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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Apr 29, 2023 13:56:03 GMT -5
IDK RANDOM WRITING Callan remembered the first conversation heβd had with the king after heβd first gone to serve in the army. Heβd been around eighteen or nineteen and had come back on leave for the first time since heβd left.
The last time heβd seen Tia or the king had been after the two friends had been caught when theyβd tried to run away from the palace, which to put it lightly hadnβt been a pleasant interaction. Things had been awkward with Tia in their first interaction since his return; heβd tried to push her away a little, tried to be more mature so he wouldnβt put her at risk again the way he had by pulling her into his selfish, childish schemes.
And the king? The king he still had not spoken to, and for that he had been grateful. It hadnβt been a conversation he was especially eager to have, he had to say. He knew just how much of the escape he and Tia had tried to perpetrate had been down to him, especially as the older and less impressionable one. He'd put Tia at risk, and now he understood that. His intentions had been good, that much was obvious, but he'd been childish and naive and neglected his responsibility to keep Tia safe. He knew all of this, but admitting it to the king had been a different matter. Still, it could not be helped.
He'd accompanied the princess to an event in the palace, some important dinner of some kind. Things between them had slowly started to seem more like what had been familiar between the two of them before. Not quite comfortable again yet, but improving. As was his habit, heβd waited to be the last to leave after the event, just to make sure everything went smoothly. This meant he found himself alone with the king. Not an eventuality he had planned for, certainly.
The young guard was approached by the older man, could feel the way he instantly straightened as soon as he felt the king's eyes on him. He was the same with his own father.
"Callan," the king began as he took in the guard's appearance, "it is good to see you back with us for a while."
He responded with a dip of his head to the king's greeting, tried to drop the tension from his shoulders. He knew the king had noticed it.
"It is a pleasure to be back, Your Majesty," Callan had replied, "I only apologise that I can tell you nothing as to the length of my stay."
He was awaiting a new posting, or so he had been told. He had been called back to the palace while some business resolved itself, apparently, but he was also waiting for a new posting to a different unit.
The king waved off his concern, but it quickly became apparent that this was out of a desire to discuss something different. The older man looked at Callan with the kind of expression that told the guard that the topic he intended to bring up was serious.
"I have been meaning to talk to you about how we left things before your departure."
There it was. He supposed it was bound to be mentioned sooner or later.
"Your Majesty-" Callan began abruptly, though he regretted interrupting the king almost instantly.
He was already embarrassed, did not want to discuss the incident any further if he could help it. He didn't want to cause any further awkwardness between the two of them. Besides, he'd accepted his culpability in the incident.
"Please, Callan." the other man's tone was firm, "You might not be my son, but I have known you since you were born. I think this ought to be said."
That much, Callan could not argue with. He knew his father and Tia's father had known eachother from their youth just like Callan and Tia had. Callan could not deny his closeness to the king's entire family. He was owed this time now, surely.
So he just nodded, indicating that the king could speak freely. Even if Callan hadn't wanted to, it was really an order anyway. He didnβt have the luxury of refusing instructions like that, and he had to be perceptive enough to see when an order was disguised as conversation.
"I always wanted you to be like a sibling to my daughter, so that you would protect her. Because of that, I was lenient with you in many things. However, there are some things I cannot tolerate, like putting my daughter in danger."
Callan swallowed, couldnβt help but note how dry his throat suddenly felt. For putting Tia at risk like that heβd given the king more than enough reason not to allow him around the princess any longer. Regardless of the history between the two families, Callan had broken the kingβs trust and had shown himself to be unreliable and reckless with tbe princessβ safety.
But to his surprise, the king continued.
βThat being said, the fact that you were willing to go to great lengths for my daughter and her happiness is encouraging.β
The young guard blinked, taken aback. The king had been rightfully furious after the incident, so this was a significant change. Perhaps time - and Callanβs absence - had made his anger abate. That and the regret Callan had tried to show via the cool and professional distance heβd initially maintained from the princess after the fact.
He couldnβt make any words form, so he was grateful that the king appeared to have more to say.
βI do believe I can trust you to keep her safe and be not just her physical protector, but also her friend. Rulers must contend with things that even those closest to them do not know, and one day she will need to surround herself with people in whom she has absolute faith.β
The king seemed to search Callanβs face then, and the younger man had to meet his eyes.
βIs that something you think you can do?β
Callan nodded, because of course he could do it. Being there for Tia was important to him and he had no intention of backing away from her now. The king was right, one day she might have no idea who she could trust. He needed to be there as someone she could rely on when the day came that she needed him.
βGood,β the kingβs expression was approving, which made the roar of Callanβs heartbeat in his ears calm.
He stepped back from the guard, apparently satisfied. The king left the young man with only one further instruction, his tone much warmer but no less commanding than before.
βLook after my daughter, Callan.β |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 14, 2023 2:39:42 GMT -5
Callan had been resting his eyes β not asleep, just thinking β when the young Crius entered his tent.
He had so many thoughts on his mind in that moment. About whether it was even possible to try to get Elena to believe him. Whether a false confession now might be better before she forced one out of him. Whether if he lied and said he had done it, it would be safer for Carlo.
Whether there was a point in fighting when Elena had already made her mind.
But had she? After all, she kept asking. She could just kill him if she truly was sure that he was guilty. Perhaps there was still some doubt in her mind yet.
Regardless, his thoughts were dispelled by a poking on his arm and a young voice asking if he was awake.
βYeah, Iβm awakeβ was the young manβs soft answer βJust thinkingβ
He opened his eyes to take in the boy in front of him, offering the kid a smile. Crius was a bright spot in his current situation. The boy was a good kid, and he was nice to talk to. It felt a bit like growing up with Tia and Carlo again.
βHey, little man,β Callan greeted βWhatβre you doing up and about so late? Canβt sleep?β
Callan wasnβt exactly sleeping too well himself, for obvious reasons. But being awake at night had not helped him with a plan to get out of there. The camp still had guards at its borders, day and night. He was sure there had to be a weak spot in the defended somewhere, but heβd been yet to find it. He was being as observant as possibly but it was hard to notice anything useful from in the tent so really he was out of luck. Plus he wouldnβt get far through unfamiliar forest, and he needed to discover the location of Lilithβs camp and figure out how to free Carlo before he was willing to leave this area. He didnβt want to go back to Tia with no Carlo and only a vague idea of where to find him.
As Head Guard he could not save his own skin and leave the Crown Prince behind. Especially since he did not know what Lilith or Elena might do to Carlo when they discovered Callan had left. No, it was simply not an option.
Crius was a sweet kid, that much Callan knew. Elena would kill the boy if she found out he was out of his tent in the middle of the night and talking to Callan. Not that it seemed to stop Crius.
βWhen I was your age I used to explore at night too,β remembered Callan βTia and I loved sneaking around the palace. Exploring hidden nooks and crannies and finding passageways. I used to like climbing right up to the battlements - you could see for miles around up there.β
That was before he and Tia had been forced to grow up. Though Callan did still enjoy being up on the battlements, which given that he was a guard was probably helpful.
Crius shook his head when asked if he couldn't sleep. Technically, he was supposed to be working on something for his brothers while they were away on patrol but he figured it wouldn't hurt to take a break and bother the interesting prisoner. As quietly as he could, the young boy sat across from Callan and wrung his hands in his shirt anxiously wanting to ask a question but unsure if he should. He was still nervous about being in the tent with him. Reed never slept much and Elena was a light sleeper. What if one of them decided to come and check on him or the prisoner. But his curiosity got the better of him anyway. "What's it like?" he asked eagerly. "The castle you live in?" Crius began scooting closer as the questions kept spilling out of his mouth. He did his best to keep his voice at a low volume but he had to catch himself a few times as he spoke. "Are there a lot of people that say there? What kind of desserts do you eat at night? Do you know the Queen?" he asked one after the other, eye wide and smile brightening with each new question that tumbled out of his mouth. |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 14, 2023 2:55:29 GMT -5
Alex chuckled lightly when Athena said she trusted him, as foolish as it might be. It amazed him, really, how they could count on one another despite how little each friend really knew about the other.
βOh, itβs entirely foolish.β was Alexβs response
There was an element of truth in the joke, though. Because he did fear that he was putting his friend in danger. That Athena would end up hurt because Alex had pulled her into something.
He nodded in understanding when she gave her warning, letting him know that she could go out on her own if she wanted to. That she only stayed to look out for him.
βI know,β he answered βand I donβt expect you to stay for my sake. Iβd be okay, Athena. I might be a thorn in my fatherβs side but heβs not managed to be rid of me yet. Iβve a habit of sticking around where Iβm not wanted.β
Another little joke. Anything to pretend they were just talking like normal. As if nothing bad were happening.
Anything to avoid the truth.
Athenaβs mention of Minke made him desperate to know what the two girls meant to one another, but he couldnβt ask Athena about that. Now wouldnβt be the moment even if he thought sheβd be willing to share.
Thankfully she changed the subject, talking about Alexβs father and Dante and doing a somewhat poor but very entertaining impression of Dante. Alex couldnβt help but laugh at it.
βThatβs exactly what heβd say,β said Alex before continuing βbut youβre right, my father would kill me.β
He stood too, drawing himself up to full height and doing his very best to imitate his fatherβs posture.
βJust when I thought you couldnβt insult this family more, you go and bring a lowlife criminal into our home, parading her under my nose to mock me.β he scolded in an imitation of his fatherβs voice that was, at best, barely passable.
He could bet his father thought Alex was only friends with Athena as an act of rebellion towards him. Because of course Alex would never make friends for his own reasons. Of course he couldnβt just want to be happy, he had to want to make his father unhappy too.
He, too, couldnβt help but burst into laughter at his own impression. Really, you had to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Athena laughed and shook her head a Alex's imiatation of his father. From all he had told her of him and what she had seen for herself, she knew that it was pretty spot on. "Oh, but your highness I've been nothing but the perfect lady during my stay," she pretended to plead and wipe at fake tears. She then pretended to faint and land in Alex's arms. "Say something to him Alex dear! Tell him that we're in love and wish to marry!" She pretended to cry and burst into another fit of laughter. She stayed there for a moment simply laughing. Laughing with her friend and forgetting all of the fear and trickery they had been dealing with lately. Forgetting her sisters, her fallen kingdom, her title, her anger. It simply just felt good to laugh. Righting herself and cupping Alex's face in her hands, Athena smiled at him gently. "My dear sweet friend, you are always welcome with me." And she meant it. Every single word in that sentence. She wanted him to know that he was at least wanted when she was around, even if no one else agreed to it. Patting his chest she turned her back to him and pointed to to wall she had failed to climb earlier. "Now help me escape and maybe I'll let you come with me." |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 14, 2023 15:20:07 GMT -5
Callan smiled at the boyβs eager questions. It was sweet, honestly. The childβs questions reminded him of how much he missed home, granted, but it gave him something else to think about. Crius seemed quite good at that, taking Callanβs off the situation, whether accidentally or not.
It made him feel bad about his own friendliness towards the boy, because as much as he knew heβd have been friendly to Crius regardless of everything else, he couldnβt pretend a part of him wasnβt hoping that the kid might be the key to getting out of here. He didnβt want to intentionally try and manipulate the child into giving him information that might help him escape, especially because he didnβt want to repay Criusβ friendliness towards him by risking getting him into trouble. Yet he had to admit he would take an opportunity that proffered itself. After all, his duty was to Carlo at the moment.
The guard elected to patiently answer Criusβ questions.
βVery big,β he answered to the questions about the palace, βand surrounded by beautiful forest just like this. It has these huge towers I used to explore when I was little. Lots of people live there, all kinds of people. Servants and guards and nobles and important people who are visiting. Tia and I used to make fun of the nobles though, when they were boring and rude.β
It felt a million years ago in that moment, but making fun of the nobles had been one of his and Tiaβs favourite pastimes. Anything to liven up a boring dinner party; Callan especially loved trying to make Tia laugh when she wasnβt supposed to.
βDesserts? Hm,β Callan thought about it for a moment βI always used to sneak these little honey cakes from the kitchen when I was little. You have to make the most of being able to do that while youβre still a kid, they tend to notice once you get biggerβ
A little joke for the kidβs benefit, told conspiratorially like a very important piece of advice. Exactly the kind of joking around he used to do with Carlo when he was younger.
When asked if he knew the queen, Callan smiled.
βOf course I do,β he replied, βwe grew up together. Tia is my very best friend; thatβs why itβs my job to keep an eye out and make sure sheβs safe.β
Yes, technically there were a million other reasons he was the head guard, the most important of them being that it was his family duty. But the reason Callan himself really did it was because he loved Tia, and that was what was important.
βWhat about you?β Callan asked βWhatβs your very favourite thing to do here? |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 14, 2023 16:30:02 GMT -5
Laughing with Athena made him feel more free than he had in a very long time. He was always able to forget his troubles when he was with her.
βAnd you with me,β had been his soft reply to her kind words, βnot that Iβd blame you if you only wanted to meet outside the castle walls from now on after this visit.β
As much as he joked about he, the prince was sorry that Athena had seen the ugly side of Alexβs home life in this visit. Heβd never wanted her to be exposed to that.
She was talking about leaving, gesturing once again to the wall sheβd been climbing when Alex had arrived. He had to help her get out of here, for her safety if nothing else. He knew it was risky; it would make things more dangerous for he and Dante and would also throw suspicion on Athena for Minkeβs disappearance. But if she really wanted to go he couldnβt stop her, and it might be the best bet. Athena clearly cared about Minke for some reason he couldnβt understand and he didnβt want to stop her from looking for her.
He turned to face the same way as her, standing beside her.
βI think Minkeβs best bet is all of us working together,β he admitted, βbut I donβt want to keep you from leaving and I donβt want you pulled into stuff here. I have to stay here but you donβt.β
He didnβt want to subject her to his life here. There were so many things already that he wished she hadnβt seen.
The prince looked at her, wrapping an arm around ger shoulder affectionately.
βThank you, Athena. I hope you know how important you are to me, but I know youβd probably rather I not tell you,β he joked, because honestly they seemed to steer clear of mushy stuff like this most of the time because neither of them really seemed to like feeling their feelings with people.
He nodded towards the wall as well.
βAlright. Iβll help you up as long as you promise to keep in touch with me once youβre safe so I know youβre okay.β
That was his deal, and he thought it was a pretty good offer if he did say so himself.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 14, 2023 18:44:30 GMT -5
It really was most inconvenient that she wasnβt meeting Adrestia in Halstein. Adira would have much preferred to have been in her home territory, as it were. Gave her a little more of an advantage. But perhaps it was for the best. It would give Adrestia a bit of the security that she must have been feeling that she lacked so sorely in that moment; with any luck it would mean she was less on her guard with Adira.
Still, she had to be careful. After what happened, Adrestia would be on her guard regardless.
It had been a long journey to the palace; she had set off not long after sheβd sent her letter to Tia, not wanting too much delay between the young queen receiving the letter and Adiraβs arrival. After all, there was no time to waste.
Drake and Ernestine would not be wasting even a single moment where they could be scheming. If she wanted to survive, if she wanted to come out on top, Adira had to do the same. In the kind of game she and the other two rulers were playing, you didnβt get to be second best. Whichever of them won would eliminate the others to get rid of any threats to their power. Adira knew that.
If you didnβt have the crown, you were dead. And she was determined that it wouldnβt be her blood that was spilled in the end.
So now she had finally arrived at Adrestiaβs palace, her carriage pulling up outside. What happened next, she told herself, was crucial in her plan. She had not gone to the effort of poisoning Tiaβs parents just to lose the kingdom to a gamble Ernestine or Drake had taken. Wisteria had to be hers. But subtly - she would not take it by force, for to conquer another kingdom would signal her intentions to Drake and Ernestine and begin a war before she was ready. No need to accelerate things. Adira worked best by carrying out her plans slowly. Before any war broke out she needed to gain a power base, gain some puppet kingdoms so she had support.
Tia was the perfect puppet queen. If Adira played her cards right.
The doors to the carriage were opened to allow Adira to step out, and she was quickly met by an attendant with some pleasing news. The queen upon getting the letter had agreed to receive her.
Perfect news.
Adira was directed inside the palace and shown to a room where she was told Adrestia would meet her; a servant left to inform the younger woman of Adiraβs arrival. It seemed to be some kind of drawing room, but not as big as one Adira would expect for a place of this size. She suspected that this was one of multiple, and that this smaller one was more private and perhaps more exclusive.
This, she suspected, was where the conversations that really mattered took place.
It wasnβt too long before Adrestia arrived, announced by one of the palace staff who held the door open to admit her. Adira bowed her head briefly in respect, but quickly assumed an heir of big-sisterly concern as she approached the Wisterian queen.
βYour Majesty. It was my intention to visit you when I heard about that dreadful business with your parents, but when I heard tell of what happened to your brother I simply knew I could not delay.β Adira began
She knew Tia had probably heard far too much about her coronation and had likely not been acknowledged as a teenage girl mourning her parents. Adira needed her to feel like she was being seen.
And sheβd chosen not to mention Callan because he was secondary to her. The crown prince being kidnapped was far more pertinent news than a guard. Besides, Adira didnβt want to sound like she knew too many details after not having been in attendance at the event in question. That would risk arousing suspicion.
βI came to offer my sympathy; I know something of what you are going through,β the queen of Halstein continued βand my support, for if there is anything I or Halstein can do to help I mean to see it done.β
She had to be patient. Offer Halsteinβs support, gain Tiaβs confidence. She had to make everything seem like Tiaβs idea. The steps to making Tia a puppet queen had to be gradual and calculated; Adira thought Tia young and inexperienced, but not unintelligent. She needed to choose her words wisely and thoroughly think through her actions.
Andrestia, still dressed in mourning black, walked into the other ruler's embrace and smiled weakly. She squeezed the older woman's hands and nodded a thank you. "Your kind words are already beginning to lift my spirits, Queen Adira," she replied quietly. Though there was still a glum energy surrounding her person. Gesturing for the Queen to sit down, Tia took her own seat across from her and smoothed out her skirts once settled. "I will be sure to call upon you if the time comes for it. For now, my search remains within my own kingdom," she explained gently. It was safer to lie for the moment until she was sure Adira had absolutely nothing to do with Carlo and Callan's abduction. "They couldn't have gotten far." Tia's smile turned sad and strained. "Though, I do wonder if the continuous attacks on my kingdom and my family are in some way personal," she mused. She looked so much younger in that moment than she usually held herself. Even so much more child like than she actually was. "Me being a fairly young and new queen and such. Perhaps it's my paranoia," she mused quietly. Her eyes began to cast down towards the elaborately decorated table in front of her. "Perhaps..." "Would you like some tea?" Andrestia asked lifting her eyes and waving her hand to bring her and her guest drinks and treats. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 15, 2023 1:47:38 GMT -5
Adira observed the teenage queenβs responses carefully, and observed with some satisfaction that she seemed at least to be increasing the girlβs trust in her at little. It was a start; slow and steady was always the way to go as far as Adira was concerned.
Luckily for Adira, the girl was already concerned about all the things she wanted her to be concerned about - this was almost too easy.
βI have been in your place,β Adira replied gently βQueen as a teenager with no idea of who to trust. You are not paranoid, my dear. All monarchs must be wary, but a ruler who appears vulnerable is attacked. You must be careful, for in your situation naivety can kill you. I do not believe it is a coincidence that they took the very people you love most and make you feel the most safe. They wish to threaten you, and you must not let them believe they can do that.β
She was glad to hear the search was mostly within Wisteria, but she knew she had to ge the queen to broaden her search.
At the offer of tea, Adira paused in thought for just a moment. As a rule she did not accept tea outside of her own palace, for she knew the risks of poisoning. A woman had to learn from her own murder techniques, after all. But she had to show Tia she trusted her to encourage the girl to trust her in return.
So she nodded, smiled, allowed a cup to be offered.
βNormally I would not indulge, but today seems to call for it,β the woman replied.
She lifted her cup, took a sip before continuing.
βPerhaps I can be of service,β the queen said, βI have much experience in our circles. Perhaps I can do a little investigation of my own. I would not interfere with yours, naturally, but perhaps another set of eyes on the situation may be of some help.β
There it was, there was the offer. The bait. If Tia took it, she had options. Adira was considering siding with Ernestine or Drake - or both, depending on which of them had done this - until the last possible moment. She could be preparing her own attack on Wisteria and then turn Ernestine and Drake in to Tia. While she was distracted with them, she could swoop in and take the victory.
After all, sheβd done the hard work of killing the girlβs parents. It was only fair she be the one to get the crown in the end.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 15, 2023 2:19:20 GMT -5
Callan could see why Elena found this kid so endearing. Crius was so sweet. And he couldnβt imagine what Elena must have done to make sure that kid could stay the innocent kid he was in the harsh world out there.
βFixing things is a very important job - itβs very useful. And itβs one of those things that you get better at the more you practice. You keep trying and just watch how good you get. I know how to repair some things, armour and weapons, but it took me a while to learn and if you want to know the truth Iβm still not the best at it.β
He was passable at it, but it was no special talent of his. Enough to make sure his armour and weapons were well maintained and in good condition. Nothing revolutionary.
It was the boyβs next question that caught him though. Crius seemed almost worried about Callan, or he didnβt like the idea that Callan might be lying to his mistress. Or both? He wasnβt sure.
βI could tell her what she wants to hear,β he began carefully, βbut it would be a lie, and I donβt lie.β
That had been instilled in him from a young age. Heβd never felt comfortable lying, because according to his father honesty was one of the most important qualities a person could have. Especially a guard - how else could you trust your head guard if you could not be sure they were honest?
βIβm telling the truth,β Callan said gently to Crius, βif she chooses to believe it or not is not up to me. But I wonβt lie to give her the answer she is looking for.β
He didnβt even know how she would react if he did falsely confess. Kill him anyway? That was a distinct possibility, because if said heβd done what she thought heβd done he doubted mercy would be on the table.
There was no right answer, so all he was left with was the truth.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 15, 2023 17:43:12 GMT -5
Andrestia took note of her comment. Normally I would not indulge. The comment didn't have to mean anything. It could have simply meant that she did not normally like tea. Or it could mean something a little sinister. She'd keep that information to herself for the time being.
Taking a sip from her own teacup, Tia smiled softly at the other Queen at her offer. She wanted to help, which on the surface was a kind gesture from another monarch, but when looked at a little closer something about the offer felt off. Especially when she had just said that she was keeping the investigation close to home.
"The offer is appreciated but not needed at this time," Tia said, letting the other ruler down gently. Letting her know she was standing her ground in this situation. "I assure you, I will call upon you when I need you," she insisted as she set her tea cup back down on the table and folded her hands in her lap once more. "For now, I can only wait with bated breath for news of their return. Or find a husband to produce an heir."
The joke was laced with a bit of distaste at the idea. She in no way wanted to marry at this time. Not so soon after her parents passing, her coronation, and the people she trusted the most in the world being taken hostage by Queen Ernestine. She needed time to actually rule over her kingdom before being plunged into some political marriage.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jun 15, 2023 18:21:17 GMT -5
Crius kept fiddling with his shirt, unsure about what to say for a moment. "I don't know what to believe. I think you're kind but..." his finger tapped his eyepatch. Insinuating that he had bad memories of guards and being hurt by them. They were some of his earliest memories besides Elena and Reed taking him in.
Dropping his hand back into his lap, Crius lifted his head, a serious expression now on his face as he scooted even closer and hushed his voice to a whisper. "She has ways of making you talk. Whether you want to or not," he began warning. He spoke quickly and urgently deciding that the prisoner deserved at least a warning before falling prey to Elena. "That's why she's called the Siren. There isn't much you can do to stop it from happening just know that when she starts humming or singing..." he paused as he thought of all the other men that had fallen victim to her.
"You're probably going to die right after."
The flap to the tent behind him opened and a person stood there, silhouetted by the nearby campfire. Wearing her favorite coat and her hair pulled to one side. Even in the dim light, it was obviously clear she was displeased by what she had just heard. Though her eyes weren't aimed at her ward.
"I believe you've told him enough, pequeΓ±o," Elena said quietly finally addressing him and giving him a blank look.
"Elena! I was just-" Crius tried as he got up to approach her and explain himself. He only stopped when she held up her free hand and placed that same hand on his head. He seemed to stand up straighter when she did that and folded his hands behind his back.
"I know," she murmured to him quietly. She gestured with her head for him to go back outside the tent and get back to what he was actually supposed to be doing. He nodded and walked out of the tent, his head being pushed gently by her hand.
Once he was gone, Elena turned her attention back to Callan and raised an eyebrow. "You didn't even think of using him to escape?" she asked blandly. There was a mask over her face, concealing what she was actually feeling, and no inflections in her voice to help locate what her mood was.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 15, 2023 19:04:33 GMT -5
Callan understood immediately when the boy tapped his eyepatch. This child had been hurt by people like him before, had been afraid of people like him before.
βI know,β he said softly in a sympathetic acknowledgement. He wanted Crius to know he understood. Callan thought that was better than risking making the boy feel that he was invalidating his experiences by trying to say that he wasnβt like that.
He listened, though, because the boy seemed agitated. Telling him that Elena could make him talk and that if she started singing or humming he was probably going to die. It was useful information even if it didnβt make much sense to him in that moment, and Crius seemed to really think it was important for Callan to know.
That was when they were interrupted by Elena. Callan withdrew completely when she entered, losing the demeanour heβd held while conversing with Crius in favour of something more neutral. He had been leaning forward a little to converse with the child, but now leaned back again. He watched Elena bid the boy leave, before she turned to ask him the question.
He didnβt know why sheβd asked it - to try and figure him out, maybe? Either way his response was wary.
ββCourse I thought about it,β he admitted, βbut I donβt use people for my own gain like that.β
Of course that wasnβt to say that he wouldnβt use information Crius might willingly give him. But Callan wasnβt fishing for information or trying to manipulate Crius into anything. And his friendliness with Crius did not have an ulterior motive. Sure, heβd wondered if it could help him. But he wasnβt befriending Crius because of that.
That statement was also a reference to the conversation where Elena had suggested that Callan had benefitted by throwing Elena under the bus.
He looked at Elena now, sighing slightly and leaning his head back. Based on his experiences here, he knew what Elena probably wanted.
βMy story isnβt going to change,β he murmured, voice exhausted, βIf you prefer I can lie and tell you I did it. You could achieve some false closure while the actual person who deserves your anger walks free.β
Was he getting to the end of his tether? Probably, as sorry as he was that Elena had been hurt. He was exhausted and was losing the will to keep positive. Besides, it wasnβt like holding in his back talk was helping her not hate him so he figured he had nothing to lose.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jun 16, 2023 4:18:52 GMT -5
The younger queen was wary of Adira, and rightfully so. It didnβt make Adiraβs job easier that the girl was so sensible and perceptive, but no matter.
Tia refused her help, which Adira accepted gracefully with a nod of acknowledgement, βBut of course; my resources are at your disposal should you need them. I should think you will not be in the dark for long; generally it is the way of these things that the kidnappers will have demands for their return which they will communicate to you sooner rather than later.β
Of course, not all kidnappings were for ransom. They may have been taken just to make a statement; in fact, Adira thought that likely. But keeping prisoners could become a liability; they needed to be fed and kept alive. Eventually they would have to be killed or returned. And these men were important leverage against Tia. Only a fool would kill them, and neither Ernestine or Drake were fools. Which meant eventually theyβd need to reach out to Tia to use their bargaining chips.
The mention of a husband or an heir caught her attention, however. It would not be good news for anyone with an interest in taking over Wisteria if the succession were to be secured so soon. Though Tia being distracted by the kidnappings and now perhaps a search for a husband could be very beneficial for Adira. It might make it easier for her to plan her own moves while Tiaβs eyes werenβt on her.
It clearly seemed that the girl had distaste for the idea, something Adira remembered well.
βOh, are they already putting you under pressure to marry?β Adira asked, βMy advisors did the same. Perhaps you donβt want advice from a queen who has no intentions to marry and has no heirs, but I would counsel you to be cautious about who you choose. Whoever you marry will gain a lot of power.β
Now that? That was genuine advice. Of course it benefitted Adira to give it, but she would advise any ruler to be cautious about who they marry and give such influence in their kingdoms. Oralee was an example, with the uniting of the ruling families of Oralee and Levina demonstrating exactly what could happen when a royal marriage went wrong.
βYou are exactly where I was a little over a decade ago. I understand at least a little of what you are going through, which is suppose is why I felt so compelled to reach out to you. I am sorry to hear of all you have gone through, with your parents and everything since.β
There, she had no intention of pushing anything when Tia seemed so cautious around her - which was smart of her, Adira thought. But what she could do was establish herself as somebody Tia could come to if she needed advice without actually trying to explicitly force her into confiding anything.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jul 5, 2023 15:41:32 GMT -5
FLASHBACK/RANDOM WRITING, NOT CANON A seventeen-year-old Callan leaned against a wall, watching with amusement as Tia sat minutely still on a chair. The girl, about twelve or thirteen at the time, was wearing one of her most luxurious outfits and had even been given a jewelled headpiece to wear for the occasion. The princessβ hands were folded carefully in her lap, her chin lifted in a regal pose which Callan could just tell she was fighting to hold.
Her hair was elaborately styled; now, Callan was no authority on hairstyling, but he couldnβt imagine why anyone thought it practical to attempt a style of that complexity on a girl barely into her teens. The guard had seen many children of Tiaβs age lose every carefully placed hairpin within about five minutes, and indeed when he was that age no careful style or nice clothing had remained unsullied. That being said, Tia had done well and had sat with patience and maturity. Her hair was mostly intact, though Callan did note a few strands of hair which had come free from the style and seemed to have fallen in front of Tiaβs face.
The son of the head guard could barely contain his amusement at watching the young girl sitting so seriously. When her eyes flicked to meet his, apparently it didnβt take her long to notice the mirth in the older teenβs expression.
βDonβt you say a word, Calβ Tia muttered, apparently trying her very hardest not to move too much while she spoke - which of course, only made Callan have to try even harder not to burst into peals of laughter.
βAre you sure that piece of hair is not bothersome, Your Highness?β Callan questioned playfully. He just knew it had to be annoying her, and he wouldnβt be him if he didnβt tease her about it a little bit.
Luckily they werenβt in public, even if they werenβt alone, because even as young as she was Tia knew better than to accept any insolence from him when they werenβt in private.
βDo you intend to be a nuisance for this entire portrait?β Tia replied in a tone so imperious that Callan couldnβt help but snort a little. He respected her immensely, of course, but he could tell she wasnβt actually displeased with him and so he couldnβt take her tone seriously.
Apparently sheβd moved too much, because the artist sitting some distance in front of Tia tutted.
βPlease, Your Highness, you must sit still.β the artist said for what was possibly the twentieth time over the last few hours.
βOf course I do,β Callan answered breezily, skipping over the portrait artistβs request to the princess, βSurely you did not really expect anything else.β
Tia remained silent for a moment, likely partly because of the artistβs admonishment and partly because she had no reply. Callan had agreed to watch over Tia while she did her portrait sitting, but he had never promised he would behave himself.
She did her very best to ignore Callan for several very long, excruciatingly silent moments, but eventually caught his eye again. Callan choked back a laugh and that was enough to make Tia chuckle a little herself. This provoked a fresh round of annoyed muttering from the artist and unheeded requests for Tia to sit still.
βStop it, itβs not funny!β Tia protested βIβll have you dismissed from your position, you know.β
βYou canβt dismiss me,β Callan answered with a confidence to which he was in no way entitled.
βYes I can.β Tia answered firmly. If she didnβt have to sit still she would have folded her arms, he was sure.
βFine.β the boy was forced to concede, βBut you wonβt.β
Tia didnβt have a comeback for that one, evidently. She couldnβt argue that point, and Callan knew it. The two were like siblings, and she would never send him away.
βJust behave yourself or get out.β was what Tia eventually settled on, having come up blank with an argument to Callanβs last words.
But she sounded far too serious for her age, especially in that pose, and despite Callanβs valiant attempts to hold it in he finally cracked and had to let out a proper laugh. Of course Tia couldnβt stop herself from laughing then too, as when one of the pair laughed it invariably set the other one off.
Apparently the portrait artist had finally had enough, throwing down his paintbrush and rising to his feet to push Callan towards the door.
βOut, boy!β the man was saying as he shepherded a still laughing teenager out of the room.
And that was how Callan ended up guarding Tia from the other side of tbe foor for the next several hours, where he could occasionally still hear Tia getting told off for smiling of laughing.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jul 23, 2023 7:42:55 GMT -5
FLASHBACK WRITING - NOT NECESSARILY CANON The teenage Alex didnβt know why he was bothering to look at his motherβs old things. He was angry with her, in many ways just as much as he was angry at his father. His mother had used him to further her own political goals, putting her son in harmβs way to strengthen her own position. Heβd been a child, afraid and betrayed by one of the people he was supposed to be able to trust the most in the world. That kind of wound didnβt heal. Instead, resentment and anger festered there as he grew older.It had taken him about a decade since his motherβs death to actually look at her things. Much of it his father wouldnβt touch, and much of it had been left to Alex as her son. He had always known he should go through it, get rid of the things that were taking up space, but heβd never brought himself to do it before that day.He was lucky, really, he supposed. In the eyes of his father and the kingdom heβd been very much tainted by what his mother had done. Once intended to be a symbol of peace and union between two countries, Alex had only become a reminder of treachery and war. His father had treated him differently ever since, but never had he declared Alex illegitimate. He could have done, any time he wanted, but he never had. Alex didnβt care much about the crown, but he supposed he had to appreciate that while his position at court had diminished with the death of his influential mother, his father had not taken him out of the line of succession. He didnβt know why; possibly for control, possibly so he could keep a second heir; possibly to keep Levina happy and prevent Alex seeking to grow influence there. Possibly it was something to do with his mother. He didnβt know. Either way, he could have been far more affected by his motherβs betrayal.The prince moved through the small room, letting his fingers make trails in the dust clinging to boxes, spines of books, various of his motherβs things. Some of it should go to her family in Levina, Alex already knew. Possibly most of it. Alex technically owned the things his mother had left him, so his father could not stop him for once. Either way, Alex didnβt want most of this stuff. Didnβt want to look at it any more.But he paused in front of a simple book, less elaborately decorated than the others but quite large. It was well used, the leather in which it was bound cracking in places and a little faded.He carefully pulled it out, clearing away some of his motherβs things so he could lay the book down on a table. It seemed to be a ledger of some kind, and letters were barely visible that would have once been picked out in gold script.βExpenses of the household of Her Majesty the QueenβIt was dated to the final years of his motherβs life. He didnβt know what possessed him, really he didnβt, to open it. After all, he hadnβt expected to see anything interesting in there. But he supposed he had little memory of his mother, and perhaps it might be nice to see what her favourite things were, what she spent her money on and what she spent her time doing.
He smoothed yellowed pages, filled with line after line of neat handwriting detailing new purchases made by the queen. The entries stopped midway through the book, presumably at the time his mother was executed.
But it was the final line that drew his eye. It was dated shortly before her execution, during her imprisonment, but before Alexβs return.
βTwo childrenβs cloaks, two childrenβs tunics and two pairs of childrenβs stockings to the measurements provided from Levinaβ
Alex paused, stunned. This was among several similar orders, and the clothes could only be for him. Heβd forgotten, but the memory was so vivid in his mind now. Not too long before his father agreed to the terms for Alexβs return from Levina, heβd been measured. He hadnβt really thought anything of it, but he realised now that his motherβs family in Levina must have relayed the measurements back to his mother for her to order these new clothes. Clothes which had been waiting for him upon his return.
Heβd never known that one of the last things his mother did was order clothes for her son. He hadnβt even thought about the idea that he might have been on her mind before her death. She must have truly believed that Alexiares would return home soon to make such an order.
His mother had made an effort to provide for him, perhaps in the uncertainty of not knowing what would happen to her son after she was gone. Alex didnβt know what to do with that knowledge. It had been easier to pretend that she had been uncaring, no matter how much evidence he had to the contrary. It made what she did to him more bearable in a way.
What was he supposed to do with a mother who cared about him so much that her mind had been preoccupied with providing for him even in her final days, but who also was willing to put the ambitions of herself and her country over the safety and happiness of her son, even at the risk of his life?
Should he be angry or not? Should he blame her or not?
He could not answer, and did not think he ever would. Alex was unsure how he could ever reconcile the two sides of his mother. He would never know what she had thought about when she wrestled with love and duty, and he would never know what she had felt and thought when she handed her son over to the Levinians.
Heβd never know what kind of future sheβd been hoping to secure for him.
More at war with himself than ever, Alex returned the book to its rightful place. He had to digest this new knowledge, try in some way to fit it into his understanding of the woman who had loved and hurt him in equal measure.
A woman he would never get the chance to know or understand, leaving empty spaces and unanswered questions his hurt and anger had always tried to fill.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Jul 27, 2023 12:43:53 GMT -5
FLASHFORWARD/RANDOM FUTURE WRITING, NOT CANON Callan leaned against a doorframe, observing the scene in front of him with a soft smile.
Two small figures lay on the couch in his familyβs apartments in the Wisterian palace. They were clearly warmed by the heat from the fire, which was now down to its last embers, for their cheeks glowed with a slight flush.
His daughter and his son lay next to one another. Verena had one arm around her brother, the boy tucked up against his sister. Sorin had one hand open, a little toy horse and carriage on the floor which had clearly fallen out of his grip in his slumber. Their childrenβs chests rose and fell softly, completely peaceful as they slept.
He didnβt know how heβd gotten so lucky, to have two beautiful children like this. Not to mention Elena. His family were his entire world, Tia and Carlo included in that. What Tia had done for Callan and his family was more than he could put into words.
As he looked as his sleeping children he couldnβt help but feel so grateful that they would not grow up with the pressures he had faced. For he had forged a new agreement with Tia, one which did not require him to pledge the service of those who would come after him. He would continue to serve Tia as long as he had breath, of course, but the chain of obligation would end with him. If either of his children wished to serve as their father as done, they should make that decision on their own. It was a proud tradition in his family, he knew that, but it should never have been so forced on anyone.
And as he always said to his children, a promise made out of love was worth far more than one made out of expectation or obligation.
His duty to Tia was one of love for the woman he saw as a sister, and for him that was a stronger bond than the one his family name had dictated. It meant far more to him, as much as he valued and was proud of his familial roots.
He had promised himself a long time ago that he would never allow his children to be forced to live any life they did not want to. They would have all the choices he had never had, and they would be never left wondering who they might have been if theyβd been able to choose for themselves.
If they did not choose to, they did not have to hold a sword in their lives. Nor did they have to be at all adventurous. But knowing them and knowing they were so like their parents, he doubted that would be the case.
He was just thinking he could watch the two forever when he heard approaching footsteps behind him, automatically wrapping an arm around Elenaβs waist as she appeared beside him and took in the sight of their children.
βThey look so peaceful,β she said in a whisper, her hair brushing Callanβs skin as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
βI know,β he replied, smiling when Verena let out a quiet sigh in her sleep.
βShould we carry them to their beds?β Elena questioned, but she sounded in doubt even asking the question.
βAnd risk waking them?β Callan answered quietly βNo.β
For now, all was far too peaceful to disturb. That time-slowing kind of peaceful that could make the fireβs last embers glow for eternity. He could not bring himself to do anything that might make that moment end.
βNo,β he said βLetβs let them sleep a little longer.β
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 1, 2023 17:09:44 GMT -5
Callan understood immediately when the boy tapped his eyepatch. This child had been hurt by people like him before, had been afraid of people like him before.
βI know,β he said softly in a sympathetic acknowledgement. He wanted Crius to know he understood. Callan thought that was better than risking making the boy feel that he was invalidating his experiences by trying to say that he wasnβt like that.
He listened, though, because the boy seemed agitated. Telling him that Elena could make him talk and that if she started singing or humming he was probably going to die. It was useful information even if it didnβt make much sense to him in that moment, and Crius seemed to really think it was important for Callan to know.
That was when they were interrupted by Elena. Callan withdrew completely when she entered, losing the demeanour heβd held while conversing with Crius in favour of something more neutral. He had been leaning forward a little to converse with the child, but now leaned back again. He watched Elena bid the boy leave, before she turned to ask him the question.
He didnβt know why sheβd asked it - to try and figure him out, maybe? Either way his response was wary.
ββCourse I thought about it,β he admitted, βbut I donβt use people for my own gain like that.β
Of course that wasnβt to say that he wouldnβt use information Crius might willingly give him. But Callan wasnβt fishing for information or trying to manipulate Crius into anything. And his friendliness with Crius did not have an ulterior motive. Sure, heβd wondered if it could help him. But he wasnβt befriending Crius because of that.
That statement was also a reference to the conversation where Elena had suggested that Callan had benefitted by throwing Elena under the bus.
He looked at Elena now, sighing slightly and leaning his head back. Based on his experiences here, he knew what Elena probably wanted.
βMy story isnβt going to change,β he murmured, voice exhausted, βIf you prefer I can lie and tell you I did it. You could achieve some false closure while the actual person who deserves your anger walks free.β
Was he getting to the end of his tether? Probably, as sorry as he was that Elena had been hurt. He was exhausted and was losing the will to keep positive. Besides, it wasnβt like holding in his back talk was helping her not hate him so he figured he had nothing to lose.
She stayed still as she watched him. Watched him answer her question and deciding if she believed it or not. He could just be saying what she wants to hear to make him seem more innocent. Stepping inside the tent she let the flap close behind her shrouding them in darkness once more. Her steps were heard against the dirt as she maneuvered closer to him. Rustling could be heard as Callan kept talking, insisting his story wasn't going to change. A match was stuck and lit, illuminating the space around them. Her eyes were cast down to him still holding that black statuesque look. Glancing up she lit the candle on the pillar he was tied to. "How noble of you..." She muttered disgustedly. She didn't anything else for a moment. Just crouched in front of him still holding the match. Watching as it burned the dry wooden stick faster and faster. A hum rose from her throat as she slid her gaze to him. "Verndari," She sang his name briefly, letting her abilities take hold of the word and push it into persuasion. She gave him a little smile of mischief and vileness. Moving her hand so that the match rested under his chin, threatening to burn away his skin. "Tell me the truth. Did you reveal my secret?" |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 1, 2023 18:50:05 GMT -5
The scene was plunged into darkness once again as Elena entered, only to be illuminated again shortly afterwards. Callan blinked as a flickering light was introduced to the scene, the light stinging his eyes initially.
That light soon grew when Elena lit a candle, bringing a more consistent and constant light to the scene and throwing her stony face into sharp relief. Beautiful as it always was, but as hard in that moment as if it had been carved from marble.
A hum escaped her, and as quickly as he recalled Criusβ warning she had sung his name. The sound had a strange quality to it. Beautiful, certainly, but like it was filling every corner of his brain. Like it was trying to draw something out of him.
He lifted his chin as she held the match beneath it, but still he could feel the intense heat of the match dangerously close to his skin. A reminder that Elena would not hesitate to kill him if she believed he was a liar. And he was sure she would make sure it was slow, and painful in a spectacular way.
As Crius had predicted, there was a real chance he wasnβt coming out of this alive. And a mercifully quick death would almost certainly not be on the table.
She questioned him once more, asking if heβd told her secret. He met her eyes. He wanted to stay nothing, stand silently by his earlier assertion that he was telling the truth and let it speak for itself. But her voice seemed to draw out the words from him, because whether he liked it or not it formed on his lips.
βNo.β
It felt like the one thing he knew in the entire world. And it felt like the only thing that was important, the need to get it out rising in him like a boiling pressure. He paused after he said the word, but soon thereafter added, βI never told anyone.β
In his mindβs eye he was back to being nineteen again. He recalled meeting Elena, and later his discovery that she was a woman. Heβd sworn to keep the secret - under threat from Elena, though he would have agreed anyway. And after that day he had never spoke a word of it to anyone.
βI was called away,β he recalled, the words still coming in a torrent, the same things heβd sworn to Elena multiple times since heβd been taken prisoner, βand when I returned you were gone. Nobody spoke of you again and I never knew someone had exposed your secret.β
Finally he had nothing else to say, no longer feeling that compulsion to speak and answer Elenaβs question.
He steadily continued to meet Elenaβs eyes. There was still a good chance she might kill him. Eventually sheβd have to get angry as he continued to stick to this story, after all. Would even this, whatever had just happened, be enough for her? He wasnβt sure.
He didnβt even know what had just happened, what sheβd done to him, and for the moment he was too concerned about trying to read her reaction to ask. He would, though, eventually ask about what heβd just experienced. He didnβt necessarily have any expectation of an answer. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 2, 2023 1:03:03 GMT -5
Callan was hit with first a sharp burst of pain and then a deep, aching pain that went right to his bone and seemed to travel all the way along his collarbone. Elena had put the match out on his skin, the guard crying out at the pain.
She wasnβt believing his story, and Callan was fast running out of any options. She didnβt like the truth, and she most certainly wouldnβt like a lie.
She held a knife to his throat, the blade tight against his skin. The young man breathed shallowly as Elena whispered threats into his ear.
She could hurt him all he wanted, he could not abide the idea of her hurting Carlo. Callan loved that boy as if he were his own sibling, not just Tiaβs. He could not let him get hurt because of him.
βDonβt you dare touch that boy,β was his answer βI told you, Iβm telling the truth. I donβt have anything else to tell.β
He didnβt think there was any way to convince her he wasnβt lying. The best he could do was stick to his story. If Carlo truly came on the line? Then he didnβt know what he would do. If the boyβs life was on the line, heβd lie for him. No matter what that meant for him. But right now? No. He had to call her bluff.
βIβm sorry about what happened to you, I mean that,β he continued βbut I swear I had nothing to do with it.β
The way he saw it at this point, he was dead either way. Sheβd kill him if she thought he was lying, and sheβd kill him if he gave her a false confession. If he was dying anyway the truth seemed as good a thing to die for as any. If Carlo did actually become involved? Then things might change. Then it became a matter of his duty to protect him.
He couldnβt let Elena know that, though. Sheβd only take it as evidence of his guilt if she thought heβd change his story to save Carlo.
βYouβve clearly already made your mind up that Iβm guilty,β he said, βso whatβs holding you back? You want a false confession so you donβt have to wonder if you killed an innocent man?β
Challenging her like that was a stupid idea, but he had limited tools left in his arsenal. And he really didnβt want her to bring Carlo into this. Heβd do anything to keep this between the two of them.
He didnβt know what was holding Elena back. Doubt? A feeling that hearing a confession would help her in healing from what had been done to her?
She was looking for that from the wrong man. |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 2, 2023 16:23:34 GMT -5
Pondering the halls of the castle, the king talked to some of his advisors about a new idea of his. His closer ones, not those younger ones like that Thorsten. Signing off paperwork on of them gave him, he shoved it back into their arms as he walked towards the garden, commanding some of his advisors to follow to take notes with a simple wave of his hand.
"We'll need the tailor to see her," he commented, pointing at one of the advisors, an older brunette who nodded and took hurried notes.
"Don't we need the prince's consent before arranging these things?" one of the advisors asked, the youngest among this group, around his 30s.
"Why would we need that?" Chadwick replied, shaking his head, "regardless, he'll be overjoyed. He's obviously smitten with the girl!"
With that, he pushed the gates to the garden open, and he spotted just who he was looking for. His son and his little secret girlfriend, hanging out by the walls in the garden, how romantic.
One of the advisors that came with him cooed at the sight, taking notes in a pad with them. Chadwick was paying attention to the lovebirds though, smiling as he nodded his head at the maiden, before looking at Alexiares. "My son," he said, forcing a fake affection into the words, "just the man I was looking for. I have amazing news for you!"
Without waiting for a reply, he looked between them, before throwing his hands out slightly, "the arrangements have been settled. You're getting married!"
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Aug 3, 2023 12:02:03 GMT -5
Elena laughed at that statement. Laughed a littler hander than she should have in response to that accusation. "EstΓΊpido tonto, I am not above killing innocents," she hissed pressing the closer to his throat. She also grabbed the back of his head and pressed it forward into the blade.
She felt no different about killing useless innocent people that got in her way than if she were killing an ant under her foot. She did not take prisoners. She wouldn't give them a chance to retaliate against her. Guilt is far from what she'd feel if he was to die. She couldn't remember the last time she felt guilty for someone's death at her hands or her orders.
Her voice dropped back down into that low, angry whisper. Dangerously calm and clear as she turned her head a bit to rest her cheek against his temple. "But, you are no innocent. Whether you are telling the truth or not."
She stayed there for a moment, grinning at the thought of ending him there. Letting him rot in this pitched tent, packing up, and leaving him there for someone else to find.
With a quiet sigh she leaned back on her heels and grabbed his face in her hands. Turning his head from side to side she studied him and pouted. "You'll live. You are still useful leverage," She mused thoughtfully. Moving her knife from his throat, she turned his face again so that his left cheek was facing her. Picking a spot she brought the blade tip to his cheek and pressed down cutting a line and then another across it. Admiring her work as it bled, she leaned forward and kissed the wound. "But, i'll make sure you don't want to."
Sheathing her knife back into her belt, Elena stood and started towards the tent. She didn't bother looking back at him as she spoke her next threat. "The princeling may not be so lucky," And with that she swept out of the tent just as quietly as she arrived.
Once she was back in front of her own tent, she wiped at her lips angrily and spit out the blood that had trickled into her mouth. She ran her hands through her hair and reminded herself she couldn't scream in frustration. She'd be heard by him.
Reed approached her cautiously. Ready to guide her into the tent so she could speak more freely. But, he stopped when she held up a hand to keep him from coming closer. Signaling she didn't want to be touched at that moment.
"It's not him," She said quietly. All this time she had been sure. All the information she'd gotten pointed to him, told her it was him. And now with the truth now forcefully brought out... she thought this would finally be over.
Her face soured and she stared hard at the ground at her feet. "It's not f.cking him!" she hissed and stormed into her tent. She needed to think. She needed a plan.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 3, 2023 13:00:31 GMT -5
Callan felt the sting of the blade against his throat, Elenaβs hand at the back of his head pressing it further into the blade. The man kept as still as he could, listening as the woman spoke.
Words he had no trouble believing.
She seemed to have at least acknowledged that he could have been telling the truth, though she reminded him that regardless he was no innocent. He knew that, Crius had reminded him of it with the suffering heβd experienced at the hands of guards before. Callan had always tried to avoid hurting anyone unless he had to, but he also had to follow orders, and now he was head guard he knew he might have to give orders he didnβt like. That wasnβt even thinking about his time in the army. No, he had blood on his hands definitely and he couldnβt ignore that. Innocent of what Elena was accusing him of? Most certainly. But not an innocent.
She grabbed his face, turning it from side to side. He tried to move his head but her grip was strong, and his heart pounded in his chest as she thoughtfully studied him. Then Elena spoke again, told him heβd live. It didnβt seem like the good news it should be in comparison to the alternative.
She apparently decided on a side of his face she preferred because he hissed as he felt a sharp pain in his cheek. Elena had efficiently cut two small lines in his cheek, before pressing a kiss to the bloody cuts and completing her threat.
Whether she believed him or not, he was surviving for the moment. For better or worse. If what Crius said was true, that was not common for Elenaβs prisoners. Perhaps that meant she had believed him, perhaps it meant nothing at all much beyond what Elena could get out of keeping him alive.
If she did believe him, he was sure he now became nothing more than a potentially useful asset for Elena to bargain with. She undoubtedly had little interest in what happened to him beyond that. Compared to her vengeful rage, he was willing to take his chances with that.
But she did threaten Carlo one more time before she left. Right, she could use the prince to keep him in line. But the threat only reminded him he needed to be redoubling his efforts to get out now.
If Elena no longer had revenge motivating her, perhaps she would be less likely to chase him to the ends of the earth if he were to try to launch an escape now. Either way, it was clear to him that he was going to need to focus now on getting out of this place and getting Carlo to safety. Somehow.
Once she left he exhaled deeply, leaning his head back again. He was alive for now, but by no means safe yet.
And he knew that as time went on, opportunities to escape were dwindling. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Aug 3, 2023 13:14:39 GMT -5
Alex tensed slightly when he caught sight of his father, even more so when he heard the tone injected with that false affection. He greeted his father as he was supposed to but met Athenaβs eyes very briefly, sharing a glance with her in which he widened his own eyes. His best signal that whatever was about to happen was not going to be good.
But his father went on, giving news that made Alexβs heart drop.
He never wanted to get married. He could not imagine bringing some poor unknowing person into this family, and worse he could not burden anyone with having to deal with everything that came with Alexβs powers and trying to keep them hidden. His life was not the sort of life he could ever imagine bringing anyone into.
Not to mention that this was his best friend his father was referring to. The person who had gotten Alex through some truly terrible times sometimes without even knowing it, just by being there for him. Even if sexuality didnβt figure into the equation, which it very much did, this was Athenaβs life they were talking about here. Happiness in marriage had never really been on the table for Alex, but he cared deeply about Athenaβs happiness. To keep her here, to involve her in all of this was unthinkable.
He also knew he needed to protect his friend from his father.
He heard her initial overly-cheerful tone, and watched as the realisation hit her and her tone went more flat. He felt her stiffen, felt the grip of her hand tighten in his.
βWhat?β he questioned in shock at the kingβs proposal βFather, is this not something we should discuss? I have no desire to marry, you know that. And Lady Frost, she has her own duties at home in Wisteria to consider.β
He knew his father would make him regret it if Alex became too argumentative or angry with him in front of people, so Alex was trying to save a shouting match as a last resort. He was trying to make his father see sense, trying to remind him of the reasons Alex could not get married, the dangers of bringing another person into the situation and putting years of the prince hiding his powers at risk.
Certainly he couldnβt risk letting anything slip about Athena not being who she said she was, either. This would all have to be done very carefully.
He looked between the king and his advisors, suddenly feeling so exposed after his attempts to convince his father to rethink his plans.
βI just mean it is so sudden, and surely I and Lady Frost should have some say in this? Or at least have some time to consider it together.β
The man looked once again to Athena, trying desperately to think of some way out of this. Perhaps agreeing to the plan would be safer for both of them, but perhaps it would only ensnare Athena further in his fatherβs influence. He didnβt doubt it would make it far harder for her to get out of this place.
He hated how much of the ugliness of Alexβs home life that his friend had seen during her stay, and it wasnβt getting better. Alexiares was afraid of his father, indeed, and he hated that. This was an issue on which he knew he would have to fight, and as hard as he possibly could. Perhaps even he could just buy some time to get Athena safely out of this place.
He could not let this happen.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 4, 2023 1:13:57 GMT -5
 Minke
After a very satisfying exit from Kingdom of A-holes, teenage Minke Lastname-Pending-For-Disguise took her life to the streets. Well, uh, kind of. The thing was, Minke didn't have these handy-dandy eye covers called contacts which meant that her grayish-purple eyes were right on view anytime she took her hood off. Easy solution was to wear the hood, but doing so made her look like a thief. So, granted, everyone steered clear from her anyways.
Not much of a concern, made people less surprised when she stole their stuff. However, she had to leave these towns very quickly after stealing from merchants or town-heads, because when you stole from them, then royal guards were notified, and well, that wasn't fun either.
The other not-fun thing were these stupid magic shackles still on her. If she could find a way to get the damn things off, she'd be practically unstoppable. With them, she could only ever use her abilities in practically the worst of situations, and she hadn't been able to activate them since that advisor threatened to reveal the prince's powers to the a-hole king 2.0. Speaking of Dante and Alex, the two had some weird sexual tension going on, Minke had absolutely no idea what was going on there, and while she was missing them terribly, she was glad she didn't have to touch whatever they had going on with a 10-foot-pole.
Anyways, after being released from the nightmare castle, she found herself deep in the woods, approaching what appeared to be some encampment of people. Cool. Fun. That meant like, food and maybe money.
So span forward a bit, Minke SheStillNeededADisguiseLastName was meandering through the outskirts of the base, inspecting things with a look of boredom. There were people here, that was fun. Still, parts of this place were surely unprotected.
Her hungry stomach demanded she get food either way, so sneaking into the base was fairly easy. At least, easy enough. She'd gotten good at that over time, running from mad wings helped with that talent a lot. As she looked around, she spotted food, though it was in the center of this camp, surrounded by more guards. There was a campfire there too, and Minke growled under her breath. If only she had her powers now, this would be much easier. She could just...bring a piece to herself.
Resolving to find another plan, the girl sat herself behind a tent, hands on the ground as she scanned around, ducking when anybody got too close. She only had a dagger on her, gifted to her before she left that castle, and a small bag that she stole from the castle, not full of much now, as she had spent much of it by now. Hopefully she could fix that on this trip.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 4, 2023 13:05:42 GMT -5
The king glanced between the two wearing a broad grin, but it feel a bit when the two seemed less than impressed. Or well, the lady seemed ecstatic at first, but then she seemed to realize that she was the bride-to-be, and something about her smile looked a little fake, fell a little flat.
Eh, whatever, maybe she didn't want to deal with his dunce of a son either, too late.
Speaking of Alex, the boy looked shocked too, looking between his soon-to-be-Bride and the king. When his son started up his arguments, however logical they may seem, Chadwick simply laughed, shaking his head. Seeing the king laughing, some of the advisors followed suit a bit awkwardly. Suddenly the king stopped, and glanced between the two.
"Oh, you aren't joking, are you?" He questioned, clapping twice to get the advisors to calm down. He sighed then, smiling softly, "Alex, you knew marriage would come eventually. It is merely simply part of the life you lead. You're lucky it is to someone you love already."
He referenced with a hand to Athena, looking at Alex, a smile on his face that his something darker, "after all, from my understanding, the two of you are involved, unless you go around just romancing random young women?"
He was referencing the kiss the two shared, something he had heard about from his eldest son. He knew by bringing it up, he pressed Alexiares into a corner.
As the saying goes, checkmate.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Aug 4, 2023 13:56:46 GMT -5
Minke
Waiting at the base of the tent, Minke froze when someone spoke, her hand edging towards her only weapon, that small dagger.
"You're not supposed to be here," the voice said, it sounded like a boy, a teenage one. Great. How fun.
Turning around to face the intruder who was intruding on her intruding, she came pretty much face to face with a boy around her age. Notably, he only had one eye, it almost made him look like a stereotypical pirate or thief. Minke wasn't gonna make assumptions though, raising her eyebrows back at him, mimicking his raised eyebrows.
He didn't seem threatening though, especially as he just sat beside her, his wrists crossed over his crouched knees. Wearily, she glanced at him, before sitting back herself. This damn camp had nowhere good to hide.
He asked her name, and she shrugged, "I have a lot of those," she commented, thinking back to Alex and Dante and smiling faintly, "but recently, I've been called Minke."
It wasn't a great cover up name, given it was one of her middle names, but it was the one she'd used for a while, and as a nod to her two friends she'd keep using it for now.
"And what about you?" she questioned, pose very relaxed for having been caught stealing from this place, "you got a name?"
After asking, she glanced back at the campfire, before looking at him, "what is this place anyways?"
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