Taren watched as Anastasia stood from her stopped over position. He followed her in action, but slowed as she suddenly grew even more pale and her eyes glossed over. She began to sway until she no longer could keep her balance. Luckily, he was close enough that he was able to catch her. Unfortunately, his hands were covered in dirt that now graced the lovely pink bodice and sleeves of her dress. However, that was quickly the last problem he faced. She was unconscious, he quickly realized, and people in the crowd were quickly starting to come to that understanding.
A loud gasps could be heard as several individuals came forward to peer at the still image of Anastasia softly laying in Taren's arms. Before, he could even do so much as think, he lifted her up as he might a small child, and began to carry her back to the castle. He heard a voice call out behind him telling someone to go get the royal doctor, and one of her ladies-in-waiting quickly followed him and directed him towards Anastasia's room.
Even though the situation was less than ideal, he couldn't help but marvel at the woman he now held on their journey back to the castle. Her petite frame folded into itself and for the first time she didn't look like a queen, but a young woman who was impressionable and young. She was a fantastic queen, but he wondered how she actually dealt with everything. He was worried for her especially in her current state. She had grown extremely pale and her brow had started to grow damp with perspiration. He could tell she had regain some consciousness when she moved closer to him, trying to shield her eyes from the sun. He drew her as near as he could in his attempt to shield her, and tried to double his pace towards the shelter of the castle.
Once inside, he was ushered down a series of halls, until someone opened a room for him. It was a simple room, with a fireplace, couch and chairs. This room lead to another that he assumed was her bedroom, as their was a bed against the far wall. He walked towards the bed, and gently laid her on the bed, when he saw a letter on the pillow beside her. He released her head and gingerly grabbed the letter in the same motion.
Several maids and a few ladies-in-waiting swarmed the princess and quickly replaced his place beside her. He was lost in the atmosphere for a few moments and marveled and the quaintness of her space. There were several windows across her right side wall, and a door that opened to the outside. Across from that was a small desk/table, and several chairs and couches sat in the middle of the room.
He wasn't able to take in more of the room before several maids ushered him out of the room. Another gentleman stood outside the door, and he recognized him as one of the suitors that danced with Anastasia last night and who had walked her into the garden today. Unfortunately, he had missed his name during the introductions, and couldn't recall the gentleman's name at the moment. Nevertheless, he nodded towards the gentlemen, who did the same and then headed towards his chambers.
He was worried about Anastasia, and made sure to tell his aid to have Duke Algear get in touch with him as soon as he knew anything about the Queen's state. Meanwhile, he took off his coat and pulled out the letter he had found on Anastasia's pillow before sitting down in one of his chairs. Perhaps it was wrong of him to take the letter, but he had to know who was writing the Queen private letters in addition to having the audacity of leave it upon her bed.
"Your Majesty,
I wanted to write this letter to tell you how grateful I am that you would have chosen to dance with me throughout the course of the nights events. I greatly enjoyed our time together and am hopeful that we can continue to spend time together throughout this season. I know you have been stressed by events that have taken place recently, but I hope you do not neglect your own care while trying to take care of Karthia.
In case you're afraid I snuck into your room, have no fear. I had one of your ladies in waiting place the letter in there for me. If you wish I not do that in the future, simply tell me and I will never again be so thoughtless. However, I do hope you allow me to continue to write these letters, as it gives me great satisfaction in the thought that you might think of me during the slightest moment it takes to throw this letter away, or in the drawn out breath it takes to read it in its entirety. However, any satisfaction I have in writing this letter, comes secondary to your own. Let me know whether this letter brings any comfort or peace within you. If it does not, I shall never again pick up the quill to harm you in such a way.
Your sincerest friend,
Duke Phillip Vern."
Prince Taren felt as his jaw tightened and it took a great deal of strength to have it unclench. It was probably the Duke who stood outside of Anastasia's rooms. If he had to guess they had a history, and although it may be as simple as having grown up in the same court, there was no doubt in Taren's mind that he had competition now.
Taren stood and began to pace inside his room. He knew he should have written a letter as well, but he thought if he pushed any further she might begin to pull away even more then she already had. Although it was only day two, the long game seemed to be taking long, and he didn't have very long to have everything sorted out.
Just as Taren was about to take another walk around the room, a knock resounded on the door. He quickly went to answer it and found Duke Algear standing before him looking rather disheveled. For a moment, a seed of panic was planted within Taren. Surely Anastasia was going to be fine. He didn't see how someone so young and healthy could simply pass out on sight.
Duke Algear shakily spoke, "The queen is going to be fine. She simply is suffering from an exuberant amount of stress that took its toll."
Taren let out a breath he was unaware he had been holding. Duke Algear sensing his distress and apparent relief quickly began. "Do you not think we should avoid causing her anymore stress then she is already under. She cannot last long in her current state, and expecting anymore is totally unfair of us."
Taren agreed. They could not draw this out any longer than absolutely necessary. "Do you think I have any chance with her." Taren asked honestly
The Duke signed before answering "The chances you have are those she gives. I do not know what the Queen will decide, I simply know that it is beyond what I or you can control and at this moment her health must take precedent."
"I agree." Taren spoke honestly. However, he knew that for his mission to be pulled of successfully, he needed her. Perhaps the faster he took control the faster all of this could be resolved. He was in Karthia for a reason, and although to act now would be much to fast, he doubted that by the end of his first month here Anastasia would be able to not answer his proposal.