Sugar and Spite

When Royalty Collides

With the royals all arriving at the Aciran castle Sunday night, Vivian had requested that they all attend the fair the following Saturday. While Raven had questioned her sisters suggestion to the event list, she didn’t protest that much. She and Vivian had always shared a love for just about all of the Aciran festivities, the fair being one of their top favorites.

The talk around the castle had been mainly about the Mirenia Daily over the last week. The tabloid had been sure to release their newest issue the day after the welcome ball. While her name had been kept out of the gossip, some of her friends and guests hadn’t been so lucky. Asher, Ara, and Erik seemed to have most of the spotlight this go around, and while the tabloid had simply commented on Gen’s lipstick, Raven didn’t want to be mentioned in the gossip even if it was just for a compliment. Raven was happy that the maids had placed the letters in each bedroom explaining the next event. Hopefully the excitement could steer everyone away from the drama.

The letters left in the bedrooms had been typed up and printed out. Raven was dedicated to her planning but writing twenty letters - give or take - was something that she wasn’t going to do. However, she did manage to sign them all. The letters instructed everyone to be outside the entrance to the castle at two in the afternoon. Guests were advised to wear comfortable and cool attire due to the stench of dirt, fried food and ninety degree weather. Inside of the letter was a ticket to the fair. The tickets bought included unlimited rides and attractions, of course, but the royals would have to buy their own food and drinks once there.

Once dressed in her outfit choice for the day, Raven didn’t bother with any makeup other than some light mascara. Her hairstyle was the definition of a messy bun. If asked, the young royal would tell you that she hadn’t been this comfortable since she began planning her sisters wedding. Slipping on her trusty black and white converse high tops, Raven was set for the day. Putting her phone and wallet into her pockets, the young royal made her way down the stairs and outside of the castle right on time.

A handful of black Cadillac SUV’s would be carrying the royals and the most highly esteemed Aciran guards to the fair. The guests had been told that there was no need to bring their own guards, but something told Raven a hand full of people would be disregarding that suggestion. The royals had the option to ride together or solo. Raven was half hoping that Cat would be accompanying her on her way to their destination, but she didn’t get her hopes up quite yet. Climbing into the vehicle, Raven was pleased to see her favorite chauffeur Philip. Pulling her phone from her pocket, Raven began to scroll through social media as she waited on the other royals to make their way to the cars.

When Royalty Collides

_{Staring: Marcy @Dirty Pretty Lies & Asher @HaleyTheRandom}

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His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy.There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti.

Wait, what?

He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready.

Asher Alcott did not look calm and ready. He looked exactly like the nervous man that he was. While most people would have gone pale, Asher had never had that problem. Instead his eyes would instead dart from side to side as to not stare at Marcy for too long. She looked amazing, though the joyful spark in her eye had been replaced by one filled by fire. The young woman had always had that fiery look, but now it had completely taken over. Rather that was a good or bad thing, Asher was about to find out.

Grabbing two glasses of champagne on his way over, Asher came to stand a reasonable distance in front of Marcy. He decided to start the conversation off with something simple.

”Hey Marce,” he began. ”I figured you might need something to drink?”

“You’ve got some nerve, walking up to me like this…” Marcela drawled, raising a haughty eyebrow in his direction.

”Yeah…. I figured your response would be something like that,” he responded, giving her a shrug in return. ”Go ahead and yell. I know you want to. Doesn’t my face look like the perfect target for your verbal punching?” His jokes were horrible, and probably bound to piss her off. Unfortunately, Asher had always been prone to making horrible jokes when nervous.

Asher’s comments earned himself a snort and a roll of the eyes. “You have no right to play the victim here, Asher. I was the one who got ghosted after being a clueless idiot and giving you everything all throughout that summer six years ago.”

He sighed. ”You’re right. I’m not trying to play the victim here, Marcy: I promise. I know that I haven’t changed that much when it comes to my fuck-boyish ways, but I have matured in other aspects - such as how to treat people. Which is why if you did want to yell at me, I’d stand here and take it. Because anything you have to say would be justified. I just honestly wanted to make sure that you were okay. I know that you can handle yourself, but…” his voice trailed off. ”I don’t know how to word it.”

Marcela scoffed and shook her head. “If you say you’ve changed, then it probably means you haven’t,” she told him simply, shrugging her shoulders.

"If that's what you really think I'd be more than happy to turn around and go talk to someone else. But I'm not still some dumbass teenager."

"Oh yeah?" she drawled, taking a few steps in his direction to close the distance between them and raising a defiant eyebrow at him. "Then prove it."

Asher nodded his head as a short chuckle escaped his lips, moving closer to Marcy as he did so. ”If you really want me to leave, you’ll have to say it outright,” he began, dropping his voice to a low whisper. As his eyes would meet hers, it was easy to see the familiar mischievous glimer hidden behind the formalities. “See, I was sort of looking forward to catching up with you, but I’m not going to push you either. I am known for my gentlemanly ways, after all. Besides, I’m sure as a future queen you could use some practice ordering people around. You didn’t seem to have any problems with being the boss last time we were alone.”

Marcela let out a sarcastic laugh. "So not only are you still the same immature, irresponsible man, but you also continue to showcase your obvious lack of attention skills," she muttered under her breath, grabbing his face between her thumb, index and middle fingers and letting her brown eyes burn into his. "Number one: I never asked you to leave, and I wasn't trying to make you leave. If you can't handle the truth when it's being thrown at your face, then that's your problem."

"Number two: I'm not the heiress to the Aragonia crown, nor am I marrying a crown prince or a king. My beloved Quincy has parted from this Earth. I am no longer a future queen to any kingdom."

"And number three: you didn't answer my question. I asked you to prove yourself to be the so-called mature gentleman you say you are. If you're unable to, then I guess it means you haven't really changed after all."

”Then let me start over. I’ve been standing here with these two champagne glasses looking like an idiot the whole time. Would you like one, or would you like something else?” The young man was doing his best to tread lightly. The last thing he wanted was her actually to yell at him.

Marcy stared him down for a few long, hard seconds before eventually releasing his face and accepting the champagne glass he was offering. "Thank you, Asher," she told him appreciatively, choosing to drain the contents in one sip instead of pacing herself. This ball was already raising the levels of her blood pressure.

With his face released from Marcy’s grip, Asher was glad to be able to stand up straight again. Her taking the champagne from him was one small victory that he was glad to accept.

”Do you maybe want to go somewhere to get some fresh air? Maybe catch up a little?”

While Asher didn’t want to admit it, the prying eyes that had been following Marcy since she had walked in the door seemed to have doubled when he walked over. Asher Alcott was no stranger to attention, but sometimes the staring could be too much even for him.

Sensing Asher's discomfort, Marcela decided to take a look around. It wasn't hard to find the source. It seemed that every single eye in the room was now on them, joined by the tell-tale buzzing of gossip being exchanged. In normal circumstances, the Mexican-Spaniard girl would've shrugged off the unwarranted attention. But this encounter with Asher so soon into her arrival at the ball had drained all of her energies, and the idea of a more private place was like music to her emotionally exhausted ears.

The young woman quickly nodded. "I would like that very much," she confessed, her tone shifting from the usual haughtiness and into pure defeat.

Nodding his head, Asher began to walk away from the crowd, matching his pace with Marcy’s as he went. Making it a point to stand beside her to shield her from prying eyes, he led the way out into the gardens. Hopefully the tall bushes, trees, and the rest of the plants could shield them from the people staring.

When Royalty Collides

_{Starring: Erik @Melo & Raven @HaleyTheRandom}

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Erik saw his chance when Raven left her father’s side. Erik hadn’t been close enough to overhear their conversation, nor would he have wanted to be, but king Robert’s expression beamed clear displeasure. Although Erik could not deny to himself that tinge of curiosity, he doubted that he wanted to find out what had just transpired between the father and daughter. Though he did dare to guess, it was probably wise not to bring it up with Raven unless she started it herself. He knew very well how touchy the subject could be from personal experience, after all. How often had he argued about it with his own father to no avail? He did not dare count.

Erik moved through the crowd graciously. The crowd contained many friends and allies to his family and nation, and he rose his glass and nodded to everyone he passed. He kept mental note of those he would have to speak to before the event was over. Diplomacy required that he would have to personally speak to most of them at least once on this occasion/ Luckily time wasn’t exactly an issue. He had cause to speak to Raven before them.

The conversation with her father was over, and Raven felt a sense of relief at that fact. She didn’t have to marry Morrhys anymore. Of course there were arrangements to be made now that the engagement was to be called off. The press would have an excellent time with all of the juicy gossip and speculations that were bound to follow. Something told her that it would be worth not having to spend the rest of her life in Dredlan.

Going over her list of people that she wanted to talk to in her head for the twentieth time that night, Raven was surprised to see one of her closest friends nearest to her.

”Erik!” she called out. “Didn’t think you could avoid me forever, did you?”

Erik looked straight at Raven as she turned around. He had been aiming to talk to her in the first place, after all. ”I would never think of such evasion, your royal highness.” he jested and smirked with a slight mocking bow. Erik wasn’t particularly known for his humor, but he did manage a quipp every now and then. He knew Raven must’ve been sick of the formalities by now. As both his friend and well as his peer, Erik believed little in the need for such, but etiquette did not always agree with him.

”Please for the love of all that’s holy can we drop the formalities? I almost lost it when you greeted my parents and I,” she replied, a smirk spreading across her face at the memory. ”So, how have you been? Did you travel okay?”

Erik smiled cheekily. What were friends worth if you could not tease each other, from time to time? Erik wasn’t really known for his jokes, but he knew how to joke with Raven. ”My travel was well enough, thank you.” All things considered, anyway. Flying to the other side of the world with his two little brothers was rather arduous. But politeness decreed he would not complain. ”Two months of festivities will make a welcome… respite. Truly, my compliments on this reception.” He told her genuinely. No politeness required. ”If the rest follows suit, this might be a wedding for the history books.”

”If I’m being honest with you, Erik, I really don’t know how I’ll survive. The only reason the festivities are lasting this long is because the treasury can afford it, my sister is extra, and she stomped her feet to get her way like an overgrown child.” She took a sip of her drink. ”Now don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed the planning, and watching this all come alive before my eyes is amazing. But two months? I’m sure there’s a handful of people here who think we’ve lost our heads.

Yes, that was the Vivian that Erik knew. Erik wasn’t as close with Vivian as he was with Raven. But he had heard and seen plenty. Though the planning seemed to be marvelous so far, he definitely pitied the younger princess. ”Thank god you’re not the treasurer, then. But I must agree,I think my dad might just about laugh me out of the palace at the mere suggestion...” Erik admitted. Two months seemed ludicrous. And that was saying something, considering the political weight of his inevitable wedding.

Erik wanted to offer her some help. He had attendants aplenty. However, he was quite sure that in some country’s etiquette that would be the greatest insult he could level at the host, to offer help as the guest of royalty! At the very least, it could be a blow to her pride. ”Well, what’s done is done. The very least we can do is make the most of it, right?” He said joyously as he patted her shoulder.
Then, he remembered his plight. ”Speaking of siblings and weddings. My mum has finally decided the twins have to enter the market, so to say. And I imagine nobody knows the guest list better than you do...” It was not hard to see where Erik was going with this.

”Well…” she began, scanning the room as she thought of the possibilities. ”The only two here that I’m pretty sure aren’t betrothed already are Cassandra and Gen. Cassandra wouldn’t be the best choice, I don’t think, especially if they’re looking for something to please your mother. She's too… proud. To boastful. Not to mention she dresses everyday like she’s going to someone's funeral. I like her - I do - but I don’t think she would be someone that you would want to bethrote your brothers too.” Taking another sip of her drink and finishing it off, she handed the empty glass to a nearby waiter. ”Now Gen on the other hand… I think any guy would be lucky to have her. She’s pretty, she’s young. There’s never been any scandals that I can think of off the top of my head involving her. She’s quiet, and looks delicate - but I’ve heard she has quite the fire buried in there if you can break it out. Of course there’s always Catherine, but I think one Arcenian princess is enough for the Bel Auster family,” Raven said, a slow smile spreading across her face as she recalled the memories of Erik and Arabelles arguments.

Erik sighed. He had honestly hoped for a little more than that. But it seemed that their options were truly as limited as he had thought. ”I’ll talk to Phillip later,.”

Erik adored Gen, and definitely would welcome such familial relations. But discussing such topics with the girl directly was probably the quickest way to great embarrassment. A brother-to-brother talk was probably more fitting. Both of them were future rulers as well. But besides that, it seemed his brothers might have to look at different options. Even if there were few singles available. Befriending royalty with available children or siblings was a viable strategy nonetheless. Their parents would probably frown on them greatly should they return with no political advancements at all. Erik very much remembered how amused his mother was when Arvid had wanted to come along ‘just for fun’. That was not the way their world worked, no longer.

But of course, any talk of marriage was bound to bring up the topic of a certain Almore.”One too many, if you ask me.” He murmured. ”I’m not sure what’s worse. An Almore or a Raske.” He quipped. He considered neither of them as having lucked out with their matches.

Raven laughed. ”Oh Erik… you don’t think I actually planned on marrying that man, do you? Honestly… spending the rest of my days in Dredlan? I wouldn’t dare begin to think of it. I know mom and dad were just trying their best, but no.” She lifted her head, her posture clearly signaling her hardheadedness and defiance. ”I will not be marrying Morrhys. The tabloids can make what they want of it, but as of this point on the arrangement is off.”

She knew she could trust Erik not to spread the news before she had the chance to tell a few others. No doubt her parents were already doing their best to calm things down with the Raske family. It was a speak now or forever hold your peace situation. Raven had never been one to bite her tongue.

Erik smiled. ”I envy you having that choice. However, I am happy for you. You deserve far better indeed, and Aciras deserves a better future king.” Erik barely knew Morrhys, but rumour had it that he wasn’t much of a regal figure. Regardless, nobody would hear this news from him. Erik wasn’t much of a gossip anyway. ”Tabloids will make something of anything, regardless of subject. Best to just amuse yourself with their antics rather than be bothered.” However, Erik was still elated they had not been allowed to atrend this event.

Raven took a moment to think of how to respond.

”Why don’t you have that choice? Why don’t we… all have that choice?”

”We all have the choice, we all just face different consequences for making it.” Erik explained. He had been too young to truly experience the extreme close-to-war tensions between Arcenia and Austerund that existed before his betrothal. Though the uneasy ceasefire of sorts that came about since then spoke volumes. Neither sides were pointing guns at each other. But they were both keeping their hands on the trigger. ”Calling off my betrothal would invite war. Or I could give the honour to one of my brothers… Which would not only force them to suffer in my stead, it would also bring about my abdication and a great loss of face for me and my family.” He sighed. Some choices really weren’t a choice. But they were choices. ”If I make this choice now. Nobody else will be forced to make it.”

”You’re right,” Raven responded with a sigh. ”I just wish everyone had the choice without the major repercussions. Marrying your children off to stop a war or for economic benefit just seems… archaic. No offense to you, your family or anyone else of course.”

While Raven had never agreed with arranged marriages, she was also smart enough to see the importance in them. If it wasn’t for a few marriages over the centuries, there would have been one world war after the other. Some of the less wealthy countries wouldn’t have been able to get food. Rather she liked it or not, betrothals were a way of life.

”You know that whenever you and Ara disagree after the... arrangements have been finalized, you can call me up, right? Just remember that I’ll make horrible jokes and be Switzerland about the whole thing.”

”None taken.” He answered simply. It wasn't as if he liked the practice. He was happy that his brothers had the option to choose on their own. ”I don't imagine she and I will do enough talking to disagree over.” He said bitterly. His married life was going to be one of solitude, he imagined. ”But I appreciate the sentiment. So thanks.”

"I understand," Raven said with a defeated sigh. It was hard being caught between two of her greatest friends when they were each other's biggest enemies. "Just let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I'm afraid for the time being though I have to go speak with some more allies. Always a pleasure talking to you my friend."

”I probably should as well. But certainly, it was good speaking to you again as well.” he smiled at Raven. He reckoned they would speak much more often over the two months anyway. He knew she loved the Aciran library, and so did he. ”Enjoy the rest of your day, Raven.” Having said that, he scoured the room for a new query.

Post a random fact about yourself.

Ugh, as much as I love chapstick, it's like, the more you use it, the more your lips rely on it. It's a vicious af cycle and idk how I feel about that :/

@Hellion

I agree. Thankfully I only use it in the autumn/winter when my lips get wind chapped.

Post a random fact about yourself.

When applying chapstick, I always start with my bottom lip.

I have to have an odd number of applications on the bottom lip, and the even number one less than the number on the bottom.

Rosefell High.

_Outfit
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Watching as people walked into the school and mingled outside, it was nice to see so many people rolling their eyes in disgust at the announcement of the assembly. Aria knew that she wasn't alone in her hatred, but it was always warming to see that so many people agreed. She sat at the table while eating her breakfast watching for familiar faces as they passed by.

The first she recognized was Rich. Dressed like someone staring in an 80's sitcom right down to his cherished fanny pack, the young man wasn't someone that Aria particularly cared for, nor was opposed to. If she had the chance though, he would not be the first one she was was going to talk to on her first day back. Thankfully he was signaled away from her safe place by the announcement. When he stated that they would have to chat later, she simply nodded in polite agreement while stuffing her face hole again. She'd do her best to avoid said conversation later.

The next was Jordan Ross. While they had never been friends, nor enemies, Aria had heard to keep the boy at a distance. His greeting was nice enough so she gave him a smile and wave in reply as he sat down behind her at an opposite table. Then along came Samantha, a rather tall guy who's name she couldn't quite remember, Ahn, Morgan and Sage. While she wasn't close with any of these people, it was nice to see familiar faces. Maybe with any luck she could establish more of an actual relationship with some of her classmates at Rosefell this year. As her phone buzzed, she took her phone out of her pants pocket to see a text from Hope. Reading his request of no Taco Bell, she laughed lightly. He knew her better than that, but hopefully he wouldn't be to disappointed that she had already gotten breakfast this morning. She'd have to save his gift for lunch.

Sorry love. I already stopped before I got your text. I'm sure whatever you made is fabulous though, and I'll be sure to save it for lunch. <3

Putting her phone back in her pocket, Aria was pleased to be greeted by Ludvig and and unnamed stranger as she took a sip of her drink. Both of them look dressed to impress, and were matching. Since when did Lud match with people? Introducing the stranger as Camila, Aria finally turned her attention to the other girl. Pretty girls had always been her weakness, but there was just something about the beauty of red heads that couldn't be explained.

Please ruin my fucking life, she thought before pulling herself back into reality as to not stare and seem like a creep.

"Oh come on Lud. You know Taco Bell is practically my religion," she said smiling at her friend before turning to the girl. "Camila! That's a pretty name. "I have to admit I don't know that much about New York. Maybe you could tell me about it sometime," she said, cleaning up the empty wrappers off the table and putting them into the now empty Taco Bell bag. "What on Earth made you move from New York to Columbus?"

Post a random fact about yourself.

Sasha Sloan's Self Portrait album is currently my favorite album. My favorite song from said album is Thank God. I find that most of her music helps me feel more calm. Not sure why.

Furthermore, I'm starting a playlist on Spotify of songs that help calm me and such. It's starting slow. I'll update you guys on that when it actually starts to amount to something.

Post a random fact about yourself.

Booked a flight to Japan.

Went to the airport.

Got a phone call saying my dog is sick.

Dragged my bags and went home without a second thought.

@Chasebloodcrest

Is he okay though?

Post a random fact about yourself.

According to a box of velveeta mac and cheese, I am a family of four.

Rosefell High.

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"LET'S GOOOOOOOOO," Morgan shouted into her headset at approximately seven thirty that morning. She had just gotten her thirtieth straight kill in a online game of team death match in Halo Reach. Her twitch stream comments was going crazy as the comments flooded through. Then again, thirty straight kills was practically nothing for Morgan. This was just a warm up. She threw a frag grenade a good distance in front of herself right as an opponent started shooting at her. She rushed, jumped over his head, quickly turned around and promptly broke the pixelated persons neck with her assault rifle. Game over. Another win for the Blue Team.

"Sorry guys! That's all the time I have for this morning. Tune back in at nine tonight Eastern Standard Time to see me demolish a bunch of angry forty year old men in Call of Duty." With a heartwarming smile and flashing a peace out sign at the camera, Morgan ended the stream and turned off the console. She laid her headset and control on her desk before grabbing her backpack off the bed and heading downstairs.

"I was wondering if you'd ever join me for breakfast," Richard said, a smile across his face to let her know that he was just joking. Pancakes, bacon, and over easy eggs," the man said, pointing towards the small kitchen table where the food sat.

"Do we have any leftover pizza?"

"Child, I just cooked one of your favorite breakfasts. Get the hell in there and eat it before I fight you," he said shaking his head and laughing as he poured two large glasses of milk.

Making her way to the table, Morgan placed her bag in the chair beside her as Richard sat the glasses down on the table.

"How late did you stay up last night?"

"Like until two in the morning. I fell asleep, got back up around five, took a shower, got dressed and all that. Then I played some Halo."

"I thought we agreed that you'd try and keep a normal sleep schedule."

"For kids my age, that is pretty normal. I gotta keep my views up. I got fifty new followers just this morning," Morgan insisted.

"Mmmmm.... I see. Finish your breakfast. It's almost time for us to get going."

Her stomach full, Morgan tried her hardest to get her hair up into a bun before she had to leave for school. Sadly, her hair refused to cooperate just like normal. With a defeated sigh, Morgan brushed her hair, then grabbed her bag, keys, and student ID before heading out the door. Richard met her at his car for his mandatory daily good-bye hug, but didn't actually say good-bye until he had the chance to judge her clothing of choice.

"That same old band t-shirt, eh? Don't you think those jeans ripped just a little to much?"

"Relax," she said, climbing into her car. "My outfit is cute, comfy, and breaks zero rules. Now I gotta go." With a wave good bye from Richard as he pulled off, Morgan buckled up before pulling away from the house herself.

The drive to school took around fifteen minutes. The back to school traffic was hectic, just as one could expect. With her playlist going from one great song to the other, one of her favorite songs by T-Pain came on. Moving her head to the beat of the song and mouthing the lyrics, Morgan pulled into her designated parking spot before removing the aux cord from her phone. With her bag over her shoulder, phone in hand, Morgan locked up her car before heading into the building. She smiled and waved as she went, exchanging how are you's and laughs as she went. Entering the auditorium, she took a seat in the second row from the door - making her one of the closest people to the exit and furthest from the stage. Unlocking her phone, she began to scroll through her social media accounts while waiting for the assembly to start.