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 Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 3:28 am
 Ailean smiled kindly at the young woman as she chose to use part of his eldest brother's name, and in such a respectful way. As the letters arrived for him he became distracted from the conversation, worried about his son. He was relieved to hear that the boy was all right, though he still feared what would happen to him when the time came for him to meet Astrid. He only hoped that the two wouldn't find themselves alone together. If Kenneth's testimony was anything to go by, he feared the boy would come back with multiple new injuries. He was a bit perturbed by the boy's insistence that he continue to take some medicine the princess had made. He wasn't so old or frail to need assistance just yet. But all the same, at least his son had arrived safely. The pup was young, but hopefully the instinct bred into his doggy ancestors would drive him to protect Ken if the boy were to get into trouble.
He looked up, smiling and taking a moment to drink some water. "Kenneth has reached the city. With any luck, he'll have news for you when next he writes." He downed the glass before rising to his feet. He had to stand there a moment, as he always did, to allow the blood flow to regulate itself. His left knee crunched and popped as it was straightened, as always. "Pardon me, ladies. I have other matters that need attending to. Gertrude, if you need anything at all just send word. I won't mind the interruption. Murdag... try not to wear the girl out." That earned him a huff from his sister, who waved away the comment soon after. He hobbled away to go and resume his duties. His sister took the opportunity to scoot closer to Gertrude, eager to share some ladies gossip with her as it'd been so long since she'd spoken with such a young woman.
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Joseph couldn't wipe a stupidly happy grin off of his face. His own complexion was flushed, he was a bit out of breath for a while and his hair was a mess. He pulled it back without a care, since he didn't have a comb on him now anyways. He chuckled every now and then, looking over at Bethany and letting his eyes wander over her body. He pulled on his pants before he finally walked over to her. She had her armor on, so he wasn't able to see any of the little red bite marks he'd left on her skin. Her hair was more tangled than his, it looked pretty terrible. "I'll bring you as many bear hides as you want. I'll kill every last one of them, if you ask me to." He said, slipping behind her in order to hold her again. He knew they had no time for another round.
He'd never felt so invigorated, even if she had been a virgin just a few hours earlier. He didn't understand why, he just didn't want to lose this feeling. He bit down playfully on one of her earlobes, grinning as he held her tightly. He didn't even care how weird it felt to be holding her like this when she was wearing her armor. "I want to do you again when it's over. I'll think of you, not even an army could keep me away." He didn't even feel like an idiot for attempting to sweet talk her. He let go in order to put on the rest of his clothes, then followed her out. The woman he was supposed to bed was in the hallway, along with a few men who all looked to be pretty pissed off. He smirked, walking with his chest broad and his head held high. Or he would, if he could stand up straight in this building. He mounted his horse and rode back alongside Bethany.
Once back at camp, he went to their cabin. He hesitated before opening the crate, and was relieved to see that there wasn't some kind of trap waiting for him. He put on the armor she'd had made for him, surprised that it was the right size considering he'd never been fitted for it. He heard the bell ringing in the distance, alerting the soldiers to get into formation. He slipped his pack over his shoulder with his bow and arrows, his swords and daggers were in their places at his hips. He left the cabin and headed for the lines.
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He beamed, watching his beautiful fiancé's reaction to being in the place. "If you wish it, my love, I will spare no expense to make your heart sing with joy." He noticed the younger Inrmis become fixated on a certain area over his head. "That is where they say he died. A monk who fell to despair." He was going to explain more, but felt Victoria pulling at his arm. He looked to her, long locks of raven hair rolling over his shoulder as he turned his head. Then nodded, understanding what she wanted. He left quietly with her, going down the street until they'd arrived at a large garden. It was well maintained and something of a popular place for tourists to come and visit. It even had its own hedge maze although unlike the one at her family's home, this one was entirely without traps.
He sat her down on a bench near a little pond and praised her beauty and quick wit. "Mon amour, I long for the day when we become a family. To spend every day of the rest of our lives together, seems like a dream to me. It is so far away, but fair and radiant Victoria, I am ever so looking forward to it. Tell me, do you have any where in particular you wish to go today?"
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Egbert stayed facing the wall, trembling with fear and flinching as he heard his friend call out. He should do something to help Ken! The man knew where to find his lost wife and baby, the family he'd lost! Several months had passed, yet he couldn't go more than an hour without thinking about them. He had to see them for himself, to hold them and know that they were safe now. Had she been able to escape safely? He prayed that she'd never suffered, nor been caught and sold as he had. How would he face her after losing and not having the courage to take his own life? A man was supposed to die fighting to protect his home and loved ones. He'd been helpless to stop them when he'd been castrated, too. He could never give her the large family she wanted and he'd lost the business, so he couldn't provide for them either. He sniffled, very nearly overcome with emotion, and gripped on to his pants leg. Gertie... I'll find you, I promise I'll go to you... I'll never let anyone hurt you or our baby ever again. You don't have to forgive me, I swear that I'll keep you safe this time.
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Astrid glared down at him, subtly moving back half a step. She didn't like being so close to him that she was able to smell his cologne, see the little blonde stubble that was growing on his face. It was surprising that he was able to face her like this. Time away from her had made him bold, indeed. She could feel her face burning and hoped that moving away from him had been enough to stop her embarrassment from showing. He'd changed. Was he no longer the deviant he had been while under her ownership? His next words quickly shattered the new analysis that she'd been forming of him, in her mind. He really did just wish to use her to get what he wanted. Why had she ever thought that he had been genuine? She slapped him, biting her lower lip as she tried to hold back the rage that was building up. "True enough. You're not a beast, you're a devil. I hate repeating myself but I will now: I will never marry you. I won't allow you to manipulate me. Neither will I ever give you the power of the crown to fuel your misguided aspirations."
She noticed the door behind him opening and a filthy young woman coming in. She was dressed like a maid and stank terribly, much like Egbert did after a drinking binge. She sneered at him, breathing irregular as she felt a little pain twisting like a nail in her heart. "Here's one of them now. You don't waste time, do you?" She pressed the heel of her shoe into the center of his boot. "Withdraw your name. If you don't disappear from my sight, you'll suffer my wrath." She glared at the maid, though the cute puppy was a curious anomaly, she decided to disregard it for now. She turned and walked out of the room, taking long strides as she moved. She spoke Egbert's name and he fell into line behind her, still frightened like the coward he was.
Once the door was closed behind them she looked at him. "I will investigate. If your wife and child are truly at the Margrave's estate, I will make arrangements for them to come live here. I will keep my word." She left to go to another room to calm herself down. She didn't know why he still had such an effect on her, even after being apart for nearly two months. She should've just burned his letters. Why did she waste her time making a present for him? She should've known he would read into the offering too much. Had she not been formal enough when speaking to him? It was true that she only used the most formal, polite and technical language when addressing those she favored. But knew that most found it tedious to read and respond to. Of course, most would be at a disadvantage as they didn't have the education she'd been given. She decided that she would burn everything he'd given her, later on. Perhaps she'd go into the city and watch what ever tournament was happening in the coliseum. She closed the door behind them and locked it. She noticed Egbert flinching at the sound, but didn't care to correct him. She went over to sit down by a window.
There wasn't much time before her sister's performance. She had to calm herself down before she ruined her makeup. She breathed in and out slowly, trying to put aside her various feelings in order to maintain the false persona she always kept up around everyone except her slaves. A little sob escaped her throat and she could feel her eyes beginning to burn, letting her know that she really was on the verge of tears. It was frustrating, and only made her angrier that such a weak, traitorous little man could make her feel this way. She thought she'd been able to move past this. Clearly, she would have to think of another way to get him to leave her alone. Though it pained her to think of it, for she knew that doing it deliberately would hurt him worse, she decided to threaten to torture one of those he cared about the next time he tried to flirt with her. She focused on one of the mountains which backed the castle. The snow, in particular. As she breathed, she pushed away thoughts, questions and worries and thought only of the unchanging power and cruelty of those mountains. They'd already been a physical representation of her dream and she'd held herself to that strong, unbending standard.
She remained here, until the bell rang indicating that it was time for the little concert to begin. She rose to her feet and, with Egbert in tow, walked to the great hall. She instructed her slave to stand against the wall with the other servants and to be silent. Her little sister was already seated at her piano. The King, Queen, advisor and his wife were all here as well. She exchanged greetings with her suitors and sat next to her family on one of the luxuriously cushioned chairs.
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Yitta stiffened, terrified as the man made his advancements. She couldn't speak, her breath caught in her throat. Her lower lip quivered and her mouth hung open, the words were just on the tip of her tongue but she was too frightened. She could see it in his eyes, he wasn't going to accept it if she rejected him. Would it be easier to just let him...? She couldn't, she wasn't a slave anymore. She didn't have to let bad men use her anymore. That's what her master had told her. She looked around in the hope that her master would show up now as he did the last time she was in trouble like this. Seeing no way to escape, she tried to wish herself into the wall behind her. But then, when the puppy began to attack him, he let go of her. She breathed in and stumbled, nearly fainting as she was pulled in the direction the puppy wanted her to go in. She scooped Rubert up into her arms and ran as quickly as she could.
Her legs felt like lead, her limbs were numb. She willed herself to keep going and felt that was the only way she was able to move forward. She was sweating, her heart was pounding loudly in her chest. Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she tried to run faster and faster to get away from that man. She was stopped as the little pup barked, looking to the way she had been going, then to another hallway which she recognized now as being the correct way. She hurried down that way, listening to the barks of the puppy as he helped her to remember the way back to where her master was. She stopped outside of the door, still holding on to the fluffy little dog tightly. She looked behind herself, all in a panic even though she couldn't see that man anywhere. She still was too frightened to stay outside, so she opened the door and shut it tightly behind herself. Then hurried over to stand behind Ken.
She glanced back over her shoulder, then looked forward. Then back and forth again, nervous about being followed. She'd forgotten that her clothes and face were dirty, and she smelled from having fallen into the puppy's waste earlier. The pup's tail was wagging against her stomach, he happily sniffed towards and tried to reach his master with his huge fluffy paws. His paws were a bit dirty from being out in the snow and mud. A little of it was on his face too from him sniffing around outside.
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Hector frowned, the edges of his mouth pulling all the way down until he somewhat resembled a bulldog. He turned away from the sight of the lovey-dovey couple. Victoria was so foolish in his eyes. How could she just chase a man because she loved him? It was more important to have a secure future, especially since she was a woman of good breeding. If she were a peasant, she'd be able to waste her time like this even though he knew that the peasantry in general had arranged marriages too. But at least she'd have something to work, some way of supporting herself. He didn't know if he could support her if this guy mistreated her. Even though their armies could easily crush these people to dust, he didn't want to leave her vulnerable to even being so much as scratched by the man accidentally.
He noticed some movement at the edges of his vision and looked up. His eyes widened slightly as he thought he saw someone looking down at them. But they disappeared. Had it been an illusion? He was so focused on this spot that he didn't notice the disappearance of the other two until some time had passed by. He looked around, not seeing them anywhere. He looked up the stairs and even asked the woman playing the organ if she'd seen them. The woman couldn't understand what he was saying and he didn't know enough of the language to describe it. So, he left and looked around the outside of the building. Maybe they'd snuck away to be alone together? But when he didn't find them outside, he began to fear the worst. "Tory? Where'd you go?" He called out, cupping his hands around his mouth as he tried to be as loud as he could. He didn't hear an answer, so he decided to look around.
What if she'd been lured away when he hadn't been looking? He was here to keep her safe and make sure her fiancé didn't hurt her. How could he be foolish enough to get distracted like this?! He ran around the city, easily losing his way and over time his breath as well from how frequently he shouted her name. He sighed, resignedly, and leaned against a wall of a shop. He had money, his sword and dagger at his hip. The language barrier was the biggest problem for him right now. He couldn't describe what his sister looked like. He had no choice but to return to the prince's palace and have Criaswen's guards sent out to find her. It was dark before he'd managed to nearly make it to the palace gates. He could see the tops of them, illuminated by torches, when he felt someone grab him by the back of his neck. He managed to grab hold of his sword before a bag was forced over his head and he was dragged away.
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Ester beamed up at her father, laughing as she was lifted up. She always loved it when her parents had the time to give her attention like this. She nodded as he stated how big she'd gotten. She pat her heart proudly, as she always did whenever she was trying to say that she was a proud Inrmis girl. "I'm okay.. I think you'll like.. what we're going to play.." She gave him another hug and kissed his cheek before he set her down. Then walked over to her piano, putting the papers and charcoal pencil she used to communicate away inside the bench. She put the music sheets up on her piano, then made sure his were arranged correctly too. Then as the bell was sounded, she took her seat and waited for her partner to show up.
little mintchan ((Sorry for the multiple quotes! Kept noticing mistakes. @_@ ))
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:21 pm
Gertrude seemed to brighten when he spoke of Kenneth. "Oh thats great! I can only hope, please let me know the minute he writes again!" She smiled, looking to Murdag as she scooted closer, trying to listen to the gossip but it wasn't something she was use to nor could she understand most of the language yet. She instead tried to talk of her homeland and how shocked Murdag was when she said women were equal to the men, could own land, could fight and divorce if displeased by their husbands.
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Bethany was trying to detangle her hair, even when she had told him to not tangle her hair, he still managed to get it in such a mess. "Maybe after the march if your still riled up and in need, but don't you dare go for some whore again." She finally managed to get her hair in a better state before following him out and climbing on her horse to trot beside him. She left him to do other things, rejoining him at the line on her horse as she would trot beside the commander while the rest marched on foot. The march was scheduled through enemy territory, their goal a farm that had been reported to spy on them. They took it over easily enough but just as things seemed to be going good, a horn was heard and shouting from the hills. The commander yelled, "We are under attack!" before rushing to get everyone up and weapons in their hands again. Bethany got off her horse and took up her sword and shield with some very young soldiers.
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Victoria was happy to ditch Hector for awhile, letting Barth touch her waist to show the locals their prince had a love interest, sitting with him to talk. "Be patient my love, let us enjoy a few hours without my brother's strict eyes on us." She took his hand and stood up, lifting her dress slightly to ran with him the best she could, exploring the docks and local stores before buying a book for Hector on local hauntings. "We should return to the cathedral, I'm sure he is worried about me." She held the book close to her chest, walking with him only to see the cathedral empty except a few beggers who said the prince had run off yelling her name. "Of course he would...must of returned to the castle to send a guard for me..." She tried to not sound worried but her long and fast strides ahead of him with the book clenched to her chest and her dress barely following her movements. She stopped just down the road and spotted the glistening sword on the ground before going wide eyed. "Hector...that couldn't be..." She ran over, dropping the book beside her as she picked up the sword and turned to her beloved. "S-Someone took him, he never goes anywhere without this! We have to find him!" She took heavy breaths, panicking because Hector was very important to her since she believed Joseph didn't wish to write to her letters.
She rushed in circles, looking down the four connecting streets in hopes of seeing him, but they were empty this late and she grew more panicky as she looked. "What are they doing to him..? Will they ask for ransom?! Kill him?! Oh I can't lose another sibling!" She ran up to Barth and hugged him tightly, shaking in fear of what hector's kidnappers planned.
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Kenneth was shocked as his head turned from the slap, holding a hand to his cheek before looking back to her as Yitta entered. "Your misunderstanding me! I just...Astrid please!" he sighed as she left, those long legs could carry her across the nation if she wished to be far from something. He turned his attention back to Yitta and rubbed the back of his neck. "You know it's one thing for Rubert to play in mud, but you...? Nevermind, let's get you cleaned up and Rubert." He had her set Rubert down and walked with them to the guest room he was to stay in, in Ester's wing of the castle. Thank god they brought some spare clothes as her dress was ruined and he needed to write an apology to the princess. He wrote it while Yitta bathed,folded it and sealed it in a envelope before looking towards the bathroom. "I'll be right back Yitta! Rubert, stay." He left and made his way to Astrid's room, knowing she would of left already for the concert and that her door was locked. He slipped it under the door before returning to Yitta and fixing himself up. "Now since your not a slave, you won't have to stand at the wall, but you still need to be quiet and pretend not to be there, and I'm sorry Rubert, you have to stay in here, the queen hates live animals in her house." He gave the dog some treats before leaving with Yitta and going to ball room where they were hosting the concert. He sat on the other piano behind her, their backs facing each other but he turned to smile at her. "Don't be nervous, you will do great." he whispered, turning back as the curtains raised and he began to play first. The song they played lasted two hours before it was over and he stood with the princess to bow to the crowd of nobles and royalty, the curtains dropping to shield them. He turned and looked at her written note, sighing and nodding. "I'm afraid I'm leaving in the morning, would you like to come play with Rubert? He loves children." he smiled, motioning Yitta to follow as they left to rejoin the whining pup in his room. He spotted Mirabelle and cursed as she approached them before they left the hall. "Lady Mirabelle, I'm sure you were not invited and were told to stay far from me." He turned to ignore her, Ester getting in between and taking his arm to hold. She wrote something down, but he couldn't see what it said, only that she handed it to a guard to promptly grabbed Mirabelle and tossed her outside the castle walls in a mud puddle.
Letter to Astrid:
'Princess Astrid,
I am sorry, I do not wish to control you or use you, I just know you well enough to confuse myself.
You are beautiful and strong, my foot still hurts as I write this, but if you feel I have embarrassed you, then I will leave you alone, but all I wish is to reunite Egbert with his wife and child, but I know you well enough that if they lived with you, then they would still be in danger. I would owe you if you were to release Egbert to my custody, whatever you wish to help this man find his family again.I will be leaving in the morning, I've a long trip and Ailean has asked I stop by several farmers for planting seeds and inform any unemployed peasants that the mine has open positions. Maybe I'm not meant to be your king, I fantasied about you and drew your body without permission, I regret it.
Maybe I fantasied that the kiss we shared was meant to be as well, if so I will try to not further embarrass you.'
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:46 pm
Murdag was all too happy to go on about one of her friends after Gertrude made that statement. "And her lecherous husband just died! Like that! She got the land, but so few will do business with a woman in Criaswen. Can you believe it?! She couldn't afford to keep it without doing any business and here, no one can get married again. It's strictly the one marriage, so she had to go and live with one of her husband's relatives." She raised both hands and lowered them dramatically. "Oh, I have so many stories to tell. She writes me all the time, telling me its miserable and how she misses him even though he was a brute." She went on and on, all about this poor woman's life, until it was nearly time for dinner. She heard the coo-coo going off and gasped in surprise. "Oh, my dear! It's this late already? Oh, you must be so tired. Why don't you go and refresh yourself before dinner, hm? Have a nice glass of juice, that'll get your energy up."
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This had felt like a complete waste of his time. Why bring so many just to attack a farm? He was sitting on a stump, wiping some blood from his sword when he heard the alarm being raised. He got to his feet, grinning ear to ear with excitement and looking for where the enemy was coming from. The east. He charged towards them, sword drawn, and clashed with one just as they were about to deal a killing blow to one of the other soldiers. He pushed them back, then struck down to slice the man's throat. He fought for as long as the onslaught happened, not very easily made to be out of breath. Constantly fighting a large number of people every day had helped to make him more guarded as well. A few hits were dealt to him, clinging off of his armor. He never took the time to count the number of men he'd killed, instead focused on killing as many as he could. By the time it was over and done with, he'd left nearly forty bodies in his wake and was still looking for more. He'd lived up to his reputation as a monster, but wasn't done yet. This part of the battle was secured by some of the remaining soldiers on his side so he left in search of more action.
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The day spent with her was like a dream. He was overjoyed every time she smiled, with every move he'd made successfully. He smiled lightly at the thought of her brother being troubled by their disappearance. "Malheureusement, il est vrai (Sadly, it's true), it may have been too cruel to leave him as we did. When we return, he shall have a guide. I hope he will give us his blessing." When the little prince couldn't be found, however, and his sword was left in such a strange place he grew to be more concerned. Even with his height advantage, he had trouble keeping up with her. He was glad when she stopped her running around and held her tightly. "Armand." He called out to the shadows, aware by the feeling of dread that his bodyguard had been following them discreetly for the entire time. The gloomy man appeared and knelt on one knee, awaiting orders. "Hector de Prince est absent. Il peut avoir été enlevé. Lui, trouver rapidement et l’amener vers le palais. (Prince Hector is missing. He may have been abducted. Find him, quickly, and bring him back to the palace.)"
"Je vais faire comme vous le demandez, si vous restez au Palais. (I will do as you ask, if you remain at the palace.)" Was Armand's response, to which Barth quickly nodded. "Oui, dépêchez-vous. (Yes, hurry.)"
The gloomy man looked up at them, dead hazel eyes becoming alive with the new task. "Oui, mon Seigneur. (Yes, my lord.)" He responded, before rising to his feet. Barth held the sword out for Armand to take and held Victoria close to him, as he saw the man turn it over. "Il a été constaté sur la route de cordonniers, près des docks. (It was found on cobblers road, near the docks. )" The man departed from them, and Barth was quick to begin escorting Victoria back to the palace. "My love, he will find him. He is like bloodhound. I will explain more after we are home." Once she was safely inside the palace with him, he explained that crime was mostly petty in the city. Murders were rare, since the motivation for most to commit crime was money. They did have a problem with pirates, but until now there had been no reports of people having been taken away by them.
A message arrived from Armand nearly an hour later, and Barth translated it for Victoria. "He has found the Prince, in a way. A fisherman saw a young man in good clothes being forced to board ship. Armand has gone out to stop them, before they can leave our waters." He looked at her and placed one of his hands on top of her head. He walked her over to a chair to sit her down. "Your brother will be brought home soon, Mon amour."
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Mirabelle screamed, beating the doors of the castle with her bare hands. She was covered in mud from head to toe, her belongings were soon tossed out at her. "NOOOOO!" She shrieked, only leaving the grounds when forced. "LORD KENNETH! HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME LIKE THIS?!" She screamed at the top of her lungs like a lunatic, promising violence and cursing the names of his father, the royal family and those forcing her away. She began to throw things at the castle gates and for this, she was captured and thrown into jail for the night. She rocked back and forth in her shared cell, picking at the material of her dress as she muttered endless curses and plotted her revenge.
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During the performance, she'd kept her gaze strictly upon her sister and pretended that the other player didn't exist. She was about to compliment the girl, when it was revealed that Ester had gone off with Kenneth. Astrid lingered for the after party, staying well into the night to mingle with the three men who were her suitors. She noted the way King Victor's eyes wandered over to the maids, and other women in the room. He even dared to look at the Queen in a distasteful way. She decided then that she couldn't marry a man of loose morals, he was no better than Kenneth but at least this one was more obvious with his intentions. Archduke Mortimer was nearly thirteen years older than her, but a gentleman. He held more power than a prince did and had sent her many silks, fine threads and other luxurious materials for dress making.
The other was a Prince, first born and only a few months older than she was. He was tanned, with brown hair and striking grey eyes. An ambitious young man, who claimed to want to help her rule and to help her produce a large number of heirs. He was from a new continent, across the ocean. Technology had only just enabled the nations of her own to travel across such a great distance. His family were eager to become allied with Criaswen, and sent her very interesting items from their continent including scientific studies and works of art, made by the natives. When it was time for the women to retire, she left. She could have stayed behind, but needed time to be alone. With Egbert in tow, she returned to her room. The envelope was noticed the instant she opened her door and she had Egbert pick it up for her. After he'd opened it, she had him hold it out for her to read.
"Liar." She frowned as she realized it was from her least favorite person in this world. She wished she had killed him, before her Uncle could've made up such a ridiculous plan. Why had she offered him freedom? Why not force him to leave her alone? She'd hardly expected him to want to have a relationship with her after becoming a free man, least of all for him to make such an effort to propose to her. She had the letter burned after she'd finished reading it. Then, looked to Egbert. That man wouldn't stop, once he wanted to help someone. She brought Egbert to her study and wrote a letter of her own.
You may borrow him, for a month. Withdraw your name from consideration. Marry one of your girlfriends and do not bother me again. Be grateful for the freedom I have given you.
It was a threat meant to keep him from hovering around her anymore. She didn't want to see him again, every time she laid eyes upon him she was reminded of her own foolishness. How, even after being apart for stretches of time, her heart would pound and she'd feel that strange warm sensation again. She hated that she was still in love with him, that she was troubled by having to become a family with someone she didn't care about at all. He rarely ever amused her, but a part of her wondered if she could be as happy and foolish as her other sisters. It wasn't the crown, she'd dreamed of ruling for most of her life by now. She hated him more than herself, for not being able to respect her wishes. Even her own blood supported him! Father, Victoria, Ester and Uncle Erwin. She didn't want to know how he'd won them over. She wouldn't let useless feelings get in her way.
It was plain to her now that she'd beaten him so many times that he must have lost his wits. She would have to write to his father. Perhaps he would be better off living the rest of his days in an asylum if he wouldn't leave her alone. And how dare he mention that kiss! She was humiliated just to remember it. How could she have allowed herself to kiss and hold that man! Even the promise of violence couldn't keep him away. If only she hadn't done that, or let him know of her feelings! Red in the face, she turned to Egbert. She handed him the sealed letter. "Take this to Kenneth. You will leave with him for the morning. See for yourself if your family is--" She was cut off as her slave did the unthinkable and hugged her. "Cease this at once! Egbert!" "Áldja meg a fagyos szíved, ostoba kurva! (Bless your frigid heart, you daft b***h!) T'aank yew!" She was alarmed as he proceeded to grab the back of her head and kiss her right on the lips, then run off presumably on his way to where Ken was staying.
She was stunned for a moment, before clenching her fists and going completely red in the face. "Egbert!" She shouted, regretting it soon after as a guard knocked on her door, asking her if she needed assistance. She dismissed his concern and went from her study back into her bedroom. She sat down by the window, trying to compose herself. She wanted to kill Egbert for what he'd done, but knew that it would be going against her word to help him. She was furious though, to have her lips stolen from her yet again and this time by a slave. Would he become obsessed with her as well now? She massaged her temples as the mere thought of Egbert pursuing her like that gave her a tremendous headache and made her stomach turn.
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Egbert ran gleefully down the halls, gripping the letter so tightly that it wrinkled in his hold. He ignored the orders of the servants to stop running, and only stopped once to ask where it was he was going. He knocked on the door, then threw it open to see the creepy little princess playing with a cute dog. He ran up to Ken and threw his arms around the other man. He kissed him full on the lips, laughing as he pulled away. "Te őrült gazember! Nem tudom, mit mondott, de te voltál! Megyek veled egy hónap! (You crazy b*****d! I don't know what you said, but you did it! I'm goin' with you for a month!)" He danced around a bit, shuffling his feet awkwardly as he was terrible at dancing. But that didn't keep him from doing it, and with great enthusiasm. He shoved the letter against Ken's chest and then even went and hugged Yitta. He twirled her in the air before dancing with her, much to the girl's confusion. He was still a bit too scared to dance with the little princess, so he just settled on celebrating like this. He also began to sing, humming the tune of the instruments occasionally. He laughed, even as the others were confused, overjoyed in his own way to be going back to see his wife and kid. He hoped the baby was a son, as that's what he wanted but at this point didn't care if it was a cute little girl either!
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Yitta squeaked in surprise as she was spun around and lifted into the air. She was nervous, and frightened to be danced with so roughly but didn't interrupt the dark-skinned man. He seemed to be really happy for some reason, though she couldn't understand the lyrics he was singing. He was also pretty bad at it, going off key and sort of squawking every now and then. She tried to keep smiling, though she wanted to get away and go hide somewhere until he'd calmed down.
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Ester gathered her courage to be able to protect her friend, telling the guards to escort this dangerous woman away. She nodded with a little smile on her face in response to his offer to let her play with his puppy. He'd told her about the little guy in his letters and she was eager to meet his new pet. She'd never been allowed to have one, though she had seen Joseph when he'd been handling his. Without him around, she wondered if she could sneak into the old prison to go and visit them. She pet the puppy's soft fur, giggling noiselessly as it licked at her hands and face. She felt such joy just being able to be near a cute little animal like Rubert. She was sensing something though, for some reason her stomach hurt. She sometimes felt this way when she was scared, or when her twin brother was in trouble. It was rough on her whenever he had to train and she didn't blame him for being scared then either. She pet the dog, trying to stop herself from worrying.
He was probably fine, enjoying some of Caritas' famous cuisine right about now. She looked up as the energetic young slave burst into the room, gasping as she saw him kiss Kenny. As the man danced and sang, she picked up Rubert's paws and clapped with him to the beat. He chewed on her hands and she flinched, but noticed a spot of blood on her hand. She turned him towards her, and noticed that one of his little needle-like teeth was loose. Was he started to lose his baby teeth? She would have to ask if Kenny had anything for the pup to chew on.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 7:57 pm
Gertrude couldn't imagine what kind of stories this women was holding back, or that Crias culture was so strict! She stood and felt how long she had been sitting before bowing to Murdag. "Oh I better go feed my little boy..." She returned to her room and lifted the young boy up before feeding him the natural way, soon giving up as she was unable to produce any milk for him, instead asking a young pregnant maid if she could do it.
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Bethany was glad to see Joseph so happy, following him as he looked about for more soldiers to kill. She stopped on top of the hill beside him before seeing the trap. Barrels full of powder at the base exploded one by one as the hill seemed to go into a slide of dirt and grass. She pulled Joseph by his armor back, forcing him on the right side of the hill but she slipped and rolled down with the dirt and grass. Managing to hit her head and fall unconscious with a few other soldiers that had fallen. The enemy moved in closer, going for prisoners and watching the Crias soldiers stop at the now; cliff. Joseph probably knew what would happen if they took her helmet off and revealed she was a woman.
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Victoria was distraught, being helped back to the palace but pacing before he helped her to a seat and she tried to relax. "Oh you found him?! What if he doesn't get him in time?" She continued to worry, finding her fan to try and keep her cool, but even at night it was humid and hot to her. She had to stay awake also, for his return and to apologize and hug him. She was worrying herself to nearly faint, drinking water that was given for her before trying to relax with Barth's help. When Barth left to retrieve some snacks, she couldn't do it anymore and got up, lifting her dress to rush out of the palace and to the docks to make sure her brother was safe. If anything she was trained with weapons and had a dagger tucked away under her dress for protection, being an Irnmis meant she was to be strong and intimidating and when seeing the large bodyguard attempting to board a ship, she scanned what she could see for any sign of Hector, something. The large man began to fight the pirates, seeing the opportunity to slip by and search the lower slave decks for her brother, caring less of any other slave down there. "Hector!" She called out, worried that he was hurt.
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Kenneth was happy that the princess enjoyed little Rubert. "He is the most innocent dog! A little hyper and Yitta always thinks he likes to cause chaos, but he is behaved to me." He smiled, looking to the door and stepping back as Egbert collided with him and his lips, gasping and landing on his rump in shock. "E-Egbert! Huh? You can come with me for a month? Sweet! We leave in the morning!" He smiled, looking to Ester and Rubert before checking the pup's teeth and poking the loose one. "To think Rubert is only a few months old...." He sighed, letting Egbert dance and Ester play with the pup before it got late and he bowed to Ester as she left for bed. "Egbert, get some sleep, you'll see your family soon." He smiled, lifting Rubert on to the comfy bed as he watched Yitta pulled Egbert to the room she stayed in so Ken could sleep.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:20 pm
He didn't waste a moment. Joseph jumped, sliding down the side of the hill as it was now more like a mudslide. He landed in a crouch, slashing at the braces of the nearest men's feet. The other soldiers behind him soon followed. The fighting resumed, with Joseph standing protectively over Bethany's fallen body. As soon as the path was clear, he sheathed his sword and scooped her up into his arms. He carried her to safety, to have her injuries treated with the others. Then left to go back and join the fight, to keep the ground they'd gained safe. When the battle was won, he returned to sit and wait by her side for her to awaken. A woman so short and delicate as she was, risking her neck to save him. She was told by his father to keep him safe, but really.. He hoped that she'd done it because she liked him. He hadn't been able to make her faint, as he easily could with his other women. If he hadn't known she was a woman, would he have jumped down to protect her as he had? He didn't care that it was incredible for her to have been able to toss him aside like that, even if she got pulled down. He left his own armor on, not caring about the blood all over it. He just waited to see if she'd wake up.
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Barth was alarmed to discover that his fiancé was missing. A servant approached him, telling him that Victoria had left in a hurry. Was she going to return to Criaswen? Had this incident frightened her enough to cause her to leave? He hurried to the docks, just in time to see her slip into the ship, through the chaos. He drew his sword and joined his bodyguard in the fight. This, he knew, made the gloomy man angry. He'd been told to stay put but simply couldn't, knowing what danger his love was facing now. In a manner of minutes, a group of guards showed up and the crew was captured. Barth, Armand close behind him, descended into the ship in search of Victoria. When he found her, he called her name and ran up to her. "Par Dieu! Victoria!" He embraced her tightly before she could say anything in return, only letting go when he felt her pushing away.
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During breakfast, a familiar young woman was brought into the room. Lady Colette Blackadder, and her belly was round though only just by a little bit. Her family was well-known, as the name of Blackadder was old and respectable. But it was also known that they'd fallen on hard times. The gleam had gone from her eyes and she walked in with her head held lowly. She sniffled, blowing her nose on a handkerchief and looked to each face in the room. The men she'd heard were Astrid's suitors which included Ken, the royal family and even the maids and other assorted persons. "I heard the news, that Lord Kenneth is courting you, Your Grace. I-In me, you'll find a woman whose heart has been broken. I can't hold back any longer. I am carrying his child in my womb! It has been growing for nearly two months now! I can not stand by and watch him marry another woman!" She heard a snort and a giggle, immediately setting her eyes upon the dark-skinned and fair-haired man who'd laughed at her.
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Astrid excused herself after the woman's interruption. She didn't wish to be a part of some lover's quarrel, and the woman's baby bump was disturbing. Her first impression had been correct, he knew the woman intimately. She was bothered by how upset she felt, even though she knew what a loose man he was. Besides, she didn't wish to see him look at her for help. There was little she could or would do for him at this point, for he had yet to respect her wishes and forfeit his right to court her. She was more inclined to believe the evidence which had been presented, for he had lied to her one time too many for her to be able to trust him.
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Hector was conscious, but barely able to keep his eyes open. He'd been forced to drink something strange. It made his vision heavy, hell his entire body felt like it was made of stuffing. Yet he could barely move it. He was slack against the floor of the chest he'd been forced inside of, hidden in plain sight in the captain's room. There was little air in there as the lid was shut, the chest locked by a key. His hands and feet were wrapped in chains and cuffed, with weight attached to his feet. He couldn't get away, even if he wasn't drugged to the gills. He could hear the shouting and commotion, though the voices were muffled. His head bobbed as he struggled to stay awake.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:06 pm
Bethany could hear battle and opened her eyes slightly before the pain in her head knocked her out again. Her helmet fell when she was lifted up, her hair uncoiling as she was like a heavy ragdoll in his arms. It took the next day for her to wake up and even then, she couldn't sit up without a massive headache. "Mmm, Joseph?" Her eyes fluttered open to look at him, wondering why he was watching over her before trying to sit up and failing. "M-My head..." She felt his hands push her gently back down but that couldn't have been him, had it? "Mmm...your cold..." She mumbled, referring to his cold armor against her arms since they had to take hers off to treat her.
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Victoria was in a panic again, her face flushed with tears when no cell held her brother and she turned into Barth's arms, grasping him for a second before pushing from his grasp to continue. "He has to be here, I can't lose him! I will rid the seas of pirates if they have hurt my brother!" She started back up the deck, ordering the guards to search and waiting until they brought up a locked chest. "Break the lock, now!" When they were too slow, she grabbed the man's sword and turned it to hit the lock with the hilt until it broke and she nearly flipped it if it hadn't been so heavy. "Hector! Oh dear Lord don't take him..." She had help to lift him out and held his head in her lap while they attempted to get the chains off, but she was still crying as he must of been drugged to have been forced in there.
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Kenneth was nervous when eaing breakfast with the royal family, he became more nervous as Lady Colette was brought in with a bump on her tummy and as she spoke, the juice he drank was spat out and he coughed in shock. "You are insane! You threw yourself at me and ripped my clothes open, if I hadn't shoved you away, you would of really been disappointed." he stood up and walked over to her, whispering to her ear something he hated to do. Lie. "I was once a slave, I am castrated my dear." he stood straight as the color from her face went pale, would it work? God he hoped so.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:39 pm
He did indeed push her back down, pulling the furs which blanketed her back up to her shoulders. "Of course I am, you haven't been around to warm me up." Was all he really could say, though he wanted to make sure she was all right he knew it would be bad to push her. He glanced over to her armor, which was stacked neatly by her bedside. "We were ambushed, but it's over now. Go back to sleep."
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Barthomieu moved with her, determined to stay close just in case there were any stragglers lurking nearby. He watched in amazement as the chest was brought up, surprised by his love's passion to get it open. He'd never seen a body hidden in such a way and at first believed the preteen to be dead. He knelt next to them, feeling the little man's clammy forehead. Armand whispered in their language that the boy looked like he'd been poisoned. "I know your heart bleeds for him, my angel. We must get him back to the palace, to safety. We have doctor there, he needs cure." He slipped his arms underneath Hector's limp body, moving slowly so as not to alarm Victoria. He'd never seen her so disturbed before. He was worried, but also admired her strength and purity in this moment. She had acted, in stead of waiting for news, and she cried such sweet tears for the suffering of a member of her family. So gentle, yet so strong of spirit.
He carried Hector to a carriage, laying him down on one of the cushions and staying crouched in front of him to keep him in place. Then, once at his palace, he had the boy placed in a room which had been prepared for him earlier. The fire was lit to keep the room warm, even despite the humidity. The doctor was there soon and examined the boy for symptoms, administering what he guessed was the appropriate tonic.
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She looked at him, shocked. "B-but then who..?! No, this can't be true. Why are you trying to marry Princess Astrid if you can't even give her children? Prove it to me, I won't believe it until I see proof!" She clutched on to her belly protectively, starting to cry again. "Show me proof, m'lord! If you're lying I want you to do right by me!"
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Hector groggily tried to lift his head, but was unable to fight the effects of the drug for any longer. He passed out with his eyes still open, his breathing uneven. His skin was visibly glossy and slick with sweat. He'd be out for hours, waking but being groggy and unable to walk due to vertigo.
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Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:33 pm
Bethany laid her head back down, feeling the furs on her and grasping them to hold close. "Mmmm, n-no...was anyone killed..." She moved her hand to her hot forehead, the headache causing her to have a fever but the furs were so soft and she already understood she was in a man's pajamies under them. "Were you hurt....." She asked, reaching out and grabbing at his hand to hold, mainly trying to feel for any wounds or if he was lying.
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Victoria held him close, letting go once Barth told her they needed to get him a doctor as she stood and helped get Hector into the carriage and sat inside to watch, worried and quiet. Once the doctor looked him over, she wobbled away exhausted. She stopped and turned to Barth, hugging him and finally crying; glad no other family was near to see this. "T-Thank you..." She whispered, shaking like a leaf but hugging him tightly.
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Kenneth sighed, he needed to think fast to avoid embarrassment. "Joseph. My dear Lady Colette, I found him a top of you in a private room, I managed to get the surprise and knock him out, but I had hoped he hadn't gotten far with your honor." He took her hands, holding them tightly and hoping it was working. "I can not show you for it is my shame to know of, I had wished for Princess Astrid to adopt some orphans if she chose me, but I am one of many of her fine suitors." He sweet talked, looking into her eyes to try and convince her.
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:34 am
His hands were still in his gauntlets so he removed them for her. He guessed she was just going to do what she wanted to, so he didn't want to give her the shivers. There were scars on his hands, from having handled blades. But no new wounds there. His armor had protected him, for the most part, though his sword had taken a beating. It would be better for her to be more concerned about her own well-being now. He'd expected her to, instead of asking him if he was injured. It could be because of her job, but he hoped that it was because she cared about him. It was pretty rare for him to have anyone like that around, especially one that didn't want to use his wealth or status in some way. "No.. I'm fine. A lot of soldiers attacked you, Bethany. I fought them all off to keep you safe." He shifted a little uncomfortably, knowing that she'd be able ot see through his stupid lie. He was only trying to impress her though. "Not all... More than half though.
He grabbed a glass of water off of a nearby crate and started to help her sit up to drink it. "We lost thirty-four men." Was stated before he brought the glass to her lips to help her drink.
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He held her closely, to keep her from falling and was silently supportive as she cried. He stroked her head, letting her wet his clothing with her tears. When she had vented enough emotion to be able to speak to him, he responded. "My love, it is an honor to be able to be here for you now. You have shown me how strong and loyal you can be to those you care for. You are even more exceeding expectations.. It has been long day. Shall I escort you to your quarters?" He offered, gesturing towards a door which connected to the room Hector was recovering in.
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Her lower lip trembled, eyes tearing up again as she looked up at him. They were nearly the same height, though she was a few inches shorter. "W-what? Then... Could it be that I'm carrying a child of royal blood..? But I only remember being with you... I fondled your bare skin... You're not trying to say I was... taken advantage of by another, are you..? If I was as taken with you as you said, then why after getting away from me did you come back?" She looked over to the members of the royal family for some sort of response. She pulled one hand away to protectively move it over her belly.
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The fourteen year old prince smirked, watching the scene play out before him. He was leaning back in his chair, rolling an apple around in his palm. "If only my brother could be here to defend himself. I think it's quite bold to make such an accusation, and in front of his entire family. Joseph was kept to his bedroom, under my father's orders." He tossed the apple over to Kenneth, whether or not the man caught it he didn't care. Then he sat up straight and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "If no one else has any ideas right now, I have a solution. I did hear you speaking to my sister, Astrid. Several people did, actually. The Purity Potion. I happen to have one with me now. If you drink it, you'll prove beyond doubt that you couldn't have fathered that kid." He waved to a servant and told them to go and fetch Astrid, as she'd want to witness this too.
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 1:14 am
color=black] Bethany felt the scars on his hand, tracing them and smothering her face into the pillow. "Oh...? Impressive...." She smiled, groaning as helped her up and looked at the water before drinking it slowly. When she was done, she turned and leaned forward to kiss his lips before laying back down. "Thirty-four....that's good, less then last time." She smiled, falling back asleep and keeping a hand on his.
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Victoria cried and cried until she couldn't anymore and sighed, hoping her make up wasn't ruined but she doubted she didn't look like a mess. "Y-Yes...thank you, my love..." She leaned on him for support, entering her room and turning to touch his cheek. "Please wake me if anything happens okay?" She asked, closing the door after and changing into a more loose dress to sleep in, nearly passing out when her head hit the pillows. If her brother died, she would be forced to delay the wedding and return to Crias for a funeral, but she hoped it wouldn't come to that and he would recover.
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Kenneth frowned, watching her nearly break into tears and he almost felt bad if she hadn't been the one to try to force a pregnancy. "I left to escape you, but I looked back to see him enter your room and it took me several minutes to open the door to rescue you." He lied and looked to prince Arric as he finally spoke and sighed, barely catching the apple and setting it on the table. "A-Ah....yes, perfect idea your highness! I'll drink it if it proves this slander against me is really Joseph's doing." He could feel his heart race, but from all the stuff Astrid had forced him to do, he could do this...right? He waited until Astrid returned to take the potion and open it. He drank it slow, soon realizing he needed to down it to keep holding it down if he was to prove he was still a virgin. He finished and gave the empty bottle back to Arric to prove he drank it all, wondering what the hell it was made out of, couldn't be worse then Mirabelle's love potion.
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 1:51 am
He had to hold back his desire for her as she was feeling his hand, which was difficult. It was something he never tried to do, as there was always a woman nearby to sate his lust with. But she was injured now, and for whatever reason his body just didn't get excited when he thought about bedding a different woman. He didn't want to, either. For once, his mind and body were in agreement about a mate. It looked like she'd finally accepted him, anyway. Her kiss made him have to bite his own lip to keep himself from climbing on top of her. It was only a kiss, but it'd excited him to the point of madness. He looked away from her, holding her dainty hand in his and tried to think of anything else to turn him off. His face was flushed, and if not for the armor it'd be obvious what he'd been thinking. They were in a tent set up to hold multiple wounded, so they weren't alone either. That didn't matter to him though. He stayed with her for hours more, falling asleep upright but never letting go of her hand even if she tried to pull it away as she slept.
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He bowed to her, kissing the back of her hand before she disappeared back into her room. He had a female servant bring water to her room so that she could replenish herself at her leisure. He checked on Hector once more before going to handle the details of the kidnapping with Armand and the guards. It was some time later when he returned, nearly dawn. He checked on Hector, whose condition was stable by now but he still couldn't hold his head up the right way. The poor boy couldn't even walk, due to the vertigo which would continue over the next few days. He would recover, the doctors assured him. But he still didn't wish to leave her brother's side, even as tired as he was. So he sat down in a chair in the same room and took a brief nap. A servant alerted him that it was time for breakfast, so after checking on Hector once more he sent a female servant to check on Victoria. If she were already awake, he instructed the maid to inform her that breakfast was being served now.
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She waited and then waited for even longer, finally bursting into tears when it became obvious that he wasn't going to vomit. His body had accepted the potion, which only virgins could stomach. She weeped openly, covering her face with her hands, and went over to sit down on a chair. After a while, she looked over to the King and Queen. "If what he says is true, I'm carrying Joseph's child... I didn't ask to. Let me marry him, so that neither of us will be a disgrace in the eyes of God."
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Astrid was annoyed to be summoned back to the dining hall. She only followed, as the beckoning had been made by a member of her family. She could only hope that this meant Kenneth was formerly removing himself from being one of her suitors. She'd found the two of them together in the library. It was ridiculous to think that a drunken woman would be able to keep a grown man pinned down. So, clearly, he'd invited her to engage in that inappropriate behavior. She didn't want to look at the face of the woman who was carrying his child, nor the round belly in which the babe was growing. What she was greeted with was completely unexpected. Ester held up a paper, saying that it was a purity potion Ken was holding. Her eyes shifted quickly, watching him make eye contact with her before he began to drink the thing.
She waited with bated breath, hands folded neatly over her waist as she remained standing. Time ticked by, and he drank the rest of the potion in one large swig. She glanced to the empty bottle, then looked to him expectantly. He was of loose moral character. His knowledge of nude female anatomy was too great and detailed for him to have not seen a naked woman before. There were too many women who looked at him with lustful eyes. She held no doubts that he was not a virgin, so why wasn't his body rejecting the potion? Only a virgin could withstand this test. It defied logic, and made her hopes unpleasantly rise. For a moment, just a moment, she wondered if she should really chose him to be her husband. He wasn't as impure as she'd though, this proved that much. But she quickly squashed that bit of hope.
A pink hue was tinging her cheeks, showing through her makeup. She avoided making eye contact with Kenneth, instead looking to the one he'd handed the empty bottle to.
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Arric's lips spread apart in a cat-like grin, he looked up Kenneth from his seated position at the table. He held up the bottle, then threw it down to shatter on the floor. "I see... So you were telling the truth. Poor Joseph... I expect he'll have to come home now." He glanced over to the King, wondering what his father thought. Then stood up and went over to stand next to Ken. He pat the man's back to make sure he wasn't holding his breath. He looked over to his sister with the same grin. "This also means, you deserve an apology. We all know that you've been accused of being a man of loose moral character. I think it's best to just get it over with, Astrid." He watched his normally stoic sister blush and look away. "Come now, it's not that hard." He draped an arm over Ken's shoulders, since he was about the same height as the older boy.
"Indeed... It would seem I've misjudged you, Lord Catanach."
Arric pat Ken's back again, looking over at him to see how he took that weak sort of apology.
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Hector felt nauseous if he tried to get up. He couldn't keep his balance, his vision distorted whenever he tried to move more than at a snail's pace. His head hurt like nothing else, and in addition his pride had been injured. He'd tried to fight back before they'd forced that potion down his throat. He should've choked on it before letting them do this to him. He tried not to think too much, to fall back asleep. He was so dizzy that resting was the only thing he could do.
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Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:10 pm
Bethany continued to sleep, waking up a few hours later to see Joseph sleeping while he sat beside her. She sat up slowly and gripping his hand. The doctor came over to check on her, telling her she was lucky to not have a concussion, but the commander was putting her on mandatory vacation with Joseph. "V-Vacation...?" She had never taken a break from the military before, reaching over to smack at Joseph's cheek to discuss this horrible thing. Relaxing was not her thing, nor the possibility she couldn't wear men's clothing.
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Victoria tossed and turned, she checked on her brother multiple times, deciding early in the morning that she just couldn't sleep and began to write a letter to inform her father of Hector being poisoned and she would stay here with him until he was fully recovered, she also wrote to Astrid about any ideas to treat the poison if it worsened or what she should do. She gave them to the maid to checked on her, asking to give it to a messenger to deliver as she got dressed and walked out of her room. "Oh Hector...this is all my fault...get some rest." She moved hair out of his face and kept the blankets tucked in before making her way to where breakfast was served. She sat beside Barth and took his hand to hold, getting to finally meet his siblings and parents.
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Kenneth helped her to sit in a chair before looking to Arric, trying to remain calm but how did Astrid do it so well in the face of such stress? "I assure you princess Astrid, I am not a immoral man." He stepped away from Arric and bowed to them. "Now that I've cleared my name, I must return home, thank you princess Ester for the concert and the hospitality." He motioned for Yitta to follow, having been told earlier that Egbert had done what he had, drank a potion from Astrid to keep him quiet during the ride as she insisted he was to be chained on the back, something he would fix on the road.
King William on the other hand was red in the face...and very quiet. "I think I've heard enough from you Lady Colette, you....woman of low-birth enter my home, excuse Lord Catanach of fathering a child that you tried to force and admitted to it and now I hear it might be Joseph's?!" He stood up and paced, looking to Astrid then to Arric and his other children, his wife looked worried for once and so did Erwin. "Is this your little idea of gaining status and power back Lady Colette? You are already a disgrace to God for taking on two men and being too stupid to notice! Children, you are dismissed." He had the nanny take Ester and Arthur away, rubbing at his head as he looked to Astrid. "Due to Joseph being stripped of his title at the moment, you would be marrying a common soldier...I can't allow it, you.." He felt the pain but ignored it, the queen warning him of stressing himself out. "A-Astrid...please take this issue from me." Erwin stood up and helped the king to balance. "Your heart is not fit anymore for this stress, William." He had him sit down and went to get a doctor to check him. If Lady Colette argued, he might have another heart attack, and even now he was clammy and pale, breathing heavy and gripping his chest.
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Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 5:44 am
Joseph jumped to his feet as his face was smacked, the crate he'd been sitting on was sent flying back into another cot. The injured man lying there groaned in pain and glared over at them. Joseph's fists were balled and he was looking around for the one that'd hit him. When he finally processed the word that'd been said to him, he looked down at Bethany. He sat down again, this time on the ground and scratched at his scalp. "What about it?" But the more he thought about it the more it appealed to him. A lewd grin spread across his face and he scooted closer to be right against her cot. He rest his arm behind her head and leaned in so his face was closer to hers. He licked his lips, the grin remaining plastered on his face as he looked at her.
His eyes wandered over her soft cheeks, lips and down to her chest. Her cleavage wasn't visible, but in his mind it wouldn't be like that for long. "I can think of a good way to spend that free time." He had no idea that he was supposed to go with her anyway. He was already fully prepared to ditch in order to stay with her. She'd very recently become the only reason he was interested in staying in the army/. He was also forgetting about the injuries she'd sustained which would make what he had in mind impossible for the time being.
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He regarded her appearance kindly, his nearly white-blue eyes taking in every little sign of fatigue. She had the faintest of shadows under her eyes, the whites were a little bloodshot and the lids were just a bit swollen. She'd suffered, such an incredible woman she was to feel her brother's pain so deeply. He brought her hands up to his lips to place a soft kiss upon each of her knuckles. "Mon amour, I am a man torn by love. I wish to lift your burdens, to heal your sorrows. Yet I know that time will not move fast for no one. Your little brother shall receive the best care for as long as it takes to recover... Ah, if only I could take his pain and yours for you, my love, I would in one beating of my heart." He brushed his fingers over the soft flesh of her cheek, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. His eyes looked deeply into hers, radiating the love he felt for her. "My family has come home, even those who reside in foreign lands. They heard of your arrival and have been told of Hector's condition. You do not have to meet them yet, if you wish to wait for him first." He wanted to treat her with the kindness and understanding she deserved.
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Lady Colette continued to cry, ignoring the health problems the King was experiencing. "My family has served Criaswen as loyal citizens for years, Your Majesty! How could you throw all of that away?! This child deserves to know his father and that could only be Prince Joseph!" She screamed, then buried her face in her hands once more. "Oh, if God can forgive me why can't you?!" She trembled and shook violently, sobbing as loudly as she could with the hope of getting them to submit to her wishes.
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Astrid was already walking around the table to get to the woman when her father began to experience his troubles. She moved quickly, grabbing hold of the top of the woman's head to raise it. "You deserve nothing. Your family has fallen from grace, squandering its resources and disgracing their name. It remains to be proven that you're even pregnant at all, further more who the father of this assumed child is. I have no qualms with sentencing you here and now for your blasphemy. If you value your life at all, you'll leave now and wait for me in the eastern sun room." She watched the woman's expression shift from outrage to fear, and was please to see the lesser-born nobility quickly run out of the room. She turned towards her father, her concern growing as she witnessed the odd color to his face and how he clenched his chest. She was in time to see the man fall over like a sack of potatoes.
Prince Mortimer was quick to try and aid the King, she could see him cushioning the man's head and telling others to give him space. He even began to try to massage the man's chest in an attempt to help his heart work properly. Soon, her Uncle returned with the doctor. Astrid could only watch from across the table as the doctor tried to help her father. Many thoughts went through her head as she watched her father struggle. She thought of what would happen if he were to die, or become too weak to rule. She would be required to assume the throne. Would she still be forced to chose a husband within the year? It was true that she need heirs. She glanced at her normally venomous mother's worried expression, then to those of her suitors. Well, two of them at least. King Victor was currently picking at his plate and eating small amounts of food, trying to be secretive about it. Clearly, he didn't care about her father's life.
Though she knew that her parents would discard her if she were weaker than her siblings, she still cared about them. She couldn't help that fact, and a part of her had always desired their love. It was more well known that she competed with her siblings for their attention, though. Kenneth was also in the back of her mind. The last advice her father had given her was to think seriously about marrying that weak, spineless little man. He'd passed the test, which only virgins could clear. She didn't have time to question him. If she had not been witness to it herself, she would have doubted the truth entirely. It still defied logic to think that such a perverted man could be pure of body. She had so many questions.
She wanted to know what it would be like to treat him as a suitor seriously. He was usually so frightened of her, but hadn't been before. She remembered the desires he'd expressed. Regardless of what her heart desired, she couldn't allow herself to marry him. She knew him well enough to know that he'd put the interests of others before the needs of himself. If she married him, she'd be thought of as a part of his body. A tool, like a thumb. To be used whenever he felt the need to and he was far too kind of spirit to be trusted. That was just the way he was, she couldn't accept that. She didn't know how to approach this, now that her father who had suggested him, was like this. She watched him struggle to cling on to life, helpless to aid him. All of her useful poisons, which might be able to help his heart, were hidden away in her chambers. She clutched her hands in front of her and uttered a little prayer, asking the Lord not to take her father with him today.
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Egbert swayed to and fro at his place on the back of the carriage. He felt light and pleasant, all the world was a blur and frankly he liked it that way. It helped him to stop worrying so much, since his wife and baby girl could be quite a long way away. He hummed a drinking song, wishing he had some ale to swig while he waited for his friend to show up. A golden, jewel encrusted collar with the symbol for the second daughter of Inrmis at the front was locked around his neck. The chains that bound him to the carriage were also decorated, though made of a much stronger metal than gold. He was dressed in nice clothes, since he was going outside. They weren't those of a noble, but of a peasant. Just made with higher quality materials, to make a statement as to how wealthy his owner was. He looked over stupidly as he saw the blurry figures of Ken and his maid approaching with a fuzzy white thing following them.
"Eeeeh, eetsh muth! (Hey, it's a moth!)" He slurred and then laughed, clutching on to his belly and falling backwards against a suitcase. He kicked his feet wildly, nearly throwing off his shoes in the process. Moving around had made him feel a little sick, so he stopped. Then he began hiccupping, the hiccups only stopping as he belched. He laughed as the orange blur stepped away from him. She was probably sicked out from the smell. The scraps they fed to slaves weren't good for anyone's digestive health. So he knew that his breath and belches stank horribly.
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Yitta was covering her nose, looking to Ken worriedly. She'd kept quiet as they were making their way out of the castle. She didn't want to cause trouble. That guy who'd pushed her against the wall yesterday kept looking over at her, so she didn't want to attract unnecessary attention either. If he felt the need to attack her like that, she knew after all of her training that it was her fault. She felt that mentioning it would shame her master. After leaving the dining hall though, she was more worried about him. "About what Lady Blackadder said... Uhm... That was really... startling... Master, are you okay..?" She asked, occasionally glancing over at the dark-skinned young man who was behaving so strangely. She also noticed that Rubert was on his best behavior, walking and then sitting right next to Ken. She wished that he would behave himself like that for her, for all of the trouble he gave her.
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She'd bribed the inn keeper handsomely to have Lord Kenneth stay in her room, and to pretend that it was an unoccupied one. She waited inside, sitting on the bed and anxiously twisting the pendant of the necklace she was wearing. He'd be here in several hours and she would be ready. Lady Colette's idea was brilliant, but she could never be that underhanded. Or at least she thought that she couldn't. With her love away from everyone else, she would be able to talk to him. He'd be free to admit his feelings to her, and the two of them could run away to her family's estate. She'd even looked into buying an old mansion located just a few days travel away from his new family's estate. She would tell him when the sale went through, somehow. She needed him to know that he'd have a safe place to go where no one would be able to find him.
She carried a dagger with her, as a means of defending herself. She also had a bodyguard, though the old man wasn't all that reliable. She felt the edge of it as she thought about the red headed hussy that was always with him, that Lady Colette who had attacked him, the princess who was forcing him to marry her. She would protect him from all of them, even if it meant she had to take their lives to do it. She'd do anything for him. Her eyes widened as she stared at the sharp metal, pressing her thumb against it until it was cut open. She watched the blood flow. It traveled down her finger, over her palm, down her sleeve and a few drops fell on the bed sheets. She waited there, before eventually climbing into the wardrobe in order to hide and wait for him to appear.
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Ester looked over her shoulder as she was being shooed out of the room. She could see her father was looking pale and sweating. She knew of the attacks he suffered. Her eyes teared up and her lower lip quivered at the thought of losing him, but she tried to stay strong. She wasn't allowed back into the dining hall, so she lifted up her skirts and ran off to the castle's chapel. It was a large building, used for generations of her family. She hurriedly ran up to the altar and lit a few candles. When the priest asked her what she was doing, she wrote down on the paper that she was praying for her father. The priest seemed to understand what was happening. He told her that he'd also pray for father and that he'd be on his way to see if he could help him. She watched the man's robe flutter as he hurried away.
She could only hope the holy man wasn't going because he thought he'd need to give her father last rites. She prayed aloud in front of the candles, her frail voice barely more than a whisper. Tears rolled down her plump little cheeks as she wished desperately for her father to be allowed to live through this.
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Hector was aware of people entering and leaving his room. He could hear and understand them just fine, it was just impossible for him to respond to them. Moving his head made him feel horrible pain and nausea. He hated the suffering his sister was going through because of his own weakness. Even worse was that the frilly man she was going to marry was also pitying him. He knew Tory would write to their family about this as well. He couldn't stand the shame of it all. How could he look his parents in the eye when he returned? Or Astrid? She wouldn't ever fall into a situation like he had. She'd get away, or maybe she wouldn't have been running around like an idiot in the first place.
Tory was a frivolous woman, he should've guessed that she'd intentionally disappeared. He felt like such a fool. If his sister hadn't come to his rescue, heaven knows where he'd be now. Perhaps he'd be slave to some pirate, or sold to another country. It would've been worse if they knew who he was, and he wasn't entirely sure that they hadn't. He almost wished that the poison had killed him. He'd dishonored the proud name of Inrmis. He wished that he could disappear, for how could a bookworm like him ever hope to restore it?
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Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:32 pm
Bethany blushed lightly as he closed in, pecking his lips to tease him. "It's a vacation because I'm injured...don't need you injuring me more for the next...erm..." She looked to the doctor that retrieved the crate. "A week, give her a week to heal and then do what you plan...." He noted, eyeballing Joseph since the man had made it obvious before hand to go after his wife so until he confirmed, Joseph was his enemy. "I can write you both a pass to leave until she is completely healed back to your home city, Joseph." He went to go fill out a pass for them as Bethany continued to tease him with kisses.
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Victoria had hoped to hide how exhausted she was, but what hope was there when she couldn't sleep and worried that Hector would be paralyzed his life or shamed for being kidnapped? If he had been made a slave there wouldn't be a prince Hector anymore, a castrated prince was an embarrassment to their line. "I worry, my love, if he had died I would of mourned for days, but with his alive but injured...I feel like I still failed him, oh please can we return to the cathedral to pray today?" She gripped his hands with hers, laying her forehead on his chest as she was still saddened and wondered if she really should of pursued him as a suitor or left it with Hector to find one. "I'd rather they not see either me or Hector until we can both stand strong." She looked up into his eyes and caressed his cheek.
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King William was ready to yell again when his chest hurt more than ever and he collapsed on to the ground, taking heavy breaths and looking at Prince Mortimer as he tried to help him. Erwin arrived with the doctor and set out to helping his brother be comfortable. The doctor looked worried, but after a few minutes he managed to help the king enough to stop the heart attack but leave him weak. "He won't survive the night...his heart is too weak." The doctor had two guards come and help the king on to a cot to get him to his room as Erwin helped the queen from her chair to watch her run after to be with her husband. "My niece, if your father can not survive the night then by morning, you will be declared the regent until you marry, now come, we must be with him if he has any words left to say tonight, come when your ready." He left, meeting the priest and helping him to find the king's room so they could pray and give him peace.
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Kenneth sighed as he saw Egbert dressed nice enough for a slave but did Astrid really have to use those gold chains? Was she trying to get him killed by slavers again? "You must of pissed her off to get like that..." He shook his head and helped Yitta in to the carriage before lifting Rubert up as well before he could climb in. He didn't think that potion was too bad; until the road got bumpy and when he saw the inn, it filled him with such joy. "We just need to rest for an hour or two, make sure the horses are watered and fed- and Egbert. Come get me by the two hour mark." He rushed off, entering the inn and getting the key to his room and stopping by a bucket room(bathroom) to vomit up the potion. He felt horrible, entering the room and flopping on the bed to smother his face in the pillow and relax. He barely heard the closet open or his door become locked, ignoring it to maybe he was hearing things.
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Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 4:56 am
Joseph scowled, the color to his face darkening as he found himself both excited and frustrated. He knew he couldn't get what he wanted. Did she have to tease him like that? He glared over at the doctor. "Then do it, man! Stop wasting my time!" As soon as the doctor did, Joseph scooped Bethany up into his arms and went for one of the wagons. He set her down inside it and went about gathering their things. Then he hitched up the horses and with the pass granting them permission, he took them away from there to return to their cabin. He'd get all of their s**t together and make her comfortable before they headed for his home.
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"Then wait we shall, my love. I must go and explain things to them. You must eat something before we go, yes?" He suggested, kissing her hands again before leaving to go and explain things to his family.
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She followed, staying with the rest of the royal family for a while. She and Arric were by his one side, across from their mother and his brother. They left only when asked to, so their father could give his confession to the priest in private. Then returned after they'd finished. Eventually, Astrid left to allow her mother time alone with her father. Despite the merciless violence the two had ruled with, they truly seemed to care for one another. There were other matters to attend to, so Astrid tried to take care of them in order to return to their father's side later.
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Yitta stayed quiet and kept her head low. His lack of an answer meant that if she wasn't quiet, she could be beaten or, more likely, fired if she kept asking. She didn't want to lose her home, job or freedom. So she didn't utter a peep and kept her eyes to the floor. She didn't know why they were pushing the horses, on the way here they'd been allowed to rest for the night instead of only for an hour or two. But she didn't press any of this. She took care of what he'd told her to do, all the while trying to ignore the strange slave who was singing away on the back of the carriage.
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Mirabelle walked barefoot up to Ken's bed and pressed her palms against the edges of his mattress. The next instant, she was on top of him. She sat on his rump, pressing her hands against his back. "Darling... We're finally alone together. Oh, I've missed you." She whispered, exhaling as she lowered herself down to rub her face against his shirt. She was naked, except for a gossamer chemise. No shoes, stockings, or underwear. Her hair was loose and she wasn't wearing makeup. But there were marks cut into her skin. They were fresh, as she'd gotten bored while waiting for him. The much shorter woman pressed her nose against his spine and inhaled through it deeply until her lungs felt like they were going to burst.
"I heard about what Lady Colette did to you... That leech. She wanted to suck away everything from you. You don't have to fear that sort anymore. We'll run away together, away from everything. Your meddling father, too, of course. There's a priest nearby who said he'd marry us without an appointment... I'm so glad you came here alone. I knew you would.. Now, let's celebrate like a real couple." She pushed down on his back, using the knife to cut up his clothing to expose his skin. She pushed her fingers into his shoulders as she tried to flip him over. She had in mind the same sort of trouble Lady Colette did.
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