The Kingdom of Sondassa (private)

Polluxa smiled at her father as they approached, then turned to Ares, a soft blush on her face. Since this was the norm for her in Ares' presence, she was sure no one would think anything of it.

"Well, I'm really bad at curtsies... so I guess I'll just thank you for escourting me back to my father." she said with a small smile.

Alcastor frowned at Gwen's words.

"Just don't put yourself on the line... especially when those you love have lost so much already." he said softly.

He wasn't just referring to himself, but to Ares and Xavier as well, whose mother died trying to protect Gwen's brothers during the coup.

Polluxa smiled as well, in the way she always did when Ares was around.

"You're too kind, my Lord." she said softly. "Thank you. Goodnight."

With that she took her father's hand as Lord Ross helped her into the carriage.

Alcastor sighed as he kissed her back.

"You better, Guinevere." he aid softly. "I've already lost you once, I don't think I could do so again... especially if it is forever."

Polluxa, who had been sitting ramrod straight in her seat, slouched slightly with a sigh, then looked over at her father as the carriage left the castle gates and entered the city.

"S-sorry." she muttered, sitting up straight again, sighing softly. "Mother told us about you as children. But, I'd like to get to know you better, father..."

Alcastor sighed.

"Of us all, mine is probably the least precarious position." he said. "Your uncle needs me alive... at least until he finds someone better suited to his purposes... he even threatened to kill my sister... that's why I did as I had to. So I'll be careful, but you must be doubly so."

Polluxa smiled gratefully and promptly slouched in her seat again. She tilted her head slightly to the side as Ross mentioned her grandparents.

"Were they really as strict on you as mother always said?" she asked quietly.

Alcastor nodded.

"Yes, I suppose it is..." he agreed quietly. "I'm just grateful I got to see and speak with you. Sweet dreams Princess... and stay safe."

Polluxa smiled at her father.

"Mother did too. " she said. "Never did she speak a word against them. She always said a parent always wants what's best for their children, something she understood better when she had us. She said she understood why they kept you apart... and always told us not to be angry at them for doing so, even if it meant we couldn't know you as our father."

Alcastor sighed as Guinevere left and closed his eyes, wincing against the pain.

As Ares reached his room, a figure stepped out of the shadows.

"Brother." Xavier said softly. "May I speak with you?"

Polluxa shook her head softly.

"No... it took both of us a long time to find each other." she said as she gently took her father's hand in her own. "And I'm glad we did."

Xavier sighed in relief.

"It would be best if we spoke in your room." he said. "We don't know who else may be near..."

Polluxa smiled and nodded at her father. She was curious to see where he lived. Where she would live from now on. She still couldn't believe they had actually found each other.

Xavier waited until his brother was inside and the door locked before speaking.

"Is the girl safe?" he asked him quietly.

There was the sound of scuffling and a slight squeaking noise outside Guinevere's room, then silence. Except for heavy breathing, like that of a large animal.

"So, this is the girl's room..." a gruff voice whispered. "Don't fear girl, the rats are gone. But next time be more careful... I may not be around to save you."

Polluxa turned and gasped lightly at the beautiful manor house which the carriage moved towards. The grounds were well kept and well laid out. She blinked as she looked out at her new home.

"It's beautiful." she breathed.

Xavier gave Ares a look.

"Why do you think?" he asked. "We've been born into this deadly game called politics. She's been thrust into a world of which she has little to no knowledge of or about."

He smiled.

"I've played this game of intrigue since I was knee high to a grasshopper and I'm barely managing to stay a step ahead of our father." he said. "The question is, dear brother, how far behind me are you?"

The voice stopped.

"Who I am cannot be revealed yet. It is not safe for you to know." the voice said. "Just as it is unwise to tell me your name. But all will be revealed... in time."