Abigail gave another grateful smile to Annabelle, and she quickly scooted little Amaya forward on the ice, away from her approaching husband. She had still held firm with him since her daughter's birth that he would never lay a claw on Amaya as long as her mother drew breath, but that wouldn't stop his anger with her if she wasn't where he expected to to be when he returned; in their den. After all, he still wanted a worthy son.
Amaya half ran and was half pushed by her mother, and suddenly she knew why. The big bear was coming. He always made her mother afraid.
Miguel wasted no time in all but running full out the the kitchen. He wanted nothing to do with the bear who had nearly killed him once.
Arcadius stopped his powerful stride and raised his head higher at Annabelle's approach. "What for?" He asked rudely, giving an irritated snort. Normally he would enjoy her company -he had before- but he had scented his wife and the runt where they weren't supposed to be. He was hoping to beat them home so he could catch and punish his wife.
Nanuq sat opposite his wife, enjoying the view of her and the feat before him. "I have, they're moving along well, especially since I had the guards give them some inspiration to get them working faster." He leaned forward in his chair with a wicked smile. "And how could they not be willing to donate them to our cause? Trying to curry favour with the Mightly King and his vicious Queen, no doubt."
Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 9:58 pm
Annabelle did not allow Lord Arcadius' foul mood affect her. It was not unusual for her to encounter an unruly noble. She took it all in stride. "I was making my rounds with my little Wildfire when we arrived at your lordship's living quarters to offer our cleaning services. As we spoke of what needed to be done, I sensed Lady Born to Wealth, Born to Beauty seemed overwhelmed being both wife and mother, so I offered the personal services of my two eldest daughters and myself for you, my lord. And of course, my younger daughters to serve Lady Beautiful as Home, and Precious as Ice, whenever Lady Born to Beauty needs time to herself, or to your lordship.
"I only hoped to relieve the burden placed on you both, and I felt Her ladyship did, in fact, feel a great relief in knowing you may find relief during this tedious time." And by tedious time, Annabelle was sure Lord Arcadius understood she meant waiting two years until Lady Abigail was ready to bear cubs again. "I just wished to let you know both my daughters and I have her ladyship's permission to personally serve you whenever you need it."
Justine was panting as she slowed down to a brisk walk and then her normal pace. She glanced over at Miguel, took a few deep breaths, and then spoke. "I hope she's okay." Of course Justine knew her mother was stronger than most bears, and she was bigger than most males, but Lord Arcadius had gleefully harmed Miguel. She feared he would have her mother tortured if she said the wrong thing to him.
Bera laughed again before throwing a dagger into the board. It landed squarely on the Polaroid of her eldest brother, cutting him plain through. The dart board was littered with the Polaroids of other nobles and family members, some with small nicks and others like her brother's Polaroid. "Truly, it is amusing how servants and nobles alike quiver at our might. No kingdom has had such a strong pair of rulers before and no kingdom ever shall," she said between sips of wine.
Suddenly, smiling ever so sweetly, Bera placed her wine down so she could freely saunter over to her king and lay in his lap. "We shall be the greatest rulers this kingdom has ever seen, my beloved," she practically purred as she cupped her hands around Nanuq's face before sliding them down to his shirt. Her king looked delicious. "No one can stop us," she whispered in his ear. "Not even the First's line stands in our way."
Abigail and Amaya reached the chamber, their sides heaving from the quick run. "Amaya darling, go into the other chamber please, and take a nap." She instructed her daughter. She knew no matter what, Arcadius had smelled them, and she could still face trouble. But not her little Amaya. "Now off with you." She said, after a quick affectionate nuzzle. She waited until Amaya had disappeared into the smaller chamber at the back that was her room, and her mother's as often as not, and then she sat near the entrance to her and her husband's room, awaiting his return far from eagerly.
Amaya didn't want to leave her mother when her mom was afraid, but she did what she was told, and laid down on the soft snow, unable to sleep.
Miguel was running so hard that he almost failed to stop when Justine slowed, and when he finally noticed slid a way on the ice before he could manage to stop himself. "Me too." He mumbled, not wanting to meet her eyes. He was afraid, terrified of the bear behind him and memories flooded his mind; long razor claws forced into his pelt, shredding him, ripping his back open, and warm blood soaking his back.
Yes, he was terrified, and he didn't want her to see that he was shaking. He kept walking a ways a head of her, not looking at her.
Arcadius pulled his lips back from his teeth. "So she was here. If she is too overwhelmed with mothering, then she should have let me kill the whelp when it was born like I wanted!" He raked his claws on the ground, his temper working up. Especially when he was told his wife had given permission for the females to look after him. He didn't require anyone's permission aside from the King and Queen, and if he wanted them he could have gotten them himself!
And yet... at the same time as he was working up a temper, he figured he may as well enjoy what was offered first. "Well you've already helped her enough, time to help me." He replied gruffly, and moved closer to her, shoving her forward. "Come with me."
Nanuq grinned and laid back in his chair once more, enjoying the view of his lounging wife. "So true my wife. What female bear in the world could hope to compete with you?" His voice drew out the words, his eyes raking over her body. "And what male could have a hope of beating me in a challenge?"
His smile widened at Bera's whispers and her hands. "We are the mightiest King and Queen of the bears ever, and we shall rule them for as long as we live, and our children after that." His hand grabbed her waist and pulled her closer as he spoke. "When bears hear our names, they shake."
[Time skip for them?]
Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2016 8:55 pm
Annabelle raised a brow at Lord Arcadius' words, not even feeling mildly amused by his stupidity nor wanting to pretend being shocked. All first-time mothers, from servants to nobles, felt overwhelmed by motherhood. However, in the end, fools were fools, and they would always remain so. She watched the lord uselessly work himself into a fuss, just like her cubs when they were very young and very small.
And instead of arguing with this fool, Annabelle followed his command and went with him. She didn't know what he intended to do, but she prayed to the First it was to utilize her special services. If Lord Arcadius intended to do something else aside from that, she would have nothing of it. "As you wish, my lord."
Justine watched as Miguel slid further ahead, probably an attempt to slow down. She walked over to him, to close the distance between them, but he soon got up and walked ahead of her. She couldn't even hear if he had spoken or not. It frustrated her that he wouldn't slow down. Why was he keeping his distance from her? They were both terrified of Lord Arcadius, though Justine was more afraid because her mother and Lady Abigail were terrified. Miguel was traumatized by the punishment he received at the lord's sharp claws. It made sense, she did not fault him for it.
What she did fault Miguel for was keeping away from her after their narrow escape. "Big Family, stop looking at him. Hey!" Now beyond frustrated, Justine ran forward and cut Miguel off. She stared right at him and held her ground. "What are you trying to do? Be tough?"
Bera smiled and daintily placed her index finger on her king's lips and softly shushed him. "Not yet, my love. Not yet. We still have a performance tonight, remember?" She breathed in his ear as her hands worked their way to his shoulders and massaged them. "Though I am more than willing to provide you with a preview," she said. Tonight, they would end a line of bears who thought themselves better than all in the kingdom, better than even Bera herself. "Her line will end with our rule, and our line shall replace hers." Already, Bera had Commander Einar prepare her expendable, unsuspecting royal guards. He would have them at the ready for tonight's performance.
[Time Skip while Arcadius is enjoying Annabelle's company]
Miguel froze in front of Justine, while visions of large paws holding him down and razor sharp claws slicing into his pelt danced in his head. He didn't even realize he was shaking so badly that when stopped he almost still looked to be moving. "How can she go back to him? Bring her cub home to him?" He was thinking aloud, muttering and wondering how Abigail had lived so long with what bear and fearing for little Amaya. "His claws were so sharp...so sharp..." Miguel's breathing as coming in quick rasps as he got stuck in the horrible memory.
"What are you trying to do? Be tough?"
The voice he knew gave him the lifeline he needed. He focused on Justine, all his feelings for her of endearment, worry, admiration, hope and love. he fought the memories back by looking at her and focusing on her words, and slowly his shaking and hyperventilating slowed. "Justine, I..." He felt lost about how to explain to her what had been happening, and his words faded off. The with all the sincerity he could muster he said, "thank you." And his eyes remained on her face, afraid that the memories would come back if he looked away.
Nanuq's lips drew up at his Queen's suggestion of a preview. "Mmm, a preview would be lovely." He replied as Bera catered to his shoulders. "Get our blood pumping before the main event."
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:51 am
[I thought for a moment Arcadius was going to show Annabelle a domestic abuse scene in which he dies. Glad it's not time for him to die yet.]
Justine frowned, but she didn't rebuff the thanks. Instead, she burrowed her head into the dip in his neck, resting against his bigger frame. "Big Family, don't forget I'm here for you. We are friends and family. Mother will also be here for you. We love you so much." She wanted Miguel to understand they would support him whenever he had a panic attack. Or with anything in general. He was family to her and everyone else. "Okay?"
Bera worked her hands up her husband's shoulders, slowly approaching the base of his neck. "We'll, my darling king, just imagine us enjoying ourselves as we are now. Adoring each other's company until we retire for the night. I'm fast asleep at your bedside, and you at mine when you feel pounding, even in your sleep.
"You open your eyes and you see me pinned down." Bera swiftly saddled herself on Nanquk's lap. "You spot one brute holding me down and another wrapping his calloused hands around my delicate neck." As she spoke, she demonstrated her words, wrapping her hands now around her king's throat, tightening her grip with force. She wondered if her love would find this kind of play amusing or not. It certainly did something for her.
"Then a third assailant appears and presses a blade against my throat, much like this." Suddenly flash of silver appeared and now she was holding a blade against her own throat, no longer was she choking her husband. "And in this moment, what will my beloved king do? Will you rescue me, or let me bleed out?" Bera smiled as she locked the blade. It would be this very blade they would use tonight to begin the end of a very long and worn out line.
Miguel's confusion turned to shocked pleasure as Justine buried her head against him. It was something they had done as children and something he had hoped for a lot since then. And the words, so close to what he wanted to hear from her, he took comfort in now.
He closes his eyes and inhaled her scent, enjoying the softness of her fur and the sound of her voice near him. He thought he could tell her then that he loved her. He wasn't half-dead this time and it would be so easy...
But he wasn't worthy of her yet. Not quite yet. He didn't want to tell her until he felt worthy of the right to love her. To have a shot with such an incredible bear.
So instead he just used his paw to hug her to him just a little bit more, and waited until he could feel his heart returning to it more normal slower rhythm. Once it was, he reluctantly released her, and stepped back to look into her face, and chose a less heavy confession. "You know all of you have always been my family. You're the only ones I've ever had."
Nanuq listened to the sound of Bera's voice and the tale she was laying out before him, and his smile only grew. He knew that the reality of the situation was that no bear could hope to sneak up on Bera, pin her and threaten her life and live to tell the tale. And in truth that was exactly what the plan entailed. But were this not a story they were creating, Bera would flay her attackers alive without his having to lift a paw.
As his wife's hand tightened around his throat he grunted. An uncomfortable but not entirely unpleasant experience. His instincts told him to shove her hand away and throw her aside, but he kept his hands where they were, on the arms of the chair they were in.
What he found even more enjoyable was the blade she held to her own neck as she spun the story. He watched it glint in the light, until she locked it. "Anyone who tries to take what's mine dies." He stated, this time moving his hands to tighten his own grip on her. "And you belong to me."
After a moment he loosened his grip. "Besides, no one is allowed to challenge the King." He flashed his teeth at his Queen. "I will rip them all apart."
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:52 am
[I'm seriously glad because I don't know what I'd do if Annabelle had to witness that.]
Justine closed her eyes and inhaled Miguel's scent when he drew her closer to him. She wished this moment would last, but alas, nothing ever did. Eventually, they had to part ways for their own reasons. So, putting on a relieved expression, she prodded her friend with a paw. "Does this mean you're fine now?" she asked as she scrutinized his face. He didn't look as petrified as before. "Because, if not, I don't want to slug you back into reality, but I will if I have to," she flatly stated. It was time to backpedal from the talk of being family. Justine saw Miguel as family, she wanted him to become hers once she was grown up, but he was too dense to know her feelings.
Besides, a cub's feelings would easily change as the years went by, and Miguel would find a she-bear his own age to marry. It was life. But now Justine was thinking of things that hurt her chest, tightening around her heart with every passing second.
Looking away, back at where they had originally ran from, Justine listened for the sound of her mother's and Lord Arcadius' voices. She heard none. "Let's return to ladies. I cannot imagine how Lady Precious Ice is fairing." Justine's mother would be keeping Lord Arcadius occupied for the next few hours, she was sure. "Then I must return to my duties. I have to make up for my mother's absence."
Bera smiled a twisted smile, enjoying the tight grip Nanuq had on her. It was a pity it didn't last very long. "I most certainly belong to you, my king," she practically purred as she slid a finger up his throat to his chin. "Yet keep in mind, you cannot rip apart those who hold a dagger to your spine."
Bera had moved the blade from her throat to the back of Nanuq's neck, pressing it against his spine. It was a silent move. No fanfare, just an hidden move. "Don't forget that a damaged spine makes you as hapless as a newborn. I wish to see you rip those nasty assailants to shreds after all." Bera put the blade to her mouth and ran her tongue along it, tempting her king to take her or withhold himself. If he was smart, he would know his reward for tonight would be tenfold if he held himself back.
Miguel chuckles at Justine's comment. Something so like her an her no-nonsense attitude he couldn't help but cheer up hearing it. "No need for that, I'm alright." He replied, thinking that she could probably throw quite the paw hit if she wanted he, and he didn't fancy being on the receiving end one bit. "Save that for any naughty cubs trying to ruin our hard work." He added, thinking of little Kip.
As he watched her face he noticed she seemed saddened for a moment, so he gently hip-checked her. "Alright let's go! I'll race you! Last one there is a Leopard Seal!" He took off in a run, his laughter trailing behind him as he lunged away.
Nanuq's eyes opened wide in surprise as he felt the cool and sharp edge of the blade against his neck. Then suddenly he smiled and let out a deep chuckle. His chuckling continued for a minute until Bera drew the blade away to slide her tongue along it. It was a sight, that was for sure, and his Queen was dangerous. He relaxed into the back on the chair, his eyes roving over her, but he remained where he is. "Then I will give you quite the show, Bera." Was his reply.
Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2016 9:10 pm
Justine shook her head and ran after him because she would not let him win. She managed to pass him and allowed herself to slide the rest of the way to Lady Abigail's cave. She nearly smashed herself against the wall in the process, but it was all good. "My lady, Big Family and I are back!" she announced, poking her head into the cave entrance.
Bera smiled and discarded her blade into the ice wall before her. "Very good, my king. Now," she said as she unsaddled herself from his lap, "Let us prepare our wardrobes for tonight's performance. What would you like me to wear?" she asked as she sauntered over to her wardrobe. She opened it and examined the lingerie and other beautiful jewels and metals. The beautiful things her Nanuq would enjoy on her, would enjoy devouring her in.
Armel walked down the icy hallways, avoiding guards and other bears as much as possible. The last two guards he wanted to meet were Captain Humbert and Sir James. Unlike other guards, those who aimed to destroy him because they disapproved of him, Captain Humbert and Sir James disapproved of him, but they wanted him to behave like a prince. All Armel wanted was to serve Their Majesties by being useful.
And of course, Armel wanted to avoid other bears just so his ill-luck would not rub off on them. After spending a few hours on the ice hunting, he had plenty of time to reconsider his relationships with other bears. For now, he would limit his interpersonal relationships with the servants and increase those with the nobility. However, he couldn't separate himself from Annabelle and her cubs, or Miguel. They were the ones who were so intertwined in his heart that he couldn't give them up.I'm an idiot.He sighed and then took a glance around at his surroundings. He had no idea where he had wound up. With any luck, he wouldn't run into the guards or his brothers.
Humbert was teaching another class to the apprentices, going over drills that they should know by heart. However, some of them were still lagging behind on their training. He'd probably have to assign his better guards to tutor those apprentices to bring them up to par with their peers, or else he would have to let them loose. It was better for those cubs to be cut by him rather than Their Majesties. "Mind if my daughters join in?"Hum jumped, whirling around to see Princess Eden behind him, and her two daughters flanking her on both sides. Her all-female guard behind them, along with their cubs. Humbert shook his head, yet his paw motioned for the princess to have her way. "They can pick with whomever they'd like to spar. I'm sure they have had plenty of practice with their guards," he said. No point in arguing with Princess Eden. Despite her unwillingness to live like a royal, she still had the willfulness and attitude that came with it. "My thanks, dear captain. Marigold, Tulip, find a pair of cubs you find suitable as your sparring partners."Hum watched as the two cubs sought out the weaker apprentices in the group. At first, the apprentices were skeptical, but after a few minutes of sparring and having their rear-ends served to them, they quickly learned to take the young princesses seriously. He watched with great interest as the princesses and apprentices traded fighting tips and techniques for the next hour. Around them, the other apprentices were becoming curious as well and participating in discussions and fighting techniques. Why must my sovereigns have such strange offspring? he thought as he glanced back at Princess Eden.
"Why not let the cubs of your guards also participate, Princess Petal Blossoms?" Humbert asked Princess Eden, and of course her guards. "I thought you'd never ask, Hollowed white oak,"was the princess' only reply before her guards' cubs entered the fray, and caused him to immediately regret his decision. These cub guards were merciless to the little princesses in their sparring matches. They did not hold back, no matter the age group they faced. Some cubs were more than four years old, some were as young as two, but they all held their own against each apprentice they faced.
[Just so these two can stay relevant for the time being.]
Miguel scooted into the den, just after Justine did. He'd have liked to say he let her win, but they both knew that was not the truth. She was exquisite at everything, including kicking his butt. A smile on his face, he looked over to Abigail.
Abigail heard paws running towards her den, and and first fear gripped her as she thought of her husband. But as she realized the paws were running she relaxed. There were very few things her husband would run for, and seeing his wife and child was not one of them. So when the two young bears entered the den she smiled at them, but raised a paw for silence. "Hello you two." She greeted them with a hushed voice. "I've sent Amaya for a nap, but you can come and join me." She added to explain her need for soft voices. She wouldn't mind their company at all, it would keep her thoughts from scary avenues, but they should be sure to be gone before her husband returned.
Shifting in his chair, Nanuq looked into his wife's closet. Normally he wouldn't care what she chose, she was very gifted in picking out garments that were regal when necessary, seductive when required and powerful always, but with the offer her examined the items. "Something red, like blood." He replied. It was always a stunning colour of her, conveyed command and seduction and he remembered enjoying the sight of it on her on a multitude of occasions. The colour would be fitting for tonight, when blood would be spilled. He wondered if she would have a specific request for his garments, or allow him to choose.
James heard fighting sounds as he patrolled on his rounds. Taking a slight detour off route to check it out, he realized he's wandered into one of Humbert's training sessions. Only this time, Princess Eden and her daughters, and the children of her guard were involved. His sense of irritation with people not fulfilling and remaining in their station was temporarily overpowered by his love for battle. He watched as the majority of Humbert's guard had their asses handed to them, some by bears half their size.
Moving over to where Humbert and Eden were he let out a chuckle. "It has been a long time since I've seen such an impressive display. Not that it's good news for your class, Sir." He addressed Humbert, then turned to Eden and bowed his head low. "Your daughters and guards have fine technique, My Lady."
Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2016 8:18 pm
Justine perked her ears and nodded when Lady Abigail told of her and Miguel of Lady Amaya's nap. "Of course. We just wished to see how you both we doing. My mother will keep your husband, his lordship...occupied for the next few hours. She's very good at it. So don't fret about Lady Precious Ice too much." Justine kept her voice low as to not disturb the sleeping cub hidden in her room. "I promise my mother will keep you both safe for the time being."
Bera smiled and reached for her king without looking his way. She cupped his cheek and planted a quick kiss on him. Oh how she enjoyed his choices. Red was the most superb color he could have chosen, and her favorite. "Excellent choice, my love," she said as she pulled out a drawer filled with red lingerie. "Pick whichever stirs your desires, and I shall fulfill them for you," she purred as she wrapped her arms around his waist. It was tempting not to undress him as she slipped her hands beneath his shirt and rubbed them against his smooth skin. Truly the most perfect specimen of a bear to ever exist. Bera was grateful he had won her hand those many years ago, least she be wed to an imbecile incapable of pleasing her and providing her all she desired.
Humbert shrugged at James' comment because he couldn't dispute it. "The apprentices needed a distraction from their monotone routine. Things like this are fun, once in awhile." Hum kept his expression passive, yet his words encouraging. He shouted to one of his apprentices to keep his left side guarded just before Princess Tulip sent him skidding across the ground. Ouch. Princess Eden, on the other paw, was enjoying the matches before her and the complement James gave."I thank you for the complement, Steady as the ice, but truly, it is thanks to Captain Hollowed Oak's sister for their skills. She is quite the capable bear."The princess looked at him, baiting him, for a reaction. Anything to make him appear peeved. Hum chose not to bite. "She who turns mountains to rubble should be captain of the guard. Her skills far surpass mine." Of his elder half-sisters, Rubble, or Louisa as her human name, had a knack for military tactics, and fighting. If his father had not been so head-strong, then he could have had Louisa easily take over the guards and prevented the current gap in their family line of commanders from occurring. However, she wasn't a son like he wanted, so she was largely ignored by him. Plus, it never helped that she was a constant accomplice to Princess Eden's rebelliousness. But Hum decided to just let his comment hang in the air for a moment, so it could sink in. "But I may just request of Your Highness to allow your cubs to attend more classes. I haven't seen them so stirred up since they first began their training." "Males will be males."The princess smiled before she cheered on her daughters. Hum shook his head before turning to his subordinate. "James, take a good look. If Rubble had taught you, then I would have lost that last match we had. And probably every match. Ever. Then again, it's a good thing she didn't because she's ruthless."
Abigail smiled at Justine and despite herself, relaxed at the younger bears assurances. "Please think her for me, if I cannot. She is far braver then I am."
Miguel tried to give Lady Abigail an encouraging look, but was perplexed by her reaction. She was very brave, to be married to such a horrible bear. Each day must be like walking on the edge of a cliff. He certainly couldn't do it...
Nanuq wanted to pull Bera close after she kisses him, but he let her instead open the drawer for him to look through. As he looked into the drawer, trying to make his selection, he felt her arms circle around him, and heard her making suggestions as her hands moved up and down his toned chest and abs. A slow smile spread on his face as he picked up an especially seductive piece from the drawer. He held it out to her, like an offering, the small piece fitting easily in the palm of his hand. "This one."
James listened mostly silent as the two talked. Despite enjoying the battle as he was, and letting formality slip some, both were still a higher rank then he, so he would be silent while they spoke to each other. When he was adressed however, he did speak. Not doing so would be rude. "I can see that you're right. I suppose I should be grateful I didn't face any of her students when I was as young as your new class." Even if he had lost, he had to admit, he still would have enjoyed the good fight.
Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:03 pm
Justine shook her head at Lady Abigail's words. "My mother said courage comes in many different forms," she said, resolution in her young, yet strong gaze. "Never compare your actions to others because we all experience things differently. Your courage is remaining by his lordship's side, despite his cruelty, because you have an inner strength that refuses to shrink to fear." As she spoke, she thought of her mother and her strength. Annabelle could stomach the company of nobles for which she cared little. She would willingly take the place of younger maids when the unwanted gazes of noble males fell on them.
Sitting a bit taller, Justine gazed at Lady Abigail, then at Miguel. "We're all different bears."
"Hmm...? Ah, beautiful," Bera breathed with awe. She disengaged her hands from her husband's firm body to pet the clothing piece. It was gorgeous, like her. "In this, I shall glow radiantly for you tonight, my king. Now," she purred as she took the lingerie out of his hands and wrapped it around the back of his neck, pulling him closer to her, "It is nearly time for the midday court hearings,." She again kissed her king for it was difficult to keep her hands off him. "Let us prepare ourselves, Nanuq." And with that, she coyly grinned before releasing her hold on her husband and sauntering back toward her vanity. It was time for their servants to dress them for court.
Eden laughed, immensely enjoying the conversation at paw. It was not very often that she could enjoy herself like this. The court prevented her from having a free life. "Steady as the Ice," said Eden as she continued to watch her daughters fight, "All my guards present are students are Rubble. Why not have a match with one of them. What do you stay, Hollowed Oak?"
Humbert rolled his eyes at Princess Eden, ignoring her mock huff of indignation, before looking at his former student. "It is a choice only Steady as the Ice can make, but for the record, I can't tell you to refuse or not. It would be a great learning opportunity for both you and the apprentices, but I truly do not wish to watch your a** handed to you on a platter." Hum shrugged and continued to watch the youngsters fight.
Abigail smiled at Justine, her eyes watering lightly. "Thank you very much." Her head swivelled toward where her precious daughter slept. "She is my greatest source of courage." She spoke almost to herself. For Amaya's sake she stayed married to the bear who could have her and her daughter cast away into the ice if he so chose, and she would also do anything to protect her baby. Anything.
Miguel listened to Justine as she spoke and watched her too. How was it that he could fall ore in love with her all the time? Her kind words that echoed what he'd been thinking, and the look of sureness as she spoke. She was truly incredible.
The mighty King wanted to capture his wife and imprison her in his arms, but for now he let her go away from him. He would have her later. As she sat, servants -who until this point had been to the very corners of the room, silent, and for all intensive purposes invisible- came into the room carrying garments of luxury and jewels.
Nanuq stood on the center of the room, and held his arms out, allowing himself to draped in expensive clothes and brilliant red precious stones. He barely saw or acknowledged the people who moved around him.
James smiled at the offer. "As long as Your Majesty wont have me beheaded or fired when in all likelihood I lose." He wasn't joking either. She could likely order either of those things and there would be nothing he could do. A guard who lost to someone half his age, was no good at all in the eyes of those he was protecting.
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