Desmond looked up at the newcomber absolutely livid. He had missed the princesses question due to their rather loud introduction and now he was being treated as lesser as though he were some bug to squash.
"I always knew Fallen angels were dicks but you take the fucking cake buddy" he interjected to the new comer "you are supposed to wait your turn not cut people off like a selfish asshole" he was talking very rudly but Desmond didn't care not only was politeness not the nature of a thief but he wasn't scared of Michael even a little. His adrenaline was so pumped he could take on anything. Especially since it wasn't like Michael could kill him.

Duncan frowned deeply and a he looked at Desmond with a steel gaze as he revealed himself while his hand tightend around the hilt. "Desmond Arkenstal, you sir are quite audacious by asking the Princess to accept you as a suitor." Duncan said right after Princess Annabelle asked her question. He looked suspiciously at the diamond. But before he could ask wether it was stolen or came in his possesion through legitimate way Michael made his appearance.

Duncan was slightly intimidated by the sudden appearance of the Angel in full gold and silver armour. The Angel seemed arrogant. Not that Duncan could blame him completly compared to the other suitor but still, it was to be seen if the arrogance would also be shown towards princess Annabelle.
Duncans attention quickly diverted back to Desmond when he started cursing. He had to agree that the Angel had jumped in line eventhough Desmond might not seem like a good suitor it was the case that Desmond had presented him as suitor and should be treated with the respect that came the claim.

"Please, no swearing. We would appreaciate if the suitors would behave and treat each other with respect and dignity." Duncan paused and he looked at princess Annabelle as he continued to talk, a question hidden in his words and asking for the approval of his Crown Princess, the slightest nod would suffice. "Perhaps the gentlemen can go to the parlour and take a refreshment. Lady Madeline and I could see that everyone gets installed comfortably while her highness awaits the arrival of the others." Duncan wanted to have a word with Desmond Arkenstal anyway. There were other members of the Royal Guard present in case there was a threath and it seemed Duncan wise that he would see that the situation between the first two wouldn't escalate.

Duncan sighed inwardly, if this was a preview of what was to come it would be interesting times to come.

Desmond shook his head rapidly. "My apologies" he said with a nod and a slight bow. "I did not mean to be disruptive. I am just not akin to disrespectful interjections" he added with a small sigh as he tilted down his head and sighed taking a seat in the other room. He sat there quietly. He hoped and begged inside his head that everything would be fine. He knew it was stupid of him to come here and it felt as the the knight known as Duncan was growing suspicious of him. He hat there on edge debating weather to just leave or continue onward

Annabelle gasped. Her eyes went wide for a moment.
"Please! Stop with such language!"
She placed a hand over her heart. She looked at Duncan and heard everything that he said. She nodded at his suggestion for a possible solution to this situation. She approved of the non violent method.
"Of course. Perhaps we can chat over drinks and other refreshments. However, at the moment, I must see if any other suitors arrive. It would not be fair to decide on someone before they even arrive."
She sighed a bit though. She glanced towards the entrance. She hoped the next ones were much nicer. She could never see herself marrying someone with great rudeness and disrespect. She did not look very happy at the moment now. She hoped Duncan and the others could help.
Annabelle nodded when Desmond apologized. She sighed in relief.
"My thanks."
She forced a faint smile. She was still a bit unhappy though.

Madeline nodded. She looked between the princess, Duncan, and the suitors. She sighed a bit, unhappy that they were making the princess unhappy.
"Yes, please stop."
She looked at Duncan again. She nodded again.
"That sounds...nice."
She could only hope that the suitors would at least calm down, for the sake of the princess. She took a deep breath. She had to stay calm herself. She walked over to Duncan and the princess have a nod in approval at the gesture. Madeline sighed a bit when she heard Desmond apologize to the princess.
"If you are truly sorry, sir, then stay and make it up to her."
Madeline said that to Desmond.

Desmond sighed and looked up. He held a strait face though he knew deep inside that there was nothing he knew how to do to fix anything. He looked to Madeline with soft eyes and sighed "im not leaving. Im just moving to the other room as i was asked to" he said sternly and walked away with his head low. He was disappointed in himself. In this sort of situation first impressions were the only thing that truly even mattered. He knew him and that other man, Michael, had made very unpleasant first impressions. He was scared for his family and worried there was no way to fix what he had said. So he took a seat and sat there in scilence

Duncan bowed to the princess and the lady in waiting and followed Desmond. He focussed and mumbled a prayer that he could tell truth and deception apart. When he was done and felt the familiar sense of calmness over him he looked at Desmond sternly after he closed the doors. "Mr Arkenstal, I have heard about you and not per se good things. I am Sir Duncan Ferrilion, head of the Royal Guard. Are you here as an honest suitor or is this a scheme? The desicion of her Highness to form an alliance through marriage was not an easy one and I will not have her fooled by a thief. Speaking of thiefs, did you steal that gem or did you get it trough honest ways?" He needed to know the truth first and his steel gaze rested upon Desmond, if this was some scheme to steal the riches of the castle Duncan would have this man in shackles and thrown in the dungeon before he even say he was sorry. He would do anything to protect the princess and the kingdom.

Desmond slid a sly grin over his face before turning about face and facing the knight. His eyes narrowed and he clenched his fists "if you wish to accuse me of being a thief than do so. I am one but that doesn't mean I am not here under honest pretenses" he said with a smile "as for the diamond" he said giving pause as he took a large step closer to the knight "it's mine. I brought it from my own personal storage. Just because it's rare doesn't make it stolen" he said with a chuckle. Nothing he said was a lie perse and that is what made it so perfect. Desmond was too cunning to so easily let his words be a trap. "I want to marry the princess out of honesty. It's not a trap" he said as he shrugged his shoulders. He than turned away and looked around the room. He couldn't lie to himself theft was asuradly tempting here.

Annabelle sighed as Duncan left after Desmond did. She assumed that he was either escorting Desmond to his room or he was simply keeping an eye on him for the moment. She frowned at the thought of that. She exchanged a rather saddened look with Madeline.

Madeline felt bad for the princess, her closest friend. She felt that Annabelle should have fair better suitors to choose from than those two. And so, she hoped that other suitors would show up soon.

The princess took deep breath. She made to calm herself. She looked at the suitor who had remained in the room. She wondered if she should start a conversation with him or simply have him escorted to his room. She was undecided at the moment.

Madeline wondered what Annabelle was thinking about at that moment.

Duncan sat back as Desmond talked. He had to keep in mind that a thief, and especially a master thief, could play lies and truth like a violin. He could detect no lies for the time being but he wasn't too sure about the intentions. "Very well. I hope you will forgive me but I am in charge of the safety of the Royal Family and I wouldn't do a very good job if I were to not question questionable suitors." Duncan paused. "I belief you for now although I cannot see what benefits a marriage with you would would give us but ultimately is up to Princess Annabelle to decide." Duncan would make sure that the maids would count the silver a bit more frequently now. Duncan looked at Desmond again a bit more pensive. "What do you hope to gain through the possible marriage?" He asked, planning to ask this question to every suitor in private so he could later discuss it with lady Madeline before possibly advicing the princess. He couldn't assist in the matter of the heart but when there were doubts facts could tilt the balance for better or worse.

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Prince Keith Sormard of Concordia stepped out of the carriage and looked up to the doors to enter the castle. He dreaded this moment. Keith felt his throat close up and felt like he was breathing in water. A few deep breaths later he took the first step. He didn't want to be here, he didn't want to marry a princess he never met, he definitely didn't want to settle down. He still had a hard time believing that he was ordered to marry a perfect stranger. Keith had thought many times during the ride in that he would just turn back and tell his father that she rejected him on the spot. But he couldn't lie so up the steps he went.

Keith went through the doors and his eyes were immediatly drawn to the two females. He frowned for a moment as he tried to recall the description of the princess and he could tell instantly that it had been lacking. She was beautiful, the room could be crowded but he couldn't tell. He was struck by the look in her eyes. He hoped he could see those eyes laughing in joy once.
Keith bowed. "Your Majesty. I'm Prince Keith Sormard from the kingdom of Concordia and I came to take your hand in marriage, should you accept my offer, so our kingdomes would be united through that bond." He opened a small bag. "As a token of appreciation I bring you the finest parfumed soap of sheep milk from my homeland and one single white Hercoi Rose, rare as it is for it is the only flower that grows on the summit of our mountains." He handed her the gifts while he was still bowing slightly.

Annabelle had been in quiet conversation with Madeline when prince keith arrived. She blinked and looked to see who had spoken to her. She frowned for a brief moment. She went wide eyed as he introduced himself and presented her with all those gifts. She didn't know what to say. She handed them off to a maid who made sure that the flower was taken care of and the other things put away in her private storages. Then, Annabelle turned back to face the prince in question.
"oh, um, greetings, your majesty."
She paused for a moment.
"Well, other suitors are arriving as we speak, and it would only be fair to get to know all of you first before I decide who I shall marry."

Madeline nodded. She simply listened the entire time. She kept to the background as the exchange went on. She was quiet the entire time. She was also quite patient.

Desmond looked to Duncan and gave a small smile "My people need as much help, if not more, than yours do." He said looking upward towards the ceiling "I hope to seal an impenetrable alignment to protect our two lands" he said sincerely. In his mind this was 100% the truth, at least, at first. However, as soon as Duncan had started talking about the chances of theft his mind was slowly shifting towards a counter intuitive direction. He stared to the ceiling and took a deep breath trying to maintain his calm composure, the last thing he needed was to reawaken Duncan's suspissions of him

Duncan nodded as he got up. "I understand. Thank you for your cooperation." He said as he slightly bowed towards Desmond. The man seemed sincere about the reason and Duncan had no reason to doubt the motive. He kept in the back of his head that enviroment Desmond came from and that old habits die hard. "If you will excuse me I will go check on the princess and see if any new suitors arrived." He paused. "Please make yourself comfortable." he said as he parted. An Angel, a thief. Who knows who else would show up Duncan mused as he shook his head. A wide range of possible suitors could arrive and trying to keep peace could be a difficult task ahead. Duncan almost hoped some boring diplomatic people would be among them. Not because they were a good choise but to make his job easier.

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Keith bowed. "Of course your majesty, I had expected nothing else." He said warmly. "But please, leave the formalities. I'm just Keith who happens to be a prince." he said with a big grin. Keith looked around and noticed one other figure in the hall. His eyes widend. "And Angel? How am I to compete with that?" he thought.

Duncan walked into the main hall where Keith was talking to the princess. A maid whispered Keiths name and title in his ear and that the princess had expressed her wish. Duncan nodded. "Prince Keith, I am Sir Duncan Ferrilion and I am the head of the Royal Guard. If you would be so kind to follow me I will show you a comfortable room to have some refreshments while we wait for everyone to arrive."

Keith looked to Duncan and nodded. He turned back to princess Annabelle. "Excuse me your highness, I hope I will be able to speak to your a bit more later today." Keith bowed again before he followed Duncan to the room where Desmond was.
Keith entered and Duncan let them alone. A maid brought some carafes, some with alcoholic beverages and some non-alcholic beverage, and glasses and a plate of asorted fruits and nuts with some pieces of bread with cold meat.

Keith looked curiously to Desmond. "Hi there, I'm Prince Keith from the kingdom Concordia. Are you one of my rivals?" he asked Desmond lighthearted. Keith wasn't the person to take anything serious, including competing with other suitors for the honour to marry the crown princess. Although, he knew already he wouldn't like it at all if she would slip through his fingers but his friendly nature wanted to socialise with a potential rival.

Duncan returned to princess Annabelle and lady Madeline. "Two of them are comfortably installed and have gotten some drinks and food." he said. "Princess Annabelle, don't worry I'm sure it will work out." He glanced at Madeline often. The lady-in-waiting was beautiful as ever and he hoped she could be excused later today so Duncan could strike up a conversation with her.

Annabelle blinked. She nodded. She paused for a brief moment before she spoke again.
"oh, um, very well."
She nodded again. She looked to her side and saw Duncan. She heard what he said to the prince. She looked at Prince Keith when he spoke to her once more. She nodded yet a third time.
"of course."
She watched as he left with Duncan. She sighed a bit after he and Duncan had left the room.

Madeline frowned in worry. She wished there was something that she could do for her friend. But, she felt rather helpless at the moment.

Annabelle blinked and looked at Duncan upon hearing him when he returned to the room. She nodded at him.
"Alright."
She hoped Duncan was right about what he said after that.
"I very much hope so."

Madeline glanced at Duncan in return. She blushed a little and looked away.
This did not escape Annabelles' notice. Annabelle gave a faint smile.
"Madeline, why don't you get some fresh air? I would like to be alone for a few moments."

Madeline blinked and looked at her friend, the princess. She frowned a bit but she nodded.
"of course."
She left the room. She would head out to the gardens like she usually did whenever the princess dismissed her like that. She sighed a bit. She was all alone at the moment.

Desmond looked to the very gentlemanly dressed man and sighed "im Desmond. I come from the vallies of sand" he said in response to the man's proper introduction. He sighed and shook his head at the idea of rivalry. It made no sense. This wasn't a competition between the siuter's if anything it was really just a chance for the princess to test the waters between everyone, it was her decision so there was no point in fighting. He looked to the man and grinned widely something about him spoke to his darker senses but he couldn't point out what "I wouldn't call us rivals.....more like fellow contestants " he said with a chuckle. A contest sounded more fun than a war, although he was pretty ready to go to war for a kingdom of this magnitude. His darker instincts began bubbling inside him, more and more he wanted to betray the kingdom and slaughter them all, but he kept his cool. This was far too important right now

Duncan "If you need anything, call on me or one of the Royal Guards. Your Highness." Duncan bowed his head as he greeted her. One of his men beckoned him to come. "Excuse me." he said before he hasted away. After hearing what the man had to say Duncan went towards his office. But he made a small detour first. He felt the sudden need to catch a fresh breeze of air in the hope to find a certain someone there.
He walked towards the gardens and looked around. His eyes landed on Madeline. He walked up to her but stopped a respectful distance from her since she was unchaperoned and he didn't to do anything that might damage her reputation. "Lady Madeline, what a coincidence to meet you here. Lovely gardens aren't they." he commented as he smiled softly.

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Keith chuckled too. "Well then Desmond, fellow contestants it is." He doubted that they would actually have to compete but one could never know, besides nothing wrong with some games in his opinion. He looked at the little snacks but he didn't know if a big meal was going to be served later and he didn't want to spoil his apetite too much. Keith poured himself some juice before one of the staff could do it for him. He looked back at Desmond. "I never heard of the vallies of sand but then again geography never was my strong suit." He paused before he grinned. "And neither are politics, good thing I am only a third prince, hopefully pushed down further the line when the crown prince makes some crown princes or princesses of his own." Keith sat back down a took a big gulp of juice.

Desmond grew an evil grin over his face. This prince knew nothing of him of the land of the thieves and that was exciting. The one thing the royal guard forgot to do was pat him down to ensure no weaponry. Desmond hand gripped the blade pressed to his side. He could attack. They were the only two in the room. He could attack and no-one would ever know. In a flash Desmond disappeared and than was right behind the prince with a sly grin stretched over his face "get one thing straight" he said letting out a short but menacing chuckle "you don't know geography or politics you should learn quick" he added and vanished again. His movements were so sudden. He was now sitting across the room silently acting as though he had never moved and he looked up at Keith "funny," he said with a pause "I thought everyone knew of the vallies of sand, oh well" he said shrugging his shoulders as he sipped his drink

Annabelle nodded. She watched Duncan leave. She sighed a bit afterwards. She was lost in her own thoughts after that. She thought about her hopes of falling in love before marrying that she once had. Now? Now she just hopes for a good alliance so that her people were safe from war and enslavement.

……………………….

Madeline was in the gardens. She was staring at the biggest red rose bush that was there. She blinked upon hearing Duncans' voice. She turned to see him there, standing close by. But, it seemed like he was trying to keep his distance. That was how it seemed to her anyway.

She chuckled slightly.
"I always walk out to the gardens to think at times like this."
She turned to face him. She nodded.
"I love the roses. The red ones are my favorites."

The lady in waiting faintly smiled. She took a careful step towards him. But, she did not get any closer in case he did not want her to or he felt uncomfortable with such a thing. Madeline was always considerate like that. It was one of the many reasons why she and the princess were such good friends.

Duncan smiled and only briefly looked at the red roses. "I shall remember that." he said making a mentally note that Madeline likes red roses. Duncan never came to the gardens often but in the right company they were much more enjoyable. Especially since the right company lookedless worried out here.
"But the roses aren't the most beautiful in this garden." he said looking at Madeline. When he saw her stepping closer his grin widend and he reached for her hand to kiss her hand. He would love to pull her in a hug but he didn't want to rush things, nor did he feel this was the right time with so much going on.

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Keith was about to make some more small talk to Desmond when Desmond was suddenly standing behind him. Startled his eyes widend and his mouth dropped as he froze, the chuckle made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His mouth was dry and he swallowed hard when he saw Desmond sitting there like nothing happend. "Who...what..." Keith grabbed his glass and took a sip again looking suspiciously to Desmond. He now realised Desmond might not be as friendly as acted, that could have turned out ugly. He would have to watch his back. Inwardly Keith sighed he definitely didn't want to worry about possible dangers his stay here. Keiths eyes narrowed for a bit as he tried to understand what had happend. He knew he made himself look like a dumb, ignorant prince that only liked to wander around and have fun but he would show Desmond there was more to him then met the eye. Keith jutted out his chin and raised his glass to Desmond "Apparantly not everyone." Keith said with new found courage. "Why don't you educate me." Desmonds previous 'lesson' was still ringing in his ears. "I would love to hear more about it."

Madeline blinked and nodded when Duncan said that he would remember that. She blinked and faintly blushed when he said that the roses were not the most beautiful thing in the garden. She could tell what he meant by that since he appeared to be looking right at her. she noticed the widened grin. She saw him reach towards her. She still blushed a bit when he took her hand and kissed it. Her heart skipped a bit.
"oh...um...thank you."

She did not pull away. She did not reject any affection he seemed to be showing her at that time. In fact, she kind of liked it. It felt...rather nice. However, she bit her lip for a moment, unsure of what to say next.

Desmond let a small grin curl over his face and he cracked his neck. He looked to Keith and smiled "I don't have anything to tell you, ask around" he said slyly as he sipped his drink "besides" he said with a chuckle "it's not like it's that damn important where I'm from anyways". He chuckled a little as he leaned back in his seat "so, what makes you want to be with the princess?" He asked intrigued "I need her military and she needs mine....whats your gain out of a marriage?" He asked genuinely fascinated with this simply prince.