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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 8, 2024 16:56:44 GMT -5
Dante grumbled under his breath, "You chose to befriend the criminal," he hissed out, but he softened, "But yes, neither of you deserve to be forced into this. Regardless of my opinions about her."
He averted his gaze when Alex asked if he had an idea, unable to meet his gaze, and at his side, his hands tightened. "I think I could stop it," he commented, a bit of a sharp fear in his voice, something he never meant to add in, but came naturally without his consent, "I have information I could use against the King. I could talk to him, force him to listen."
He insisted it, looking down at his hands and narrowing his eyes at his clenched fists. The idea was dangerous, out of line, an advisor making demands of a king, cornering him. He knew Alex likely wouldn't like that, but it's not Alex cared about him anyways. So what if Dante did something stupid and lost his job? It wasn't Alex's problem, he'd probably be relieved to not have to deal with him anymore.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 8, 2024 17:24:32 GMT -5
Alex was glad that Dante was on side about trying to make sure the marriage was going ahead, that much was true. Still, he couldnβt resist a comment in response to Danteβs words about neither Alex nor Athena deserving to be in the situation they were currently in.
βCareful, that almost sounded like you actually like me,β Alex joked, βand here I thought you were a man of taste.β
The joking ended very quickly, though when Dante began to describe his idea. Alex found himself suddenly filled with concern, brow knitting together as the advisor suggested he blackmail the king.
βDante, that would be far too dangerous for you. Donβt do it.β Alex couldnβt allow Dante to take that risk for him. βYou think you know what youβre taking on when it comes to my father but I promise that you donβt.β
Alex had lost his mother because of her making risky moves against his father. He was not willing to watch the same thing happen to Dante, not if he had any kind of say in the whole thing at all. It was a very real fear to him, losing someone that same way again. And if Dante did this it would all be to protect Alex, which made the whole thing feel worse than ever.
Dante didnβt truly know the half of the monster his father could be.
βI canβt let you do something like that.β Alex added. He just couldnβt. Not for his sake.
There had to be another way.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Feb 9, 2024 15:52:50 GMT -5
Aurore looked at the Princess-to-be, her intelligent eyes pretty much dissecting the woman, but whatever she thought about, she ultimately letting go, just snagging some glasses of wine from a passing server. She passed one to her peer, and when Athena offered to leave for a bit, she graciously took her hand and followed. Clasping her hand tightly around the other woman's, rubbing her thumb along the back of Athena's hand.
"Let's go before the Spoil Sport finds me," She commented, gently tugging the other behind her and to one of the balconies. As they passed the doors, she let go of the other, letting her elbows rest on the balcony's railing.
"This whole marriage," she started, voice a little more serious, "It was the King's idea, wasn't it? And he dragged my cousin and you into it?"
Her voice sounded angry, but not at Athena, and her nails dug into the railing under her fingers. The golden tint to her brown eyes (contacts) seemed to burn a bit brighter for the moment, but perhaps that was the anger at the King. Athena took the Queen's hand and giggled quietly, holding the wine glass in front of her face so no one else could see she was having a good time. That she wasn't as poised and proper as they expected or she pretended to be. That having a wonderful time away from her finacΓ©e was even possible. She turned and leaned her back against the railing to lean on. She took a sip from the wine glass and glanced at the Queen. Her entire demeanor seemed to change when they were alone outside. She wasn't so upright and her expression no longer forced. "What gave it away?" she asked quietly with a smile as she pulled the glass from her lips to speak. "My expression, my statement, or my flirting?" she teased gently. She looked back towards the ballroom where music had begun and people were beginning to dance. "Your cousin is like the brother I never had. He's a good friend. Besides, he only has eyes for the male species," she confirmed with a bit of a disgusted look on her face at the last part. But, then she laughed and shrugged her shoulders. |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Feb 9, 2024 16:50:01 GMT -5
Elena's expression did not change when Minke disregarded her first command. She just watched her as she twirled the knife in her hand, no indication that there was a change in her mood.
"Minke," she tested the word to see if it fit the girl. She seemed to decide that it did and smiled a little.
The girl wanted to know why she was called the Siren then she would demonstrate just for her.
Leaning forward, Elena sang her next few words. "Minke," she began. Her voice soft, warm, and inviting as she wormed her way into Minke's brain. Forced her to relax and comply as she commanded, "I believe I told you to sit."
She leaned back in her seat once the command was completed and tapped her own throat gently as if to say 'that is why'. Then she glanced at Reed by the entrance of the tent and slowly dropped her smile at his expectant and disappointed expression. Rolling her eyes she addressed Minke again.
"You've caught me in a bad mood. But, you're lucky you have allies tonight so I will not kill you. But-" she stabbed the knife in her hand into the table in front of her, making it stand on it's own, and then stood up from her chair. She walked around her desk and leaned against it while she looked straight at Minke. "-we're going to sit here and get to know each other before I let you go. Security reasons and all that, really simple. And if you don't comply I could always make you. Or I take back my promise to him." She pointed to Reed who seemed to sigh in response.
A moment of silence passed before Elena's lip pulled back into a sneer and she looked at Minke from head to toe. "You hold your head like a noble," she hissed in disgust. "Where are you running from?"
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Post by endingfairy on Feb 14, 2024 19:35:13 GMT -5
( HI! Is this still open? )
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 20, 2024 18:25:03 GMT -5
 Dante rolled his eyes at Alex's commentary about liking him, and he explained his idea. He was thrown off by Alex's concern about it though, his downright refusal. It was almost irritating.
He narrowed his eyes at the other, "I thought you would be delighted at the opportunity to spite your father," he spoke, seeming confused at Alex's concern. Alex and him could be barely described as friendly rivals, for years they'd been at each other's throats, spiting the other at every turn. Surely Alex couldn't be that worried about his annoying advisor? "I've worked under your father for years, Alex, I'm not stupid."
He took a breath, glaring at the Prince, but softening the glare, "I may not approve of your connections with the Lady Athena, but neither of you deserve to be drawn into some loveless affair for his sake," he explained, trying to reason with Alex, "Plus, it's the least I could do after threatening you."
He was referencing the time he threatened to reveal to Chadwick Alex's alliance with the prisoner and his abilities, when Minke had stopped him. An act that surely could have put Alex in great danger. |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 20, 2024 18:26:04 GMT -5
(Hey!
We're about to shift elsewhere to continue Clandestined, and we can be sporadic on activity. We're not really accepting new people right now due to this, but thanks for your interest regardless!)
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 20, 2024 18:45:48 GMT -5
Alex sighed when Dante made his comment about how heβd assumed Alex would be thrilled at the chance to spite his father. βOf course, but I donβt want to lose another person I c-β he had to stop himself before he referred to Dante as someone he cared about. βI donβt want to lose anyone else to my father for my sake.β
Heβd lost his mother. And granted, sheβd betrayed him and he had his own reasons for being angry with her. But heβd been a little boy who needed his mother when he lost her and so he couldnβt help still loving her.
βMy mother was his wife,β Alex pointed out when Dante said heβd been working under the king for years. It didnβt necessarily mean he had a true understanding of what exactly he was dealing with here. Alexβs own mother hadnβt. Well, probably she had and it had meant she acknowledged the sacrifice she had to make for what she did. But Alexβs point still stood.
But Dante continued to try to reason with him, and he did have a point. It was Athena that really concerned him. He would undoubtedly end up marrying in a political marriage, but Athena didnβt have to. She could get out of this. She was the one caught up in this whole thing and heβd do anything to let her out. The prince sighed once again, but this one didnβt have a frustrated tone. No, this was the defeated sigh of someone who was relenting.
βFine,β the prince said, βI donβt want you to put yourself in danger like this and for the record I think itβs a terrible idea but I suppose I really canβt stop you. But you must promise me that youβll be careful. Donβt do anything stupid. Thatβs my thing.β
He was joking but he was sincere in wanting that promise from Dante, in wanting his advisor not to put himself at risk any more than he needed to. Alex was worried about him and simply couldnβt accept the idea of Dante getting into trouble because of him.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 13:13:17 GMT -5
Aurore glanced at the other, smile growing at the words, fond, but she shook her head, "Well, yes, those help," she jested, but looked sad for a moment, glancing over the railing. Athena said her piece, and she affirmed it, "I've known my cousin for a long time. He and I are very similar in the fact that our interests are not considered appropriate for royals," she sighed softly, "It all boils down to producing an heir, that is the only good a marriage for a royal serves. She smiled softly at Athena then, leaning back, "I am happy he has such a confidant close to him. I know it's hard on him, the two of us being trapped in our respective Kingdom's, and I can barely visit between my duties and King Chadwick." For a few moments, she looked up at the moon and the stars. "He had my aunt killed, his own wife," she seemed angry and upset, glaring from the sky then to the ground below the balcony, "He is a heartless man, and I am deeply apologetic that he dragged you into his machinations." |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 13:27:53 GMT -5
As the siren sang her song, Minke relaxed slightly, her eyes going blank in expression, face falling from it's scowl to an emotionless one, and she sat as Elena commanded, body plopping into the seat. When the song ended, Minke's eyes cleared, and she shook her head, looking around to try and find out what happened. She glared up, face back in a scowl, to find Elena tapping at her own throat. She pushed her head up again, glaring at the woman. She was seething now, angry, but behind the mask of anger hid a bit of fear, a flicker in her eyes that she did her best to hide from view. She watched as Elena spoke, remaining stubbornly quiet, but when the girl commented on her holding her head like a noble, asking what she was running from, she snapped out of her silence. "Wouldn't you like to know, you dog-eared halfwitted enchantress?" Minke questioned, leaning forward to glare at the other in the eyes. The violent tint to her own was masked by gray, robbed of her magic by her binds, but up close perhaps even Elena could see it. Minke didn't care any longer. She would not be taunted by some Sonix, controlled again for someone else's benefit. |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 13:37:05 GMT -5
Dante half expected Alex to start taking on a more stern outlook or yelling. Barely ever did Alex concede to his points. He looked away when Alex commented on not wanting to lose anyone else. Why did that dig into his chest like it did? Why did it make him feel guilty and yet happy? Why couldn't he meet the prince's eyes? Whatever. It mattered not. When Alex mentioned his mother, Dante sighed. He knew the late Queen was a touchy subject. She betrayed the Kingdom and endangered Alexiares, but she also cared deeply for her son and for Levina. She had taken a move, a greedy one, to save her people, and no matter how Dante cut it, he couldn't blame her, even if he was angry over the involvement of a child in the affair. He didn't offer anything to that bit of the conversation, he refused to upset Alex more than he apparently already had. But the Prince relented, and his eyes widened, "You never agree with me or relent," he commented, stunned, an smile teasing at his lips, "Are you feeling unwell, you majesty?" He sobered up slightly then, nodding a bit at the Prince, "Stupidity is your specialty, Alex, not mine. Don't fret over it." |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 22, 2024 14:21:16 GMT -5
Alex rolled his eyes at Danteβs teasing. He wasnβt wrong; Alex very rarely agreed with him, sometimes simply disagreeing more out of spite than anything else. βYeah, yeah,β Alex waved the comment off, but he was smiling a little, βjust be glad we are in public and Iβm supposed to be on my best behaviour.β
Apparently now he was meant to be getting married there was some sort of expectation that he suddenly be more mature and responsible. He was the younger brother but he was supposedly getting married first, which was important. Whichever brotherβs marriage came first would set the tone for the marriage of the other brother, though of course Caspian would be expected to marry higher than Alex given that he was the future king. All of that seemed to lead to an expectation among some people that Alexβs conduct would change now he was engaged. He was all grown up now, it would seem. Or he was meant to be.
βI donβt have a monopoly on stupid.β Alex joked in response. βWhoβd have thought Iβd be the one trying to warn you off being an idiot?β
At this point, he glanced around the room to try and get a gauge on what was going on. He assumed his brother was off mingling somewhere, and he could see no sign of his cousin and Athena. They must have gone off to talk alone. That was good. He did make a note, however, that he should try and make sure he was seen at Athenaβs side at least a few more times before the night was over. And his father was lost in the crowd somewhere.
βWe both need to do whatever we can to get Athena out of here safely.β Alex said to Dante quietly. βDo what you need to do, but be careful about it.β
That was it. A simple instruction. He wanted Dante to do what he could but not put himself at risk.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Feb 22, 2024 14:37:26 GMT -5
Elena paused completely when she had her little outburst. The disgust on her face smoothed out into mild intrigue. She glanced at Reed who also realized the same thing she did.
"No," she chuckled as a grin spread out on her face and she looked between Reed and the girl in front of her. She started laughing a little harder as she started connecting more dots in her head.
Though it quieted, she continued to laugh as she twisted to reach for the knife behind her, plucked it from her desk, and then pressed the blade under Minke's chin to lift her head to better reach the light of the candles as she leaned forward slightly. "But that would make too much sense..."
Flecks of violet. This one also had some powers hidden in there. But, why only flecks? Shouldn't her eyes be completely violet? And what was the name of the purple-eyed ones? She couldn't remember. A task for another day.
"ΒΏQuiΓ©n mΓ‘s dice esa frase?" she whispered deviously.
Leaning away, Elena removed the blade from Minke's chin and tossed it to her second. Then she began circling the girl's chair, eyeing her like a predator would prey. Grinning with new information learned when the girl didn't want any shared in the first place.
"PequeΓ±o ratΓ³n, you wouldn't happen to have a missing mother-" Elena stopped herself and looked at the girl again. She shook her head and hummed disapprovingly in her own thought process. "No, the ages would be wrong and she's not nurturing in any way. A missing sister then? Perhaps older?" She corrected quickly as she kept circling slowly, hands folded behind her back.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 18:29:08 GMT -5
Aurore considered the Lady's words, and after, a quirk came to her lips, sharp and intelligent. "You're lucky Chadwick is stupid," she commented, softly, and looked back over the balcony, "You are not a real Lady, are you?"Chadwick may not look into such things, but Aurore was closer to the Kingdom of Wisteria than him. Having the shared trait of losing her parents made her a good ally to Queen Adrestia. "Fret not," she said, smiling softly, "I have no intent to let my cousin have you all to himself. You are both welcome in Levina, regardless of status. Not a word of our encounter will reach the King or his pesky little advisor." She was referencing Dante, though she noticed a change in the Advisor. He wasn't as much at Alex's throat as usual, he was...skittish. Her invitation was honest, regardless of whatever she may have already felt brewing between her and Athena. A friend of her cousin's would be granted asylum in her Kingdom regardless. |
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Post by endingfairy on Feb 22, 2024 18:40:29 GMT -5
[ Ohh I see! ]
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 18:42:02 GMT -5
"Oh?" Dante replied teasingly to Alex's first comment, staring right back at the prince questioningly, eyebrow raised up, voice amused, "And what would you do if we were alone?" Wait that sounded weird. Whatever. It was fine. He averted his gaze after saying that, internally cursing himself for the phrasing. What had gotten into him?
He teases Alex about being stupid, and Alex commented it wasn't a monopoly. "Yes, it is quite the reversal of roles, is it not?" He questioned, amused. But he was glad to see that Alex agreed to the plan. As much as Dante would deny it, he was coming to enjoy the company of the mercenary. She was...amusing, he had to admit. She was dedicated, and he admired her abilities and fortitude. He was completely sure such emotions were one sided, but he did feel bad in forcing her to stay. He'd never admit to it, but part of it had been for concern of her being caught and pinned with crimes against the Crown she'd never committed. "Worrying over me is unbecoming of you, Alexiares," he huffed out, "When have you ever known me to act irrationally? I, for one, possess a brain," it wasn't said as cruelly as it would have been in the past, but rather teasing. He even had a soft smile on his face, for once, rather than that worried or concerned pout. |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 22, 2024 19:00:51 GMT -5
Minke "Minke"As the insane woman began laughing, Minke's anger became a mix of anger and confusion. She glared as it continued, "And just what is so funny?" She questioned, crossing her arms and glaring at the laughing woman. She preferred angry to this. She had leaned forward to establish that she was not a joke, but then the knife pressed under her chin, raising her head up. She gulped against the blade, but kept her glare in place. The comment in the other language was confusing, but she could tell it was potentially mocking, by the way it was said. Her eyes narrowed on Elena as she began circling her. "Out with it, you hard-backed hag," She hissed.
She looked away when Elena asked about if she had a missing mother, her mother was gone. She knew that much. She had no idea who this women was or why she would care, probably confused her for someone for some reason or another.
But then she asked about a sister, an older one, and Minke stood, rounding on the women and grabbing desperately at the women's arm, tugging on the sleeve, "Briseis?" She questioned, eyes wide and hopeful, her voice breaking on the name, "Is-is she alive?" |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Feb 23, 2024 1:07:31 GMT -5
Athena smiled when Aurore deduced that she was not a Lady. Though she may be thinking that she was lower born which would also be incorrect. Athena was right under her in rank. That is if her kingdom didn't fall.
"Pretty and clever. How refreshing," She hummed approvingly. Though she quickly moved on to Aurore's invitation of asylum in her kingdom. "I appreciate your hospitality. I'll be sure to accept your offer in the near future," she agreed and gulped the rest of the wine from her glass, tired of sipping it for appearances.
She set the wine glass down on the balcony railing and fiddled with her gloves that had begun to slip down her arms. "But, first I must sit and look pretty surrounded by awful people who care nothing for me," she grumbled with a roll of her eyes and a quick glare at the ballroom where another dance was beginning.
A thought seemed to cross her mind and she stepped closer to Aurore, her shoulder brushing the Queen's as she lowered her voice. "As Queen, you would know of the other monarchs and nobles. Who would you recommend I keep away from tonight since I don't think I can steal you away the entire night," Athena asked with a small pout.
As much as she wanted to stay and just talk with this woman, she knew that she'd have to eventually go back inside and pretend to be completely in love with her best friend. Not only that but also dance. With people. Any help she could get before then would be helpful.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 23, 2024 7:36:29 GMT -5
Alex chuckled at Danteβs teasing, shaking his head with some amusement. βOh, no,β the young man answered smoothly as he teased the advisor lightly in return, βdespite what you might think, I donβt incriminate myself that easily, Thorsten.β
Given the way all of his secrets that heβd kept close to him for years for his own protection seemed to be getting revealed, heβd forgive Dante for thinking otherwise. But he had kept himself safe all these years. It was only now everything was unravelling, and quite spectacularly.
And Dante was floating the idea of rebellion against his father. Now normally, Alex was no stranger to flouting a few rules. But truly, gravely disobeying his father like this was another matter and it scared him. Heβd always been told he should be grateful just to have kept his legitimacy as an heir to the throne after what happened to his mother. To let all the anger that had been festering in him out in a meaningful way would feel great, but it didnβt feel as easy as that. He did fear his father. Especially when it came to Athena. But if Dante had a plan he had to trust it, because it had to be a far better plan than any Alex could have thought of.
At Danteβs comment about Alex worrying over him being unbecoming, the prince smirked. βIs that so?β Alexiares questioned, enjoying another opportunity to be able to tease the other man, βAnd what exactly does become me, Dante?β
He did note the way the other man was smiling in that moment, rather than his customary seriousness. He seemed so much lighter in spirit recently despite how stressful the current situation was.
βYouβve been smiling so much more of late.β Alex observed. βCould we actually be witnessing Dante Thorsten learning to enjoy himself a little?β
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 23, 2024 12:28:02 GMT -5
"You act like a Lady, but I go to many outings for these Royal events, and I know I would've remembered a woman like you had I met one," She commented, flashing a smile at Athena, amused and flattered by the complements, and smiled wider when she accepted her invitation. "Levina is less uptight than Chadwick keeps Oralee," Aurore commented, and sighed, "And I dearly hope my people do not fear me as Chadwick's do." The King was respected, but it was obvious he was feared. Aurore had tried to rule gently, in the footsteps of her family, but sometimes gentleness didn't work.
When Athena asked who to avoid, the Queen hummed, "Avoid delegates and royals from Rajani, Taluhtah, and Halstein. If you do not like my Uncle, you will not appreciate his friends either." She didn't like them either, though she had to keep up appearances, smile and bare it. She had a sharp tongue, but being petty would potentially cause war. "For the sake of Alexiares and yourself, just keep up appearances every once and a while, Chadwick will only care that it appears as if you are in love." |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 23, 2024 12:37:55 GMT -5
Minke awaited Elena to explain anything she may know. Minke had assumed Briseis, with the confusion of motherhood, but perhaps this woman knew of Maylea too? She stared with wide eyes, but the woman started talking to Reed once more, speaking of some Lilith character and how they were to move. Move? Why!? Elena mentioned that Minke was to hang out with Crius, the boy who'd found her earlier, but she shook her head, tugging the sleeve a bit harder. "My sisters? You know one of them? She's alive?" She questioned again, and Elena extracted her sleeve. Minke blinked at the gentleness Elena started showing her, guiding her out and patting her, and even when she flourished the knife from Reed, holding the handle out to Minke. Well, that knife was much prettier than the dingy, rusty dagger she'd procured before. She grabbed the handle carefully, sending a questioning look at Elena, and examined the knife. "You have bark. Remember to turn it into bite now and then," The woman said, and proceeded to call her by that name again, pequeΓ±o ratΓ³n.
It was said more fondly that time, though. Whatever did that mean?
Reed went to lead her out for food, but she stopped, glancing back at Elena, "My sister, the one you know of...does this Lilith know her? Will I-will I see her again?" She hated the emotion in her voice, but couldn't mask it. It had been years since she'd seen her sisters, years of believing they were dead. If one was alive, maybe they both got out. Maybe they could be reunited. |
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 23, 2024 12:54:49 GMT -5
"I would beg to differ," Dante commented to Alex's line about not incriminating himself, a teasing glimmer to his eyes as he took a sip of the drink in his hand. βAnd what exactly does become me, Dante?β The prince questioned when he commented on Alex's care being unbecoming of him. A loaded question, that. He glanced at the Prince, smile on his lips, "Stubbornness, for one," said the advisor, twirling his drink of amber liquid around in one hand, "An annoying habit to do whatever you are told not to do, for another. You're closed off to so many, and you never listen." It was all true, but he flashed a teasing smile at the other once more, "But despite everything, you are dedicated and dare I say selfless." What a word to describe the prince as, but a true one nonetheless, wasn't it? When the Prince then pointed out his annoying habit as of late, that is, the smiling, his smile fell a little and he looked away, as if trying to hide the fact that it was ever there. It embarrassed him a little, to be honest. Especially to have it pointed out. "Oh hush," He commented, trying to force a frown on his face and failing miserably, "How could I enjoy anything with you and Athena being such bumbling fools?" Ah, but that was a lie. He was growing fond of the two, no matter what his words said.
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 23, 2024 14:17:28 GMT -5
Dante seemed to disagree with Alexβs comment about not incriminating himself. βI would expect nothing less than you begging to differ.β Alex joked in response.
When Alex questioned Dante about what became him, the advisor came back to him with stubbornness, defiance and guardedness. Faults he himself knew he had, though heβd argue they could be turned into positives. His stubbornness into a refusal to give up, his defiance as spirit.
Then the man added dedication andβ¦selflessness. A quality nobody had ever attributed to him before. It might be true, but even he had never thought of himself that way.
βHigh praise indeed that I will most certainly turn against you next time you are on my case.β Alex replied, but his expression softened. βWell, youβre sanctimonious, nitpicky and a stick-in-the-mud. But youβre also more caring and braver than you let yourself believe you are. And if either of us is selfless here, I think itβs you.β
Dante had just proven so by choosing to risk himself to try and help Athena and Alex. That was not the act of a person who wasnβt selfless, and he did not even like Athena.
Then Dante was talking about how he and Athena were bumbling fools, his usual teasing. βYes, well you just said Iβm dedicated, so I have to commit to being a bumbling fool, now donβt I?β
He was afraid of where all of this was going. The risk Dante was putting himself at, what was going to happen to Athena. But he trusted his friends.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 29, 2024 13:17:18 GMT -5
Dante rolled his eyes at Alex's reaction to his commentary on Alex, mainly the using the compliments against Dante next time they bickered. He'd expect nothing less though, that was just how Alex was. He glared as Alex began speaking, the insults stung a bit more than he'd admit out loud, but the sting went away at the compliments Alex bestowed on him. He glanced away, especially when Alex said he was selfless. "I'm not selfless," He commented, embarrassed from being genuinely complimented, but masking it behind indifference and guilt, "I would have reported you to your father had it not been for our friend, I'm not selfless."
His frown fell away back into an amused smile at Alex's words, chuckling slightly, "I'd expect nothing less of you, Alexiares."
He looked around for a moment, his face settling into a softer look, emotions flitting across his eyes, before he steeled himself and looked back at Alex, eyes meeting his own. He missed the brighter golden tint, and unknowingly he found himself entranced for a moment, his hand itching to lift and smudge a fleck of dust he spotted on the Prince's cheek away. His hand twitched at his side, about to move, before a voice from his right spooked him, causing him to jump. "Hello, gentlemen," The King stated, walking up to them with the loud, commanding click of his walk. Even the crowd parted slightly as he approached. Dante rested his hand on his chest for a moment, spooked, but pulled himself together rather quickly, especially at the King's questioning glance. "Dante, dear boy, are you quite alright?" He asked, though his eyes held a slightly annoyed glint as they flicked from Dante to his son. When Dante assured him he was fine, he continued, "Alexiares, wherever is that beautiful bride of yours?" He asked with a suspicious glance in his eyes, and it furthered as his eyes narrowed, "And why are you commuting with an advisor? This is a ball meant for people of our status, Alexiares, not-" He glanced at Dante meaningfully.
Dante piped up though, put together once more, but speaking clearly, "It's not his fault, my liege. Aurore wished to meet Alexiare's bride-to-be and get acquainted with her," he explained, looking at Alex then, "So I came to keep Alex company, as I typically am assigned to do."
The King held his tongue, looking annoyed at that, and glanced at Alex to see if he'd offer some counter to the little Advisor's words. |
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Post by Ζ€Ξ±ΖΖΞ±Ρ β§ on Feb 29, 2024 13:46:51 GMT -5
Alex seemed to catch his breath as Danteβs eyes met his, and a strange look seemed to come across the advisorβs own eyes. An intensity Alex didnβt think heβd seen before.
The moment felt suddenly significant, like there was something unspoken. Words unsaid. A strange tension that seemed to build the longer either man stayed silent.
In fact, Alex had just been about to speak when the spell of the moment was broken by an interruption from his father. Perfectly timed, as always. He asked where Athena was and then started making some more than a little problematic comments about Danteβs status. Alex couldnβt let something like that go unaddressed in his presence. Still, he began by bowing in greeting to his father, as protocol demanded of a prince greeting a king. When he straightened, though, he had no intention of giving his father any further respect. Not beyond what was required by civility given they were in public.
βLady Maylea is indeed getting to know Queen Aurore, Your Majesty,β Alex smoothly confirmed Danteβs comments. βIt seemed sensible, since I sometimes have duties concerning Levina.β
He was referring to the fact that by nature of his links with the country, he took on certain duties related to trade and diplomacy with Levina, among other things. It wasnβt at all why Athena was getting to know Aurore, of course, but he knew his father could not argue with his reasoning.
βAs for Dante, you have never considered him too lowly to share my company before.β Alex pointed out. βBesides, I think it is wise to talk with the advisors and benefit from their knowledge. And I assure you that once Maylea returns I shall be sure to continue mingling with our guests as we have been.β
He was angry with his father for talking in such a way about Dante, despite the fact that only weeks ago he wouldβve been desperate to escape the advisorβs company. He couldnβt show his anger outright as it would only make a scene at the ball, but he wanted to make it clear he wouldnβt tolerate insults aimed at Dante.
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Post by πππππ π¨ on Feb 29, 2024 14:04:01 GMT -5
Aurore's commentary on the Kingdom's came from her own interactions, but also because she didn't trust her uncle's relations with Taluhtah and King Drake. If the man was working with Chadwick in any manner, it simply was not for any good reason, Aurore knew that much.
Aurore then smirked at Athena's commentary, amused, "I'm sure you do, my lady," she commented.
Her smile dropped a bit at the reminder to return to the ball, but she agreed. She slightly reached out, grabbing Athena's hand and curtsying a bit, before dropping a soft kiss on the back of Athena's hand, and standing back up. She then breezed past the other, letting go of her hand as she began her way back to the ballroom, elegant and prim and seemingly unaffected.
"Such a lovely conversation," she commented as she walked, "Please do visit Levina, it'll be such a bore without you there now. And bring Alexiares with you while you're at it. Light above knows his father has no right to him."
With those words and a meaningful glance, she stepped back into the room of people, smiling immediately as she was swept into conversation with some of the guests.
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