler hat tipped backwards.
"You forgot one.."
He spun, so quickly the hat nearly knocked off from the sudden impact of wind. Hastily, he straightened it, while finding the one voice that had spoken. Everyone had long gone. Training had been over for nearing an hour, he hadn't expected a single soul to be outside. Let alone.. Her.
Briskly, the young woman had stepped forward, with hand outstretched. The Star Whip dangled between her fingers, as she paused before him. Lilliana's eyes darted to meet his, only briefly, before finding the grass beneath her feet.
"Thank you, your highness.." With tentative hands, Sanderson took the weapon. Eyes never straying from the young woman that stood before him.
Oh, how lovely she was! Sanderson Mansnoozie was sure to never forget it. How the perfume she wore smelt like the fresh blossoms, and star dust. The way her hair had been neatly curled, and placed over fair shoulder. The dress she wore, a apricot in color, hugged her beasts in an empire waistline. Short cuffed shoulders, and a squared neckline pressing her chest. Leaving it to softly sway at her feet in the breeze.
It left her shoulders, and arms bare for his hungry eyes. Placing a new yearning in the pit of his stomach he tried to staunch.
"My mother wished to know if you could join us for dinner.." A request for a place at their table? It nearly knocked the short man into a stupor of bliss!
"Of course, your highness.."
A ghost of a smile slipped across her mouth, stained the color of fresh strawberries. "You can call me Lily. Everyone, so long as my mother is not near, does so."
Silence. He couldn't find the words to respond to her second request. Lily... It felt inevasive. Intimate, even.
When no reply came, her lowered gaze lifted to his. Muted question found as just a tilt of her head and rising of her brows.
His voice was lost, only a sharp nod of his head brought the woman's eyes from his. Downcast, yet again. Nearly hiding a disapointment that steadied her mouth.
"Dinner is served at six forty five. You have time to wash up, beforehand." The young Princess turned, heading back to the castle with slow steps.
"Thank you, Lily."
It tumbled from his mouth, haphazardly falling at the woman's back. It seemed she must have heard, for mid step she had paused. If only for a second. A grin spread across her face, as she glanced back for just a moment, before he was unable to see it any longer.
It left Sanderson to turn, rolling the last Star Whip with new found fever, to rush back to his quarters. Never had he felt such a warming from a simple smile. Never in his life had he jumped at a woman's simple request.
---
Nor had he ever struggled with what to wear for a dinner.
The room was simple, though elegant. Now strewn with once neatly pressed shirts across the floor. Jacket, after jacket had been slipped from his cases and thrown to the bed.
What did one wear to dinner with Royalty?!
Should he try to tame his hair?
A knock at the door stopped all hurrying proceedings of his struggle. Quickly, Sanderson pulled it open. None other than his Superior stood, with hands clasped in front of his growing belly.
The man, balding and prideful, stood with a sigh on his lips. Wearing a simple pair of brown, pressed trousers, and tanned tunic gilded in golden embrodary.
"Are you ready? I'm starving, and the rest of them aren't even close-"
In his thwarting feat with clothing, Sanderson only ran a hand down his face in exasperation. Silently nodding, while snatching up a singular vest from the pile he had effectively made in worry.
Simultaniously, he closed the door to his rooms. Slipping the vest over his yellowed shirt. Quickly, and neatly buttoning the vest, while Captain Sinslumber spoke;
"Their all worried about looking presentable. I doubt the Queen is to be effected by simple clothing.." Sanderson glanced down at his black slacks, and grey vest. Gilded buttons just a few spots off from their rightful homes. Damn...
"Perhaps it isn't the Queen their looking to impress?" While redoing his buttons, evenly this time, Sanderson spoke. Not realizing what he had said, until it was already in the open.
"If the Duchess of Andramedea is who you're refering too, I should make sure they know their place and station. And hers." He seemed to straighten at the notion of his other High Captains that seemed a tad too readily available to the crushes of women.
First High Captain Mansnoozie straightened his lapels, before glancing at his Superior. Inquisitive, yet not wishing to dwell more on the male's thoughts of jumping status'. Nor of thinking of the disappointment he would be met with, if he voiced his own yearning for a young woman who was clearly..
Well.. Out of his League.
"Didn't the Queen marry an Admiral?" Sanderson kept his face forward, not willing to look at Sinslumber, as he glanced his way.
"Different times. Different protocols. Admiral Mercine wasn't just a part of the Galactic Navals. He was also a Lord, well beyond that..."
His probing eyes searched the newly appointed First High Captain. As if he had something to hide, beyond the falsity of his steeled face.
"Didn't you serve with him?" A change of subject, allowing Sanderson to glance at the man at his side as they walked.
"We went into our stations at the same time. Served three years together, until he was married and given a higher title. It had been short lived, but he was a good man. Switched to Naval General shortly afterwards.. Steadily ready-handed with a Star Whip, though."
That would explain the young woman's talent.. Sanderson hadn't thought of it, until the notion was brought to the surface.
Lily had learned from her father. Though he only served four years within the Galactic Forces, he taught his daughter what he knew before his untimely death. Goodness Moon, he felt like a fool for not thinking of it!
"I can expect you to be on your best behavior," The Captain spoke again. Relief filling his voice, as they paused before the doubled doors. The entrance of the dining room that had been closed for their privacy. "But, I can't expect the same of the others. I'll be in shortly. I'll need a few words with them, beforehand."
Sanderson was hesitant. Glancing back at Sinslumber, who was staring down the hall, until he slowly pushed one door open.
He had kept his eyes down, while closing the door behind himself. Once it clicked softly, he heard the delicate giggles of women that brought his eyes upwards.
The room was wide, and warmly lit. The table sat, at the middle of marbled floors. Long, and widely set with a cloth of the deepest of blues. Curved legs of elegant chairs sat, awaiting their members to relax upon plush cushions.
However, beside the beauty of the room, he found the source of laughter. From two young women who sat beside one another, sharing a dinner roll from under the tables surface while whispering.
"No!" It was louder, from the shorter of the two. Her back to him, as the blonde Duchess began a laughing fit. Holding the sides of her tight bodice, as she doubled over at her own words.
It was then, he stepped forward. Nervously pressing his sweating palms to his slacks while thinking over a seat to take.
A dozen chairs littered the sides of the table. If he sat too far, would he be able to hear the young women in their whispers? Would he even be able to see Lilliana if he chose the furthest chair? Perhaps the one right across from the two. Able to hear, and see her lovely features, yet far enough to not be invasive.
"You may sit next to us.." It was Adeline, who was smiling broadly from her seat. All the while, Lilliana was picking at the roll in her lap. Staring intently at the fluffy bun.
"I'm not certain that would be-"
"Nonsense! Take a seat, Captain. It's to be a relaxing evening. We should all enjoy ourselves, after all.." Sanderson noted how Lilliana's face tipped towards her friend. Yet, he still nodded. Reluctant strides taking to the seat beside Adeline.
"Oh, I forgot! I was saving this seat! However, you can sit beside Lily. I'm sure she wouldn't mind. At all." Adeline pressed her hand to the seat he had been about to take, giving a warm smile at the male at her 'mistake'.
Sanderson took that moment with a nod. Glancing hesitantly at the young Lilliana who still hadn't looked up from her bun. Slowly, he pulled the chair out. Never once taking his eyes from the shy young woman, as he took his seat.
"Do you mind?" He asked softly, folding his hands in his lap. His nerves bundled at being sat so close to the young woman. Like a rubber band, he knew with one wrong move he would make a complete fool of himself.
She merely shook her head. "Not at all. It's a free seat, sir."
ย "You know," began Adeline with a devious smirk. " Lily is more than just a whip wielding tyrant bent on womanly justice.. "
ย "Stop!" It was whispered loudly, as the blue haired princess darted a glare to Adeline.
ย " I've heard, " it had come out suddenly, leaving the taller of the two women to raise a brow.
ย "Is that so?"
ย He realized his mistake in that moment. Shedding light on the questions he had searched for through the grape vine of servants. "Its hard not to hear what the maids talk about.."
ย Adeline seemed to deflate slightly, however Lily sighed. Leaving them both to glance at her. "Such a bunch of gossip mongers. It never fails. I'm sure half of it is fictitious."
ย " So... You don't map the stars, and study astrology? Or ride sail whenever the chance comes? " he was probing. Hoping what he had heard wasn't false. That he wasn't impressed with stories of grandiose.
Lilliana seemed pleasantly surprised, turning a warm smile his way. "Those are true. Must have spoken of the ones I haven't upset that day."
ย " I find it hard anyone could be upset with you, your highness. " His own grin spread across his lips, warming his amber eyes.
ย "You haven't been here long enough. I can be quite vexing, sir."
ย "With a Star Whip, I would be surprised by any other method. "
Adeline snorted, as she took a sip of the water before her. "Unless Florian is here. She's a tyrant during those times.."
ย "Florian?" Sanderson seemed confused at the name. It was familiar , yet he could not place a face. Was it someone who visited often?
ย "Lord Florian of Cassiopeia. The one that's asked for Lily's hand since ... Wow, has it been nearly eight years?" Lilliana stiffened, clearly not as interested in the conversation as her peers.
ย " A suitor? " Of course she had suitors! Not any man in their right mind would pass an opportunity to be her husband! Sanderson tried to hide the crestfallen glance to Lily.
Adeline seemed to take notice of his mistakenly spoke thought. Leaning into the table, with chin in her palm. Smirking like a cat who had suddenly caught a mouse. And under the scrutiny, Sanderson felt not unlike a mouse with a rapid heartbeat under his skin.
ย "I will not, ever, marry that horrendous man. Over my dead body..."
"He isn't so bad..." Adeline stated, with a laugh.
"Then you pursue him. Maybe then he'll leave me be. "
"Perhaps, if you weren't so readily on the-" Whatever Adeline had begun to say had been forgotten as the doors opened at the far end of the dining room.
1 note
ยท
View note