Gothic Desires

“Hurry up.” Stephanie buckled her seat belt on the plane. “Starfyre?”

“I am coming. Give me a minute.” She stepped aboard. “I was asking if anyone else was on this flight.”

“We get a whole chartered plane to our selves! I am gushing!” Stephanie laughed. “And we even get an in flight movie.”

“We had better. This flight is almost fourteen hours.”

“I so prepared for the lack of things like batteries and stuff. Got my ipods and extra batteries. We can rock Tovia with Skinny Puppy and Cradle of Filth.”

“You are impossible.” Starfyre chuckled as she sat down. “But I brought extra batteries for mine too. I do not really wish to sit around and watch all those girls and or listen to them talking about how cute he is or something.”

“Oh man, Brutal. Girl talk.” Steph shuddered. “Thank god for ipods.”

“You said it.” Starfyre chuckled. “We can drown them out.”

“Oh yeah, and rock out later while they are off trying to flirt.”

“Exactly!” Starfyre chuckled. “See, I knew bringing you was a good thing.”

“Oh, you know it girl. I am the ultimate companion.”

“Flight special to Tovia will be taking off in five minutes.” The voice came over the speaker. “Please make sure all seat belts are fastened. Once we reach cruising altitude, you can then unbuckle and feel free to explore. We have a small café located to the back and the bedrooms for this overnight flight are located at the very rear. Thank you for flying Air Tovia.”

“Bedrooms?” Starfyre blinked. “On a plane?”

“Bling, bling.” Stephanie shook her head. “Man, I think someone is trying to impress you.”

“No, I bet all the girls are getting this. Besides, they have to impress the girls. How else is someone going to fall in love in just a month?” Starfyre nodded. “That makes more sense to me.”

“No way. They are so after the title and money. I bet they don’t care at all about love.”

“You just..want to argue about everything.” Starfyre leaned back in her seat. “New topic.”

“I think we’re going to run out of topics pretty soon.”

“Probably right.” Starfyre chuckled.

“Hello ladies.” The planes captain stepped out from the cock pit. “Just wanted to wish you a good flight and here is the movie.” he clicked a remote. “It will begin as soon as we reach cruising altitude.”

“Thank you sir.” Starfyre glanced up. “We appreciate it.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Steph grinned.

“Our stewardess will be along shortly to get you settled in.” He turned. “Enjoy the flight.”

88888888

Fourteen Hours Later..

Arrival In Tovia...
"We're here," Starfyre said, prodding the sleeping form of Stephanie as the plane finished taxing down the runway. She took the time to adjust her Black corseted skirt and top. Sheer purple covered the black and ran up. Silver D-Rings were used for the black satin lace to be laced through. She also had on knee high socks and zippered pilot boots. It created a perfect gothic school girl look. Her white hair was in white, curled pig tails.

"It's bright outside."

"Well, it is mid afternoon here." She put away the book she had been reading on Tovia, getting her personal things together."Are those… carriages? Wow. That's definitely a nice touch."

Starfyre glanced out the window, noting several white carriages nearby, each pulled by teams of black stallions. One detached from the group, heading towards the stopped plane. The two footmen stepped off the back, rolling a red carpet from the carriage to the doorway of the plane. "Almost too much, I think."

The two finished gathering their things and made their way down the aisle, heading down the stairs of the plane, heading to the carriage as the two footmen packed their luggage on the back of the carriage.

A rather handsome man sat atop the carriage. His blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and his eyes were a deep cerulean blue. His outfit was befitting one in the servitude of nobility, the royal blue Sur coat hanging down to Cavalier style boots. There were silver buttons down the collar and center of the jacket as if to finish off the look. He glanced at the two, taking a moment to fully take in their unusual mode of dress, though not so as to appear rude, before bowing slightly, right arm folded across his chest. "Greetings, Ms. Starfyre and Ms. Stephanie. On behalf of His Highness, Prince Andrew VanDrake, I bid you welcome to our fair country."

"He's not greeting us in person?" Stephanie asked. "And I was hoping to meet him."

"In all fairness, His Highness has decided not to meet anyone for three days, allowing for everyone to arrive and get adjusted to the time here. He felt if would be unfair to meet anyone until everyone has arrived. He also is allowing for the difference in time zones, feeling that not everyone will be at their best when they are not used to being up at such hours.”

"So he sent individual carriages for everyone, and a personal tour guide. Isn't that a little… extravagant?" Starfyre asked.

Stefan smiled lightly. "Perhaps, though he felt that it was best to give everyone equal treatment, showing that each one is special, yet none more important than another, at least not yet." He opened the door to the carriage. “His Highness greatly appreciates those that entered”

“I suppose.” Starfyre sighed inwardly. She would much rather be home. “Come on Stephanie.”

“This is absolutely beautiful here.” Stephanie smiled. “I am impressed.”

“His highness will be glad to hear that. He and the royal family pride them selves on keeping the country beautiful.” Stefan nodded.


“Think I would like to ride up there, beside you. I have been in a closed compartment way too long.” Starfyre nodded. “If that is alright.”

“Live a little Starfyre.” Stephanie took the offered hand and stepped into the carriage. “Besides, there are open windows.”

“That is fine.” Stefan glanced at the white haired girl after he closed the door to the carriage. “Please, allow me to help you up.” He extended his hand outwards. “My lady?”

“Um, Could you call me Starfyre? I am hardly a lady and I definitely don’t have a title.” She grasped his hand gently. “I also appreciate the help up.”

“Of course,” He smiled to her, “Starfyre.”

“Can I ask your name, Sir?” Starfyre pulled her self up into the seat.

She smoothed her skirting down as she sat. Stefan climbed up beside her on the opposite side. He couldn’t help but give her another once over. She was stunning to see.

“I am called... Stefan. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Like wise, Stefan.” Starfyre nodded. “That is my friend Stephanie. She would say hi but she is too busy ogling the carriage at the moment. I promise she is not rude. She is just excitable.”

“Don’t think twice about it. I can understand.” He chuckled. “So, are we ready to go to the palace? Or would you both care to drive through the town first?”

“Town.” Stephanie poked her head outside the window of the carriage. “Please?”

“Yes, I think I would like to see the town. I read that it is the capital for all of Tovia.” Starfyre glanced to the driver. “Is it because the Palace is located not far from it?”

“Yes,” He nodded, giving the reigns a click against the horses, “Tovian’s adopted it as the capital. Each and every person here has given, in their own way, back to the little country.” The horses were on their way. “They only stopped tourism just recently.”

“They?” Starfyre asked.

“The royal family. People were bringing in pollution and wanting to build and buy up the land. They do not mind people living here but when one wants to..to..” He fumbled for the right word. “I..can not think of a correct word.”

“Commercialize? Maybe?” Starfyre suggested.

“Yes! Exactly.” He nodded. “They didn’t wish the country to turn into sky scrapers and plants.”

“Wow.” Stephanie gasped. “That is way cool. Our country could learn a lesson from yours.”

“Yes,” Starfyre agreed. “There is way too many people that want to build, build and then destroy so they can build some more.”

“That will never happen here.” Stefan spoke most assuredly. “Our royal family will keep that way.”

“New topic.” Starfyre chuckled. “ This one is getting people upset.”

“Okay, Um, “ Stephanie hmd. “Are they filming right now? Or when does the actual show start?”

He glanced at the two. “It should be an experience for everyone. The filming is not scheduled to start until the day you meet the prince.”

“That does not always mean that it is not happening.” Starfyre looked around. “They have hidden cameras on these type of shows.”

“Glad we dressed up then.” Stephanie smoothed some of her hair back. “I would hate to look frumpy for the camera.”

“Both of you look very beautiful.” Stefan smiled towards Starfyre. “Tell me something. What made you want to come to this? It seems like you are young and would have no problems finding any kind of someone to be with you.”

“Oh boy, here we go.” Stephanie ducked her head down.

“Truth? Or Lie?” Starfyre asked.

“Truth.” He nodded. “It is much preferred, though I do understand that sometimes it is necessary to lie.”

“I didn’t actually sign an application to come here.” Starfyre played with a curl that dangled down from her pig tails. “My mother and friends tricked me into this. Stephanie used her petitions to get me to sign the agreement and my mother filled out the rest of the application, with my other friends help. “

“Oh, “ Stefan blinked, “Oh my. You..do not wish to be here?”

“I will stay and I will do the show. Stephanie convinced me that it was a good opportunity to see places that we other wise would never see. Plus, I am not against finding someone as long as the feelings are true. Prince or not, I would rather be prosecuted than marry someone that I have no feelings for.” Starfyre was always known to be bluntly honest, even if it hurt.”That is the whole truth of it.”

“I respect that.” He nodded to her. “It takes conviction to stand up and speak what you sometimes feel. Your words were not harsh. In fact, I am inclined to agree. I would think that the prince would never let any girl be prosecuted just because she was not in love. Although, I am ashamed to say it, there are some girls coming that are most likely just in it for money or title.”

“There always is.” Starfyre shrugged. “But that is not me. Yes, I am goth and yes, I am young. I am nineteen in Fact. But I would also like to think my self mature enough to be able to make such a serious decision by my self.”

“Nobly spoken.” He smiled.”As a companion and friend to the prince, I know that he will respect such an attitude.”

“So, what is he like?” Stephanie re peeked her head outside the carriage window. “The prince, I mean. Is he really nice as you say?”

“Stephanie.” Starfyre sighed. “You can’t ask that.”

“Why not? I am not a part of the show. It isn’t like I am digging for hints or clues.” She smirked. “I also can’t help that one of the girls is here. So she will just happen to get to hear the answer.”

Stefan laughed heartily. “I like your opinion about that. The prince is very polite, proper and nice, as you say. I have never known him to utter a bad thing about anyone in all his life. Which is why I think this will be hard for him, as he has to eliminate twenty-four girls and see them possibly cry about it.”

“Oh wow.” Starfyre blinked. “I didn’t think about that. He is going to have a tough time. I do not envy him.”

“Nor do I.” Stefan looked up. The castle was in the distance. “Ah, and we are here. Castle Tovia. She is beautiful, no?”

“Cool.” Stephanie gasped. “I have never seen a real castle.”

“Medieval styling. Very old. It looks like a home that contains a lot of history.” Starfyre loved ancient castles and medieval history. “I bet there has to be some beautiful tapestries and paintings.”

“Uh,” Stefan was caught off guard. She really wasn’t greedy. She had not mentioned meeting the prince or any type of crown jewels that might be on display. “Yes,” He smiled. “There is a lot of history and some very beautiful art work.”

“Well, Here we go Starfyre.” Stephanie giggled. “Say, I wonder if we will be able to room together. I know they made room assignments but I really don not want to room with a total stranger.”

“If we talk to the producers, they may be able to rearrange the rooms.” Starfyre shifted slightly. She was getting really stiff from the multiple hours of just sitting there. “And I will look forward to a good, long walk once we arrive.”

“After we unpack.” Stephanie added quickly. “So that way, we don’t have to rush.”

“Right,” Starfyre nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

“Do you two mind if I ask you both something?” Stefan looked ta them curiously.

“Yes?”

Both girls replied at the same time. It made Stefan chuckle. He was honestly curious about how long they had been friends. They seemed very close in that respect.

“How long have you two known one another?” He looked from Stephanie to Starfyre. “You seem very close. It is commendable.”

“I have known Starfyre since she was nine years old. She met me at the same age. We are both nineteen.” Stephanie grinned. “Though, she sometimes wishes that she didn’t know me.”

“Like when you sign me up for things.” Starfyre spoke playfully. “Or when you borrow my clothes without asking.”

“You are way too skinny for me to borrow your clothes. So I only borrow your boots. Those do not count as clothes. They count as shoes.” Stephanie laughed.

“Get ready ladies.” Stefan interrupted. “The gates are coming up. Soon you both will see the crowning glory of Tovia.”

“Oh,”

Both girls looked up at the tall, marble wall and stone gates. Stefan clicked the reigns a little harder, making the horses trot. The two footmen that had ridden on the back, the whole time, jumped down and ran ahead to open the large double door gates. Starfyre couldn’t help but to smile. She honestly looked forward to seeing the old castle.