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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Dec 17, 2020 19:05:21 GMT -5
Lilith had immediately rushed to prepare for the celebration, knowing now that Elena planned to poach her business. She could not stand to let this woman win, not Elena Mendoza. Lilith had been in his line of work far longer than she and she wasn’t about to let this newcomer invade her territory.
Normally Lilith got what she needed through mercilessness and violence. Strategic violence of course, not just brute force, but still. It seemed to Lilith that this celebration required something of a different touch. Something a little less violent and a little sneakier. Besides, she knew law enforcement would be all over a celebration like this, guards too. Trying to do this any other way than subtly and without bloodshed would be foolish.
Regrettably, that meant she had to look the part. Not that she had much in the way of that to be entirely honest. Still, she made her best effort. She had been a princess once upon a time after all, and even though she had no fondness for dresses - in fact, an intense hatred for them - she wasn’t completely unaware. So she’d brushed out her dark hair and swept it back from her face, she’d put on some jewellery, all silver to set off her pale skin. She had nothing in the way of makeup or any such thing, because Lilith didn’t need it on a daily basis and hated the feel of the stuff, but she did have contacts to cover the purple eyes, which she put on. She even opted for a more endearing blue rather than her usual grey when it came to eye colour. Next a dress, of which she only really had one or two. It was a blue thing which she felt mildly comfortable in, though she suspected while it wouldn’t necessarily make her stand out for the wrong reasons it might not give off the impression she was hoping for. It was quite structured and so felt comfortable because it was almost like armour. Still, it was all she had. It was a miracle she was even in a dress, and to be entirely honest she looked good. Better than normal, which was all she needed.
So she entered the party with a straight back, lifted chin, weapons stashed within her clothes, and some of her people scattered around the celebration to keep an eye on her. It was time to fight for her territory from Elena. She wasn’t afraid to show this woman what she was made of if she had to. Surely enough, the glittering jewels of her target caught Lilith’s eye and who else was on his arm but Elena, already fawning over him.
Lilith first slipped into the crowd, getting as close as possible so she could attempt to catch some of the conversation before she jumped in. Best to make sure she wasn’t messing things up and blowing her own cover by blowing Elena’s. Once she had some sense of what they were talking about, Lilith took the opportunity to approach the two as they began to walk.
It was clear to her, after all, that she had no choice but to simply accompany Elena and the lord. It was the only way to supervise Elena and make sure she wasn’t able to secure the riches Lilith had her eye on. Moreover, it was the only way Lilith could stage her own attempt for the wealth.
She stayed a respectful distance back at first until the guards seemed confident that she was no threat - no need to have them grabbing her. She curtsied to the lord, something she hadn’t done since she was a princess. She even remembered that she’d had to curtsy to her own parents; those were the rules, after all. That brought back memories.
“Forgive me, my lord, for intruding,” the woman began, already hating the taste of the words in her mouth; she’d never speak to anyone so submissively “I merely noted that you appear to have found my friend, I’d been looking for her desperately. She’s terribly clumsy and rather loose with her tongue, I apologise if she has bothered Your Lordship. Perhaps I might accompany you, if it pleases you, so that I may make sure she’s alright and does not say anything which might cause offense or disquiet to you, my lord. And to thank you for treating my friend with such grace and kindness.”
There, Lilith had in one fell swoop accomplished a number of things. First of all, established a pretext that allowed her to accompany Elena all night if need be - if she had to be on Elena’s back the entire night she would do so. Secondly, she’d exploited something Elena had not; Elena had deliberately made herself seem endearing and vulnerable by saying that her common was not good. Lilith’s strategy had been, then, to speak as properly as she possibly could. Not only would the lord hopefully find Lilith easier to converse with, but she’d made herself seem very polite and educated, well-versed in social graces when it came to nobility. Perhaps trying to go on a more even footing wasn’t the right strategy; if this lord preferred to look down on women, Elena’s strategy could prove the superior. But Lilith intended to try to hopefully seem more promising in terms of conversation, potentially allowing her to steer control of the interaction from Elena.
Talking of whom, Lilith made brief eye contact with Elena, pretending to look concerned for her friend but at the same time hoping with a shared look to establish some kind of silent agreement with Elena. Only one of them could get the riches, they weren’t working together. But they’d have to cooperate. At this party, if one of them had their cover blown, the other wouldn’t be far behind. They’d have to protect eachother to some extent so that didn’t happen.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Dec 18, 2020 7:15:32 GMT -5
Once the pair had stopped, it didn’t take too long for Patrick to catch up to them. Not that he had much choice anyway, he couldn’t be too far from Declan because of that stupid cursed object. That thing that held his soul, and Korinna’s too.
He arrived just in time to catch Declan saying something about Puck and Korinna not being real, and then Kore seemingly deciding to make herself invisible to Declan. Puck wasn’t going to do so quite so easily.
By now he’d also successfully managed to catch his breath, so he was able to fold his arms and speak to his friend.
”Well, that’s rude, I feel pretty real,” Puck pointed out “and I don’t feel much like pandering to your little delusions. I have enough on my plate with the whole being dead thing.”
He’d been stuck with Declan in this spirit form for the last three years and he really didn’t know how many hints Declan needed to realise his friends were actually there and he wasn’t just seeing things.
Then again, he supposed he should try having a little more empathy. If he were in Declan’s situation, to be fair, he’d probably act the same way.
Still, the fact was that Puck had unfinished business, having been unable to make sure his family was safe before he died. He couldn’t afford to let that continued to go unaddressed.
However, like Kore, the young man willed himself to become invisible to their friend before casting a glance at Korinna.
“This is dumb, Kore.” he complained “how are we supposed to convince him we’re real?”
He was pretty sure Declan would be able to take anything they said or did and still somehow use it to assure himself that he was just seeing things. There had to be something they could do, anything. |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Dec 26, 2020 16:45:03 GMT -5
Atlas rolled his eyes at her statement about the Queen wanting them to work hard. He'd worked hard for her ever since they met. Had done things he never dreamed of doing in a lifetime within the span of a few years.
If he didn't need her help, Atlas would have left the Rajani crown behind. If only he could convince Ress to do the same.
When said girl handed him the small bag with that grin on her face, the hunter couldn't help but smile in return. Thoughtful and kind. Nothing like her surrogate mother. "You're a good lass," He commented as thank you. He playfully bumped his shoulder into hers before walking to the campfire and stomping it all the way out.
I wish that hag would get her claws away from you.
Looking inside the bag, Atlas's mouth practically watered at the sight of the little clumps of food. He reached in and took out a bit and raised an eyebrow at the princess. "Blueberries, oats, and honey. You remembered," he said quietly. It was his favorite combination ever since he could remember. Sweet and crunchy.
Climbing up onto the back of his horse, Atlas popped one of the clumps into his mouth and spurred his horse to catch up with Ress. It didn't take much, he was able to keep pace next to her as he tired the bag off and stored it in his saddlebag.
His face turned grim when the girl asked about his night. He was quiet for a moment and had a distant look in his eyes. "No, I don't think it was an interesting find," he started slowly, his voice darkening and sounding closer to being grim. "Night was mostly quiet, couple animals running past..." he trailed off.
He looked off into the trees and furrowed her brow into a scowl. His hands tightened on the reigns as he chose his next words carefully. "There was a family that was passing through here..."
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Dec 26, 2020 16:59:26 GMT -5
Alexiares sputtered, shocked, when Dante suggested that he and Athena were courting. To be fair, he was closer with Athena than he was anyone inside the palace so he could see why Dante assumed that Alex had affection for her beyond the platonic kind.
”Ew!” Alex exclaimed, stepping away from the woman before adding a hurried “No offence. We’re not courting, Dante. She’s a friend, like I said. Don’t you think if I were courting a mercenary I would be rubbing it in my father’s face?”
No, it would be too enjoyable not to. Alex could never date someone he knew his father would disapprove of and do so in secrecy.
Either way, Alex was not courting Athena. She was far too... not a man to be Alex’s type.
Alex listened to Dante’s words, answering with a huff. Clearly the advisor wouldn’t let that go, even if he hadn’t actually been serious. Before he could answer, Athena was asking him questions.
“It’s a new development.” Alexiares replied to her “don’t worry, I’d always think of you first.”
But now he looked to Dante, in order to respond to his advisor’s comments about Alex’s earlier apparent intentions to murder his father.
“I was angry, Dante, I didn’t mean it.” he clarified “I’d have to be stupid to try to kill my father. You’ve known me for long enough by now to know that I’m angry, not dumb.”
If he were stupid he could never have managed to escape the palace as often as he did in order to meet with Athena.
But he really needed help right now. All the help he could possibly get. Not just for his sake, but also for Minke’s. Somebody had to help her, and Alex knew it had to be him and Dante. It was rare of Alexiares to let himself care enough about someone like this, but something about Minke made him feel the need to make sure she was okay.
“We’re trying to figure out how these work,” he said to Athena “they somehow repress magic.”
As he spoke, he showed her one of the bracelets he wore. He looked her in her eyes, letting the words sink in a little. What they meant.
Athena didn’t know about his magic. They were close friends but they didn’t ask a lot of questions. It was how their relationship had worked up until now. He knew it would probably function just as well if they did share their secrets, but they’d just never done so.
He’d only told Dante before now; the second time was no less scary. He felt the same rise in his pulse, the same electric rush of fear.
He switched his gaze over to Dante, giving a half-hearted shrug.
”I trust her. She’s the first person I would have chosen to tell had you not accidentally found out first. This is my secret to tell, I don’t care about the bullshit I know you’re going to say about the safety of the kingdom and classified information.”
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Dec 26, 2020 17:57:57 GMT -5
Dante fixed them both with an unimpressed stare, obviously he didn’t seem very swayed on his opinion. He wasn’t stupid, though, princes didn’t just befriend random commoners. There was always an ulterior motive. Then again, Alex wasn’t some common prince, he was unique and strangely better and worse than his elder brother.
He seemed to freeze then, Caspian. Dear old Caspian. Not only was Dante to watch Alex for afternoon, but he was to make rounds with Caspian and assure that Caspian didn’t need any additional help. He was supposed to be helping Caspian prepare for kingly duties, not playing around with Alex and his friend.
Maybe the mercenary wasn’t his girlfriend, but he didn’t have time to figure it out. Alex wasn’t exactly the best secret-keeper, given that he told 3 people about his powers in one day now. Honestly, it was a miracle he was even alive.
He wanted to point how “think of you first” was something you’d say to a lover, not some acquaintance, but he bit it back. Now wasn’t the time to argue with the idiot prince.
Plus, with the girl there now, whatever tranquil researching time they had was gone, and Dante had no place in that room any longer. A forceful reminder to himself that Alex was just some stupid prince he served, not his friend. Alex had his friends, or at least friend, because he apparently had the time to have one. But Dante didn’t have time for friends or tagging on like some third wheel. He was never late as it was, and one glance at the clock setting over the shelves confirmed his suspicions that he wasn’t quite fashionably late already.
Slamming his book to a close, he quickly packed it up along with his notes. All into his bag, stuffed in neatly, but still haphazardly. His glasses were a little skewed, but he ignored it, for the most part. Though when Alex addressed him, after revealing that secret of his, driving whatever bond Dante thought they built through the craziness down. Of course, had Alex been given any choice, he’d trust some woman who killed people for a living over his own advisor. Dante returned a glower to Alex then, “Fine. But if anyone finds out about this, it’s on you.”
The admittedly more grumpy Dante stood, brushing imaginary dust off of himself, as he always would do, before seeming to dismiss the other occupants in the room. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, your highness, I have other duties to attend to.” The polite words weren’t as much of a simple question of being excused, because he was already turned away from them both. Resting his hand on the door, her turned back to Alex, frowning slightly. His gaze wavered between both Alex and Athena.
“Today has been stressful, no one should bother either of you should you wish to remain here. I’ll provide an excuse for your absence to your father,” he addressed Alex, biting back a yawn. Still so much to do. He seemed to waver on his next words, before sighing, “And I’ll check on Minke. Just don’t run out of the castle or whatever.”
Knowing Alex, he probably would. Which, Dante didn’t say the words emptily, he wouldn’t have brought it up if he actually wanted Alex to stay there. Who could blame Dante, though, knowing what he knew now about the king? He wouldn’t come out and say that Alex could go visit the outside world, but he was giving him an out if he wanted on.
Opening the door, he stepped into the hall. Listening to it shut before letting off a soft yawn. Lifting his glasses to rub gingerly at his eyes, he stepped through some of the halls, already on the lookout for Caspian.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door to the prince’s room, remaining silently. He was late, after all, to helping out the Crown Prince. This wasn’t just Alexiare, this was someone who he needed to be on the good side of. And he needed to think up some excuse.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Dec 27, 2020 7:10:55 GMT -5
AROUND 15 YEARS AGO
(QUICK NOTE: I'm aware that debutante balls and such didn't occur until at earliest the 1600s and were more of an 18th/19th century thing, and that the first true corsets weren't around until the 16th century, and for that reason this is not canon; I know this is a medieval fantasy. Another reason this isn't canon is because obviously this isn't my universe, I'm just playing around. Consider it an AU, really. I really just wanted an excuse to make teenage Lilith suffer and I've been watching a lot of historical dramas, don't @ me)
A girl of around seventeen years old let out a pained gasp as her maid drew back the corset strings. The maid, Maria, was a gentle and kindly lady most of the time. Unfortunately, her kindness did not extend to corsets - or perhaps, more aptly, the girl's ribs. Maria always drew the corsets rather tight.
The princess, Briseis, loathed wearing corsets. Often refused them completely on the grounds that the size of her waist was quite inconsequential to her and she didn't see how it was in any way a requirement in order for her to perform her duties well. It was successful, though on important occasions she had to wear corsets; this was rather a disadvantageous deal, because as a princess important occasions occurred on a fairly regular basis. She'd also tried to get out of wearing dresses (which she was also not particularly a fan of) but that was denied. She'd never had a hope of it working anyway, but she'd figured it was worth a try.
"Maria, must I really do this?" the girl complained, her hands still gripping the edge of her dressing table, which she'd grabbed onto while Maria tightened the corset.
She let go now, standing to her full height while the maid laced the corset. She heard tutting from behind her in response to her words; she was sure if she could see behind her, Maria would be shaking her head too.
"Of course you must, ma'am." Maria said, voice gentle but firm and with a slight note of scolding "it's a tradition every well-bred young person in Oikoumene has partaken in for centuries."
Maria was middle-aged, with warm brown eyes and round cheeks. She was always smiling, and her voice was warm, reminiscent of sitting before a fire while a winter storm stirred outside. She had been the Briseis' maid for years now, ever since the princess had been old enough to leave the nursery she had shared with her younger sister and have her own room with a maid rather than a nanny. She was a kind lady, but firm too; she'd always had a way of calming Briseis' teenage outbursts. She even somehow could make the princess agree to things she'd flatly refused to do before, all while somehow making Briseis feel like it was her idea. Maria had worked for the family for many years, and knew the palace and the way it functioned inside and out. The princess often suspected the maid saw her in a maternal way; Briseis had a mother, but that mother was also the queen and as such wasn't exactly always close to her children.
"It is outdated pageantry, is what it is." Briseis grumbled as she stepped into the dress, adjusting the skirts while Maria did the buttons at the back, "prancing around in frilly dresses, watching simpering women swoon over men a decade older than them who have accomplished nothing in their lives apart from spending their father's money."
The occasion to which she referred was the social season. It was to be her debut that year, along with many other women. Debutantes from all the kingdoms of Oikoumene would present themselves to society and hopefully find themselves a husband. A lady's debut could make or break her future prospects. She had to make a good impression; to marry in your first season was ideal, and the worst outcome would be to be deemed a spinster. That fear drove women to go to incredible lengths to secure a match. Briseis had no intention of degrading herself in such a way; she was not desperate and would rather die than appear to be so.
"You have a duty, Your Highness," Maria reminded her "You're the Crown Princess, destined to rule this kingdom one day. You must marry and produce an heir, it's what is expected of you."
Briseis was about to retort that she had sisters, but that wouldn't be fair of her to say. For starters, Brizzy was the only one who was really considered legitimate. Secondly, she could never force that responsibility on the 11-year-old Maylea. Not only would it require Maylea to take the crown when Briseis died, but it would also require her to produce an heir. That wouldn't be fair. Thirdly, the youngest sister, Alessandria, was barely a year old.
The princess just sighed in response, having no argument in response to the maid. Even if she did, it wasn't like Maria would listen. It wasn't Maria's job to convince Briseis to go or not; she didn't have the authority to say the princess could just not show up to the most important part of that year's social calendar.
"Besides," the maid continued "if you do not want to do your own sake or that of the future of the kingdom, do it for your sisters."
Briseis raised her eyebrows then, glancing over her shoulder at Maria as the maid slipped a necklace around her neck.
"And what do May and Bee have to do with this?" the teenager questioned
May, of course, was a nickname from Maylea. Bee came from one of Alessandria's middle names, Phoebe. All of the girls had many, many middle names and about a hundred nicknames from them. Briseis was variously known as Brizzy, Bree, Cassie, Casta, Talia, Sunny, Marcie or Nora, and those were only a few.
Her name was Briseis Vincenza Castalia Sonnet Odile Marcella Lenore.
"Your success here will determine their own future success as debutantes. You are the oldest sister, ma'am; it is up to you to be the one to navigate society and blaze a trail for your sisters to follow." Maria explained as she put the last few pins in Brizzy's hair and added the tiara.
Briseis huffed, but did not counter. Her tongue did not seem as sharp as it usually was that day.
Besides, Maria was right. Briseis was the oldest sibling; it was up to her to be the one who could look out for her sisters. Be witty, be strong, be a role model. Be the one who was more savvy and aware of the way these high-society types functioned. She had to guide them.
Still, it was at that moment that the young princess caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She wore a dress of a light, pearly pink, decorated with gold embroidery. Her dark hair had been carefully brushed and shone in an intricate updo, wisps left to frame her face. Jewelled hairpins glittered from within the styled locks. Around her neck was a delicate gold necklace, diamonds glimmering on her collarbone, with a single pink diamond in the centre, a soft rosy colour. Pink diamonds were incredibly rare; the necklace had been in the royal family for generations. Diamond earrings were also visible, catching the light when she moved her head.
But the most impressive jewellery piece of all was the gold tiara on her head, carefully constructed into the hairstyle so it wouldn't be at risk of falling off. Normally, royal women did not get their first tiara until they married. But tiaras were important and were worn for state occasions as well as international occasions. This kind of important event, where she'd be meeting with the royalty and nobility of all of Oikoumene, was exactly the kind of occasion she'd be expected to wear a tiara.
Even Briseis had to catch her breath for a moment. She looked beautiful. Not like her, of course, she couldn't feel any less like herself than she did right now. But she had to appreciate that Maria had done a good job, even if she had forced the princess to wear pink.
The kingdoms of Oikoumene took turns as to which one would be hosting the debut season each year, and the kings and queens of all the kingdoms would (unless they refused) attend, travelling from far and wide to have the noble and royal young ladies of Oikoumene presented to them. Luckily for Briseis, that year it was Alexandria's turn, her own kingdom.
Which meant all she had to do was go downstairs.
She gave her last thanks to Maria and hurried from the room, rushing downstairs as fast at that dress (and propriety) would allow her. She couldn't afford to be late, not today.
She met her mother outside the main ballroom, the only room in the palace big enough to host this kind of event. All the kings and queens from the different kingdoms would be there. She paused for a moment outside of the door, trying to remember the names of all the kings and queens she was about to meet. Taluhtah had King Drake. Oralee had King...was it Casper? Or was she thinking of his son Caspian? Which queen was that king on now? Number 3? He'd only had his last wife executed a couple of years previously. She knew Halstein had a fairly young king who had only been in power less than a year, but for the life of her she could not remember his name. He had been the middle child, of no consequence in the line of succession until the oldest brother died in battle. Now it was just him - the newly crowned king - and his teenage sister, Adira. She was only a couple years older than Maylea - around thirteen or fourteen.
The most important difference that year would be the changes in Aaltonen - their old royalty had been deposed and a new king put in place - Vlad. And most importantly, his rulership had come about amidst a huge rebellion against magic - Vlad had outlawed it in Aaltonen and it was expected that other kingdoms would follow suit. Which was why Briseis had been careful to wear contacts to cover her distinctive purple eyes. Magic had long been a tricky issue, persecution having gone on for a long time, but it was important more now than ever that Brizzy hide her telekine nature. Especially from Vlad.
She took a deep breath, taking her mother's arm as she nervously fiddled with the skirts of her dress.
You can do this, Brizzy. It's uncomfortable and you'll hate it, but you can do it. You're the future queen of Alexandria, this is nothing.
But it wasn't nothing. This was marriage, an idea about which she wasn't exactly thrilled. And she just knew there would be some suitors she would be pushed towards, in the name of politics. Alliances Alexandria needed to strengthen. On its surface, all of this seemed like it would be Briseis' choice, that she could choose who to marry. In actual fact that couldn't be further from the truth.
Still, as the announcer spoke out to the occupants of the ballroom, Briseis straightened her back, listed her chin, and took a deep breath. She was ready. She had to be.
"Her Royal Highness Princess Briseis of Alexandria, presented by her mother, Her Majesty the Queen of Alexandria."
The huge double doors were pulled open, and Briseis walked towards the thrones (which had been arranged in that room purely for this purpose) at the other end of the room, still holding her mother's arm. She didn't dare look at the occupants of the thrones yet.
Once she got to the end of the aisle which had been formed by the crowd of those craning to see the presentation of that year's debutantes, she let go of her mother's arm and dipped into a curtsy, keeping her eyes lowered to the ground as she held the position for a moment. It was only when she rose to her feet that she raised her gaze to meet the eyes of the kings and queens of the other kingdoms. Many of them had unreadable expressions, but she could see notes of approval in some of them.
Her heart leaped in her chest for a moment. She'd succeeded, she hadn't messed it all up!
And as the crown princess of her kingdom, she knew she'd have no problems securing a suitor that year provided she behaved properly. Which, come to think of it, was rather a lot to ask of Brizzy.
But no matter how many suitors expressed an interest, no matter what Maria said about her needing to marry, Briseis would not accept any proposals. The maid had been right; Briseis had to set an example for her sisters. And if that example was that these stupid traditions, these dumb expectations to start looking to get married at 17, were below the Lenore family, so be it.
She would not let her sisters feel like they needed to marry. |
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jan 8, 2021 5:14:18 GMT -5
"Acercándome mucho a ser una perra," Elena muttered under her breath when Lilith showed up out of the crowd and introduced herself to their target. A small twitch of her lip could be caught for a moment. A fall of her mask to the annoyance the Lilith brought out. But, then the smile was back and grinning at the woman in front of her.
To be quite honest, Elena didn't recognize her for a moment. This was a woman in a dress and actually looked nice. This wasn't the same woman who had been sitting in a tavern merely hours beforehand with a sour look and trousers. This person actually looked like a lady.
Not something you'd see every day.
Elena caught Lilith's eye and grabbed woman's hand a much too tightly with the friendliest expression. "Gertrude!" She started excitedly and squeezed the woman's hand a little harder. She made sure Lilith was looking in her eyes as she lowered her voice slightly. "You caught up," she muttered cheerfully as her gold-like eyes caught the light of a nearby torch. Full of rage.
Turning back to the Lord they were both trying to steal from, Elena pressed herself against his arm and pouted dramatically. She rested her chin on his shoulder and batted those pretty lashes of hers as she asked. "You'll let her walk with us won't you, Señor?"
He seemed to hesitate for a moment. Looking between the two women. His opinion of Elena seemed to have changed slightly. Not enough to completely dismiss her but enough to consider and take in Lilith and what she said. He looked her up and down and, seemingly liking what he saw, smiled at her and bowed his head respectfully back at her.
"I don't see why not," He began. With his free hand extended towards Lilith, he gave her a gentle smile and began parading once more. "Two beautiful women on my arms is more than I could ask for tonight. Gertrude was it? Might I say you look absolutely divine."
"Cerdo..." Elena muttered under ber breath again as she looked to the side then behind her. As if trying to get a glimpse of something passing by.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jan 8, 2021 6:05:04 GMT -5
Athena shuttered again at the thought of Alex courting her. And once more when she thought of them being married. What a horrid thought. He was the last person she'd ever want to marry and she actually liked the poor thing as a person. She looked up from the book she was reading when the door closed behind Dante. She knew he had been speaking but was not listening to anything that he was saying. "Oh did he leave? Pity," She shrugged. Looking back down at the book in her hands, she pointed to a book self and spoke again. "Hand me that book over there." ~Meanwhile following Dante~ Two voices could be heard coming from The crown prince's room. Both male and laughing about something someone had said. When the knock sounded, the laughing quieted slightly but did not cease. Caspian could be heard clearing his throat. "Come in, Dante." Within the room, Caspian was sitting at a desk next to a window across from another man. A man with equally fancy clothing and dusty brown hair, a golden crown sitting atop the mess of curls and various rings adorning his fingers. "You remember The King of Taluhtah, don't you?" Caspian introduced the man with him as they both turned to look at the advisor. Drake had a soft smile on his face as he faced Dante. He stayed seated but dipped his head respectfully at the advisor when he met his eyes. He had no real need to do so. He just did out of being polite. "It's wonderful to see you again, Dante. You're well I hope?" The king asked genuinely. Admittedly he didn't remember much of Dante. Maybe speaking a word or two to him in a previous visit to Oralee. Beyond that, he had no idea. Caspian gestured to the king and chuckled again as he explained what they were laughing at. "We were just discussing me in my youth. Much to my dismay," the prince smiled shaking his head slightly and looking down like he was embarrassed. "Nonsense, you were a very well behaved child," Drake laughed in return, swatting at Caspian's shoulder in a playful and endearing way. For a moment they were just laughing about the memories before Drake seemed to remember that Dante was there. Giving the advisor was an apologetic look, Drake quieted his laughing and folded his hands together in his lap, looking between Dante and Caspian. "I do hope I'm not interrupting your day. I came to see your father about a serious matter. But it seems he is... indisposed at the moment," He explained. But, as he did his voice got a little darker and the look in his eyes got a little darker. For a moment his entire demeanor shifted. But, within the blink of an eye, it was like the shift never happened. |
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 14, 2021 17:51:05 GMT -5
Korinna glanced sadly at Declan, her eyes slightly damp. She hated being instructed to leave Declan alone. She wasn't alone though, at least Puck was there.
Taking a breath she really didn't need, she sighed. "We've tried everything, Puck," she commented, stretching her wings and offering an arm to her friend. She couldn't fly them both, that was, if they actually existed. It was more for comfort, more than anything. "We better be going, we'll just be dragged to him sooner or later, whether he believes in us or not." She muttered dimly.
She tried forcing a smile on, at least to help Puck. Placing everything else before her. Anything to help him, anything to push away the past, anything to feel.
Walking, she started following after where Declan went, wings folding to her back, seeming to glow slightly as they disappeared, flickers of light-made feathers falling, disappearing as they fell, fading out of existence.
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 14, 2021 20:27:54 GMT -5
When Caspian beckoned Dante in, the council member already began preparing his apologies and speech, pushing through the doors with a soft patter of footsteps and gentle movement, as to not disturb the prince anymore than necessary.
"Your majesty, I am deeply sorry for my tardiness," he had started, stuttering ever so slightly as he entered the room, nervously glancing at Caspian. Then he took in the king, his speech faltering as he straightened his posture. He cursed Alex slightly in his head, as now had he not only inconvenienced the Crown Prince of Oralee, but also the King of Taluhtah.
"It is my deepest honor to meet you once more, King Drake," Dante dipped his head in respect. Though his main respect was reserved for Caspian, as he belonged to Oralee.
The King asked if he had been well, and he chuckled ever so slightly, "I am doing well, though babysitting Caspain's younger brother cuts my work out for me." a small amount of irritation worked into his voice, though he masked it with a polite smile.
When Drake and Caspian spoke, Dante contemplated leaving. He hated getting into their business, especially when they seemed to be sharing fond memories. When King Drake seemed to remember he was there, the King seemed to have a slight mood shift on the topic of Caspian and Alex's father.
Dante also felt himself unintentionally stiffen at the words. The King who hit his own son. He didn't mean to, really, but he spoke up before he really thought better of it, "If you'd like, I can help you with your matters, King Drake of Taluhtah," he glanced at Caspain for a moment, before looking back at the tall king, "Or I can request his Royal Highness' presence."
Dante silently mourned his patience, and how much Alex had rubbed off on him. Alex and his reckless nature. Alex and his stupid ignorance.
"However, I have access to most places within the Castle, perhaps His Majesty the Crowned Prince and myself can help you find whatever you need?" He questioned, making sure to keep any wavering from his voice, head held high.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 17, 2021 18:30:16 GMT -5
Patrick huffed at Korinna’s words; though he appreciated her attempts to put on a brave face for him, he was utterly frustrated by their friend’s continued denial of their existence.
Still, he followed along with Kore, knowing he’d get pulled along with the prince anyway. This was not the way Patrick Allaire dealt with his problems. He didn’t have magic, all he had was confidence, flair and dumb luck. He dealt with his problems head on.
“Maybe it’s time we give His Lordship a little dose of reality.” Puck muttered
It was with that he made himself visible to the other boy again, appearing right by Declan. He had no dear of frightening the horse; the thing couldn’t see him. And at this point he didn’t care about frightening Declan. That was honestly the whole point.
“Hey, My Lord, you can’t ignore us forever.” Puck began “You can think we’re figments of your imagination if you like but we’re not going anywhere. Which is as much of an annoyance for us as it is for you, let me assure you. I have a million things I could be spending my afterlife doing, and following you around is pretty close to the bottom of the list.”
If Declan wanted to think he was just seeing things and Puck and Kore were gone, dead years ago, he could. But it wouldn’t change the fact that Patrick and Korinna wouldn’t be going anywhere quite yet.
He looked back to Kore then with a satisfied expression, folding his arms as if he’d just solved the whole problem.
Probably he hadn’t, but if anything at least he’d caught Declan’s attention. |
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 23, 2021 18:38:21 GMT -5
   Alexiares didn’t seem particularly shaken by his advisor’s warning that it was all on him if anyone found out about this whole situation.
“Please, that’s not a threat,” Alexiares tutted “I get blamed for things I didn’t do.”
That was very much true. Alex got the blame for everything anyway, so this wasn’t that much of a problem to him. Besides, he stood by his trust of Athena. She was a good person and he would trust her with his life. They’d hidden their friendship for quite a while anyway, so he was firm in his belief that she could keep secrets well.
“Thank you, Dante,” Alex said to his advisor as he left after saying he’d provide the king with an excuse for Alexiares’ absence. That was a surprisingly nice thing for Dante to do, helping Alex to break the rules like that.
He’d never pegged the royal advisor for being one for aiding and abetting.
Still, when Dante left he turned his attention to Athena, nodding when his friend asked him to pass her a particular book she was interested in. The prince obliged, drawing the book in question out and settling near her with the book he’d been looking at himself.
“I’m sorry for not telling you about my magic before.” the young man began “It’s not that I didn’t trust you. But if my father were to ever find out I’d told anyone he would kill me, and no doubt he’d go after you as well. Can’t have the family’s secrets getting out.”
He knew he didn’t owe her an explanation or an apology, but he wanted to provide one nonetheless. He respected Athena and she deserved to know. She certainly deserved to know that she would be in danger if his father ever found out she and Dante knew this. It was a secret Alexiares was supposed to guard with his life for the sake of the family.
But he didn’t really feel like protecting his family anymore. The only one he’d even consider protecting was Caspian, who hadn’t technically done anything wrong, but even that was kind of a stretch.
However, he did care about the safety of Athena and even Dante. As much as the asshole annoyed Alex to death, he didn’t want to see him killed. He wasn’t a monster. |
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 26, 2021 14:40:29 GMT -5
Ress wasn't stupid, at least, she never pegged herself as stupid. She was also amazingly stubborn, which went without saying. Ress wasn't stupid, was the point.
She could see through Atlas, mainly because of knowing the man for a long while now. His job bothered him, to some degree. But at the same time, it was a must for him. A win/lose situation.
When Ernestine smiled secretively, handing Ress that scroll with the mission, Ress was scared. At first, that was. But maybe the Queen of Misery found some light in her darkened heart to let Atlas and Ress team up on this mission. Even if the mission was dark, and left Ress feeling like a truly rotten person.
That was until she reminded herself of why it had to be done. Power was everything in this world, and one had to take whatever precautions necessary to achieve their goals, no matter the cost.
His comment about her remembering caused her to chuckle softly, smiling "Of course I remembered, you have such low opinions on me," she teased, feigning a deep sigh, "Like I'd forget the favorite snacks of my favorite friend. Guess I'm just as heartless as my mother."
While meaning to come off teasing and playful, the words dripped into a darker tone, voice falling softer as she shook her head, returning attention to the map in her hands and the reigns of her horse.
She got onto the change in his words, the tone and how it dripped in foreboding. The admittance that a family passed by. Words she never dare question, for fear of ripping apart the trust they had in one another. They both served as pawns to the queen, they both committed terrors under her hand to keep their own lives, and some did it out of fear for the ones they loved. As a common rule, they weren't to question what the others had to do, but instead suffer in silence of their own misdeeds.
Ress didn't really know if she could handle his own guilt and burdens in her own. And she doubted he could handle hers. All the terrible things, all the people they hurt, killed, in the name of their kingdom.
Instead of replying verbally, she gave a hum to acknowledge that she heard his phrase, the tenseness in her shoulders giving away just how much she understood. "We must be on our way now, it would be odd for Wisteria to miss the representatives from Rajani on this spectacular occasion."
Years and years ago, during the War on Magic, the Dark King of Rajani led the kingdom into a war against many others. An attempt to put an end to magic, to tear it down, piece, by piece, by piece. His eldest daughter had went missing shortly before, his wife and beloved queen killed at the hands of magic bandits. Yet the other kingdoms, many of them, had not yet seen a reason to put magic to an end. They fought against Rajani, the kingdom fell into shambles, the royal family disappeared.
It was surprising how well a kingdom could build up. The tolerance for magic remained the same, but eventually Aaoltonen claimed those rules itself with the fall of the Valdera family. That was the standard in the kingdoms now, no Magic. Ress was lucky to be alive, if she was honest. Ernestine let her keep her life, gave her power, as long as Ress used her powers to benefit the queen.
Not that anyone knew that Ress was a Darknyx. As a Darknyx, Ress had that choice, work in the shadows.
This mission didn't selectively establish that Ress work in the shadows or use her powers at all, really. It just required that a statement be made to the newest reigning royal. A message about the power of Rajani, a message not to undermine Rajani, a message to every kingdom about just how powerful Rajani was.
A message that Ress and Atlas were to carry out.
Nearing the gates of the sickening sweet kingdom, Ress kept her frown hidden under a blank face. As the delegates of Rajani, the ambassadors if you would, they were under the guise of supporting the new Queen by filling in for Ernestine. Some person from each Kingdom would appear to wish Adrestia the very best. Some would be suitors, some would simply be offering allies, some would just be there for customary reasons.
In all honesty, Ress and Atlas weren't there for the youngest ruler at all. When they got to the gates, they showed their passes, their status as ambassadors from Queen Ernestine herself. They were let in without question, as they should be, and soon they would attend the festivities for the queen.
A tour guide led them to the stables, where they could keep their horses as they attended festivities and remained in the quarters they'd be given during the event. As everyone around the kingdom bustled with excitement to meet Her Majesty, the Young Queen Adrestia. Ress was almost sure she spotted a handsome prince petting and cooing at a rabbit that had a soft regal bow on it, and messy dark spots on it's fur.
In short, Ress was absolutely done with this whole royal business. Once she did whatever Ernestine required, was named true heir, Ress would try to avoid such formalities as these. She would rule like Ernestine, maybe a bit kinder, but still keeping the mysterious allure to the kingdom. She would hold formal events, where suitors and weirdos with bunnies would hopefully stay as far away from her as possible.
"We just need to get the prince alone," Ress commented, once in the quarters they had been given, already frowning at the dark dress she'd have to wear instead of her usual armor. "And the head guard. Reports say that he is close to the princess, perhaps closer than the prince himself."
They'd have to get in their formal wear soon, though Ress was already dreading the mission. It would be difficult to kidnap both a guard and a prince at a regal gala that each of the 11 other Kingdoms had to attend. But alas, it was would worth it in the end.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 26, 2021 18:25:45 GMT -5
AROUND 15 YEARS AGO
(QUICK NOTE: Once again not canon, just playing around with some stuff)
Princess Briseis hated every second of this ‘entering society’ nonsense. While she tended to follow her mother’s rules on most things, having no desire to ruffle any feathers unnecessarily (she still had to live with her family after all), on the issue of finding a suitor she was perfectly resolute. She would not.
She knew it was her duty to marry to protect the interests of her sisters. After all, she set the examples for them. The eyes of all twelve kingdoms were on her, May and Bee. But what of the example they deserved to get from their older sister? The one that told them that they didn’t have to listen to these stupid rules.
Briseis would be queen one day. She did not need a man by her side to do so and if she wanted heirs she would name them. That much she knew. Besides, the eldest princess of Alexandria was famously a bright girl. She would not bring a husband to her side, another voice to whisper in her ear. Someone from a noble family who would have their own interests and would likely have him exploit Briseis to do so. No, she would stand alone. Untainted by the ambitions of those enticed by the crown.
So she’d done the only sensible thing for a seventeen year old girl to do when attending a party she did not want to be at in a beautiful dress she could barely move in and surrounded by people she had no interest in talking to.
Made a beeline for the refreshments table.
She’d barely been there five minutes when some dusty old lord who was easily old enough to be her father approached, bowing stiffly, and offered his hand.
“Your Highness, perhaps you might honour me with a dance?”
She knew him. Some lord from the south, a man who went through wives the same way most people went through clothes. Even if she’d had any intention of looking seriously for suitors she would have been disgusted by the offer.
“An honour, you say?” Briseis repeated with a gentle smile “I do believe rarity is part of the definition of an honour, my lord. After so many wives I am sure a dance is little more an honour to you than it is an honour for a farmer to look over a prize sow.”
The lord, astonished and offended, opened and closed his mouth in a vain attempt to speak. He looked for all the world like a fish gasping for hair.
“If you’ll excuse me, my lord,” the girl said as she brushed past him, quite desperate to get away.
She’d barely managed to get to the other side of the ballroom, the goblet she’d been holding still in hand, before she heard footsteps behind her. Not that old man again, following her around the ballroom.
“My lord, as I hope I’ve made abundantly clear, I have no intention to-“
The words died on her tongue as she turned to see not the old lord, but a young man. He looked about her own age perhaps, with dimples and a charming smile. Or what would be a charming smile if it wasn’t turning rapidly more to a smirk, one eyebrow raising in amusement.
“I do believe the correct term is Your Grace,” commented the boy, with all the confidence in the world.
His arrogance was unbecoming, but amusing. Most of the men in this room were arrogant, but at least this boy seemed somewhat interesting.
“And I do believe the correct term is Your Highness when in address of the Crown Princess of Alexandria,” she shot back without missing a beat
The young man took a sip from his own goblet at that point, moving to stand alongside Briseis and lean on the wall next to her, looking at her from the side.
“But of course,” the boy responded with a wink
Briseis scoffed at the wink, rolling her eyes, but that only seemed to amuse the boy more, which was irritating. The princess took a sip from her goblet to hide her frustration.
“What are you doing on the sidelines and not on the dance floor, Your Highness?” questioned the boy with a flash of a smile “are all you Alexandrians so antisocial? What do they do, lock you in that library all day?”
As he moved, Briseis noted a design on the buttons of his clothes, catching the light only briefly as he moved. It was the national symbol of Taraneh. That kingdom that was once the land of the Sonix and was now the land of the exchanging of much silver. Business went on there.
“Are all you Taranians so impertinent?” Briseis responded “I wished to avoid the company of the likes of you, as a matter of fact.”
The boy pretended to look offended then, raising his free hand to his chest and widening his eyes in mock hurt.
“You wound me, Princess Briseis. What a sharp tongue the future queen of Alexandria has.” he answered “It is a shame, though, since you do not know me yet. Or are you as quick with your judgement as you are with your words?”
It was Briseis’ turn to raise her eyebrow then, the corner of her mouth tugging into a smile.
“Perhaps it is for you to show that you are worthy of my company. If you are so different from the other men at this ball, perhaps you ought to tell me why.” the princess said confidently.
The young man leaned towards her then, another smile, dimples showing again.
“Because I wish to avoid the prancing nobility tonight too,” was his answer, murmured quietly.
Briseis wasn’t sure how to respond to that, but she made sure not to show it, keeping her face carefully unreadable. After a moment she cleared her throat, keeping her gaze forward to focus on the swirling crowd of dancers.
”Perhaps I will allow you to keep company with me a while,” the princess finally conceded “After all, I fear what would happen if I left you to terrorise some other poor girl in my stead.”
She turned her head to look at him properly then, studying his face for a moment before she speaking up once again.
“I’m afraid I’m at quite a disadvantage, and I don’t enjoy being on the back foot. You know my name, but I’m afraid you have not yet told me yours. What should I call you other than Your Grace?”
The boy dipped his head in a slight bow in response to her question, speaking as he lifted his head to meet her eyes once again.
“Favian Corin, Duke of Eryn, at your service, Your Highness.”
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Post by Hawkeyes258 on Jan 27, 2021 0:37:41 GMT -5
Oh Philip, when you smile I am undone My son, look at my son Pride is not the word I'm looking for There is so much more inside me now Oh Philip, you outshine the morning sun My son When you smile, I fall apart And I thought I was so smartChristopher, who was looking at his sleeping baby boy, carefully picks him up in his arms and walks over to the balcony. He managed to slip away from the throne room to see his son. The king still couldn't believe that this small baby was his son. Everyone had worried and whispered that his previous sickness would take the child, but Christopher ignored them. He smiles seeing his son sleepily open his eyes and make a little noise. "Hello little prince." He answered smiling warmly at him. Christopher reaches the balcony and turns Zahavi to the landscape before him. "This is our kingdom little one. Aaltonen is beautiful isn't it? Take in that salty sea air!" He watches the rising waves for a minute before looking down at him. "One day this is all going to be yours! Most don't think you will make it to your first birthday but we will prove them wrong won't we? Nightingales are fighters and I know you will pull through."
'll do whatever it takes I'll make a million mistakes I'll make the world safe and sound for you Will come of age with our young nation We'll bleed and fight for you We'll make it right for you If we lay a strong enough foundation We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you And you'll blow us all away Someday, someday Yeah, you'll blow us all away Someday, someday
Christopher knew the coming months wouldn't be easy. There were many who were loyal to the Valdera family and no doubt assassins and spies would be waiting for their chance to strike. However, he was willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. He'd fight a dozen Bloodborne, Pyrebloods, and Darknyx. "When you take the throne, you won't have to deal with these magic users. I bet you are going to be an excellent leader!" The small baby started babbling to himself and stares at the waves. Christopher hoped he would live long enough to see Zahavi become the next king. "Wonder what they will call you. Zahavi the kind, the braveheart, or the wise?" He stayed outside for a little longer until he heard a man's voice. He turns around to see it's Eldred with his hands behind his back. "Sorry to disturb you your grace, but you have some nobles who wish to speak to you. They claim to have important information about a possible coup." Christopher slowly nodded his head. His work was never done. He walks over to his adviser and gently hands Zahavi over to him. "Before you put him back to bed to hand him off to the maids stay out here a little longer with him. I think the fresh sea air is good for him. One of the old healers claim that the salt air of the sea is good for your lungs. I'll see you later little one." He smiles before walking off in the direction of the throne room. Just before he was out of earshot, Christopher could make out Eldred humming a soft song to Zahavi. Should anything happen to him, Christopher knows that his son would be in capable hands. (Hope it's cool that I put Eldred in there)
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jan 28, 2021 3:45:36 GMT -5
He thought it over for a moment, his calculating eyes studying the advisor in front of him and accessing what might be the perfect solution to go about this.
He never got a chance to answer for himself though.
"I don't see why not," Caspian chirped happily. Always the happy little golden child, willing to help and willing to listen. "Dare I say I'm being selfish and want to enjoy the presence of a family friend for a little longer?" he asked in a teasing manner and placed a hand on the king's shoulder.
Drake looked at the boy with a warm smile and raised his eyebrows.
This poor naieve boy.
Patting Caspian's shoulder in a comforting way, Drake stood and folded his hands behind his back. "I would gladly accept your help then," the king agreed with a slight nod of his head. He then turned to Dante, smiled and nodded his thanks, and gestured for the advisor to come closer. He didn't want to speak too loudly.
Noticing wat the King of Taluhtah was doing, the crown prince also instinctively took a step forward and lowered his chin to listen to the secret. "What seems to be troubling you?"
"I've recently..." Drake started. He paused and lowered his voice, looking down at the ground as if ashamed of what he was about to say. "I recently had a criminal escape from my domain. She may not look like much but I assure you she's... quite dangerous," he explained vaguely.
His blood boiled at the thought of Minke escaping the way that she did. If he had better guards this would have never happened. Though, his anger was flaring within him, Drake showed no ounce of anger.
"Before any more damage can be done, I wish to bring her back to Taluhtah and face judgment. I had heard a rumor, one might call it, that she had made her way into the Oralee kingdom. You wouldn't have happened to have heard anything about that would you?" he asked. But when he asked he looked directly at Dante.
Call him paranoid, but the way that Dante tensed ever so slightly caused suspicion to rise in Drake's mind. Sure, the boy could be suspicious about being in the pressance of another king. But, this was an advisor to a king. This should be common practice.
Perhaps he was over-thinking.
"I've heard no such thing. Dante?" Caspian muttered back quietly. There was a puzzled look on his face as he tried to recall any news of the criminal in question.
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Demisexual
Leo
Surviving off Thai tea and Miguel O'hara
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Post by Leo on Jan 28, 2021 4:16:25 GMT -5
Athena smiled softly to herself as Alex apologized. "I never asked about it. So why would you feel the need to tell me?" she asked not bothering to glance up at him.
They had a perfect friendship based on not asking too many questions. They got along just fine without him asking about her and her past and without Athena asking about why he looked so different from his brother. But, she wagered she could guess the reason. It was basically the same she her and Minke. They had different fathers.
She did laugh when Alex mentioned her life being in danger if she knew about his magic. A good loud laugh that started with a snort and devolved into throwing her head back. She laughed for a good few minutes before quieting herself and looking towards the prince. "If your father thinks he could kill me that easily he is sorely mistaken."
The fates had already tried to kill her. Repeatedly. She is not so easily damaged and thrown away. She was a fighter and a survivor. She was one of the three damn Princess of Alexandria. She did not go down without a fight.
"You on the other hand..." Athena continued, wiping at her eyes to clear the tears that had formed. She dropped her hand on top of the book she was reading and raised an eyebrow. "I can't say much for you. Or the stick for that matter either. You're both soft and careless. Evident from how easily you gave a mercenary, information on something you're trying to keep secret. Regardless, if I'm a friend."
It was a slight scold mixed with teasing. But, she made her point. As much as she loved Alex and would never do anything to hurt him, she was still a sellsword. Dante was right. If she had just slightly looser morals, she would have found the information useful and used it to her own advantage. But, they were lucky today.
Continuing to browse through the book, she came to a page on how to use Brightlux magic. She paused at the title and read it over a couple of times, a question forming in her mind. Finally, she just blurted it out. "If we're looking for information about repressing magic why don't you just ask yourself how it's done?" she asked. It was a simple question, and maybe her hypothesis was wrong, she wasn't sure she tried not to use her magic that often and never paid attention to lessons. "I've never seen you use magic before. And you're only just now telling me and presumably stick boy
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 28, 2021 9:26:31 GMT -5
Alexiares shrugged when the sellsword questioned why he’d have felt the need to tell her if she’d never asked.
“I agree that our friendship works better the fewer questions we ask,” the prince answered “I’m just making sure you don’t feel jealous of my pain of a royal council member.”
He didn’t want Athena thinking he didn’t value her friendship, questions or not. After all, because of the way their friendship worked they knew very little that was of substance about one another. There really wasn’t that much holding their friendship together and while they both seemed at least to act like that was fine, Alex didn’t want to lose Athena. She was the only proper friend he had. Most of the other people who acted friendly towards him were getting paid by his father.
When she laughed at his comment, Alex rolled his eyes.
“Please, I’m not a fool,” he responded as he flipped another page of the book “I said he’d go after you, I didn’t say he’d succeed. Even so, it’s trouble you don’t need in your life.”
He had every faith that Athena was more than a match for Alexiares’ father. But he didn’t want to be a source of trouble in the mercenary’s life. She had enough trouble of her own by the very nature of her work and he wasn’t about to make it worse by adding his father to the pile.
He agreed with her words about Dante, but Alex certainly did not agree with her calling him soft. Even if she was right (which yes, she probably was), he wasn’t about to let her think so. Letting Athena think she could be right seemed like a dangerous precedent to set.
“I told you because you’re my friend,” Alex pointed out “not just any mercenary. Besides, I’m confident in my ability to match any price. And anyway, I know you - if you intended to use me to your advantage you would have done so long before now. Ironically, you’re one of very few people who doesn’t.”
Alex wasn’t the crown prince, nobody really cared what he did as long as he wasn’t actively doing anything that caused trouble for his father or the kingdom. Technically, having a mercenary for a friend was just such a thing but that wasn’t relevant. He could spend his money however he liked and nobody would even really notice. While he wasn’t the richest person in Oikoumene, he was fairly sure that he’d be able to match the price of anyone who wanted to pay off Athena. He was a prince of Oralee, after all.
And like he said, he trusted his friend. If she wanted to make money from him she would have done it before now. He knew how Athena worked after this long as her friend. She could use him if she wanted to, but she was the rare type of person who didn’t. Dante was also beginning to show that he might perhaps be one of those people, given that he hadn’t handed in Alex immediately after finding out about his magic.
When Athena blurted out her question, Alexiares met her gaze for a moment before shifting it back down to the book, pretending to focus extra hard on the page he was reading.
“Because it doesn’t work the way I thought it did,” he said after a moment “my father would have me think that my powers just... calmed down with disuse. But he was lying.”
He took off one of the bracelets - just one. The movement was still hesitant, as if he didn’t trust himself without them. That was despite knowing he’d had them off before and his powers had been weakened for so long that they were very little threat even without the bracelets.
He passed it across to Athena so she could examine it if she wished.
“A birthday gift,” he explained “he told me never to take them off. I didn’t know until we met that Factioneer and I realised the crystals were like the ones they were using to suppress her magic.”
He turned the page of the book even though he hadn’t even read the last page, more just pretending to read so he’d have something else to look at than Athena’s face as he explained this.
“I’d confront my father and try to get information out of him but I don’t think he’d take it all that well and I don’t want to do anything that might make him think I know about that girl in the dungeons. I’ve just got to figure out how these crystals work so we can get her out.”
The whole situation just wasn’t so easy and Alex had no idea really of what to do. Whatever these crystals were, they were strong enough to suppress even rare telekine magic. Now that was the juiciest part of the story about the girl in the dungeon, that the number of known telekines could be counted on one hand probably and yet Oralee had one in its dungeons.
He had no idea how any of it worked, and he certainly wasn’t going to go looking for information from his father about it.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 28, 2021 17:57:49 GMT -5
Callan would not deny that he felt a little bad for frightening Carlo; the young prince had just about jumped out of his skin when the guard spoke up to him. He hadn’t intended that.
The situation was definitely awkward, too. Callan could read that in Carlisle’s expression, what with the tightness of his smile. Did he really fear that Callan hated him this much? Callan hated nobody. Well, apart from anyone who wanted to harm the people he cared about.
His father had always told him that Callan was too soft. The Verndari were sworn to protect the royals and yes, they could be friendly, but they weren’t supposed to be like siblings, not like Callan had been with the princess and prince. He should know his place, he’d always said.
Tybalt Verndari. Smart, tough. Truly embodied the iron-blooded Verndari reputation. And he’d taught Callan about what it meant to be part of the family from a very young age.
”A Verndari is willing to sacrifice temporary life for the longevity of kingdom and crown”
He’d learned what his role was long ago. Even the family motto, ‘service and honour above glory’, had taught him as much. He was not there to win fame or glorious battles, he was there to protect the royal family. He didn’t mind it, though. They were as much his family as the Verndari and even if he did wonder what his life would’ve been if he hadn’t been born into his family, he wouldn’t change it for the world.
Which meant he had to try and fix things with Carlo, if he could.
“Not to worry, Your Highness.” Callan assured the prince in response to his words about the queen missing him “I’m keeping an eye on her.”
He would never let anything happen to Tia, but he was conscious of the fact that while he needed to be in the room to watch over her, it might not make a good impression for him to be at her side for the entire party.
He chuckled lightly, amused at the prince’s less than impressed response to the drink.
“I believe you’re meant to sip it, sir,” Callan advised “but it is an acquired taste, so I can’t say I blame you.”
He’d never been much of a fan himself, and even if he was he’d certainly never drink on duty. That would be a terrible thing to do and could put Tia in danger. He had to be focused.
He was relieved when Carlo went in on the bet, though. That was a good sign. His attempt to help the awkwardness between them abate had worked at least a little bit, he supposed.
“Carlo,” he said after a moment “I think perhaps at some point you and I should talk privately. With me back in the palace permanently we should discuss some things.”
He just wanted to clear the air with him. Assure him that there were no hard feelings. Because while he regretted the whole running away escapade, he didn’t blame Carlo. Not really. He’d just been a kid. And besides, it had been a terrible idea in the first place to run away. They wouldn’t have made it five miles, they’d just been stupid kids at the time.
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 28, 2021 18:22:56 GMT -5
Korinna watched Puck, her eyes becoming wide and fearful at his insistence, “No, Puck-” she started, but he was already becoming visible to the young lord and sassing their friend off.
Her face fell into a disappointed frown at Puck, though there was some twitching to her lips, a fondness towards her friends she tried to bury for the sake of the situation.
She stepped closer, wings hidden, not currently summoned. Those rosy-brown hues of her wavered between Puck and Declan. Declan mentioned not liking them calling him by his title, and she let off a small sigh of relief. She never really understood why a rich son of a lord would befriend a lost orphan and another sad commoner. She was glad nonetheless, thought when they were alive, the friendship was almost symbiotic.
Purpose of finding treasure for the good of all of them. Kore wanted answers, and Declan and Puck had their goals too. It was best not to question, but she regretted never getting to know more before literally ghosting them.
Though the smile that came onto her face quickly fell when Declan decided to look for her and then pester Puck about how to get rid of them, not because he wanted them to move on, but because he was more worried about himself.
She appeared them, arms crossed. She may be nice, but she wasn’t a push over. “You know, people usually say ghosts are the ones that can’t move on,” she jested, ever so slightly, desperate to drive the conversation into a different direction.
Being a ghost made her think, quite a bit. It made her think about what she needed to do, what could help. She knew it was something with that necklace, she could feel the pull. A necklace that had once symbolized their closeness, now in his possession. She couldn’t tell him that though. If they told him, he’d break it, do anything he had to do to get rid of them, and they could be lost forever. Be stuck as statues all their lives.
“Maybe we should go back to where it ended,” her head was ducked, her stray pieces of hair escaping that wispy ponytail of hers floated elegantly before her face. It took a lot of bravery to even spit the words out, but the necklace wasn’t an option. “Or maybe you should come to terms that us being like this doesn’t mean we can’t be your friends anymore. Declan, it’s been 3 years, you can’t keep living in denial.”
Then again, maybe he could. And part of her dreaded ever bringing up Alexandria as an option. It was obvious Declan would do whatever was necessary to rid of them.
Sputtering slightly then, she frowned, “Or, if you really want to help us, we can find a witch, maybe someone who can help us with our situation?”
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 28, 2021 18:48:26 GMT -5
Dante remembered the first time he had seen King Drake. The first time was shortly after he transferred to the kingdom, he wasn't yet a council member. He wasn't anybody yet, in reality. But he was a boy he stayed up late reading by the candlelight in the halls of the castle under his work as an apprentice. He had seen the tall king talking to Caspian, Alex being his silent, brooding self, and the King of Oralee happily sharing wine with the family friend.
The simply thought that such a tall man, intimidating in figure and in poise, would be laughing alongside a damaged family was somewhat heartwarming. The way that King Drake seemed to look out for Caspian. It seemed content, but Dante knew from his own experience that sometimes affection was just for show, that it meant nothing.
But Drake seemed to genuinely care about the wellbeing of Oralee. Even moreso, he seemed to care for the wellbeing of the princes. Dante himself had never been to Taluhtah, the Kingdom of Blood, but he had heard many tales of the lore and history of the kingdom. Of how rivers of blood would move at the touch of a queen. Of course, such lore was fiction, but the image that had been painted in Dante's mind had been quite a scary one.
The first time he saw King Drake, he was surprised to receive kind words. He was surprised to see the royal treat the others so kindly. Some other royals weren't as kind, from what Dante had seen. Some were cruel, some ambitious, some would send the King into bought of frustration. Drake seemed to be kindred.
He didn't question this either, so when Drake beckoned him closer, the young boy was filled with some giddy feeling. A duty other than babysitting a Prince who was 2 years his senior. A secret of the royals he was being let into, that let that ambition tickling the back of his mind fester.
So he listened intensely.
"I recently had a criminal escape from my domain. She may not look like much but I assure you she's... quite dangerous," King Drake had stated, and Dante felt his mind go a bit numb. His breath halting ever so slightly, the barest part in his lips revealing his shock, which could be written off as concern. There was only one prisoner in the kingdom, only one he had seen.
Lilac eyes flashed in his mind, and he swallowing down the thought. There was no way King Drake meant her. The chances were too low.
But then the way Minke had been so secretive, the shackles she wore, those came back blindingly, and he tensed ever so slightly. The trust he had, the euphoria of finally having his chance battled with a sense of anger, guilt. What had Minke done? Had she done anything at all? Telekines were dangerous by natures, criminals by existing, but what if she had truly done something terrible? What if Drake was trying to protect them?
Caspian turned to him, asking him about if he knew anything. He forced his body to untense, schooling his features as he pondered, though he quickly answered, "We can check the records? We may need to know more about this criminal, if at all possible, King Drake. If she's in the kingdom, that will be our best way to track her."
He couldn't say that he knew, no matter how much he knew he should have. He wasn't supposed to even know about Minke as it was. If he showed Minke to Drake, then Caspian would wonder why a lowly council member knew and he didn't, the news would reach the king. Then Dante would have to admit how he knew about her, or fabricate some story that would make him look like a traitor to the kingdom, plotting with a prisoner.
Not only that, but the look of terror on Minke's face when Alex had snapped after figuring out he'd been lied to by his father. That was fear, but that was routine fear, something Minke had learned to school as much as she could. She was a scarred kid, and if Drake caused that, he couldn't imagine what he'd do if he got her back, criminal or not.
And the look of betrayal Alex would have. Alex would never forgive him if he revealed any of that information.
Dante didn't smile, but he nodded respectfully, "I can lead you to some of the archives, though it is His Majesty's choice on what areas you shall have access to," he nodded to Caspian, "Or we could find a more private area, as some maids lurk around the hallways for gossip, discuss this escaped criminal some more so we can be on the lookout, and so we notify you if we spot them."
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 28, 2021 19:08:51 GMT -5
When Callan first came over, Carlo had been nervous. He still was, mind you, but the anxiety became a gentle flutter rather than a torrent storm. Gently supping the wine glass in his hands, he looked at Callan with a smile that slowly became less timid, and much more happier.
He laughed a teensy bit when Callan called him 'Your Highness', despite being the term Callan, and literally everyone, was supposed to call him, it sounded funny coming from Callan. "I must insist again, Sir Verndari, you can call me Carlo." He winked for good measure, careful to keep his tone light and playful.
Avoiding the guilt, avoiding the anger, it helped. Ignoring how he broke apart Tia's only real family years prior by chasing Callan away.
Tia and Callan used to be like brother and sister. Much closer than Carlo ever was to Adrestia. Callan was much more deserving of being a prince, but Carlo was stuck in his position, hiding like the coward he was.
And there it was, the never-ending guilt.
When he drank the wine and coughed, and Callan remarked teasingly, he glared at the man. Though it wasn't with malice, rather a playful indignation at Callan for having spoken about the embarrassing mishap. "I take it back, I order you to be silent, peasant."
Teasing and joking helped, and slowly some of the tenseness left, but the awkwardness remained some, like a wave looming over his head, ready to crash down at any moment. And crash it did.
“I think perhaps at some point you and I should talk privately. With me back in the palace permanently we should discuss some things.”
His grip tightened on the glass in his palms, he forces down the trickling of thorns that seemed to claw at his throat, forcing down any magic that wanted to go stir at the vines decorating the room. Instead, his panicked eyes flew up to Callan, all happiness flown off in waves, but he forced a smile anyways.
"That can be arranged," he said, his voice carrying the confidence he himself lacked, "I'm sure you have a lot you'd like to discuss," he mumbled out quieter, more bitter and guilty.
Looking around, he spotted that the doors into the back halls were closed, but unlocked. They'd make due for now, he supposed. He wanted to pull the metaphorical band aid off sooner rather than later.
"Follow me then, there's no time like the present."
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 29, 2021 2:53:21 GMT -5
Of course, Kore’s protests had not been enough to stop Puck from doing what Puck did best. He never had been the best at listening to people, particularly if they were authority figures. Not that Korinna was an authority figure in Patrick’s eyes, but still.
He was amused by his living friend’s reaction when he suddenly appeared, though. Being a ghost might be kind of boring a lot of the time, but there was the occasional perk.
He disappeared once again for a moment, appearing again perched on a branch on a nearby tree. Climbing trees was something he’d done quite frequently when he was alive. Hey, who didn’t like that kind of thing? People who were scared of heights, he supposed. Or who disliked the idea of the inevitable broken bones when they eventually fell at least once.
“I know you don’t,“ Puck commented as he swung his legs “but it was the best way of getting your attention.”
Besides, it had been a friendly way of teasing him when Puck and Kore had been alive.
Like their other friend, Puck wasn’t particularly amused by Declan’s next comment, and he hopped down from the tree once again.
“We all have to move on, Declan. You to go on and live your life without us - which is kind of sad because we’re the best. Us to go on to... I don’t know. Something, I hope.”
Technically, Patrick didn’t know what would happen if he and Kore completed all their unfinished business. He didn’t know what awaited them after that, what kind of afterlife (if any) they’d be going into.
Or maybe they wouldn’t leave the earth at all, but simply be freed from that necklace and able to wander as they pleaded. But that seemed like a lonely kind of life - or afterlife - and he’d never seen another ghost in the three years he and Kore had been dead so it didn’t seem so likely.
“Oh yeah, sure, let’s go back to the place we died. Hey, our bodies will still be there. Fun day out for all the family.” commented Puck sarcastically
Still, he didn’t think there was a better idea, actually. It was the only place that they might be able to get rid of whatever curse was on that necklace, or it might give them a chance to start working on whatever unfinished business he and Korinna still had.
“I guess it’s probably our best option,” he sighed eventually “it’d just be hard for all of us.”
Kore’s next words about Declan living in denial was a sentiment Puck had to agree with, and he spoke up to say as much.
“Kore is right, though,” Puck agreed “and I don’t normally say that. You say you have to move on, maybe we can help. We’re still here, and still your friends. We’re not going anywhere yet. While we’re together, it’s a chance for you to get closure. But you must stop denying that we’re real. We’re not figments of your imagination, Declan. Though it’s kinda cute that you miss us so much that you think your mind is making you see us.”
A little bit of teasing to ease the heavy topic. The idea of being dead was still uncomfortable to Puck sometimes. He’d denied it longer than Kore had. It wasn’t the easiest thing to come to terms with, and Puck had struggled with it. But now things were better.
The final option, a witch, seemed equally viable but also possibly dangerous. Witches were not to be trifled with. No kind of magic was to be trifled with. Even the people Puck loved who had magic - his family, Kore. He’d always made sure that he respected the power they held the same way a sailor respected the sea.
Even if he was adamant that you didn’t need magic to do anything.
“A witch could work,” he agreed ”but that could be a dangerous game to play. I think we’ve done the first step by having Declan finally stop denying we’re real.”
Either way, they were going to figure this out. Together.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 29, 2021 3:23:09 GMT -5
Callan smiled when Carlo asked him not to call him by his titles. That was fair enough, the royals kind of had different rules for that kind of thing.
For Tia and Carlo’s father, for instance, Callan had always called him by his proper titles before he died. Same for their mother. Not that they’d interacted much because he hadn’t been their head guard. Tia preferred being called by her titles in public - after all, it was about making sure she was respected as a queen - but could be called by her name in private. Carlo apparently preferred being called by his name regardless of whether they were in public or private.
“Carlo it is,” Callan nodded, before adding his own wink “provided you don’t call me Sir Verndari. That’s my father’s name.”
He preferred Callan, always had. Hell, he’d even take just ‘Verndari’ were someone in a bad mood with him or something. Though that would remind him of his early days in the army.
The smile turned into a full chuckle when Carlo joked around in return to his teasing. That was good, it made things feel more normal. This was how it was supposed to be.
“Already drunk on power,” Callan tufted jokingly “whatever will we do with you?”
He soon felt another rush of guilt when he saw that flash of fear, though he tried to cover it up, on Carlo’s face when he suggested they talk together. Of course he’d scared him, his words could easily be construed in such a way that it still sounded like he was angry at him.
He had to rectify this as soon as possible.
Thankfully, Carlo suggested they talk right then. Callan didn’t know how he felt about leaving Tia, but it would only be for a moment and he would make sure she was protected in his absence.
So he nodded to the prince’s words and followed him out into the back halls, catching the attention of the only two guards in sight and nodding towards the party.
“Keep an eye on the queen for a moment while I’m gone, would you?” he requested
The guards nodded and obeyed, stepping inside and leaving Carlo and Callan alone in the halls. That was good, away from prying eyes and nobody would even know they were gone. It would only be a few moments.
And now Tia wasn’t unprotected while Callan stepped away to speak to the prince. He would never want to put her in danger.
He took a deep breath, preparing to explain everything. He didn’t want Carlo to think he hated him, he had to fix that.
“Carlo, this isn’t anything bad, I swear.” he started ”I want you to know that I don’t want you to think I hate you, or that I blame you for what happened when I was eighteen.”
This was as good a start as any. He didn’t blame Carlo for what he had done, it was what anybody else would have done too. It was the more sensible option, too. Callan and Tia hadn’t really been thinking straight at the time. Callan had just been afraid of being made to go off and join the army. Of being what his father said Verndari had to be. And Tia, well... the royal life wasn’t easy.
“You seem scared of me, and that’s the last thing I want.”
He wanted Carlo to feel safe, that was Callan’s job. He certainly didn’t want to be a source of anxiety or awkwardness for the prince. That was why this had to be fixed, and soon. Because otherwise Callan’s job was going to be harder, and he’d be doing the opposite of what he was supposed to be doing.
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Post by 𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨 on Jan 29, 2021 15:39:11 GMT -5
"I think that's a deal we can make, Callan." Carlo responded, grinning. To be quite fair, he had so much charm in his little body, he didn't mind whether people referred to him as prince or not. That somewhat carefree nature may have disgusted some, and surely annoyed his parents. But it also helped his reputation with some, not everyone got such an honor. Those who did seemed to treasure it.
Plus, the boyish charm gained him some reputation amongst the party goers earlier. Small flirtations and compliments, positive nature fed positive nature.
Though, he wasn't trying to manipulate Callan into liking him. He meant it in honesty, he couldn't imagine having to hear one of his old friends calling him by his retched title.
He made a show of rolling his eyes about the drunk on power, swigging down some more wine just for show on the comment, though still wincing, he managed to quiet his gentle coughs behind a hand this time.
But the request came, and he started leading Callan out to a more private area. His nerves built up, looking anywhere but the guard. He felt the harsh bite in his throat and behind his eyes that stung, and did his best to swallow down that urge. He had cried enough when he lost his parents, and alone at night. He wasn't about to cry because Callan was rightfully mad. He had mentally prepared himself for this conversation already.
When they had stopped, he looked at his feet, listening to Callan's words, already mentally preparing an apology. But Callan's words were already forgiving, kind, gentle. Something Carlo wasn't exactly used to. He felt the welling of tears in his eyes, because yeah, he never thought that Callan would forgive him. Silent tears fell down his face, as he finally looked at Callan.
He opened his mouth, closing it and opening it like a floundering fish, before using the cuff of his suit to wipe angrily at his eyes. He kept looking at Callan, confused, happy, guilty. He barely processed Callan's words, but soon screwed his eyes on the wall past Callan, frown on his lips, voice wobbly, "But why?"
And that opened the floodgate of emotion, he started pacing, "I ratted you out. I got you sent away, I ruined your friendship with Tia for a long time, Callan. You have every right to be pissed about that! I still am! You guys could have been free, been away from the prying eyes, you guys could have been the perfect siblings, the perfect family, and I ruined it out of my own fear!" He took a breath, keeping his voice softer, for fear of being too loud, of drawing attention, "You should hate me!"
He seemed to sober slightly, pulling at his hair as he paced, eyes dimming from his next words, "I mean, Adrestia does. You should to. You don't have to pretend it's fine because it's your job to protect us, Callan."
He looked dead on to Callan then, making sure the weight of the words would hit. That princely energy was back, already trying to screw some of those emotions back into place.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 29, 2021 17:26:43 GMT -5
Callan watched Carlo’s reaction, from the silent tears to the emotional outburst. He just clasped his hands behind his back and let the prince get the sudden torrent of emotions out. The emotion Carlo must have been holding all these years about this situation, all of the guilt. It hurt.
And he felt bad that he hadn’t eased the prince’s fears earlier.
“Carlo, you’re not a fool,” Callan said after a moment “We both know that if the princess and I had run away back then it would have been a disaster. I was eighteen, she was thirteen. I couldn’t have kept her safe, fed, warm, protected. I had no idea what I was doing. I could have been accused of kidnapping her, or worse, and who knows what they would have done to me then.”
He knew that now. The king had not been a bad man, but he cared about his daughter, of course. And they would expect anyone who committed the treasonous act of stealing away the princess to be made an example of, especially if it was one of the Verndari who were sworn to protect the crown. And who would have believed him if he’d claimed the princess had come of her own choice? Callan had been an adult, she barely a teenager. He would have been endangering her.
The guard swallowed, dropping his gaze for a moment. He remembered his father’s words to him when they’d been caught in their escape attempt.
”You serve that throne! Not your childish whims, nor the princess’s. This kingdom lives and dies by the protection of its rulers, and that lot falls to our family. You may not like the responsibility, but you have it regardless and it is not so easily shaken.”
He inhaled, lifting his eyes back to meet the prince’s.
“I thought the solution to my problems was running away from my duty.” Callan answered “It wasn’t and I know that now, but I wouldn’t have if I’d gotten away that night. You were just a kid, Carlo, you did what you thought you had to and I could never blame you for that. In the end, it was the best choice.”
It really had worked out for the best. Callan liked his life now; the fear he’d felt at eighteen didn’t feel so great now. And he was pleased to finally be home in the palace he had been raised in, serving his best friend and her family.
When Carlo said that Tia hated him, Callan was quick to respond.
“Does she?” he asked
He paused to, letting the words sink in.
“You spent all these years thinking I blamed you when any ill feeling I felt towards you was dismissed long ago. Do you really know for a fact that your sister hates you? You might be surprised.”
Perhaps it was worth Carlo facing his fears and simply talking to her about it. After all, it was only because Callan had forced the two of them to talk that it was finally out in the open. That Carlo finally knew that Callan didn’t actually blame him.
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 30, 2021 1:25:55 GMT -5
Lilith didn’t know what exactly Elena was calling her in her language - as a princess she’d learned other languages, of course, but evidently not this one. Still, she could gather from context and she didn’t much appreciate it, nor the harshness with which Elena grabbed her arm.
Though at least she knew she’d made her mad, that was a start.
She narrowed her eyes when Elena called her Gertrude, her mouth thinning for just a moment before she smoothed out her expression again. She should’ve known Elena would do something like that. Childish, really, but at least she wasn’t blowing Lilith’s cover. She could be grateful for that.
But she could see the rage in Elena’s eyes in the lights of that passing torch, and that was enough to put a smile back on Lilith’s face. Knowing she’d angered Elena satisfied her immensely.
“Since when have you known me to let you have all the fun?” she murmured back to the woman who was somehow both friend and enemy.
When the lord accepted her and extended his hand, Lilith did a small curtesy before taking it. Careful of all the little details, plus as she did so it gave her a chance to get a better look at the chest behind him. There had to be a good way to get that, an easy way. After all, she wasn’t looking for trouble at this party. They just needed a distraction.
“Thank you, my lord,” she smiled as she took his arm, even looking away when he complimented her as if hiding a blush, but actually quickly scanning the crowd of this party.
The woman knew she had her people scattered about the party, and she could tell from a cursory glance that Elena did too. It wasn’t that Elena had hidden them badly, it’s just that by now many of Elena’s people were familiar to Lilith and she knew how to tell them apart from ordinary citizens.
They could be good for a distraction, Lilith simply had to start things off.
Thank god for the contacts she was wearing.
As she walked with Elena and the lord, pretending to be interested in the conversation by asking the man questions about his castle and other such things that he’d think were impressive to commoners, she took the first moment the lord wasn’t looking at her to make her move.
Her gaze locked on one of the guards at the other side of the party, her eye moving to his sword. Thanks to her telekine magic, she was able to draw the thing about halfway out of its scabbard before letting go. The thing would drop with a clatter and the guard would wonder who’d just tried to steal it. Her next move was one of the servers moving around with a platter of pretentious little party foods to offer people. He wasn’t too far from the guard, so she sent the platter clattering to the ground. With any luck it would look to the guard that someone trying to run away had bumped into the server.
Either way it would hopefully start a commotion of looking for the thief and cleaning up the mess of food, and it provided a perfect opportunity for Lilith and Elena to get their people involved in the distraction. She glanced over to Elena then, hoping she’d take the chance to make her move. They needed both of them working together for this.
The commotion seemed to have certainly caught the lord’s attention, and Lilith capitalised upon it by leaning closer to him as if afraid, looking towards the chaos in which her own people were involved, after a subtle signal she’d given. There was only so long the guard would look for this fake thief, though; she prayed it would be enough.
“What is happening, my lord?” she asked fearfully
Just as planned, once she’d asked he seemed intensely focused on the scene. He seemed shocked, sputtering as if unable to explain what had happened. She could see the anger there, too, that such an unseemly thing was happening to ruin his party.
Good, this was good.
Now there was nothing between the girls and the chest, if they moved quickly. So it was at that point that Lilith carefully released the lord’s arm, taking the opportunity of course to slip one of the bracelets he wore off his wrist, and began to make a move towards the chest.
Ideally she’d want more of the jewels the lord was wearing too, especially that crown, but one thing at a time. The priority was the chest and making sure Elena didn’t get the thing and run off - at the very least they should share, because at this point Lilith knew that if one of them took it the other would not let such a thing go. They’d hunt the other down over whatever was inside that chest whether it was really important or not.
They didn’t have long, anyway. The lord was red faced and looked ready to burst. It was only a matter of time before he started yelling to try and get the whole mess to stop. They could only hope that he and the guards were distracted enough dealing with the issue - especially the angry guard who was thundering that someone had stolen from him - that they’d have a clean getaway.
“Gertrude, really?” she hissed to Elena “Let’s move, there isn’t much time.”
This lord needed bringing down a peg or two and if they wanted to do that they had only a very small window to do so without getting caught. |
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Post by ƤαƖƖαѕ ✧ on Jan 30, 2021 19:18:44 GMT -5
ONE YEAR AGO It was a rare occasion when Alex dropped in on a meeting of the royal council. The young man had no interest in the affairs with which his father busied himself, and the prince was quite comfortable with that. Alexei already had his own princely duties, and he’d already been educated in the running of the kingdom in that brisk manner in which the secondborn, the ‘spare’, was taught.
Alex had no fear of his having to run Oralee. Nothing would ever be allowed to happen to the golden boy Caspian and even if it did, the second brother had no wish to rule the kingdom anyway. He’d seen far too often the dangers a throne brought on the one seated on it. Pretender kings, wars. No, Alex was quite satisfied with having the responsibilities he currently did, what little he was trusted with. Low expectations suited him just fine.
Still, the council was deliberating that day on an issue in which Alex had stake; the state of trade with Levina. Alex knew the ins and outs of the Levinian court after his brief time there when he was a child, and he even remembered important details about their trade customs and needs. Those were the details he chose to remember about Levina, for he had little memory of the less pleasant aspects of the experience. The war.
As he entered the room, a servant at the door announced him.
“His Royal Highness Prince Alexiares of Oralee and Levina.”
The Peacebringer they had once called him as a very young child. But when the war broke out the title seemed a little less appropriate.
As soon as the title was announced, the king’s fiery gaze landed on the servant at the door. The young servant instantly looked afraid, the colour draining from his face, and Alexiares felt a twist of sympathy in his gut for the youth.
“and Levina?” the king repeated dangerously, as if daring the servant to say anything.
The boy remained silent, eyes instantly dropping to the ground. Instead it was Alex who looked to his father, coming to the defence of the servant.
“He meant no harm, Father,” Alex said “must we descend into anger and bloodshed this early into a council meeting? Surely we must give it another five minutes, at least.”
The king narrowed his eyes, and Alexiares winced internally. Probably not the time to make those kind of jokes. There was a long tense moment in which the king seemed ready to spring to action, as if ready to kill everyone in the room right there and then. Eventually, he stood up and swept his eyes over the council members before him.
“Leave us.”
“Sire, there is still much to-“ a councillor tried to protest
“Leave. Us.” the king repeated, his tone clearly indicating that he would not repeat himself again.
Slowly all of the royal council members left the room, the servant who stood at the door taking the opportunity to slip out too. Eventually it was only Alex and his father remaining in the room.
“You are not prince of Levina.” the older man spat after a moment, moving to stand in front of the window and glare out onto the courtyard below.
Alex approached a few steps, standing straight and clasping his hands in front of him.
“Technically, father, I am. My cousin is the queen but I was nonetheless born to a princess of Levina. Forgive me, but was that not the entire point of the marriage between your good self, Your Majesty, and my mother?” Alexei answered
He’d said the wrong thing again, earning a furious glare from his father who whirled around to look at him. The only difference was that this time, the prince had entirely intended to anger his father.
“Let me get two things straight, boy. First: you will speak to me with respect. Second: you will not mention your traitor of a mother in my earshot again, do you understand?”
Alexiares said nothing, refusing to give his father the satisfaction of either his fear or a nod. It didn’t matter anyway, because the king took his son’s silence as agreement nonetheless, as Alex knew he would.
“You are not prince of Levina because you are not of Levina. You are of House Kinnaird, not de Levine. And I forbid you to count yourself among our enemies - do not believe that just because we are at peace they are not our enemies - again.” Alex’s father continued
Alex unclasped his hands then, and was equally unable to keep his mouth closed as he unleashed an emotional outburst at the king.
“Do you have any idea what it feels like to be a child and be taken from your home? To be held prisoner and told you should be glad? Treated kindly but knowing you are under constant threat? Used as a bargaining chip?” he began, voice growing louder and shriller with each question “and then when you return home to be treated as less than garbage because of your birth? Because you failed the task that had always been laid on your shoulders for no other reason than your being born to prevent a war others were determined to start?”
After his shouting, Alex fell silent, panting as he looked to his father, waiting for any answer at all. Just hoping for the king to say anything; his silence, after all, terrified Alexiares more than his words.
“Your mother is the one who sent you away. I had no part in her treachery.” the king insisted
Alex had a simple answer for that one, piercing his father with his gaze. He could feel the cold anger behind his own eyes. Could feel the rush of electricity beneath his skin that could never seem to surface after so many years of not using his powers.
“And it was the best thing anyone ever did for me.” he answered, lifting his chin
While Alexiares regretted the circumstances of his being kept in Levina, hated the being treated as a political pawn. Of knowing that his life was in danger were his father to lose the war or reject the Levinian terms. But his family there had treated him with kindness. He’d been playmates with the very cousin who now ruled, as if she were his sister and not part of the family keeping him captive.
The king closed the distance between them then, striking Alex so hard that his head turned. The prince instantly raised a hand to his aching cheek, hoping to cover the angry red mark that would likely surface there.
“You are a foolish, ungrateful child. If I didn’t have to keep the secret of your freakish magic from the kingdom I would have rid myself of any responsibility for you long ago. It is already shame enough to have a Factioneer bearing our family name, now this treason you speak. You will never be more than an embarrassment, a spiteful creature that the gods in their wrath inflicted us with.” the king said, his voice oddly calm and even.
Every word felt a hundred times worse than the slap. Like so many daggers being twisted in his chest. It was like hearing every bad thing he’d ever thought about himself spoken right to his face.
The expression on the king’s face twisted into one of disgust, and he nodded sharply towards the door.
“Get out of my sight.”
Already desperate for an excuse to leave, Alex turned on his heel and left, stalking out of the room. |
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