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 Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 2:22 pm
Bethany raised an eyebrow at his impatience, being lifted into his arms and feeling her head swirl from the sudden movement. She was set in the wagon and grumbled that it was cold in just a man's pajamies. When they got to the cabin he was rushing like crazy, nearly burying her in the pelts he had, she could only guess it was to keep her warm. The commander stopped by nearly out of breath from trying to catch up with them. He set a luggage of women's clothes in the wagon for her, telling her to rest and heal up before he left.
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Victoria smiled slightly at the kiss and nodded, sad to see him go but he would return safe. She turned to face the breakfast plate for her, taking small bites and wondering, how did those pirates know who he was? Did they? Or was it simply because he was a rich foreigner?
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Arthur was crying, clinging to his mother's dress at the sight of their father in such a condition. "P-Papa..." A nanny lifted him up and left with him before he caused a fuss, Erwin held his brother's hand tightly, asking once his children left for the second time what to do if he was to pass. "Would you like me to get Ester? I know you love her." William took shallow breaths, his chest hurt as it felt difficult to breath. "A-Astrid is to...be queen...." They were all prepared for him to die, his four slaves were tied up and awaiting to either be freed or executed if he was to pass, if he passed before he could decide, it was then up to Astrid.
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Kenneth hadn't wanted to talk about lady Colette, he still had trouble about talking about how he was treated by others if it was in a bad way. He was nearly asleep when he felt the weight on his bosom, groaning and turning his head to see what it was. "Mirabelle?!" He felt his clothes rip and how she was trying to force him to flip over, elbowing her to knock her off and scramble off the bed. "I told you to stay away witch! I don't love you!" He got up and grabbed at the door to try and open it, looking back to her as she held up the key to it. He was scared, not just of her but of being locked in the same room. "Your crazy...give me the key, I want nothing to do with you!" He moved away from her, tripping and falling on his butt.
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Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 2:04 am
 He smirked as the commander was leaving. Apparently he was totally fine with Joseph stealing a wagon like this. He tied a long length of rope to Willow's reigns so she could walk alongside them. He didn't want to force his precious friend and pet to have to pull this weight, like the common horses. He'd raised her from the time she was just a little filly. She was about seven years old now. After they had most of the things they could bring with them, he set out for the city. They traveled for a few days, stopping at inns in order to keep warm. He alone was capable of moving all of their things and of carrying her inside, which he insisted upon. The least amount of effort she had to spend walking, the faster she'd recover. Or at least he'd convinced himself of as much. They were nearing the small settlement which marked the halfway point to the capitol city when they were stopped along the road. A few trees had been knocked over, which made it impossible to pass through.
He turned them around and went down a less traveled road, about two miles back. The woods here had an unusual atmosphere. He glanced back as Willow snorted, seeing her trot up to walk next to where was sitting. He scooted over so she could reach him with her nose if she wanted to. She'd been satisfied with just walking next to Bethany this whole time. Apparently, she'd accepted the new woman in Joseph's life and had taken a liking to her. He was a bit hurt by this, not that he'd willingly admit it. He'd gotten a bit jealous of Willow preferring to stay with Bethany. She seemed a little uneasy, but he was glad to have her choosing him instead now. Wolves were howling close to the road, the wind rustled the branches. It was dark by the time they reached another settlement and not a moment too soon. He was eager to get them to a safe place for the night's respite. The town was eerily quiet, wooden houses all grungy and in disrepair. As they grew nearer, the shutters of nearby houses were closed and locked so they couldn't look in.
A man met them down the road and Joseph fearlessly glared down at him, with his sword already drawn. "We want shelter for the night. Tell me where the inn is, peasant, or face my blade." The man stared up at him, his eyes were sunken in and he looked to be quite thin. Was there an illness here? "Go back the way you came. This village is cursed." Joseph sneered at the man, ready to jump off the wagon and beat him for his insolence.
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While she was waiting outside to be allowed back in, Astrid noted the approach of one of her suitors. "Archduke Mortimer Beaumont of Haoer. What is it that brings you here, at such a late hour?" She put on a false air of calm, while regarding the rather gangly man who was over twice her age. She watched as the man stopped before her, then bowed deeply before looking her in the eye. "I wish to express my condolences. News only just reached me of your father's grave condition." She tilted her head slightly, folding her hands one on top of the other at her waistline. It was obvious what his real intentions were. With her father fighting a losing battle, she was going to be made Queen. This also meant that she'd have the power to chose her future husband, though her father had for the most part already given it to her. She'd have the final say now and he knew it. No doubt he was trying to kiss up to her.
She sighed, touching her forehead briefly before returning her hand to rest on top of the other. "Yes, sadly it's true. My father may not survive the night. I appreciate your kind thoughts and prayers, Archduke. He may pass at any time. Any business you may have with him... Unfortunately, there is not time enough for it. In the morning, the Royal Advisor will see you." She turned her head from him, as a polite way of telling him to leave her alone. When he took hold of her hands, she looked back in shock. The man was on one knee, and her skin tickled as the hairs of his mustache and beard brushed against it. He kissed her hands three times. "You are a brave and noble woman, Princess Astrid. I will go now, and pray for your family. Also, for you. You are unlike any other woman I've met in my life, and I am captivated by you utterly. Even though you're suffering on the inside, you show such dignity. Dominus vobiscum (The Lord be with you), my dear." She stared down at him in quiet shock as he kissed her hands again. Then he simply left in the direction of the castle cathedral.
It was while she was staring in shock at the man's distant back that her uncle appeared from inside of the room. A servant was called for, to send word to the other children to come to be by their father's side. Astrid entered the room, standing by her mother to place her hand upon her father's shoulder. She leaned down to place a kiss on his cold, clammy cheek. "We'll be here with you, father."
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Mirabelle shrieked at him after being elbowed away. She lunged for him, even before he fell and landed on top of him again. She had the knife clutched tightly in her hand with both of her little fists curled and pressing into his arms. "Darling, don't get in my way. We're together now. Forget what those others told you. They're all liars." She said through clenched teeth, sitting herself over his stomach to keep him from moving. "Don't refuse me. You can't live without me! I won't let you!" She pushed, trying to pin him down against the floor. She was furious that he was refusing her, even after all that she'd done for him. They were meant to be together. She knew it. Felt it. Breathed it. Meant to be. Meant to be one. Must make one. She desperately stabbed his arm with her dagger, thinking that she could drive it through his flesh to pin him down by force. But she wasn't strong enough, it sank in about half an inch, but wouldn't go any further. She shifted to used both hands to try to force it in deeper. She also clenched her thighs together to try to hold on to his abdomen.
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Hector opened his eyes, the world around him was blurred and simply trying to see made him feel sick. He had hoped that a few hours of rest would be enough. It was terrible being stuck like this, his greatest concern being that he couldn't read the way he was now. But more importantly, he felt like something was really wrong. He had a sinking feeling in his gut. He didn't think it was something wrong with him. It reminded him of a time when Joseph was taunting Ester about how shy she was and she'd been scared witless. He wondered if something was wrong with his twin now. If she was feeling some strong negative emotion, sometimes he felt it too. He didn't mention this to anyone since it sounded like witchcraft or some sort of magic. Just reading about that sort of thing was dangerous enough, if they thought he'd practiced it he could be in trouble. This time it felt different though. He hoped it was just a new symptom from the poison still in his system.
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Ester got up the moment the servant appeared, already on her way as they called after her that she could go back into her father's room. She kissed his cheek immediately upon entering. "Father.. I love you.." She said, though her voice was as faint as ever it also sounded a bit hoarse. She was standing by her father's side, opposite of her mother. Her papers and charcoal pencil set down on the floor behind her. She began to quietly murmur prayers while gently holding on to her father's forearm. Her blue eyes were glassy with tears but she was trying her hardest to hold back her tears. Her throat felt dry and her chest burned from having cried so much earlier. She knew that he probably wouldn't last the night, but she hoped that he would.
She loved her father dearly and had a lot of respect for him and her mother. Even though he'd done a lot of evil in his life to other people, she didn't think he deserved to go to hell either. It hurt seeing him struggle like this. She was deaf to everything else in the room and was determined not to leave her poor father's side.
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Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 1:53 pm
Bethany was recovering well through-out the days, sleeping in the wagon under pelts and sitting beside him whenever she was awake, she took the reigns a few times so he could rest, smiling to his horse WIllow and feeding it an apple every now and then when he wasn't looking. She wondered by the animal became so close to her suddenly but regarded it as a lovable animal. "Joseph, calm down." She flicked his cheek before taking the reigns from him and moving forward through the town, it was rather creepy, but at least the inn still seemed to be open. "Stay here while I see to us getting a room." She climbed off the wagon and petted Willow gently before heading inside. The place seemed empty, the innkeeper looked tired, exhausted and skinny like the man had. "Room for two." She held out some silver coins, getting a shiver down her spine when the man took them slowly. "Is this place really cursed?" She took the key from him and had to look away from his shallow eyes. "Yes....some say a vampire lives here...draining us of our blood and life, taking what he wants every night..." He sighed, walking away as Bethany ran out to Joseph with a look of excitement. "Joseph! These people say a vampire lives here! I've never seen one...what if it's just a ghost?!" She became excited, rambling on about how she believed in such things but never saw them before and this was her chance.
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William smiled at Astrid and Ester, his two little girls, oh. He was going to miss Victoria's wedding, he wouldn't be able to walk her down the isle or see her on her happy day. He didn't have the energy to talk much, the pain of his chest and his weak heart beats made him shaky and clammy. "E-Ester, never stop...playing the piano...it made me so happy..t-to see you play it." He smiled faintly, turning his head to Astrid and seeing her so strong made him so proud. "Astrid, p-please inform Ailean that I will beat him to heaven...and to s-save a spot for him at my funeral..." He let them stay by his side, the doctor shooing them away late in the night when he became too weak to stay awake. By morning; the doctor came out with his crown and handed it to his queen to tell he had passed away from a final heart attack. Erwin was busy dealing with Astrid's suitors, Victor had been spotted late in the night forcing himself on a young maid, the poor girl had escaped and ran to Erwin for safety. "King Victor, you are to leave this castle and forfeit any claim to try and marry our new Queen Astrid, you disgusting pig! I expect an apology for harming our staff in such a way and compensating if she becomes pregnant." He had the man escorted out before turning to the Archduke as he seemed to have a wild smirk. The man had wanted to talk to him, but he had so much to do following his brother's death. He sent several letters with a messenger while the man rambled on to him, informing William's allies and friends of his death.
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Kenneth felt the air leave him as she landed on him, struggling as she sat on his stomach and trying to get her off as much as possible. "Your crazy!" His voice broke as she stabbed his arm, a scream left his lips, blood coming from between the wound and knife, seeping out in lines. When she tried to push it down further with both hands, he had at least one arm free to punch at her. The knife moved but both her and it stayed. "H-help!" He looked to the window, was that man her bodyguard? He punched at her again, this time knocking her off and he grabbed at the dagger to pull it out but stopped, what if it was deep and bled too much? He was already in shocked from having it in his arm. He stepped backwards and bolted into the connecting closet, it was big enough for him to hold the door closed from the inside and sit down while doing so. He had to keep it closed; that crazy woman was after him and soon the innkeeper would hear the racket she was causing and do something.
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Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 5:10 pm
Joseph eyed Bethany suspiciously. "The hell do you mean? Don't talk such rot, there's no such thing as vampires." As she continued to talk about the supernatural, he unloaded their belongings in order to move them into the inn for safe keeping. He walked Willow and the wagon to the nearby stables and got them situated before lifting Bethany into his arms. He carried her inside the inn and sat her down at a table, ordering some wine and food for the both of them.
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Astrid stayed with the rest of the family, scrutinizing every face with a stoic expression on her own. Arric seemed upset, he kept pacing and picking at his skin. The youngest member of their family wasn't around, both due to the time and that he would cause a scene. She was disappointed to see little Ester clinging to their mother in much a similar way to how Arthur would be, if he were allowed to be here. Victoria and Joseph were absent for obvious reason, she'd have to think of how she'd deal with both of them. The three eldest siblings, she wondered if their father would be able to meet them. Would he still be proud of her strength after hearing that she had been the one who killed the two brothers? As Ester started to cause a fuss, Astrid stepped in to attempt to calm the girl down. She was only able to stifle the noise by letting the girl cry into her waist. It was awkward, considering that Ester was only six-or-seven inches shorter than her at this point. She eventually managed to pull the younger girl away to Ester's bedroom.
It took some time to let her vent her emotions, but eventually the girl had exhausted herself. She switched places with a pillow, so the girl would still have something to hug, and then left the room. She told the girl's nanny of her condition, and to go in to be close at hand when she needed her. Astrid walked away, the dressmaker passing by with a bundle of all-white mourning attire heading for Ester's room. At least the servants moved quickly. If any were found smiling or celebrating the King's death, she'd make sure they suffered for it. As for her father's slaves, she would allow them to fight for their freedom in the coliseum. She returned to her rooms, having the maids draw a bath for her so she could relax her weary muscles. It had been a trying couple of days. She'd hardly expected a man who could drink a village dry to die so suddenly as her father had. She hadn't even noticed he was weak. She sighed, wondering if Joseph's blatant savagery at the ball had contributed to this situation. What if such a thing happened to her after a few decades of being Queen? Regardless of what her victims claimed, she did have a heart beating away in her chest.
She sighed once more, dressing in her own all-white mourning with no makeup and no jewelry. Mourning lasted for six months in Criaswen, it was modeled after the older tradition of mourning for fifteen. She had no time or desire to rest. But she did make herself cry a little so that she wouldn't seem entirely detached from the rest of her family's grief. She received word of her suitors being told to stay away, and of King Victor's antics. So, he was a lecher as well as a slob... She wrote a letter to Victoria and Hector, to inform them of their father's passing and to return for a period of mourning. She sent it away immediately, to be delivered on the fastest ship they had. It would take nearly a full week for it to reach them, considering the distance between Caritas and Criaswen. Immediately after, she went to go assist the Royal Advisor.
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She shrieked again, hitting and scratching at the thick wooden doors of the wardrobe as she tried to get it open. She let out a mighty cry as she knocked the thing over with him in it. She had to use all of her strength and her weight in order to do it, being as short as she was. "KEN! Come out! Why won't you come out! I love you! I'm only mad at you because you won't tell me the truth! You did once before! What have they done to you?! I want to run away with you! I'll give you many children! THINK OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING TO ME?! TO US?! TO OUR FUTURE BABIES?!" She began to jump and stomp on the back of the wardrobe. It was then that the tavern owner unlocked the door and rushed in to stop her. Her bodyguard came in and the two of them argued, before the guard finally explained what was going on. Lady Mirabelle was covered up, since she was still almost completely naked, and escorted back to her carriage to be sent home immediately. The tavern owner and his sons lifted the wardrobe, finally freeing Ken of his prison.
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Hector awoke again late in the night, opening his eyes as he felt wetness roll down his cheeks. He felt that horrible sinking feeling in his gut again. That coupled with his weak condition made him feel faint. He blinked slowly, unable to wipe away the tears. Something must be happening with his twin. He had no reason to cry, so the only reason he could think of was Ester. He lay in bed for a while, ignoring the male servant that was sitting in the room to keep an eye on him. He felt too uneasy to fall back asleep, so he closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. He pondered over what could be happening in the time they were away. Maybe he should've brought Ester with him after all. She wasn't as strong as he was, and apparently he wasn't that strong since this had happened to him. He hated being this powerless, unable to do anything to help anyone or even to help himself.
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Though she fought to hold back her sorrow, since she didn't want him to see her upset, a few tears rolled down her cheeks as he addressed her. She nodded softly. "I-I will... Father.. I love you... Hector.. loves you too..." She said, not wanting him to have any doubts. After being herded out, Ester waited outside of the room with their mother. She frequently hugged her and rested her cheek against her mother's arm. She continued to mumble prayers until her mother asked her to stop, then she prayed in her mind though she feared God might not hear it then. When the crown was handed to her mother, she knew what that meant. Her lower lip trembled, her big blue eyes were wide, and for a few moments she just stared at it. Then erupted into a wail, the loudest noise the girl had ever made. She cried without hiding her face, her sobs shaking her little body with how forceful they were.
She felt someone grab her and pull her forwards. A scent of lavender filled her nostrils, which told her it was Astrid. She wrapped her arms around her sister's waist and let her face be buried into the older girls stomach as she continued to cry. She followed along when encouraged, clinging to the Astrid's slender hand and the material of her dress. She insisted on staying with someone, too scared to be left alone though she didn't understand why. So, she convinced Astrid to stay with her. She tried talking, only to emit a series of incoherent little noises and sniffles. She cried herself to sleep, finally, in the afternoon. As she slept, a pillow was substituted for Astrid and a few outfits in all white were brought into her room for deep-mourning.
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Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 7:52 pm
Bethany shook her head, stubborn to his disbelief. "Well there might be! You might even be related to one after tearing that noble's throat apart!" Before she had met him, she had heard of what he did and just kept that he might have vampiric blood in him to herself. She grumped as he carried her into the inn and ordered them food and wine; which she was gladly devouring. "It's my vacation, I say we take a look once the sun sets! Just to their cemetery!" She slugged down another glass of wine.
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Arthur was visibly upset, being dressed by his nanny in his white clothing and given a stuffed toy, yet he wouldn't stop crying and stayed in his room to weep. Erwin was also dressed for once like a prince, only in white and with a crown on his head because for now, he was to show he was a mourning brother. He had a lot to do, not smiling, or cracking jokes, being ill-tempered with Astrid's suitors as well. "Astrid, our plans to conquer this land will have to wait until your coronation in six months, you are still the queen...here." He handed her some papers to address, the king's slaves were standing in the room, invisible as they were trained to be. "I've ordered the flowers and his casket should be here by noon, he had it made a year ago..." He sighed, sitting down looking exhausted. "As for your suitors, King Victor is no longer allowed your hand and the Archduke is currently getting ready to return to his country. Kenneth has not made any move to exit the race for your hand either; not to my knowledge at least." He flipped some papers over before gathering some folders into his arms to carry. "I asked the Archduke to shave for the mourning process if he wishes to be your king, he states he is too beautiful and charming to do such a thing. Do you really like him?" he asked, looking to her and setting the folders in one slave's arms before giving another a bunch of books.
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Ken was struggled to keep the door closed, when she stopped clawing he relaxed only for the whole thing to fall over and he slammed his face into the door. He curled up, gripping his nose as it bled from the impact and hearing muffled arguing."Get me out of here!" He fell out once they lifted it up and gripped at his arm where the dagger was. "You said this room was not occupied! She could of killed me!" They quickly wrapped his arm where the dagger had pierced, dealing with his nose afterwards. He stood up when Yitta entered and sighed at her shocked face. "Don't want to talk about it, lets go...I'd feel safer at home..." He finished cleaning his face of blood and having Yitta fetch him another shirt to wear so they could leave.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 7:18 am
Joseph nearly choked on his drink as she suggested that he could be related to a vampire. He slammed the butt of his glass against the table, foam dripping down his chin as he stared at her. Then he smirked, having an idea. "Then I'm like a vampire when it comes to a different kind of bodily fluid..." He licked his lips, satisfied that he'd said something clever back at her. He didn't care that the 'fluid' he was referring to wasn't really a fluid, but he just assumed she'd get what he was suggesting. "I don't want to go into a cemetery. Ghosts aren't real, but the devil and his demons are. If you want to go inviting evil into your body, I won't let you." He said, starting to wonder if she was hoping to meet a vampire. Would she never have sex with him again if she found one? She wouldn't dare run off like that. But he couldn't shake that uneasy suspicion. Why else would she be so eager to look for something like that?
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She accepted the papers, glancing over them before looking up as he mentioned the casket already being prepared for her father. A soft frown touched her features, drawing a slight crease between her brows. It was.. moving, somehow. Even in death, her father had planned ahead and managed to keep his moves a secret from most. When he asked her if she liked the Archduke, the frown lingered a little longer. "He holds a great deal of power in Haoer, becoming his wife would open up certain... paths, to me. He has more experience in politics than the other two. He's also expressed to me that he wishes for our marriage to produce at least thirteen children... He claims to have ancestors which bore triplet sons... But, how he could benefit Criaswen is of the most interest to me. It matters little what I think of him as a person." In truth, she didn't much care for the Archduke. As she'd explained, she only considered him for the multiple different ways he could help Criaswen expand and grow. His rough facial hair bothered her, and his refusal to trim it was disappointing.
She was perturbed by Kenneth's silence. Surely, she'd expected him to at least send a statement in writing that he was withdrawing himself from her pool of suitors. She knew better than to utter any complaints to her Uncle though, knowing very well that the man favored the former slave. It was curious that he'd failed to mention Prince Maelisa. He was nearer to her age, though inexperienced, adventurous and naïve. His country was rich with resources and eager to make any deals to begin trading. He was a marvelous cartographer, which she found to be quite interesting. She would have to figure out a way of convincing Kenneth to give up whatever revenge he was plotting against her. Thinking of him, she was reminded of her father's request for Ailean to be informed and to have a place at his funeral. She glanced over to the slaves briefly, before watching her Uncle hand certain things over to his own slaves. She bit her tongue as she thought of asking him to tell Kenneth to go away. He would never do so for her, since he seemed to find it so amusing that the boy was interested in her.
"What other work is there, Uncle?" She asked, accepting another load of papers from him and listening to the various problems he expressed. Some were more minor, the complaints of peasants that there weren't enough patrols along the roads and others in regards to their lords not treating them as they wished. Among the more serious issues was the signs of an illness spreading in the south and news of bands of mercenaries and other cut throats causing havoc in one of their close neighbors, very near to their border. The violence could easily leak into Criaswen. She took on the various tasks that were given to her, pausing briefly before leaving the room to go and attend to them. She sighed lightly, remembering that she also had to deal with the Lady Blackadder who had been waiting for her audience all night. She gave a formal curtsy to her uncle before leaving to go and attend to business.
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Arric was bundled up in his white mourning attire, layers of expensive velvets and furs were like a cocoon around him. He was still ill, though he didn't like to admit it. He was traveling alone, along a road which led to the inn the elderly Catanach always stayed at. He had reason to expect that Ken was there now, so he rode up to the place and began to question the owner. He was disappointed to discover that the older boy had moved on, though the reason for it was particularly interesting. He coughed, pulling his topmost layer of fur in tightly around his shoulders before riding off down the road to the next place of business. He passed by a carriage, recognizing the markings and the slave riding on the back. He stopped at the next inn and would wait there for Ken to arrive. He had arranged for a room for himself, and for a note to be delivered to Ken upon his arrival. He sniffled, staying close to the fire. He was too cold, even with all of his layers.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 11:26 am
Bethany blushed a deep red at his words, looking away to pretend she was mad. "You don't know until you've tried looking for one!" She finished the meal in front of her before standing up and walking around to where she was behind him. "Of course...I can't go to bed until I've sated my curiosity. Guess you'll have to go without..." She leaned in and bit at his ear before pulling away and walking off to go adventuring by herself; whether or not he came, she still wanted to see the cemetery.
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Erwin nodded, the Archduke was powerful, resourceful, and appearntly had nearly won her over with the amount of children he desired for. "I'll look into his family history, now that you will be queen, you will see a different side in people that desire the crown. I suggest looking at who stays the same." He filled the arms of his three slaves, telling them to hold it and don't drop a single page. "There is too much work to do." he complained, handing her papers to address bowing to her as she left and motioning for his slaves to follow as he went about his business. He visited his wife, asking the doctor about her condition and sighed as her health had not improved yet. The twins were wearing white and staying with a nanny to avoid causing a fuss. His new daughter was asleep in her basset, Erwin was happy to see her whenever he could.
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Ken was glad to hit the road again, but he couldn't push the carriage too much and poor Yitta was nodding off along with him although a bit of food from under his seat was enough to get him to stop at the next inn. "I'll get us a room, let Egbert sleep in the carriage, I'd rather no one knew we have a slave from the castle with us." He walked in and asked for a room before receiving the letter. He read it and bit his lip in nervousness. Prince Arric was here? Waiting for him? He told Yitta which room they would be staying in before going to where Arric was and knocking on the door. A slave opened it before returning to it's position in the corner of the room and Kenneth bowed to Prince Arric. "I got your letter, wha-" He stopped when the man raised his hand, showing he still held signs he was once a slave and Prince Arric knew that, why was he here? To tell him to leave Astrid alone and not go forward with the marriage proposals? He noticed the prince was wearing white, was he... "Has the king passed? Ailean will be sad..." He frowned, thinking of how he should warn Yitta later and Egbert that celebration was not allowed.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 9:09 pm
Joseph took a bite of his steak, watching her walk around to be behind him. He raised a brow at her behavior, for a moment thinking that she was going to hit him over the head with something again. Then she bit his ear, sending a thrill down his spine and fire through his limbs. His senses were alert, and his mind had abandoned his previous train of thought. He didn't even remember what they'd been talking about. He swallowed the chunk of beef, nearly choking on it but managing to get it down. Then stood up in order to look at her distant figure. "Woman! Wait!" He called after her, grabbing the bottle of wine before running after her. He found her following along a path in the woods. The sun was setting, there were a few signs showing that this was the way to the village's cemetery and church. Being much taller than her, he was able to step one foot between her legs and wrap his arm around her waist. He pulled her off the road, biting and licking at her neck. Then flopped backwards onto his rump with her still in his hold, and rolled so that he was on top of her. He held up the bottle so that she could see it. Then began to kiss and playfully bite at her skin, completely ignorant to her quest.
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Astrid returned to her study, going through the tasks given her to and arranging them in the order she figured would be the fastest way to go through them. She sent a messenger to the Lady Blackadder that she would just have to wait a few more days, and would be accommodated in one of the city's inns. She also wrote a letter to the Margrave to inform him properly of what had transpired, and that her father had specifically requested that he take part in his funeral. Then she resumed her work for the kingdom, managing to get through it all by dinner time. She sighed, stretching as she felt sore from having to sit like this all day. She was exhausted, due to not having slept at all the previous night and not taking a break until she'd finished her own work. She left her study, going to attend the evening's meal only to discover that Ester was the only one sitting at the table. She sat down next to the girl, since Hector's usual seat was open, and tried to get the girl to converse. She wouldn't even use her papers to write a message. Astrid sighed again, patting the pre-teen's hair dismissively before dinner was set out before them.
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As soon as he heard footsteps approaching, he slipped out of his layers. He kicked them behind the bed, in order to stand menacingly by the fire. He raised his hand to silence the older boy once he'd finally come inside. He leaned his side against the stone above the fireplace and folded his arms in front of his chest. "Close the door." His slave got up to do so and locked it, as they'd been told to do so beforehand. "Your lack of respect is sort of surprising. I hardly expected the man who charmed the current Queen to act so thoughtlessly. After all, you're standing in front of one of the deceased's sons. Your ill-breeding shows, even with all of those fancy clothes you're wearing. What's suspicious is how you unsurprised you are to learn that our perfectly healthy King has suddenly died."
He smirked, doing his utmost not to shiver or sneeze. He had to stay quiet for a moment in order to look as healthy and normal as possible. "But that's not why I'm here. You and I have a few common interests. I'm offering you a chance at the crown, so do try to use that peasant brain of yours before you answer me. I know it must be difficult, with how shriveled and rotten it is. You have two competitors, both of which are better educated, wealthier and have much more to offer my sister. I can help you overcome your many handicaps..."
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 9:57 pm
Bethany could see the excitement in him as she teased, walking ahead and down the path to find the cemetery. "Stop calling me wo-" She got wide eyed and flailed her arms about before landing on him as he flopped backwards, drunk as ever. "You scared me!" She felt her neck before being flipped over and reaching out for the wine. She grabbed it and took a swig before kissing at him. "Your so mean!" She pushed him off before getting up and taking the wine bottle with her. "Come on!" She patted at her dress, getting some leaves off her *ss.
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Kenneth looked away and set a hand on where the bandage was under his sleeve. "I-I didn't mean any disrespect, your highness, I'm just surprised your waiting for me at this inn." He felt like a piece of trash being crumbled as the man spoke of how little Kenneth could offer and how low of a chance he had to marry her, but the thought of him helping...it could work. "M-My handicaps? You can help me? Please, your highness!" He held his hands together in front of him to nearly beg for help, knowing he barely had a chance.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 10:24 pm
The lustful smile was wiped from his face as she left his embrace. He looked up at her, surprised, and then completely confused. "What? But, I..?" He frowned, having a little difficulty understanding what it was she wanted. He stood up and decided to just follow her to see where it is she preferred for their rendezvous. He pointed at a few places, saying that here or there would be fine. No big roots to hurt her back. Not a lot of snow around to freeze her, either. It was when they reached the cemetery that his lust was completely extinguished. "What? Why here? I can't do it here, there are bodies under there!" He complained, grabbing hold of her arm and pointing back to the path they came from. "Let's go back there, I know a good spot."
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Arric sneered at the lesser man and gestured towards a chair that was just a few steps away from where Ken stood. "Good. Now, sit." When Ken did what he was told, he shifted to be standing upright. He stayed within a few feet of the fire and leered down at the older man. "I can coach you, tell you what to do and how to behave to earn a Queen's hand. I can even show you how to become loved by the masses, which will make her look at you more favorably than those who are outsiders to the people. I'm not doing this out of charity. I want information. You'll tell me what I want to know, when I ask for it. I won't kill her, or you. You can trust the word of a prince. My sister and more, for a little information. What say you, peasant?" His slave stepped forward, setting a scroll down in front of Ken as well as an ink pot and quill. It was a contract of sorts, one which he wanted Ken to sign. It was fairly long to avoid allowing loopholes, but mainly stated what Arric had already expressed. It was just a more formal version of their agreement.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 10:59 pm
Bethany laughed everytime Joseph tried to point out an area for them, tossing the empty bottle aside and stumbling along. "Because I want to find a vampire or ghost!" She pulled away and stumbled forward to explore whether he followed or not; she soon fell into a empty grave, having been prepared for some eldery man who died a few days earlier but wasn't set to be buried yet. "Joseph!" Why were the holes 6 feet deep? She couldn't climb out and could't tell if Joseph was close by anymore or too drunk to find her.
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Kenneth sat down, staying as quiet as the slave in the corner of the room. He opened the scroll and began to read it before the slave did it's part to force him to sign it and pretended to nearly faint, gripping on to Ken's arm before he regained himself and shuffled back to his corner in shame. "You won't kill her...?" He took the quill and sighed, was it the right thing to do? "What kind of information? I can't just sign something without knowing the details!" He asked, looking up at him and wondering what could this kid hold against him if he decided not to sign it? "Well....I could use the education from you, but what if I break the contract?" He asked.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 11:25 pm
He pouted, starting to believe that he was only being teased. Yet again. Like on their way here, since he was forbidden from touching her until a week had passed. The little kisses and playful bites she'd given him had driven him crazy. He couldn't take it, each time he'd fallen for it only to realize later that it wasn't an invitation at all. He kicked at a rock, following along behind her anyway. Maybe she'd have mercy on him this one time. He wanted to feel that rush again, like on their first and only passionate night together. He heard her shouting and looked up, confused as he couldn't see her. "What trickery is this? Get out here, woman! I'm not going into that tomb! I don't care if it's your kink or not!" Even as he shouted his defiance, his feet were moving him towards it anyways. He might have to compromise if he ever wanted to bed her again. As he passed by, he thought he caught a glimpse of something moving in one of the graves.
He dismissed it at first, but as it kept appearing in the corner of his vision, he looked over. His skin crawled when he saw her, his mind at first believing her to be a ghost. But ultimately, even though she was covered in dirt, he recognized her. He crouched down next to the open grave and watched the short little woman hop, trying to reach for freedom. To him it wasn't much of a fall, since he was over six feet tall and still growing. He sat down, watching her struggle with a smirk on his face. "What sort of idiot falls into an open grave?" He said with a laugh, thoroughly amused by the trouble she'd gotten her drunken self into. He caught movement at the edges of his vision, turning but not being fast enough to catch what it was. He looked around, the graveyard looked empty. Had it been the priest? The windows in the church were dark and it was really late anyway.
He eyed the area surrounding them, now wondering if there really was some sort of creature out looking to get them. Or was it a wolf that'd been banished from the pack, looking to dig up a corpse so it could have itself a meal? He reached down, grabbing hold of Bethany's arm after he felt her grab on to him. Then lifted her up, almost effortlessly. He sat her in his lap, still looking around. "What do I get for saving you, you little damsel in distress?" He was poking fun at her, since he knew how much she hated to be told she was a weak little woman. Even though she was weak when compared to him. Also, shorter than the average woman and, undoubtedly, a sexually mature female.
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The young prince sighed, shrugging. "My sister will marry another man. If you're ready to watch her make vows to another, and climb the stairs with him, then by all means don't sign it." He stopped to suppress a sneeze and stepped a little closer to the fire to fend off the shivers. "If you should sign and break this contract, you'll be forced to leave the country. Don't waste my time, I do have other more pressing matters to attend to. How typical of the inconsiderate peasantry to take advantage of a royal's generosity." He said with a sneer, brushing some of his long, white hair out of his eyes. It wasn't a lie, he didn't want to be away from the castle for too long lest his sister become suspicious of his absence later. She was far too paranoid, which made this plan of his difficult to execute.
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Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 11:59 pm
color=black] Bethany kept yelling up at him, dirt falling on her and getting her filthy and the fact she was too drunk to stab her heels into the dirt to climb out. "J-just get me out of here!" She grabbed at his arm as he lifted her up and clung to him in his lap. "Oh? Well, get me some more wine and I'll do whatever you want!" She 'accidently' showed a bit of her leg to him, whispering it in his ear to see if he truly couldn't get excited in a cemetery. "Or we can explore a bit more and head back and you'll have me all night." She chuckled, tossing her shoes off as one of the stupid heels were broken. "Damsel...?" She finally caught on to his words and poofed a cheek out to show she was not impressed. "I am NOT a damsel! Your not earning any points at this rate..." She heard the bushes rustle and looked around, it wasn't windy so what was there?
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Ken frowned, the thought of Astrid marrying someone else...not being happy with that person because all those princes cared about was power and wealth, not her. "N-No! I don't mean to take up your time, I'll sign it." He took the quill and dipped it in the ink before signing it and handing it back to him. "There, when do we start? I want any advantage I can over those suitors." He asked, letting the slave take it as his master stayed close to the fire to keep warm.
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Posted: Thu May 04, 2017 12:39 am
Redness touched his cheeks as he felt her breath tickling his ear. He shifted slightly, to try to conceal his excitement. It felt pathetic to be constantly teased like this with no payout. He glanced over to where she was staring, frowning as he saw a cat poke its head out. "It's just a stupid stray... That's all. Let's go. There's probably something in the water here." He grumbled, slipping an arm underneath her knees as he got ready to carry her away. It was then that a loud, blood-curdling inhuman scream erupted from the darkness behind them. He whipped his head around, jumping to his feet with her in his arms. "What the hell?!" He shouted, feeling adrenaline rush through his veins as a pale hand appeared from within the tomb. The fingers of it were abnormally long and thin, the nails long and sharply pointed like talons. The skin looked white, almost glowing against the pure black of the tomb it was combing from. It beckoned for them to go inside.
Joseph held on to her and bolted, running down the path until they were back at the inn. He kicked the door, which swung open with a thwack, and went up the stairs to their room. He dropped her on one of the beds and then ran back down the stairs, locked the door, then returned to lock their bedroom door. "What the hell?! A demon! I ******** warned you, all of your talk of unnatural spirits invited a demon! s**t!" He cursed, pacing back and forth across the floor of the room. "s**t! ********! It's after us now, it wants our souls. Look what you ******** did! Ah, s**t! The ******** we do now!"
________________
His slave brought the scroll over to Arric, and he checked it in the light to make sure it was correct. He'd need it to be in order to execute his plans later on. He smirked at the weaker man of low-birth, pocketing the scroll. "For now, order bouquets of white roses, gladiolis and lilies and send them to the castle. Make sure it's at least a dozen. Her other suitors are only speaking condolences, not making a public statement. I'm aware that you're a poor duelist. That doesn't work in your favor. Instead, focus on painting the glories of battle and Astrid, looking powerful. You aren't a fighter, so send support to these areas of Criaswen. Food, medical supplies." He gestured for his slave to give him the list of places in need of aid and a letter he'd written beforehand specifically for each of those areas. "By the way, don't flirt with women other than my sister. She's a terrible prude with no sense of humor. She won't care if you're kidding."
"You'll copy those, everything has to be re-written in your own hand. You were closest to my sister, so you must know what she likes. She's in mourning right now, but you have her slave. Use that to your advantage. Tell her Egbert's injured himself. Been kicked by a horse, fell and bruised his back to the point that he's unable to walk. Think of something if you aren't man enough to create the injuries yourself. She will come out to fetch him for herself. She's too untrusting to believe you, those injuries must be real. For the next six months she won't be able to see her suitors. This is the only way you can get her to come to you. She'll hear of your good deeds towards the people. I'll contact you with further instructions, and visit you when I have time. Address all letters you send me to Alewar, my slave." He paused in order to allow his slave to bow, then he instructed the man to show Ken his mouth. His tongue had been cut out, leaving only a stub at the back of his mouth.
"He tried to pierce his tongue years ago and it got infected. He can't speak, so it's only natural for the two of you to converse this way. Make sure everything you send is white, the vases, ribbons. Everything. Use your influence to take care of the public issues I've told you about and the people will sing your praises. My sister will hear about it, more importantly the Royal Advisor will. Use your power and wealth as a Margrave and do what I tell you, you'll be married before the next year's through. I'm aware that Victoria already prefers you to Astrid's other suitors.. Use that to your advantage, don't ask her to help you directly. Be subtle with your suggestions and make sure you can count on her as your friend. It should also go without saying that you are to tell no one about our contract. Act as if you don't know me, but no more cowering regardless of who it is you're speaking to. Understand?" He said, pausing again in order to hold back a cough.
His throat tickled, his illness may get worse if he didn't return home and get some rest. He was nearly out of time, and would have to leave soon. He wanted to make sure that Ken understood these parts of the plan. There was more he had to cover with the older boy, so he'd have to go out to visit him when next he had the chance.
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Posted: Thu May 04, 2017 1:22 am
Bethany could feel his excitement; not exactly wearing a thick dress since this area was warmer then the south. She saw the cat and smiled, glad it wasn't something weird or scar- never mind. She went pale, shocked and looking behind them as he carried her while running. It had to be a real vampire! She was still out of it when he dropped her on the bed, only shaking her head when he began to pace. "It's not a demon!" She grumbled, having had a bit too much alcohol to really argue at this point. "What do we do? We go kill the thing!" She stood up and grabbed her sword from the luggage before looking to the window and going pale again at seeing the lifeless face. "I-I don't feel good...." Her eyes rolled back and she collapsed, the first time in her life to faint from shock.
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Kenneth listened, grabbing some paper and using the quill to write down the stuff he would need and taking the letters and list as well. He was commited to doing this, to earning her hand in marriage and Ailean wouldn't think anything of it if he helped the people out while doing so. "I-Injure Egbert? Hmm....Oh his wife! She told me she hates when he use to drink, use to beat the crap out of him if he did that." He stood up, gathering the papers together, looking to Alewar and having to look away, really doubting the man had done such a thing to himself after nearly having Astrid cut his own tongue out. "I understand, I'll get started the minute I get home tomorrow! If she is mourning then...oh she must of run out of her favorite perfume by now, she uses it at funerals and it takes nearly two months to deliver..." He thought, having seen the same perfume being sold at a market in the town closest to his home. "Thank you, your highness, I'll let you leave first and I promise not to tell a soul of the contract." He bowed to him before setting the papers in his jacket to hide from Yitta.
By the end of the next week, he had the flowers sent out in white vases with their white ribbons,
tiny box made it's way to the princess, a gift for the mourning of her perfume; something he knew she wouldn't expect but secretly enjoy having it in time of the funeral. He sketched up battles, of Astrid looking strong as the Queen yet elegant and beautiful as ever. He managed to paint and send a picture of the late king for his casket, having received a letter informing him the current picture had been stolen; giving him the opportunity to show his loyalty to the crown. He asked Ailean what they could do to send aid to some neighboring towns, some farther out and by the third week,
he had gotten Egbert so drunk; the man had stumbled into his wife's rage and he had to write a letter directly to Astrid about her poor slave being injured. He was excited to see her reply; then her carriage a few days later. The towns she had passed through all remarked of his generosity, loyalty and praised him to be the best gentlemen anyone could find. Women had sent him multiple letters,
but he turned them away; saying he was only interested in Queen Astrid.
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