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 Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2017 11:57 pm
 As Inga explained everything to Ken, Ailean had a bowl of porridge and glass of juice made and brought up to Ken's room. He had a servant place the tray with the porridge on Ken's lap, getting Inga to keep it in place. "Enough of that, what's important is that you're awake now. We feared you might not wake up. Your body's been put through so much." He sat back down in his chair, asking Inga to try to help Ken drink some of the juice. On Ken's bed with him was another of the large, fluffy dogs. It was content to lay at his side, with its spine against him. Ailean let the beasts rest up on the bed with Ken to help keep him warm. His wife used to say that the sound of another's heartbeat, especially one belonging to a loved one, was comforting. He didn't have anyone like that for Ken, so he just let the dogs keep him company when the maids were taking care of him. Fur littered his blankets, as well as the floor. Two more of the dogs were in the room, one by Ailean's side and the other laying on the floor next to Ken's bed. "How do you feel? Try to drink and eat if you can."
Unbeknownst to Ken, the Lady Mirabelle had sent several letters, sometimes multiple ones every day. They'd grown in number and the writing became rougher and more difficult to understand. Ailean read them all, but had them burned in order to spare Ken. He also wrote on the boy's behalf, telling the low-ranking noble Mirabelle to cease with her harassment of his son. He'd also contacted the Lady's parents and hoped that they would take care of her. In his opinion, she belonged in an asylum. A few other letters had arrived, from the villagers and also from the royal family. Ailean had opened them to check who they were from, and he was also concerned about what the boy's last owner might say to him. The one from Astrid was formal, benign and very short. Little Princess Ester's letters were more compassionate. Considering them completely harmless, he allowed for them to be placed in their envelopes for Ken to read. One was in a foreign language which he knew pieces of. It was a bit lewd, but not very threatening.
The royal seal couldn't be redone so he'd just resealed the envelopes with simple wax. There were two wicker cases with lids tied with pink ribbon, about the width and height of one's lap. Inside were a variety of jars, with pastes and creams. This case came with instructions written in tidy handwriting on how to use them, their purpose being for the soothing of wounds and sore areas. In the other was a number of strange looking mixtures in more little containers and jars, with instructions on how to consume them. These were from the Princess Astrid. Ailean didn't know about Astrid's deadly hobby, so he believed these gifts to be harmless.
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Joseph's ears perked as he heard the word 'whores' and he turned to watch Bethany's rough handling of the two women. He frowned, annoyed that she'd be so violent with them. They were only women. But he also wasn't about to get between her and her target when she was like this. He picked up a bag of jerky and chewed on one of them as he followed Bethany out. He grinned at the one woman when she made eye contact with him, satisfied with the woman's bashful reaction. Maybe he should make time to make sure that not just his muscles were still functioning, but his junk as well? He followed along, straightening his back as he walked. It felt good to be out of that short building. He was all too pleased with himself to be able to lift her up when she couldn't manage to get over some obstacles in their way. Her sides were warm and fit nicely in the palms of his hands. It was also an excuse to touch her without being attacked.
As he set her down, he noticed the man approaching Bethany. Couldn't he see that she had an escort? He watched the coins drop into Bethany's impressive cleavage. It was distracting, watching the little pieces of metal hit her flesh. Her breasts looked soft, by the way they jiggled slightly in response to the coins dropping on them and also again, for some reason. He wasn't aware of her a** being slapped again. His eyes were glued to her cleavage, completely forgetting about the peasant until she went crazy. He stared wide-eyed as she tossed some guy over into a snow bank and began stomping on the guy's crotch. He winced, seeing the blood seeping through the material of the guy's pants. He had to look away, moving one of his own legs slightly as if to protect his family jewels. He also bent his back, ready to keep her away from his crotch since she seemed to be in the mood for mutilating gentiles. He raised a brow as the man promised payback.
He followed after Bethany, grumbling to himself about how disgusting the lesser-borns were. He had to lean forward in order to fit, as he had with all of the other stores. He walked up to her, ignoring the candles and lanterns which lined the shelves. "The hell was that about? Have you finally lost your mind, woman?" He asked, being genuinely ignorant of why she'd gone crazy. All he could remember was the sight of her breasts. He'd forgotten why he'd even looked at them in the first place.
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The morning after their shopping excursion, a letter arrived addressed to The Enchanting Flower, Princess Victoria. It was in a rosey-hued envelope, lightly scented with a man's cologne. Right now it was in fashion, in his country at least, to add a little of one's fragrance to a letter to make it feel more personal. A large bouquet of forget-me-nots, yellow tulips, colorful primroses and white angelicas arrived with it. All were symbolically used to represent love, one way or another. Forget-me-nots for true love. Yellow tulips for hopeless love. Primroses represented young love and angelicas, inspiration.
Dearest Victoria,
I write to you now though my hand still trembles from holding yours. Your beauty lingers within my soul. Forgive me, my radiant princess, for I can not keep myself from thinking of you. I remember well your vivacious eyes, the scent of your perfume. The memory of your skin haunts my lips and makes my soul feel restless with the desire to kiss your hand again. It pains me to say this, for I fear that you may not feel the same. But in me you will find a man who is compelled by love. I must dare to say that the moment I saw you, I felt cupid's arrow strike true to my heart. I know now what it feels like to fall in love at first sight. Oh, the words of the poets are true, dear Victoria! I send you these flowers and pray that you will accept though they can not compare to your beauty.
I must also confess that I've acquired a copy of the book you mentioned, as well as a bottle of the perfume you were wearing at the time. I will think of you as I read it, my angel. I will be lodging in the city for the rest of the week as I have some business to attend to. Beautiful Victoria, I will pray that fate brings us together again before I leave.
De tout mon Coeur, Armand Desmarais
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Hector guffawed at the mention of Ken's name, but stayed quiet after that to let his sister finish speaking. He nodded as she asked him if he could really find her a man who would take care of her. Then frowned as she suggested that he may not be able to keep his wife happy. He didn't know if he could, he hadn't really thought about it. He'd been told that his wife would make him happy, since he was a Prince and she was of lesser birth. It should be the same way for Victoria, although as a princess she didn't have as much power as he did. He was about to debate her on this and a few other points when she hurried off for dinner. He huffed and shoved his hands in his pockets. He went to dinner after changing clothes, eating and spending the next few days thinking up a good response for Victoria.
He was a little annoyed when his twin sister tried to get him to write something encouraging for Ken. But ultimately he did. He wrote to him to tell him to go and have a good life somewhere and to stay away from his sisters. He was aware of Ester going to all of their siblings to ask them to write, even to their Uncle. She only stayed away from their parents and he could see why. They weren't fond of slaves, generally speaking. It didn't matter that Ken was free now. It was smarter to avoid them when it came to such a matter.
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Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 11:56 am
Ken nodded, getting helped to sit up and looking to the big fluff of a dog before petting him gently. He hadn't seen a dog cuddle up to him like so ever, last time he saw a dog, it chased him around because Astrid wanted to test how fast he was when it came to serving her. God, he remembered the two other slaves, much younger and one barely survived the first day before being killed. He continued to pet the dog before looking to the porridge, seeing it wasn't hot but cooled down enough to make it easy to eat. "I feel a bit better, rested at least." He ate slowly, the spoon shaking until Inga helped him to hold it and drink the juice as well. He looked to the two baskets against the wall, eyeing the mixtures and how pretty it was set up. "It's delicious...thank you." He smiled softly, wondering if he had worried poor Yitta, she nearly worried herself to death at the inn. "Is Yitta fine?" He asked, continuing to slowly eat the porridge and juice.
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Bethany was inspecting the candles and lanterns, maybe the lanterns? They would be safer in case the idiot recruits forgot about a candle in the room. "None of your business, since you didn't seem to care to notice how he treated me. I don't appreciate men thinking I'm a whore." She adjusted her dress, using her coat to hide her breasts as much as possible, but the buttons only went so far to help. "Lanterns or candles? Hmmm....lanterns." She chose a easy to use one and brought it up to the counter, asking for ten and some oil for them. The man ignored her and continued fixing a broken lantern, deciding she wasn't worth the time to talk to or even acknowledge her existance. "Hello?!" She went to wave her hand in front of his face when he grabbed her wrist and slapped her with one of the small tools, leaving a small cut on her cheek that bled. "I don't deal with woman, get out before I really hurt you." He gripped her wrist, the counter being in the way of Bethany hitting him back at her height and short limbs.
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Victoria smelled the letter, seeing how familiar the scent was and the color went right to her cheeks as she swiftly opened it and read the contents. She held the flowers and smelled them before setting them in a large vase of water and stopping herself. He was lodging in the city? Only for the week?!
She had to see him before he left! She couldn't very well leave with Hector or Astrid, they disapproved of her romantic sights on the man who she barely knew. Uncle! She rushed off to find the man, panting when she found him at his desk, organizing some papers. "Uncle! Please escort me to the town, I need to find where Armand is staying!" She begged, smiling when he nodded, maybe Armand was one of her suitors? He helped get the veil and hat on her head before taking the carriage into town. They checked several inns, he asked if Armand was staying there and each one said no. Victoria was reluctant, waiting for Erwin until she spotted Armand himself walking down the street and she left the carriage as quietly as possible before hurrying over to him. "Armand!" She stopped beside him, trying to control her labored breathing and the huge smile on her face. "I got the flowers and letter, oh! I just had to see you before you left!" She couldn't help but stare at him,
he was so much different than nobles, they always had their hair back tightly or had pale faces,
he was so much more different!
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Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:37 am
The dog's tail wagged ever so slightly as Ken pet it. The moment he stopped, it lifted its head to look up at him. It nudged at his hand with a grumble until he started to pet it again. Ailean smiled softly at the sight of this and sat back in his chair. He exhaled roughly, clearing his throat for a moment before speaking. "She stayed with you as long as she could. Right now, she's resting. When she wakes up I've no doubts she'll rush over to be by your side again." He didn't want to tell Ken that Yitta had been a bit reckless around him. She'd meant well, and had tried her hardest to stay awake from as long as she could to tend to him. She was already a clumsy girl, to be denying herself sleep merely increased Ken's chances of being the victim of one of her slip-ups. Again. It was a few times that she'd accidentally poked his eyes or had gotten water up his nose when she was cleaning his face. Her fingernails accidentally scratched him, she slipped on seemingly nothing and ended up spilling a large basin full of sweaty water back on to him.
These were among the few accidents she'd caused by pushing herself like that, trying to do right by him. He waited to let Ken finish eating and drinking. "She told me that you were looking at the paintings in the eastern wing of the castle when you fainted. I won't tell you that you aren't to move around as you wish here. But I hope in the future you'll be more mindful of the condition your body is in. Put yourself first, you've a kind soul but you won't be able to do the good things you want to if you don't take care of your own health before that of others." He'd thought about this for a while, when he'd been waiting for Ken to awaken. How he'd bring up the subject of Ken's health without scaring the boy. It wasn't his intention and though he knew he could overpower the boy if he wanted to, he had no interest in forcing Ken to do anything he didn't have the heart to. "Ah, right. The man's here waiting to talk to you about your piano. When you're feeling well enough he'd like to design the thing the way you want it."
He shifted his knees uncomfortably and cleared his throat again. The dog by his side rest its enormous head on his knee and stared up at him, ears pressed against its head. He pat it, mumbling words of apology to the animal. "All right, all right. I'll stop making that noise." He looked back at Ken, sighing as he watched the boy's hands shake. "So, asking didn't work. Clearly a man of your age needs more than books and art stuffs to keep him entertained. What can I do to keep you from overexerting yourself like this again? Shall I hire a minstrel or jester to come and entertain you?"
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Joseph looked her up and down, eyeing the how tightly the thick material of the dress conformed to her figure. He also stared at her exposed cleavage for a few moments, very nearly becoming entranced by the sight of them again. When she covered it up, he looked away. "And what if they treat you like a whore? You clearly don't need me to protect you." He said with a sneer, voice dripping with disdain. Her bosom looked as if it were about to burst, by the look of those buttons. He was tempted to yank her coat open, to release the buttons from their struggle. It was in this moment that he realized how stupid fashion trends could be. Why were small breasts supposed to be the best when it came to a woman's bust size? The more he thought about it, the more he became distracted by it and down the black hole of boobies did he fall. He turned his shoulder to her, crossing his arms over his chest as he waited for her to finish with this merchant.
His eyes caught the other man's aggressive movements and he snapped out of it in order to look at them. His mismatched eyes fixated on the fresh blood that was on her cheek, then the hand that was tightly gripping her delicate little wrist. He straightened, bumping his injured head against the too-low-for-him ceiling, and charged towards them. He grabbed the wrist of the hand that held on to hers and squeezed until the man released it and called out in pain. Then he punched, his broken wrist making a horrible crunching sound as it came into contact with the man's face. He climbed over the counter, lunging to land on top of the man. Then began to pummel him, his lips curling back as he continued his attack. His instincts were telling him to bite, to rip open the man's throat. He should die, choking on his own blood with no hope of saving himself, for the crime of touching that woman.
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The young prince was snapped out of a dreary haze, his gaze shifting from a lovely little statue to the sight of the young maiden standing beside him. His heart leapt into his threat and he felt a thrilling sensation rush up his spine. He bowed immediately, gently picking up one of her hands in order to place a soft kiss upon the back of it. Then he straightened himself and took up her other one to cradle within his. "Victoria, my angel!" His voice gentle and full of awe. He beamed down at her, eyes regarding her with nothing but the purest love which he was capable of offering. "The fates have brought us together again! Oh, beautiful Victoria. I feared you would refuse to see me again. Mon chéri, words can not express how happy I feel to be able to be here with you as we are now." He gazed at her happily, lovingly, until he took notice of how out of breath she was. "Ah, but you are tired? My love, shall we go to rest and be refreshed? Anywhere your heart desires. There is so much I wish to speak to you, I fear there is not enough time to say it all in this lifetime. But, oh beautiful Victoria, I would be honored if you would give me even a moment longer with you to try."
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Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2017 12:14 pm
The dog didn't like for him to stop petting it's long fur, he only stopped when getting another bite or drink, feeling his stomach make happy noises and his dry throat become much easier to deal with. "I was feeling great, but looking at those pictures...I really miss my father, I always thought he was too busy in his artwork to know what I was up to." He sighed, letting Inga take the empty bowl and cup as he scratched right behind the dog's ear. "I could draw something up, and I'm fine Ailean, I just thought I was in better condition than I was, I won't overexert myself again." Not to mention he hated jesters and minstrels, how many times had he been forced to entertain Astrid? Joseph? He felt like it was too hurtful for a person to be forced to do, because he didn't understand that those people were usually paid unlike slaves. He lifted the dog's head up, rubbing it's cheeks before letting the massive dog lay it's head back down. "I'm content with resting in here and just reading or drawing, when I'm better and the piano is finished I can play you something me and princess Ester worked on." He was handed the letters by Inga and decided to open a certain drunk man's letter only to smile. "Egbert says hi, and still thinks I took his manhood. He also says his injuries are healing well and he can now reach the wine storage. Lets hope no one caught wind of him writing or sending a letter, kid will never heal if they do." He sighed, setting it aside to read Hector's and rolled his eyes, moving on to Ester and smiling as the little girl had amazing hand writing for her age and was very intelligent. He read Victoria's and had to pass it on to Ailean to avoid laughing at how her romantic life style was going. "Princess Victoria is a sweet girl, she let me read whenever Astrid went out to shop with Hector." He began to read Erwin's, who also told him of the new little princess and how his wife had recovered from the birthing, how the princess was already enjoying the attention from her elder twin brothers. It was Astrid's letter that he wished to read the most as he opened it, unintentionally laying every letter on the big dog.
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Bethany fell backwards as the man was taken down by Joseph, she landed on her rump and watched as Joseph...defended her? She forced herself up in the tight dress before grabbing Joseph's arm the best she could, bending over the counter and just barely reaching him due to her chest getting in the way. "Joseph! Enough! You've returned the hurt ten fold, now come on!" She looked down at the poor man all bloody, he must have broken bones at this point and they needed to get their stuff before the guards came otherwise Joseph might really get hurt.
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Victoria smiled as he took her hand to kiss it again. "I had to find you! I fear you've stolen my heart as I've stolen yours." She took her fan out to keep herself from sweating and staying beautiful. "There is a small hop that serves tea and food down the road, would you join me? I wish to know more of you." She looked to her uncle who hurried across the street with a smile on his face. "Well well well, you've found a good one princess Victoria, it's nice to see you again Armand, where is your bodyguard? Lose him again?" He joked, knowing the man already as he had been on the list of suitors for Astrid, but never replied to his letters and had decided to not show to the ball either. "I'll leave you two alone, try not to lose her, Armand, princess Astrid would have your head fast." He went back to the carriage, glad to have helped her find the prince of her dreams.
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Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 7:22 am
Ailean scratched his chin as he pondered over Ken's statements, rough fingers feeling the stubble that'd grown in since the morning. He watched Ken spoil the dog, who was all too keen on nudging Ken whenever he stopped his petting. The thing sighed as its face was rubbed, quite happy to be getting all of this attention. "So, you'd like the paintings moved then? The eastern wing was decorated by my late wife, so unfortunately I can't agree to that. I've left everything more or less where she wanted it and it's all I have of her. I think your father painted a portrait of us after we were married.. Hmm..." He nodded as Ken described Egbert's letter. He'd been told about this slave before and thought it strange how well Egbert and Kenneth got along considering their personalities. Egbert sounded like an impulsive, reckless young man and Kenneth was more... Well, like a mother. He chuckled dryly to himself, though he didn't mean it in a bad way.
He took Victoria's letter as it was handed to him, raising a brow at how amused Ken seemed to be by it. He read a few lines, inhaled deeply, then sighed resignedly. "Young women these days." He said gruffly, not approving of how shamelessly open she was about her new love interest. He didn't hear much about her, except that she switched interests often. It wasn't fitting for a young woman of good breeding. "I'm glad she let you exercise your mind, though I have questions about the literature she shared with you." He laughed to himself, knowing that Victoria had something of an obsession with romance novels. He looked up from her letter, to see Ken opening the one from Princess Astrid. The girl's handwriting was orderly, as if she'd written using a ruler to keep equal distance between lines and a straight line of letters as she wrote it out. Just like her, the letters were drawn out in the fanciest and most formal of writing styles he'd ever read. Or tried to read, sometimes the formal stuff was difficult for him to interpret.
All it needed was some monk's drawings of beasts and knights and whatnot to decorate the paper. Perhaps an imp peeking through one of the letters at the ready? It was also as polite as possible, while emphasizing her superiority to the addressee. He wasn't too happy about Ken reading her letter, but was glad that at least he hadn't jumped on the opportunity to read it first. He'd considered burning it, but there were no threats that he could see in it. So, he went back to reading Victoria's letter, quietly letting Ken read Astrid's without interruption.
Astrid, by the grace of God, the venerable Princess, second daughter of King William Inrmis and heir to the crown, to the merciful artist Kenneth Catanach, Margrave of the provinces of Bleakburn and Lhanbryde, her kind greetings. I have heard of your father's successful dealings with the common people and the citizens of our neighboring enemy of Bald and congratulate you. I write to you now after hearing of your plight from the benevolent Princess Ester, fourth daughter of King William Inrmis. I have sent with this letter two parcels of medicines which I have personally chosen just for the use of treating your unfortunately extensive injuries. I pray that you will accept my good will and use the contents wisely.
These tonics, tinctures, potions, scrubs and salves you will find intact and sealed around the brims with a small amount of wax in the shade of lavender, as they were when I prepared them. I ask that in return for a previous request of yours, that you will give one of my own consideration. You are so kind of heart and gentle, that I worry for your health. If one's well-meaning intentions were enough to sustain one's life, then you would be as the angels are. I would have you use these medicines I selected for you, if you require more write to me and you shall have it. Be mindful of your limitations as a mere mortal man and recover your strength.
Astrid Inrmis
He finished reading the letter, then a thought occurred to him. "You interested in her? She's younger and has only just reached child bearing age. She would give you many children if you married her, more importantly I'd finally get the grandchildren I've been waiting to spoil." He said jokingly and waited for Ken's answer, thinking it may not be so bad for him to marry into the royal family if it was to Victoria. She was passionate and treated him nicely, but artists were supposed to be too. So, in his mind that match made sense. Even though he'd read the letter, he hadn't been able to pick up on the hinted at threats or he would've kept Ken from reading it.
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He was pummeling the man relentlessly, though he'd quickly stopped fighting back. He ran his tongue across his unusually sharp teeth, eyes fixated on the man's throat. He could see the little hairs on the peasant's standing up, the sweat now excreting from his filthy pores. Bethany's touching of his arm was enough to snap him out of his bloodlust. Joseph snapped his head in her direction, clenching his jaw as he looked at her. "What?! Why?! He deserves to die for touching you!" He kneed the man's stomach, causing his victim to emit a pained moan, and stood up as best he could to address her. "I won't let anyone touch you like that again! They aren't allowed to!" He grabbed on to her arm and pushed back her sleeve to get a look at her wrist. Had the peasant used enough strength to bruise it? It wasn't right, she was a woman or at least her upper half was. He wanted to kill the man and would, if she wasn't tugging his arm to guide him away.
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"And I of you, mon cheri." He agreed quickly, all too happy to be able to have the chance to spend time alone with her. He knew of the reputation the royal family had and was intimidated by it. He wasn't a cowardly man by any definition, but wasn't eager to face an Inrmis. They and their ancestors before them were brutal conquerors, who would respond to any aggression with what to him was unspeakably horrifying violence. He'd avoided meeting with Astrid, for the reason that he was sure he couldn't love her. She may very well have killed him in order to take control over his country without his opposition. He didn't want to meet any of them, actually. He only wanted to communicate with them on the basis of establishing trade routes and treaties. The only thing keeping Criaswen from invading his little island was the allies he currently held.
But, he was at the mercy of love now. He'd fallen in love with Victoria from afar, the moment he'd laid eyes upon her. He didn't wish to deceive her but wanted also to protect his assets. So he'd used the name of his bodyguard to make an alias for himself. He never expected to be able to spend more time with her, as there would be no reason for a woman like her to be drawn to a peasant. But here they were. The appearance of the royal advisor was a shock, he felt the blood draining from his body at the sight of the man. If he were just a man, it would be no issue. He would be able to face him confidently, but the sheer military might and willingness to commit the most atrocious crimes against humanity kept him quiet. He bowed towards Erwin to show respect and was glad when the other man very quickly decided to leave them alone.
He held out his arm for Victoria to take, beaming down at her lovingly. "I am honored to have your guardian's permission, my beauty. Shall we walk to the hop?" He offered playfully, not really sure what a hop was other than the action. He was able to speak her language very well, but didn't know of any slang terms.
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Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 8:51 pm
Kenneth became shocked at Ailean, shaking his head in fright. "No, I don't want them moved! I loved seeing them there, I will avoid the eastern wing until I think I can handle it." He gripped Astrid's letter, becoming embarrassed that he told Ailean why he might of fainted, it wasn't like himself to tell people what hurt him. He was taught not to cry or show he was hurt, except for now where his injuries couldn't help it. "In Victoria? No, as beautiful as she is, it would be very hard to keep up with her." He inhaled sharply at the grandchildren talk, Ken would have to marry soon before Ailean keeled over. "Well, those baskets are full of stuff that Astrid made to help my wounds...I wonder if she is being dumb over the 'unfortunately extensive injuries'?" He rolled his eyes, setting the letters aside and rubbing both the dog's ears as it was soft. "So, why the desire for grandchildren so badly? Are you about to keel over and not telling me? I'll be sure to help you once I've recovered." He looked away with a sly smirk as the man thought he was serious.
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Bethany got wide eyed as Joseph stood and grabbed her arm, grasping his in return to guide him back over the counter. "He got what he deserved! Not everything should lead to death and your embarrassing me!" She took her arm away, pulling her sleeve down and looking at him. "You never proclaimed me your woman." She turned and walked out of the shop and waited for him outside, crossing her arms under her chest and waiting for him to load the cart.
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Victoria was mesmerized by the man's accent and looks, oh if only she could make him so much more than a mere peasant! She took his arms with hers, gripping it with her hands as well and laughing lightly as he asked to go to the hop. "Hop? Thats the thing a bunny does, we are going to a tea shop!" She walked with him, glad her uncle understood her plight of love and how much of a daze she was in with the man. They sat at the shop and he filled her ears with poems, jokes and the adventures he had been on with finding good trade routes. "Oh you are wonderful to hear, I'm glad you like the book I suggested and your poems must swoon all the ladies!" She fanned herself as the evening was darkening and the air became moist and hot. Erwin had stayed near the whole time, thinking of how he could expose this little prince in the most humiliating way? Then again, if this boy had any ill-intent towards his niece, he would be shunned from the country and invaded quickly. He stepped up behind the prince and held a letter in front of his face. "You seem to be very wise about trades, I could try and earn you some if you would attend to lunch at our castle. I bet the princess would love to introduce you to her father." He smiled, standing tall and proud, vicious like in his younger days. He hadn't gotten under someone's skin in a long time, this felt amazing even though he was more playing with the prince then trying to scare. Victoria seemed very happy at the idea, this is exactly how she would raise his status from peasant! She would be flustered though if he didn't tell her that he was a prince. "Yes! Lunch, tomorrow, oh I need a good dress..."
She stood up, curtsy to him and took his hand to hold and tie a small ribbon from her pocket around his wrist. "The guards will know your my guest!"
She smiled, shuffling off as Erwin motioned for her to return to the carriage as he moved in front of 'armand'. "So...like the city so far. prince?" He smirked and laughing when the man paled again. "You were suppose to send a letter to princess Astrid as a potential suitor, this works too, announce that you are a prince at lunch and I won't send you home in a peasant's coffin eh?" She leaned down to the man's face, awaiting for a nod or the sword at Erwin's side would change color. "Yes? Good, bring tulips, Victoria loves them." He stood back to his full height and turned to join Victoria in a shop; well she barely made it to the carriage before she saw something silky.
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Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:35 pm
"Ah. That's a pity. They have good, strong blood. It would've been good for your children." He said with a shrug of his shoulders, then wearily asked Inga to massage them for him. It was strange to think that Astrid was capable of making medicine, more likely she bought it and had arranged everything a certain way. That's what that must mean. He knew the girl loved jewels, like every true Inrmis woman did. But medicine making would be a very unusual habit for a woman of her status. He eyed Ken in a perturbed manner at the question. "I fully intend to be the first man to live to be ninety in Criaswen." He responded curtly, pausing in order to grunt in reaction to a tight knot the maid had found on him. The smirk on the much younger man's face told him that the boy was having a bit of fun at his expense. Ailean didn't much care for it, mainly because he saw this as a waste of his time. He let Inga work some of the knots out of his neck and shoulders, pondering a polite way to convey his thoughts on the matter to the very delicate Ken.
"I never wanted to remarry, I still don't. Some may think it foolish of me not to, even at my age for this leaves me without an heir. I'd have to select someone to inherit my title and responsibilities, or the crown would. My surviving siblings have no interest in it. If those two hadn't approached me about adopting you, I would still be without an heir. There's more to it as well, though the needs of the people we keep safe must come first.. I never got to hold my daughter. I don't know what it feels like to be a father. I want to be there when your children are born, to hold them and cherish them as children deserve to be loved. I want them to grow up knowing me. It's a somewhat selfish goal of mine. Even so, you're twenty now aren't you? You're at the age where every man needs to think about getting married."
He said all of this with the hope that Ken's parents hadn't picked out a fiancé for him. Even if they had, it wasn't likely that the girl would still want him. She'd doubtless been made aware of his being forced into slavery. It was then that Inga decided to chime in her two cents. Though she was born and raised in Criaswen, she spoke with a foreign-sounding lilt. "But Master, don't you want to have kids? They're such sweet, dear little things y'know. You seem like the kind of man who would just adore them to bits. You need to find a good woman, settle down and start a family. Get your life back on track! But that's just my opinion, y'know. I don't say a word. Not one word." She waved her hand as if she were wiping away the thoughts she'd just expressed, while shrugging her shoulders and looking to the side. Then resumed working on the old man's tight muscles.
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It was bruised. He could see it, even as she tugged her arm out of his hands. He scowled at her, unhappy with the attitude she was taking with him. "If you agree then why did you stop me?! " He watched her leave then, with some difficulty in the cramped space, stomped on the man's chest. He felt the ribs snap beneath his boot before he finally left the store. He was still angry, his blood felt as if it were boiling in his veins. His mis-matched eyes found Bethany, with her back turned to him. Never claimed you, did I?! He thought snidely to himself, then got an idea. He charged towards her, one hand grabbing on to her right thigh and the other the material of her dress.
He lifted her over his head, holding her there. He climbed up on top of a nearby barrel and began to shout at the passerby. "THIS IS MY WOMAN! SHE'S MINE! ALL OF HER! IF ANY OF YOU FILTHY PEASANTS TOUCHES HER AGAIN I'LL DISEMBOWEL YOU WITH MY BARE HANDS!" He sneered at the looks of disbelief on the faces of those around him. He bent his knees, then as he straightened them he pushed up with his hands while simultaneously letting go of her. This sent her up into the air, and when she came back down he caught her in his arms. He grinned down at her, feeling victorious. "There, woman. See that? I've proclaimed it. You're mine now."
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The time he'd spent with her felt like a dream, he barely noticed the passing of time if not for the way the shadows on his beauty changed. He marveled at the way the light reflected off of her shiny, healthy blonde hair. The veil which covered it for the sake of modesty only complimented her beauty. He spoke sweetly to her, confessing his love over and over as he spoke words of poetry. The stories he spoke of were from his past, that of his parents and also from the stories he'd read. She was so alive and so passionate. He wished to take her away with him, and confessed as much to her. He would only do so, if she would go with him.
He disliked the strict nature of Criaswen's culture. It could in some ways seem beautiful, but the consequences for going against the will of the royal family were dire. His home country's culture was very different from this, far more based on the romantic and dream-like fantasies of his ancestors. He wanted to bring her there, to share it with her. How dearly he wanted to know more about her, and for her to want to know more about him as well. It was when a letter appeared before his face that he snapped out of his love-blind haze. He looked over at the other prince curiously, only to go pale again as he realized who it was. He rose to his feet as Victoria departed, bowing to show his respect towards her. "Until we meet again, beautiful Victoria." He placed a hand upon the ribbon she'd tied around his wrist, thinking ot himself that he'd never take it off. As the advisor lingered behind to speak to him, he tried to focus.
He didn't like the intimidation methods the members of the Inrmis royal family were known to use. The way the other prince was treating him showed that he had no respect for Barthomieu or his people. He met the taller man's gaze, no longer flinching now that Victoria was out of hearing distance. "Prince Erwin, I did not intend to show a lack of respect towards Princess Victoria. Fate brought us together. I will speak with my conseil and send my reply, formal." He watched the other man leave, then felt a chill run down his spine yet again. He reached behind his neck to feel the sweat lingering there. He sighed, looking resignedly at Victoria's carriage with his blue, but so pale they were nearly white, eyes. The street was illuminated by the light of the lanterns. It was quite late, he'd been thoughtless to keep her for such a long time. It was lucky that she had a guardian.
Of course, he would always offer to escort her to her home for her own safety. Even if it meant exposing his true identity towards her. He felt such a fool for lying to her. It pained his heart to think of her, thinking of him but using the name of another man. Speaking 'Armand' lovingly, dreaming beautiful dreams while whispering that name. He felt the air close to him grow cold, and he sighed, turning to meet the steely gaze of his bodyguard. "Quand on parle du loup... (Speak of the devil...)" The other man, who was a few inches taller than Barthomieu, stared down at him without blinking. His cold, hazel eyes always looked to be dead. He'd never seen the man smile, not once. He was always a very serious, steadfast character as well. Perhaps that's why he was entrusted to watch Barthomieu, or at least that was in line with what had been told to him. If Armand had been nearby, would he have ever gotten into this sticky situation in the first place?
"Ce qui..? (What..?)" The older man replied, his voice deep and ever tainted with dark undertones. He was like a grim specter, the servants in their castle back home always associated him with death. Why had his name been the first that Barthomieu could think of to use as cover? The youthful prince sighed, smiling awkwardly. "Me ne payer aucun esprit, un ami. J’ai réussi à faire un fou de moi à nouveau. (Pay me no mind, friend. I've managed to make a fool of myself again.)" He started walking towards the inn they were staying at, thinking over the situation. He was sure once he explained it to Armand, the man would start to dryly point out where he'd gone wrong. He knew he'd be forced to spend the night, thinking of ways to apologize to the princess and to avoid being killed or having his country invaded by the ruthless peoples of Criaswen.
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Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 11:55 pm
Ken chuckled, the man living to ninety would be amazing and would give him enough time to convince Astrid he was meant for her and either slowly ask for children or be forced rather quickly since an Irmis needed heirs fast in case of accidents. He couldn't imagine being her husband yet though, wouldn't he be king then, with an army, the thought of assassins and poison constantly?! He focused back on Ailean's reason as to why he was so crazy for grandchildren. "Well I'm your son now right? Your my father, we can do father and son stuff like go on walks or fish. I'll try my best to get you some grandchildren to spoil, okay?" He watched Inga work on the man's shoulders, looking back to the baskets and wondering if he could get Yitta to use some on his back tonight. "I agree Inga, kids are dear little things, and I wonder why I was so lucky to have never been found to still be 'whole' by Astrid, if she had, and taken my balls, I almost doubt Ailean would of wanted me...I'm glad though I'm safe now and have a second chance to be human." He smiled, watching a puppy hop in and over the bed to land on the lazy big dog who didn't seem to care that the little runt was curled up on it wanting to sleep. "Are these your dogs Ailean? You breed them for something?" He asked, sliding the puppy over to his lap and rub it's tiny ears.
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Her spine tingled, was it the cold or- Dammit. Her head shot to him as he lifted her up and stood on a barrel before she paled as he announced that bethany was his woman. "Joseph-!" She panicked as he threw her in the air, being caught and listening to him talk made her have tears at the edge of her eyes. "You!" She struggled out of his arms and patted at her dress to straighten it before looking back up at him. "You just couldn't handle a little embarrassing, you had to embarrass me as much as possible you piece of...you piece of SH*T!" She screamed, turned and lifting her dress up enough to make her way back to the carriage. She was cold and embarrassed and wanted to go back to camp so she could be around gentlemen.
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Erwin was glad the man could stand up for himself when Victoria wasn't around, but if Barthomieu didn't understand he had no choice but to attend lunch or risk invasion as Erwin would inform her of his identity after lunch. He returned to the castle with her and the new dress that would match the new purple shoes she bought yesterday, excusing himself to make his way to the library, asking a guard to fetch Astrid and Hector. When the two arrived, he could barely hold it in. "That Armand fellow is nice, isn't he? Too bad he is really Prince Barthomieu, a fetching young man with trade interests. He is coming to lunch tomorrow, don't tell Victoria. I want to see if the man is willing to hide his real identity by the end of lunch." He watched Hector's shocked face and Astrid's stone cold one. "Victoria has no desire for the throne, if she marries this prince, she will possibly be the queen of his country, thus gaining us their land and trade, including allies most importantly." He gave Astrid and Hector a book on the man's country, to better arm them.
When the next day rolled around, Victoria was frantic to be perfect, her slaves gave her a bath of roses, braided her hair, did her make up only for her to realize she had no matching jewerly. She had the room torn up, then swiftly ran off to Astrid's room. "Sister! I need help! Armand will be here in ten minutes and I can't find a suitable necklace! My earrings also broke, oh is my make up okay?!"
She paced, being grabbed by the older woman to stop and calm down. "I'll give them right back,
oh I knew I should of picked that diamond necklace at the 'hop!" She stopped herself, why couldn't she say shop? Victoria took a deep breath, trying to be calm for when lunch arrived, she had the meals be prepared like those of the island, hoping he would understand she was a much nicer and more gentle Irmis.
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:37 am
Ailean laughed hoarsely at the look of shock on Inga's face, which earned him a slap on the shoulder from her. She was all red in the face, so he told her she could excuse herself for now. She hurried out, apparently eager to be away from such vulgar language. The pup on Ken's lap squeaked as he yawned, then stretched one of his paws out to hold on to Ken's hand. It seemed content to fall asleep like that, if allowed to. "When you're well enough, I'll show you around. And yes, I have someone one the grounds who raises and breeds these dogs. My work keeps me too preoccupied to watch over them. The ones here now are descendants of the wolves that my ancestor's used to keep. They're actually trained to join in battle, too." He explained, happy to go on about the beasts. He wondered if the boy had ever owned a dog before, let alone the packs he would inherit from Ailean.
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"Hey! Where do you think you're going?!" Joseph called after her, confused and irritated at being insulted like that by a woman. He ran, easily leaping over piles of snow and closing the distance between them. He got in her way before she could climb into their wagon. "What's your problem, wench?! You told me to make my claim on you so I did! You're my woman! So act like it!" He demanded, setting his hands on her shoulders. In doing so, he agitated his broken wrist and felt pain shoot up his arm when he used it. He remembered that it'd been splinted at one point, but didn't know how it'd gotten broken. He didn't care about their remaining tasks either at this point. He just wanted her to acknowledge reality.
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His Highness, Prince Barthomieu Van Amee of Caritas had arrived early, with Armand in tow. He'd decided to tell Victoria before the lunch, having given a servant a message for her asking her to meet him in the sitting room he was being kept in. He wanted her to know before he met the rest of her family. He couldn't bear the thought of embarrassing her in front of them and if she couldn't love him after such a lie, he would understand. There was little he could do to convince her that he didn't mean to hurt her, that he loved her. He had no idea who she was when he'd first laid eyes upon her and didn't blame her for the violence of her family. He waited, pacing back and growing more and more anxious by the moment. His bodyguard was as still and cold as a very large, grim-looking ice sculpture.
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This was an unwanted interruption at best. Astrid wished to spend her time focusing on her research, and in responding to the suitors she'd selected. It mattered very little to her who Victoria was currently infatuated with, even after it had been revealed to her that he was in actuality a prince. This new knowledge did not improve her opinion of him at all. She spoke calmly to Victoria. "Breathe. He is beneath you, there is no need to go this far in the first place." She knew that he was a prince of a small country, one which Criaswen could invade on a whim if they chose to. They had a few allies, but how many of them would honor their treaties for a little island like Caritas? She didn't wish to lend any jewelry out, even to Victoria. With the girl's tendencies there was always the possibility that she'd run away with them or lose them somehow.
Still, she did have a few pieces that she was all right with lending out. But only for a short while. She wouldn't let her sister out of her sight for as long as the girl was wearing them. She let Victoria pick out a set from the ones she showed her, helping her to put them on. They were all heavy and sparkled brilliantly in even the tiniest bit of light. She looked to the door as a servant appeared, handing Victoria a small note.
little mintchan ((In-ner-mis is how it's pronounced. o3o Latin for unarmed, I think. I thought a name like that would go well with such a violent family. Ha ha. ))
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 12:07 pm
Ken laughed lightly as Inga became flustered at such talk and excused hersel from the room, he would have to apologize later. "Really? They are so lovable, but they are more battle dogs then pets right?" He watched the pup stretch out and squished it's tiny paw, rubbing it and smiling as he never had a dog before. He didn't want to ask to keep this one, although it was clear he had fallen in love with it already. "They sure do shed a lot." He patted some fur off the bed before going back to holding the pup. He listened to any information Ailean had of these dogs, poking the pup's full belly. He was going to call it Rubert, close to a certain foreign kid he knew from the castle.
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Bethany was at the wagon when Joseph blocked her path and she kicked at his shin when he set his hands on her again. "I didn't ask for you to claim me, I said you hadn't claimed me yet!" She grabbed his broken wrist and got it off her shoulder to inspect, the splint was gone. She sighed and gripped it tightly, seeing if it would hurt him or not. "I'm not your woman, so far you've attempted to rape me, tied me to a bed, wrestled with me then sat on me, has no one told your thick skull that you are disgusting and rude?!" She let his wrist go, crossing her arms as a button let loose and she held it together with one hand. "Lets go back to camp." She demanded.
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Victoria took a breath and nodded, he was just a peasant and father would never approve of a peasant for his daughter's hand. King William only wanted the best to breed with his daughters. "Thank you, Astrid, I won't lose them and will give them back immediately!" She took the small note and read it, Armand wished to meet in his sitting room? "Armand wishes to meet me before lunch, I hope I look alright..." She patted the silky dress, it fit her form beautifully and had a metallic-like shimmer and matched the dazzling jewelry and earrings she wore. She waved goodbye to her sister and shuffled off, a guard attaching once she got close to the room and entered with her. "I came as soon as I got the letter, oh...who is this...statue..?" She looked to the real Armand and wondered if he was a gargoyle or something. It was the first time he would see her without a veil on her hair, since she didn't need one in her home. The guard behind her stood tall and moved himself to the side, eyeballing the prince and keeping one hand on his sword. "I had the chef make meals from your country, and I thought this dress would be as close to your style as possible!" She stepped up to him and smiled, almost wishing for him to speak as she adored the way he sounded.
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Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 10:44 pm
He nodded briefly, watching his son play with the young pup's soft paw pads. "More or less. We haven't seen any action in years, so they've gone soft. Now they just wander the grounds, protecting the people they know. The others animals, too." He watched the puppy sigh in its sleep, twitching its paws as it dreamed of running around. It was by watching the two of them that he got the idea to have Ken take care of the animal. He was always looking for something to do, someone to help. This would be good for him, as long as someone helped him by letting it out to do its business. "You get along pretty well. Why don't you keep him?"
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He winced as she squeezed his broken wrist and snarled at her. "And you tried to kill me! You're out of your mind! If I wanted to rape you, you couldn't stop me! You couldn't stop me from doing anything I wanted to you!" He complained, eyeing the gap the button had been keeping closed. He grabbed hold of her arm and held it over her head to make it more difficult for her to keep her dress closed. "See? You're just a woman!" He blocked a kick with one of his own, intentionally holding back because he didn't want to hurt her. Why, he wasn't sure. She was the worst sort of woman. He should just rape her and be done with it. He'd go somewhere else, to some other country, and wait for his chance to strike Astrid. Or perhaps he'd kill his father first.
That way, being the oldest, he'd be the next in line and then he could have Bethany forced to be his concubine. Or should he just take her with him? He scooped her up into his arms and tossed her up onto the front of the wagon. The back was too full for her to be able to sit down comfortably. Then he got up next to her, and used both hands to rip open the front of her dress. She'd have to hold it together with both of her hands to be able to keep it shut. A cold wind was blowing towards them, too. They could be getting more snow tonight. He drive the wagon down the road, away from the village and the camp. He was heading for the country they were bordering. Just a few miles down the road and they were stopped by a large fallen tree blocking the path. Joseph got out to inspect it, annoyed by the interruption. Ropes dropped down from the trees and thirteen men, armed to the teeth slid down them.
"Give us your valuables! If you value your lives you'll do as I ask!" The bandit's leader noticed Bethany and whistled at her. His eyes traveled freely over her body, as if undressing her. "The woman too! Hurry up, man, or I'll split you in two!" This made the man's fellow bandits laugh. Joseph eyed their enemies, they were surrounded by them. He glanced upwards, noticing a few more in the trees. How had he missed them before? Apparently he was taking too long, as the bandits leader shouted for them to attack.
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Armand felt his breath taken away as he looked at the beautiful young Victoria. She was radiant, almost sparkling in his eyes. Her dark eyes were deep pools of passion that he wished to get lost in, only further flattered by her gorgeous grey-blonde hair. He had to take a moment to compose himself, which he was ashamed of. He was going to do the honorable thing by telling her the truth so how could he dare hesitate? This was for the woman he loved. He frowned, going up to her to take her hands in order to kiss them instead of her face. Two kisses were normal in his homeland, one on each side of the face. Since this was Criaswen, with such a strict culture, he only dared to kiss her hands. He held them firmly, looking down at her lovingly and with a somewhat worried gaze. "My love, there is something else which I must confess. I am not who I say I am. My truth is that I am Barthomieu Van Amee of Caritas. I am the third son of King and Queen. The man with me is my bodyguard, he is Armand."
He knelt down in front of her, still holding on to her hands though she was free to pull them away if she ever felt the need to. The tall, silent grim specter behind him remained in place, watching their exchange. He was glad the man was silent now, having him chime in his two cents at this moment would only make him feel like even more of a child for having deceived her. "In moment of weakness, to protect my people, I lied to hide this from you. It is true that I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. I did not know who you were, it was a secret that I came here. I could not tell you before. I did not think I would ever see you again. The time you have given me is precious... If there is a way to have your forgiveness, please speak it to me. I will do anything you ask, my angel."
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Egbert swayed to and fro, a bottle in one hand and his member in the other. He was fully clothed, even wearing his shoes. His long white locks were pulled back into an orderly braid. He was dressed properly like a servant. The clothing was too stuffy for his taste, but he'd struck up a deal with his master. That hell-hound b***h would let him drink once his chores had been finished. He was more motivated to get work done this way, though he still hated her for it. He'd done them quickly, so he'd already gotten to his payment. He wasn't drunk enough yet. So he'd gotten an advance from the cellar. He was currently making his way to his master's room. He hadn't been summoned, but he'd worked up the courage to confront her again. His body had healed to the point that he could now walk around on his own. He still had open wounds all over so there was only so much he could do.
He'd spent so many nights, wallowing in his sorrow. He hated his new life, surrounded by all of this wealth and opulence. He had no freedom. He was confined to his room when his master didn't call for him. The people here all sucked, too. They were totally two-faced. They'd liked him at first, visiting with treats of all sorts. They wanted to hear stories about the previous slave, what it was like at the ball. He'd told them everything, of course. Well, to be honest he couldn't remember. They'd been very generous in sneaking out a large quantity of honeyed mead for him to drink. So he didn't really know what all he'd said. After a few days, none of them bothered to check in on him. They all ignored him. He entered a room, they would leave the moment they could. The only person who would talk to him was his master, and occasionally he'd hear something from his country's princess.
He didn't want to anymore. It was her and the royal family's fault that he was a slave now. He'd lost his family's business, having been so close to making a surname for himself and his descendants. His wife had been taken, their unborn child would die after drawing its last breath. These people were evil enough. He didn't bring up his family around Astrid, cause he was sure she'd use it against him. He'd used Ken's old pencils to draw on the walls. He'd made something of a calendar to count down the days until his Gertie would give birth, if she were still alive. When he was left alone all he could do was think about what he'd lost. He'd fought and lost. They'd captured him alive, chopped off his testicles and forced him into slavery. He thought he was pretty good looking, so why didn't they want him to be one of those sex slaves? Then at least he could have some hope of not disappointing Gertie, if he could get out of here...
She'd wanted a large family, her parents had made that clear when their families were arranging their marriage. Now they wouldn't have but the one and only for so long. He had no chance of escaping while alive though. He was lucky to have survived for this long. But his heart couldn't take it. He hated this life. So, he'd drunken himself into a stooper and was now on his way to Astrid's study to yell at her. Maybe she'd kill him for it and he could finally end this pitiful existence of his.
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Astrid watched her sister hurry out of the room, sighing as she closed the door. It truly was a waste of her time to be concerned about the girl. She was incapable of thinking seriously and this only further proved it. Victoria would never change. Her priorities would always be romance and other silly thoughts. The Prince's country was too small and insignificant to make a difference. It was as her Uncle explained, if Tory married the lying young prince she'd be living and ruling in Caritas. She would never be a contender for the crown. Still, Astrid didn't like the idea of one of her blood relatives marrying such a weak, flighty man. If her Uncle hadn't threatened to reveal him, doubtless he did, the man wouldn't have told Victoria at all. He was too cowardly, his only positive attribute was his awareness of his own low-standing in life. She adjusted her jewelry, admiring her reflection in the mirror and checking for any imperfections.
Her makeup hid the shadows under her eyes suitably. She looked young and strong, like the immortal beauty she always strived to be. She was nearly ready to depart for the dining hall when her door opened unexpectedly. She turned in that direction, ready to address the intruder when she saw that it was merely her slave. "Egbert. This behavior is inadequate. Go to your room." She watched the drunken kid shiver and look away from her. It was a typical reaction from him, since for a while he had been too fearful of the torture he'd be put through for defying her. She was irritated to see that he wasn't doing as she'd told him to, this time. He'd closed the door behind him and walking towards her. "Cease." She demanded again, folding her hands over her waist and waiting impatiently for him to obey. She found herself quickly losing her patience as he dropped the bottle he'd been carrying.
The mead within spilled all over the floor, earning him a dark look from her. She raised a hand to slap him and this was enough to get the young man to speak."W-wayth! Masstehr." She watched him stumble forwards, her temper stirring as he dared to touch her raised hand. He held it to try to keep her from hitting him with it. She had to struggle to pull it out of his grasp."Ah wan... Ah com' hare tah say... Ah wan mah l'f beck." Astrid's eyebrows arched sharply and her mouth knit itself into a knot. Then her lips parted widely and she looked the drunken idiot up and down incredulously."You! How dare you speak to me in this manner! I shall have you suffer for--!" "WAYTH! Puh-phreese. Ah beg af yew." She saw the boy look at the floor, then to her horror he jumped towards her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and shoved his face against her stomach.
For a moment she was too shocked to speak. Then, very quickly she recovered. She began to hit the top of his head with her fists. She couldn't get much force behind them since he was so close. Her stomach also cushioned the blows somewhat. "Egbert! Cease this immediately or I shall have you sent to the mines!" She was alarmed as he began to sob and shout incoherent things. The vibration of his loud, deep pitched voice against her stomach tickled. She grabbed his neck and tried to pry him off of her. "Release me at once!" She started to look for a weapon of some kind to use against him as she continued to try pushing him away. The boy had a vice-like hold on her though. She thought of pushing her fingers into the wounds on his back.
Then, he pulled his face away just far enough to inhale. "Phreese! Vagyok leborult, mielőtt! Gertie! Mah sin! (Please! I'm prostrated before you! Gertrude! My son!)" He managed to call out before shoving his face into her stomach again. She groaned in disgust, stepping towards the fireplace in order to reach for the fire poker. He then dug his heels in and pressed his cheek against the warm material of her dress. Still sobbing, he continued to plead with her. "Yew! Yew uhr strung! Phreese! Hilp meh! Ah wan mah luf beck! (You! You're strong! Please! Help me! I want my love back!)" Astrid struggled to get him to let go for a few minutes longer. Her dress was now wrinkled, and soon he began to vomit all over. Her dress and floor were now dirtied and she needed to change clothes if she was to attend lunch with the rest of the family.
She started towards her door to call for guards to take Egbert to his room to sober up when he grabbed hold of her dress. His desperate pleas were only broken by pained sobs. She watched him, a slave that had been until now so stubborn and proud that she'd had to barter with him to get him to work. She was going to replace him, as he wasn't worth the expenses in mead, wine and beer. She knew how fond of him her Uncle's wife and children were. She also thought briefly of the offer Ken had made to her, to purchase this useless slave from her. She scoffed, and had the guards come into her room to take him away. She had her maids help her change into something clean. This would make her a bit late, but she couldn't very well show up smelling of bile and covered in that wretched creature's fluids.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 11:48 am
Ken was fascinated with the little pup, watching it's tail wag and how it twitched while dreaming. It was so soft too! "Can I? I'll call him Rubert! His white fur reminds me of Egbert, I just hope he doesn't have the same personality." He rubbed the pup's little nose, how cold and wet it was as he pulled it close to hug. It would be nice to train the pup as his own, maybe to do tricks or to protect him?
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Bethany tried to retaliate, getting picked up and tossed on the front of the wagon. "We are going back to camp!" She demanded as he climbed up, screaming as he ripped open the front of her dress as she quickly held the material closed to not become cold. "Stop this childish behavior!" She knew he was trying to leave the country, what was he hoping to accomplish by going to the border of an enemy country? He couldn't conquer it by himself that is for sure. When he stopped and got off to inspect the fallen tree, she could almost guess what it was, having lived in the area for so long. When the bandit's appeared and demanded valuables-and her, she moved to go for the weapons in the back. She felt her dress grabbed and kicked at the bandit with her heel. "Touch me and I'll kill you! Joseph!" She called, being pinned down by another as they all seemed to stop and look at him, Joseph? Prince Joseph? He'd make a good ransom target much more valuable than the cart of weapons and food.
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Victoria seemed to brighten as he looked astonished at her good looks, why wouldn't he? She was considered just as dazzling as Astrid! She let him take her hands to kiss and blushed lightly, nearly expecting the romantic man to tell her another poem or something, slowly realizing he wasn't. "Your prince Barthomieu?" She pulled her hands away slowly, wrapping herself in a hug and thinking of what to do. He wasn't a peasant, he was royalty. He wasn't an heir to his country's throne, being the third child...but he really did love her. She unwrapped herself and took Barth's hands tightly with her hand to look him in the eyes. "If you truly love me, do not hide anything else, I love you too Barthomieu, I wish for you to take me away from this strict culture and bring me to your beautiful one. Please convince my father to give you my hand, if you marry me out of love, I will love you too and protect your country." She hoped he wouldn't say no or no longer desire her hand simply because he was afraid.
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Far off in the country side, a nice sized mansion lay, where a woman scrubbed at marble floors with a rag and chains. Why did this vile woman buy her and let her keep her newborn? Was she planning to claim it as that Margrave's? She had no hope of ever seeing her beloved husband again, only the marble floors and men who paid her master to have her for a night's time. That Lady Mirabelle was nothing but crazy, raving how her love was stolen and brainwashed by his father, how she would get the finances to retrieve him by force in a few months. A few months of her being taken nightly by different men. She had to send a letter to this man, but she couldn't speak Crias! She stood as her master called and rushed to be in her sights, afraid of what she would ask this time. Another letter to deliver? The messenger boy had fallen to his death from bandits she said, and she needed this letter delivered immediatly to Kenneth. "Ysh, mas..mashter...?" She bowed as the woman gave her the letter and she rushed off. This was her chance, to escape...but what if this man could help her find her love and protect her from Mirabelle? She stopped down the road, gripping at the thick and rough dress before going down the road towards the margrave. Her back hurt, she still had a month before the baby would be ready and in the day's time that it took for her to reach barefooted, only hitching a ride a few times,
she knocked on the door of the margrave. She was tan yet looked pale, hungry and dehydrated but hoping these people would not send her back and instead pretend she was dead; for the sake of her baby.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 6:31 pm
The puppy squeaked in protest, stretching its little front paws over its head before bringing them down again. It looked at him for a split second, its eyes rolling back into its fluffy little head as it oh so quickly fell asleep. Ailean was watching the two of them when a knock on the door broke the silence. His butler entered, with a shabby looking young woman in tow. The girl looked to be very pregnant, and in poor condition. He accepted the letter that was handed to him and read it. Then looked to the girl. "So, Alex has been killed by bandits. What's your name?" He would have to send some of his soldiers out to deal with the bandits. He wouldn't tolerate a threat to the health of his people. He eyed her, it was obvious that she was a slave and he pitied her for it. He didn't allow slaves in his provinces, so she'd traveled quite a long ways in order to get here. He gestured towards his chair. "Take a seat."
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Joseph whipped his head around as he heard Bethany shout his name. He didn't get why she did and hadn't the time to think about it either. He unsheathed the sword at his belt, fighting the bandits that went after him and cutting them down. He used such force that several of his enemies were now missing limbs. He was fighting his way over to the wagon, where they had her pinned down. They were tying her up, if they had the chance they'd run away with her. His heart raced, rushing blood and adrenaline through his veins. He received blows as well, red staining his clothing as he bled from the new wounds. He parried, slashed and swiped. He fought to keep them away, or to kill them. He just wanted to get to Bethany, since she apparently couldn't fight for herself in this situation. Like all women, keeping herself covered was more important. How could the woman who had managed to outsmart him with her trickery, lost to these crude criminals?
His sword was knocked out of his hands as the leader's came into contact with his broken wrist. The man's mistake was in getting too close to Joseph, for the eighteen year old lunged right for him. He knocked the older man to the ground and started to punch his face. Five others had been felled by his efforts, more came to the rescue of their leader. When shouting at him to get off of their leader didn't work, he was pulled off. But quickly grabbed hold of two of the men's shirts and hoisted them over his shoulders, which sent them flying into some nearby trees. Eight down. He felt a sword slice down his back and rolled forward, jumping to his feet. Blood splattered on the ground behind him as he charged towards the new attackers. He used a dagger from his belt to block another strike from one of their swords and delivered a punch to the man's sternum. He whipped around, grabbing another as the boy tried to help his brothers in crime.
As he did so he caught a glimpse of Bethany, tied up by way of her arms against her waist. Her chest was plainly visible, in the cold. One of the men who'd tied her up had her over his shoulder and he was heading for a rope. He was going to escape with something that belonged to him. He bit down on the throat of the boy he had a hold of and ripped it wide open. He tossed the kid aside, blood now dribbling down his face as well, and ran straight for the one who had a hold of Bethany. He charged, meeting the man's back with his shoulder and knocking all three of them to the ground. He dropped the dagger, instead deciding to brawl with the man as he got to his feet. With only a few of them left, one of them decided to turn tail and flee. The others continued to fight, for the sake of their leader. He punched another one, causing the man to go down like a sack of potatoes. Then stomped on the man's head until brain matter spattered the ground around it. He lunged for another, as the last two went for Bethany. Apparently, in tossing the dagger aside it'd landed near enough to her to be of use.
He pummeled the man he was fighting, overpowering him as easily as all of the others but remaining completely unaware of the new wounds he'd sustained. These men wanted to kill him, after all. For Bethany they had worse plans in mind and that was what was driving him to fight them, instead of to try and manipulate them into letting him pass. Night was growing near, the wolves and other nocturnal hunters would be out soon. He knew this instinctually, having spent so much of his time outdoors. He shoved his hands into the frightened man's mouth and ripped his cheeks open by force. Blood spattered everywhere, the victim horrified at what had been done to him. Joseph head butted the man, blinking as he felt a rush of dizziness immediately afterwards. Then he shoved his fingers through the man's eyeballs, and got up to go and assist Bethany.
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He'd expected rejection, his heart soaring as she instead forgave him. Her conditions he wished he could agree to. He looked up at her from his position kneeling before her, pale cheeks tinged with pink as he admired her from the angle. "Beautiful Victoria, I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you. You have willed it, so shall I see it done. It may take a while to convince our parents, but I promise you I will." He kissed her hands again, righting himself afterwards. He beamed down at her, in a daze of love. "I love you, Victoria. De tout mon cœur. With all my heart." He began to speak of a story from his home country, like them, in the hopes of persuading her of his honor. Before he could get the first sentence out however, they were interrupted. A servant informed them that it was time for lunch. He glanced over at Armand, then held his arm out for Victoria to take. "Let us make bold statement. I wish to tell your parents now."
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 6:59 pm
Kenneth chuckled as the pup squeaked, oh how big would this one get? How fluffy?! He moved the pup beside him and laid the blanket over half it's body to let it sleep in peace. He got wide eyed as the very pregnant girl entered and sat down slowly after handing the letter off. "Gertrude,
Az én uramat küldöttem, de kérlek, ne küldjön vissza! Meg kell védenem a babámat, ő azt állítja, hogy az ő! ( I was sent by my master but please, don't send me back! I must protect my baby, she wishes to pretend it's his! )" She pleaded, holding her hands on her stomach, staring at the ground and taking some water offered to her. Her feet bled from walking, and she was exhausted. Kenneth frowned, looking to Ailean. "She wants to protect her baby, can we at least care for her until she is better? Her master must be Mirabelle and she wants her baby to use against me." He checked on the pup, hoping it wouldn't scare the poor woman.
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Bethany struggled, kicking a heel into one's stomach before they tied her up and hoisted her over their shoulder to take. She screamed, her shoes being taken away and she bite at the man's clothing, hoping to catch skin until she looked up and saw Joseph charge into them. She landed past a tree,her hair a mess and scattered on the snow as she sat up to notice the dagger. She used it to cut her bindings and stood up, caring less of her clothing at the moment as they were hurting Joseph. She ran for the wagon, taking a shield and using it to bash others down, slamming it down on one boy's neck to kill him. "Joseph! I'm getting you back to camp, you just had to go this way!" She stabbed another before going and throwing the dagger into the head of one who tried to escape. She rushed to Joseph, grabbing his arm and pulling him to a horse. "On, now!" She untied the horse from the wagon and hopped on infront of him as she snapped the reigns to turn the horse and escape. She heard the bandits throw curses and try to pick their wounded from dead as she needed to get Joseph back to the town and to a doctor.
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Victoria nearly jumped with excitement, taking his arm and proudly walking to the dining hall with him. "I will convince father of your worth to the family, I will guarantee your country will be protected under princess Victoria. They entered and heard the stifle of her mother holding her drink in. "Father, this is prince Barthomieu of Caritas." She sat in her seat as he held it for her, having him sit next to her.
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Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 7:36 pm
Ailean took one of the folded blankets off of the end of Ken's bed. Then he draped it over the woman's shoulders, and hobbled over to the bell pull by Ken's door. A maid would be here soon enough, so he walked over to the girl. "You're safe here. I'll settle matters with Lady Mirabelle. You'll have use of a room here to rest and recover your strength. I won't force you to return to that life. Just focus on that little bun of yours." He looked at her as he spoke, then to Ken hoping the boy would translate for him. He hobbled over to Ken's bedside, setting him with a stern look. "I'll deal with Lady Mirabelle. Don't you fret either, m'boy." Soon enough a maid was at the door. "Fetch the doctor, and some food." With those orders the girl ran off and Ailean hobbled over to the fire in order to toss the papers into it.
He'd need to write a reply to the woman, stating upfront that if she wished to convince him at all that she was worthy of speaking to his son that she'd let the girl go. When the doctor showed up, he determined that the girl was in no condition to be moved right now. So, Ailean left the room after telling Ken to keep his eyes closed. He waited until the doctor exited, listened to the man's report and then went back inside. "It's okay to look now, Ken." He walked over to the little foreign girl and with a grunt, crouched down ot be more at her level. "You can sit there as long as you like but if you'd prefer a bed, your room's ready now."
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He snarled as a dagger was pushed into his leg, at the same time hearing Bethany call for him. He punched the man who'd done it, certain to leave it in there since he knew it could make him bleed out if he removed it. He was surprised to see how brutal she was, with her shield and daggers. Between punches, he'd look over at her in wonder, his heart skipping a beat as she threw a dagger that impaled one of the fleeing bandits. He stumbled along behind her, slowly growing dizzier and dizzier due to how much blood he'd lost and was still losing. He managed to climb up, though he didn't know why they couldn't just continue on their way. He wrapped one of his arms around her chest, the other behind himself to keep his balance. Her chest must be cold, since he'd been the one to rip her clothing open like that. He was using his arm to try to keep them from getting frost bite. "Damned stupid woman... You're going the wrong way." He said with a curse, annoyed as he realized they really were heading back towards camp. He didn't want to go. So, he started to move as if he were getting ready to jump off of the horse's back. The dagger slipped from its place in his leg. Blood squirted from the injury, forcing him to clasp down on it with both of his hands.
He couldn't reach like this, without wrapping one of his arms around Bethany's waist to avoid falling off. Steadily, his vision grew hazier. He had a difficult time thinking, he just kept his hands down because his gut was telling him something bad would happen if he let go. Before they could reach the camp, he was slumped forward with his chin over her shoulder. His breaths were slower, he'd stopped responding to his environment. He'd lost enough blood that he was damned near close to going completely limp. He just knew that he couldn't let that happen, so he didn't let it happen. It was only after she got off of the horse that he fell off, landing on his side before blacking out completely.
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He walked proudly beside her, his chin held high and his chest broad. As he pushed her chair in he looked to her parents. Her mother obviously disapproved of the way they'd entered, as did her father. He merely offered a polite smile and bowed to them. "I am honored to be guest in your home. Your country is filled with many marvels, particularly your enchanting Princess Victoria. You are a people with strict work ethic. I will not mince my words, I am here to formally declare my intentions towards Princess Victoria. I have with me, offer for her hand in marriage approved by my family. I wish to speak with you regarding the details." He waited for their acknowledgement before taking his seat beside her.
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