Unwanted Harem

Morning brought a rush of panic, sending Alice bolting straight up in bed. She had an exam this morning that couldn't be skipped! 20% of her grade and the promise of a scholarship would go down the tubes if she didn't get going now! Throwing the covers back she scrambled out of bed and made it about as far as standing before her panic hit new heights.

This was definitely not her room. The dorm she boasted might be small but it was a single room, making it nice and comfortable for her to study in. This room... was easily the size of the dorm commons. If not bigger, judging by the enormity of the ceilings alone. Everything was gilt and white from the furniture to the absolutely monstrous fireplace cheerfully warming the room. Turning her head she spotted a sitting area before it and a writing desk not too far from that. There was an area that looked like clothing storage in absolutely gorgeous armoires inlaid with intricate carvings down the side of some manner of flora. Beyond that was a door leading somewhere else. Behind her stood a bed clearly meant for a princess, the sleigh bed white and carved with those same flowers painted in gold. Beyond the bed stood gorgeously enormous windows, one set leading to a marble balcony and the view beyond it breathtaking. Mountains rose in majestic background, the expanse of forest at its base eventually leading to the borders of what looked to be a town, and closer boasted immaculate gardens in a large park.

Dumbfounded and a lot of frightened she hadn't even noticed the person still in the bed until it began to shift and groan. Startled at this new development all she could do was stare as a man emerged from the pile of blankets.

Oh, but that was not just any man. She'd never seen someone so perfect in her life. His blonde hair nearly matched the gilt on the bed, its soft strands practically glowing in the light. Emerald green eyes blinked sleepily at her as he ran a hand through his hair. He was younger, in his mid-20s maybe. Still a little boyish... but what she could see of his cut physique he definitely took care of himself.

"What's the matter? Why are you up so early?" Gravel from waking up made his tone rough, but gods did he sound good. She watched as he propped himself up on his forearms to watch her with a sleepy smile. "Come back to bed. You must be cold." Turning a pointed look down she followed his gaze, only to realize too late she stood in front of him entirely naked. Panic flared again and she hastily sought the robe hooked by the bed to cover herself as best she could.

A low laugh answered the haste in which she moved, prompting a glare from the redhead. "Is this a new game you've devised? Playing the innocent? After last night's performance I might have a hard time believing it." His smile promised danger and a hand pat the empty space she had vacated. This was absolutely impossible. She did not know this bed nor this man, and she sure as hell didn't do anything last night!

Just as she was to retort a knock at the door caught her attention. The male in bed made an impatient noise as she turned.

"Who is it?" Ah... that was definitely her voice, but that was not her language.

Your Highness, the Lord Lloyd wishes to see you."

Before she had a chance to respond to either the request or the title a man burst his way into the room, startling her back to fall sitting on the bed. He was no less stunning than the blonde, his dark brown hair the color of bark after rain and cut short. Warm gold eyes fixated on her from a tanned face, and his impressive frame sported well-maintained armor.

... Armor?

"Your Highness, we cannot delay the wedding plans any longer!"

She was so intent on trying to figure out what the hell was going on that Alice almost missed the words coming out of his mouth.

"Wedding?"