Alain D'Aubigne

[Dewey]

Alain Dion Sebastien Alexandre D'Aubigne

Birthdate: November 1, 1986
Height: 5'11
Weight: 155 lbs
Eye color: brown
Hair color: brown
Race: French/Japanese (only a fourth, and you'd never know it)
Occupation: His Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Auvergne (Heir to the Throne of France)
Friends: None
Enemies: None


In October of 1986, Queen Anezka of France's nine months of pregnancy culminated in a stillbirth. Alone with her midwives in the Royal Family's countryside palace, she feared the worst. This child was to be King Frederic's first son, and as such, the heir to the Throne of France. His premature death would mean disgrace and dishonor for both his country, as well as Denmark --the Queen's motherland. Not wishing to be divorced from her husband, she gave one midwife an alarming assignment: to seek out an infant in France that could replace the deceased son; in return she would not be in want for the rest of her life. The midwife returned to her hometown of Chateau-Renault to inform her family of their good fortune. Her husband happened to be a janitor at a monastery, where a child had been recently abandoned on the abbey's doorsteps. Less than a week passed before the midwife adopted the child as her own, only to give it over to the Queen.

His name would be Alain D'Aubigne, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Auvergne. Though as much apart of the D'Aubigne family as any of his other siblings, Alain is far from being anything like them. His DNA has evolved into a foreign entity with three triple helixes. This equips him with four extra genetic bases that are brimming with supernatural power. In Alain's case, the power is the abilty to absorb the supernatural talents of anyone he comes into contact with.


But being a 'super human' isn't Alain's only talent. In fact, he's very much a prodigy. He is absolutely brilliant when it comes to academics--math, science, history...you name it, and Alain is practically an authority in the field. As much of a genius as he is, though, Alain is far from excelling at social skills. In fact, he can be very egotistical at times (he's a germophobe, so his obsession with perfectly clean places doesn't help) He's used to being alone, or working with one other person, so is easily overwhelmed with crowds of paparazzi's at events, the parasitic media, and the royal family's popularity in general. He has a tendency to withdraw from everything and seclude himself because he isn't quite sure how to act like a public figure. It's for this lack of public appearances that the press has tagged the title "Phantom Prince" to his name, instead exalting the reputation of his older sister.

[Dewey]

Three months. It's amazing how drastically one's sentiments toward you can change in so short a time period as is three months. Father has altered his views concerning my illegitimate claim to the throne. It was my earlier belief our lack of blood relation meant nothing to him, but apparently he has decided against this. He is allowing Philippe to claim the throne. This will undoubtedly draw further suspicion from the nation of France. Our citizens will begin to concoct wild tales as to why the firstborn D'Aubigne denied his rights as king. I haven't the slightest notion what Father will force me to say; there was that brief infatuation of mine with the priesthood, but it was fleeting and has since passed.

I do not wish to live in fear, however. I do not want to be paralyzed by this overwhelming dread that one day, the secret will get out. I do not wish for the D'Aubigne Family to be put to shame because of my mother's conniving tricks. So, I will take the liberty of outing the truth myself. After spending the next few weeks raising my popularity ratings, I will hold a press meeting, wherein I will announce that I am not a legitimate son of the House of D'Aubigne, that I wished the nation to know so that they would not feel deceived, and that I encourage them to choose for themselves whom they wish as king when the time comes.

I understand that monarchies are brimming with centuries of tradition. However, we are now living in the twenty-first century, and we have every ability to change the laws, don't we? The monarch, his council, and his very nation--why should we be restrained by the decrees of men long dead? It's our world, and we should have the ability to call the shots. I will raise the standard for princes. I will devote my time to marginalized populations, write check after check to charities, advocate for just causes, appear in public, prove that I am in fact human....and at the end of it all, we will see what France has to say about the Phantom Prince, or I suppose I should say "pauper".

[Dewey]

I haven't journaled in five months! Unbelievable. Well, I suppose there isn't much to be updated. Philippe and I yet battle for the title of heir. I believe father and the Royal Council will be coming to a resolution soon. If they make the decision dependent on a public election, this could be a groundbreaking move in France's government. We will see what becomes of this. In the meanwhile, I have tried to keep myself more in the public eye, and have tried to in some small way attach myself to Jacqueline's agendas.

However, sometimes I fear she goes too far with these agendas. Such as in the case when she cares for the well-being of terrorists over the well-being of our nation. I understand they were simply children, and that she has a natural affinity for children, but Charles Hainsworth is not to be disputed. He heads France's intelligence for a reason. I'm surprised he even let Jackie meet with the children, and even more so surprised they didn't make an attempt on her life.

Jackie, I feel, trusts too easily. It's evident in the above, and also evident in her relationship with Vanni D'Alassio. Despite my having a premonition about his attack against father, she blindly believes she's somehow changed the future simply by speaking with him. So, I've taken matters into my own hands and have asked Charles to conduct an investigation on Vanni, and his family. Hopefully, I will be proven incorrect, for Jackie's sake.

[Dewey]

((what if..))

I have officially been dethroned. I feel like a neglected dog, left outside in the mud and rain, chained to a stake, starving. I feel my family, outside of Jacqueline, wants nothing to do with me. How could Father make such a decision as this? Philippe? PHILLIPE!? His coronation will most likely involve American celebrities, thousands of gallons of beer, and teenaged strippers. Has Father lost his mind? Philippe is in no way capable of assuming the throne. I have been spending the past twenty-two years of my life preparing for this moment! How dare he rob it from me!

I might as well assume another surname and move out of the palace. I have largely considered moving into Ara's agency's headquarters. Though, Ara is not neccessarily pleased with me as of late. I accompanied her on an assignment set at The Geneva Home, where children who bear the Triple Helix are being trafficked for experimentation. A certain 'Telyckova' is apparently trying to find a 'cure' for this phenomenon. Well, we happened to run into some trouble in the form of police, and since was successfuly weaseled our way out of it, I saw no trouble in informing Charles of this minor obstacle. He was displeased. I apologized, but she was clearly still upset, and wanted to go to a shooting range.

For fear she'd murder me, I opted for the lake option...

[Dewey]

Could my life truly become any more bizarre? It's bad enough that I'm a walking three-ring circus. Now the woman to whom the Enquirer insists I'm enaged turns out to be a professional assassin. My premonition has allowed me to see a number of things, but certainly not this. I was shocked. Ara isn't exactly a huggable, warm, and friendly person. No. But I wouldn't have tagged her as a cold-blooded murderer either. ::Sigh:: This was my error, of course. Running my mouth, as I'm apt to do. I said a few senseless words the other night, she I had discovered her occupation outside of the palace, and I think I may have upset her. And she's perfectly justified in being upset, of course. I insulted her. I offended her.

It's become increasingly apparent that we come from two different worlds. I don't know if the two are ever meant to coincide. I saw firsthand what it is she does. I joined her, and her...associates. Though I felt purposeful in having used my abilities, I'm not sure I can yet reconcile my own beliefs with the ones she holds, with the ones her friends hold. Justice, in the hands of the people? What a mad world we would live in if this was the mindset the majority maintained. What right have I to decide who should live and who should die? We can't just go around ending lives, because this evens the score. We can't...

God, I know I would kill for Jacqueline. Of course I would. What a ridicolous example. I can't let this be about that, though. I can't make up an excuse, say "well, if I were in their shoes, I'd want something to be done, too." What it all comes down to is feeling...needed. Wanted. As if I belong somewhere. Lately, I don't feel as if I belong in the palace, or as if my family even wants me. What I've felt lately is extreme despair, and growing anger. And I can't let my decision be based off either. I can't let my decision be a personal vendetta to rebel against Father, and the other real D'Aubigne's. I need to clear my mind and think apart from my family.

What is it that I want to do with my life?

[Dewey]

Ara is absolutely impossible. Insensitive! I killed someone last night, and all she can say is "it was your idea!" Yes, I know it was my idea. What other idea was afforded us, though? If Sean had seen a bullet coming, he would've just knocked it aside with his thoughts. I thought I could get his back to Ara, but I couldn't. Sean is far too clever, than to turn his back on the parents of these..'gifted' children. There have been bomb threats from non-3x carriers, who don't want such studies being held in Berlin. Much like Auvernha, they rather these individuals be quarantined, until their abilities are better undertood. Ara, or Sophie Meier as it were, could have been one such person. I should've known Sean would always keep an eye on her.

So what other choice did I have? I know Ara has tried to justify it, to put my mind at ease. Yes, it was neccessary. It was self defense. But at the end of the day, facts are still facts. I killed someone. I took a life that was not mine to take! How can I face Jacqueline later today when we're reunited? How can I face the crucifix in the royal chapel? I feel so ashamed. So...dirty. As if Sean Lewis's blood is on my hands. It's unbearable. I wish it had been any other way. I wish Ara could have been the one to kill Sean Lewis.

How easier I could rest then...

[Dewey]

May 11, 2007

I cannot stand how much mother pampers those two. They are inconsiderate and irresponsible, and yet she treats them as if they are toddlers just learning how to walk. They'll never grow up if she persists in her ways. Last night, we received bad press because of them. I was expecting my name to finally emerge in headlines, and once again, my siblings take the spot light. It has become frustrating. They are the weak link in the D'Aubigne chain. They believe they can do as they wish simply because they do not carry the weight of a crown. If only they had more sense! I haven't the patience for them. I hope attending public schools sorts them out. I wanted to read something in the newspapers about my responses to questions on warfare and science and economics. Instead, I'm humiliated with this constant blabber about Sasha and Philippe gambling and drinking and reveling about. God help me.

I suppose there will always be more press meetings. I cannot honestly say I enjoy them, but they do equip you with some sort of experience. Public speaking, as it were. Thinking on your feet. Fortunately for me, I had rehearsed answers with Jacqueline last night. I'm not sure that she approves of my opinions on certain matters --actually, I know she doesn't. We differ in many ways. She's quite extroverted when it comes to helping others. And I? I'm a rightful introvert. I'm more quiet and circumspective, you could say. So it's only natural we'll collide in our world views as well.

So why is it that she's the only one in this damnable palace to whom I can actually be myself, with whom I can have a meaningful conversation?

[Dewey]

May 24. 2007

The nerve of that woman! I should have known better than to accompany Jacqueline to Sudan. Yes, I am humbled and moved by the fact that millions are displaced from their homes --scared, hungry, sick, and hunted. Yes, I am compelled to support my sister in assisting these individuals. However, I will not garner disrespect simply because I find myself in a foreign country. I am the crown prince of France! I demand more respect than what I was shown last night by that despicable blind beggar and her voodoo-oriented maniacal nonsense. Never have I been so insulted in my life! I don't appreciate what the French press (and world at large, really) say about me in their coverage --this "Phantom Prince" business, deeming me a ghost merely because I'm not as social and visibly active like the others.

However, this? This I will not tolerate. Dragon bones.. spare me the drama. The woman is mad; that much is apparent. The African heat has made her delirious. Who knows what spirits leeched onto us last night? As soon as we return to France, I plan on being baptized yet again to ensure my salvation. I've crossed myself dozens of times today. Prayed the rosary.. everything. Not a D'Aubigne.. where does she get off spewing rubbish like that? I am my father's first son! I am an offspring of the royal houses of France and Denmark! The heir apparent!! How dare she say those things!


((Okay, and theen.. since Alain would've absorbed her power last night, seeing as how that's what he does, he now has foresight/premonitions, or clairvoyance if you will He took a nap a few hours after writing the above, and dreamed about something that will happen tonight.. dun dun ))

[Dewey]

May 25. 2007

How bizarre! Yesterday afternoon, during a short nap, I had a dream. I dreamt assasination threats were made on my life, and Jackie's life by rebels in Sudan who were incensed by our involvement with assisting the refugees here. I wouldn't have thought more of it, except I mentioned it to Jackie and she wished for me to expound the details. It wasn't a minute after doing so before one of our guards came into our camp and informed us of the impossible. Word had just been received about assasination threats on our lives. How was it possible for me to foresee this in my dreams? I have never received a premonition about anything. Sure, I have read studies about dreams helping individuals solve problems: how to rearrange furniture or where a lost item can be found. You think about the dilemma before falling asleep and apparently just might dream up a solution. However, the only thing I fell asleep with was anger. Did I will the threats into reality? I don't know...

[Dewey]

June 16. 2007

((written in a journal over and over again as they ride to Shiloh hehe))

My name is Alain Dion Sebastien Alexandre D'Aubigne. I am the first son of King Frederic II of France. I am a descendant of the Royal House of D'Aubigne. I am Prince of Auvergne, Crown Prince of France, and Heir Apparent to the Royal Throne. My mother is Queen Anezka, a daughter of the Royal Family of Denmark. My sisters are Princess Jacqueline of Bretagne and Princess Sasha of Rhone-Alpes. My brother is Prince Philippe of Corse.

My name is Alain Dion Sebastien Alexandre D'Aubigne. I am the first son of King Frederic II of France. I am a descendant of the Royal House of D'Aubigne. I am Prince of Auvergne, Crown Prince of France, and Heir Apparent to the Royal Throne. My mother is Queen Anezka, a daughter of the Royal Family of Denmark. My sisters are Princess Jacqueline of Bretagne and Princess Sasha of Rhone-Alpes. My brother is Prince Philippe of Corse.

My name is Alain Dion Sebastien Alexandre D'Aubigne. I am the first son of King Frederic II of France. I am a descendant of the Royal House of D'Aubigne. I am Prince of Auvergne, Crown Prince of France, and Heir Apparent to the Royal Throne. My mother is Queen Anezka, a daughter of the Royal Family of Denmark. My sisters are Princess Jacqueline of Bretagne and Princess Sasha of Rhone-Alpes. My brother is Prince Philippe of Corse.

My name is Alain Dion Sebastien Alexandre D'Aubigne. I am the first son of King Frederic II of France. I am a descendant of the Royal House of D'Aubigne. I am Prince of Auvergne, Crown Prince of France, and Heir Apparent to the Royal Throne. My mother is Queen Anezka, a daughter of the Royal Family of Denmark. My sisters are Princess Jacqueline of Bretagne and Princess Sasha of Rhone-Alpes. My brother is Prince Philippe of Corse.

((over and over haha))

[Dewey]

July 2. 2007

A few updates before these sleeping pills take their effect on me...

1) Lewis is an absolute maniacal zealot of a scientist. I didn't even know he was a scientist. I suppose the correct term is geneticist? Eugenicist? He's a head at Shiloh, studying the triple helix phenomenon. Wishing to demonstrate the brilliance of the Shiloh computer software, he put me in one of those heinous medical chairs, and stabbed me with a syringe needle! Without my consent! Is that man mad?

2) Again, without my consent, he then takes my blood sample and registers it into the computer! Which, after not even a minute, generates alarming results! That my DNA, in fact, is an indentical match with that of a woman's whose records were put into the system a few weeks prior.

3) This woman is, excuse my French, a Parisian harlot whose name is Gaetane. La Femme Gaetane, if you will...my research has led me to that show name at a popular... burlesque in Paris not unlike, Lord help me, the Moulin Rouge.

4) Jackie and I decided to see about this woman, only to realize that hundreds of individuals are being kept imprisoned in the underground floor of Shiloh. If we were told the truth by one such prisoner, Shiloh has been conducting experiments on this population, and even euthanising some.

5) We spoke with Gaetane. She is rude and uncouth. She smokes as well. How anyone can smoke is beyond me. Then again, how anyone can pursue her chosen occupation is beyond me as well.

6) Jackie possessed the unusually bizarre idea to take Gaetane with us to visit Chateau-Renault, as to verify the details of Gaetane's story, which included leaving a newborn child on the doorsteps of a monatery in said town.

7) As Gaetane had said, the abbots of the church (or one in particular who had been serving on the clergy since 1967) confirmed the story. "Yes," he said, in effect, "there was an instance--only one time--when a child had been left for us. We thought it a miracle. He would've been raised in the fold, but the janitor we'd had on staff wished to adopt the child."

8) This man's name is Claude Delacroix. He was a janitor for ten years at the abbey/monastery before retiring to a life he finds ultimately displeasing. The problem is: Claude no longer has this child. Indeed, he wasn't even adopting the child as his own. This is where Mrs. Delacroix comes in.

9) Mrs. Delacroix, as fate would have it, was one of my mother's midwives. Can you imagine? She actually held Jackie in her hands when my sister was born. She recounted to us the story of Mother's pregnancy with "me". All of France was ecstatic at the prospect of finally welcoming to this world Father's first son aka the crown prince aka the heir apparent to the throne of France. "I" was a celebrity before I was even born! It honored me, of course. I do believe I even beamed. "It must have been an honor for your wife to hold the prince in her hands as well," said Jackie.

10) This is where my night took a cruel turn. Claude Delacroix shook his head and begged to differ. "You see," he said, "the prince was never born. The queen's pregnancy resulted in a tragedy, a stillbirth." A stillbirth! As the story goes, my mother was inconsolable for days. Father would be disappointed, France would be disappointed, the Royal House of D'Aubigne would be disappointed...it was unbearable. She considered suicide, abandonment, false accusations of murder... Finally, Mrs. Delacroix came forth and suggested an alternative: why not secretly adopt a child from some God-forsaken French town, and make a convenient "replacement"?

11) Ever the selfish, conniving woman, my mother agreed to these plans and commissioned Mrs. Delacroix with the assignment. Mrs. Delacroix returned to her hometown of Chateau-Renault, and shared the ghastly secret with her husband, who--being a janitor at the abbey/monastery--was able to inform her of the abandoned child Gaetane had left on said abbey/monastery's doorstep. The couple adopted the child, returned it promptly to Mother, and were paid a handsome sum for their civic duties.

12) Except Mrs. Delacroix abandoned her marriage vows and decided to embrace her new upperclass status with relish. This included leaving her husband, and then taking off to live in the islands, leaving behind a very bitter Mr. Delacrox, who obviously doesn't give a d@mn anymore that he was one of three people who held one of France's biggest secrets. And that is why he shared it with us.

13) In conclusion, in Mr. Delacroix's own words, "The current crown prince isn't the prince at all. He's not even related to the King! A true rags to riches story, if you ask me. Except, look now. He despises the public. I would've preferred a dead infant over an absent adult any day." However, Father knows nothing of this wild tale, and has informed me I've been reading too many tabloids (I don't read them at all!) and that try as I might, Sasha and Philippe will always be my siblings. He has agreed to ask mother about it, though.

14) Lastly, apparently I now wield the power to generate and manipulate fire... as if my life wasn't hell enough.

[Dewey]

August 1. 2007

((i think i had an arain dream last night! lol. ohmahgosh, i forgot what alain's other powers were lol.. *think*))

It has been a month since last I wrote, and a plethora of misfortunes have befallen me. As has become the usual routine for me.

1) As if premonitions, telekinesis, and generating fire were not enough...I know have a number of other powers at my disposal. Among them are absurd things I rather nto discuss at length, because I don't intend on ever using them, and they very much unnerve me.

2) The reason for my having so many new powers suddenly is because of the...uniqueness of my DNA. In the words of Lewis' eugenicists at Shiloh, it is the most evolved triple helix DNA they have laid eyes on (and trust me, they have laid eyes on many). In fact, it would be quite correct to say I'm the most evolved human being on the face of the earth...but that is saying much, and quite frankly, it is rather intimidating. Why such evolution? Apparently be DNA is in a constant state of change. The genetic codes and the bases that hold them (I have 8 bases, instead of the typical 4, by the way) are constantly rearranging themselves. It seems I don't even have my own individual blueprint.. Instead, whenever I come into contact with a fellow triple helix bearer, my DNA ...well, tranforms to match theirs so that I might absorb their power. Lewis tested this numerous times (an exhausting feat), and that is how I wound up with additional powers.

3) Ah yes, apparently there are those who wish to murder individuals who bear the triple helix DNA. A sort of contemporary gestapo, if you will. (You will see holocaust rhetoric from now on, rest assured. My father might think me theatric, but how can I not call what's beginning to happen here in France a second holocaust?) Lewis has promised me protection from these groups in return for my involvement with his ridicolous experiments at Shiloh. If I disagree, the truth about my past will be revealed to the public. I have my back against the wall in this matter, but Jackie and I are determined to find some underground vigilante group of sorts who will fight for the freedom and equality of my these people.

4) Speaking of which, I do believe I met a member of one such group last night. Though I don't believe her methods in getting my answers were neccessarily orthodox, she informed me that things were in motion to save those imprisoned at Shiloh.

5) Last but certainly not least...as wild a tale as only mine can be, it has appeared to become even more bizarre. Gaetane gave birth to me twenty-one years ago, yes. But as fate would have it, I wasn't the only one she gave birth to. My discerning this first came in a premonition, and when I shared it with Jackie, she decided to speak with Gaetane. And my suspicions were correct. I have a twin brother. I have a twin brother. A twin brother! His name is Seth Isaias. Apparently, he's been marauding about the palace in my absence, passing himself off as me. Jackie says we look identical (well, I suppose that was a given, but I still asked). However, though brothers we may be, Seth and I don't see eye to eye on things. He has fooled father, and has gotten a legislation passed to appear before the council. It will be voted on this week. It calls for the "mass deportation" of those with the triple helix. How can father support that? How can my very brother support that? Doesn't he know? Doesn't he know I'm one of them?

6) My instincts, as you can imagine, tell me he doesn't know. I must somehow find Seth, and tell him what he's doing is wrong. I must also break into Shiloh somehow and gather as much materials as I can to help the 'vigilante' groups. That girl said she would contact me, but...I can't wait around. I traced her license plate to =>
425 Charleston Lane. Arcadia, Auvernha 31204
I will pay her a visit today, and get more answers.

7) Lastly, my first kiss ended up being with a girl who threatened me with a gun. Go figure.

[Dewey]

August 2. 2007

Seth and I have switched places yet again. Here I am at Shiloh, and I fear even breathing. Every time Lewis looks at me or speaks to me, I feel as if he knows my plans, as if he knows I'm fraternizing with a 'vigilante' group. I still have not met my own brother, but Seth is on palace grounds as I write this, marauding about as me, no doubt delivering a powerful speech at council about the threat the abominable triple helix poses. And no doubt the council will be voting in his favor, and no doubt the operations here at Shiloh will become quite legal. There's a feeling of death in the air these days here. My only contact with prisoners is when Lewis is experimenting with my DNA, but each subject brought before me has....a sort of defeat in their eyes. They've lost hope. They anticipate death now. They expect it.

I don't know what I can do. I still don't know if I can trust Ara, just as she most likely believes she can only half trust me. I don't enjoy secrets as you can imagine, and I don't appreciate being in the dark about her rescue mission. I feel as though I'm at liberty to know everything, considering I'm the crown prince of France! At least, to her I am. Since informing her I bore a triple helix DNA doesn't neccessarily equate to informing her I'm not a D'Aubigne, she has no reason to believe that. In fact, though these powers are genetic, it would seem they'renot always passed on to the next generation (point in case: Seth) Which is bizarre in our instance, because we're supposed to be identical twins, aren't we? So what happened?

So many unanswered questions. And here I am, the prince of France, too cowardly to save my own people. I suppose breaking into high security rooms later will be a giant leap on behalf of 'my people'. I wonder if Ara's supervisor will give her the okay to accompany me. Though I'm not sure how sound that would be. All we do is argue, with perhaps a two minute hiatus here and there to afford a glare or awkward silence. And after last night, it would be awkward for me. Of course I knew what that night in the car was. But apparently it was something else to her if her friends knew about it, and were being quite rude to us in regards to...certain things. Are all women this confusing? It's for this precise reason I refuse to be involved with them much to mother's chagrin.

[Dewey]

August 18. 2007

I'm too exhausted to update this journal. Let's make it simple. Remember Ara, and her avowal to shut down operations at Shiloh? I went to Shiloh to ensure her safety, because I felt she was unaware just who she was dealing with. Yet I end up being the one abducted, and taken halfway across the world! It has therefore been a very troubling week or so. I wasn't at all pleased that this same girl was the very one to lead the 'rescue mission'--if that's what you would call it. I don't see barging into a room and murdering its occupants as any sort of rescue, especially when a stray bullet could've flown my way. Of course, she expected some sort of fanfare, but I'm afraid she's getting nothing more than a 'thank you'. Even that much was hard to spit out. She's unbearably rude, and I can hardly stand her. How dare she critcizes my every action. No one outside my little world cares that I'm prince of France? I despised that comment like none other. I'm surprised I even tolerate her. I could easily have her imprisoned for...some sort of legal blasphemy.

And then! For her to bring up Seth like that! To assume (quite correctly) that he's my brother! It caught me off guard, needless to say. I decided to tell her some absurd story I crafted while in China. About how we're cousins who share a striking resemblance to each other, and how Seth's claims of being my brother are simply his way of attempting to assume a throne that is not his. I think she believed it, but I can't be too sure. With Ara, I feel compelled to tell her everything, but I can't be too trusting of her because it still pizzles me why she's always around when I'm in trouble. It's not so comforting a fact. Perhaps when I feel I can trust her, I will tell her everything.

[Dewey]

August 25. 2007

I don't know how, but Ara saw past my lies. Or rather, the resources from which she garners her information was able to see past the lie. They know Seth is not my cousin. I should've have crafted a better tale than the one I spoke. Of course they would know the D'Aubigne family tree. It's practically common knowledge. Who in France doesn't know the history of our Royal House? In any regard, I had to be genuine with her. I told he everything. And I mean everything. About his being my twin, about my adoption into the Royal Family. Surely that is a tale far more absurd than any I could ever create on my own, but hopefully she knows it to be the truth.

It appears as if we'll be seeing more of each other within the coming days. She has been appointed as my personal bodyguard (how self-aggrandizing; my bodyguard is a girl younger than me). We don't get along too well, I suppose you could say. She thinks I'm presumptous and egocentric, and I think she's rude and not well-bred. We're an odd pair, as you see. However, I suppose I can swallow my pride momentarily and try to make do with my present circumstances. It's not as if I have any choice anyway. Jackie's leaving on another third world trip, and I'll be left to shadow father in her absence.

Perhaps I can find out more information about these operations Sean Lewis is running, and perhaps Ara and I can actually work as a team to ensure they are all shut down.