A Crown of Scales

@ ashen knight;

Victoria's eyes widen a bit in surprise as Dain offered the earrings to her. It was not necessarily unusual for knights, lords and others to offer her and her family gifts. In fact, others considered it almost a requirement to gain favor with the royals (even though that was rarely the case). Though, still, she had not been expecting the gift nor his kind words in this particular situation. "Thank you, Dain. They are certainly beautiful, and I am honored that you think so highly of me."

Reaching out, she took the earrings from him, her fingers brushing over his palm to do so. She would be sure to wear them on her way home tomorrow, to show that she was grateful for the gift and to him. His words made her wonder if she had, perhaps, accidentally insulted him and the others knights when she chose Nikola to be her bodyguard. It might be best for her to throw some kind of party in their honor. Victoria did not want them to question her loyalty to them. "I am afraid that you and the others have received the wrong impression when I hired Nikola into my services for this tour. It is not the truth that I did not think the knights worthy or capable of protecting me. I am quite sure in yours, and in other's, abilities to keep me protected. I know I would have been safe with any of my knights." Victoria looked straight into Dain's eyes, wanting to ensure that her reassurance was being heard. "My decision to hire Nikola had absolutely nothing to do with you or the other knights. I hope that you see that I am telling the truth."

"As for the question of Nikola's loyalty, I fully believe he would not sell me out." Victoria was also being truthful with these words. At this point, Victoria saw it unlikely that Nikola would sell her out, kill her or do anything to her. However, she fully believed that he would come to her and try to get a higher payment with that knowledge. Though that was best not to say out loud.

"And, thank you for the warning for the marriage request." She did truly appreciate it. While it was doubtful that anything would come from the request, Victoria did prefer to know ahead of time. It gave her time to prepare on how to reject him. Also, it allowed Victoria to talk to her father, to ensure he would not accept on her behalf. That would almost never happen, unless something extraordinary happened, but it was best that they were on the same page.

@ BearGirl

Dain savored every moment of her praise, and more so her touch against his hand. Oh, she would not marry the Duke, but Dain was not an old man and although not early as wealthy, he was famed. The only thing that stopped him for a clear shot was the fact that he was a Knight, and not of royal blood, nor possession of vast lands and cities. Another title is what he needed. For a moment, he pictured himself standing in a large hall, as Lord Dain, and the thought brought a new fire to him. "You are most welcome," He bowed his head lightly and smiled.

Hearing a small commotion back at the halls, he figured it was time for them to head back. Besides, the antsy Nikola seemed to make himself more obvious to his eyes with every passing minute. "I suppose it is time to return," he offered his hand to her, "I hope you will allow me to accompany you some more tomorrow." He started towards the castle.

They didn't stay for long, and soon headed back. Dain stayed with them for the rest of the journey and often rode beside the carriage - much to Nikola's annoyance, who ended up riding either ahead or behind the carriage and feel Dain's gaze piercing his back, or see the knight's back and and proud posture that it held. Even the horse seemed to flick its tail at him mockingly. Fortunately for all, the ride back was uneventful and they soon returned home, and thus Nikola assumed his duty done, and was more than happy to rest, collect pay, and hightail out of there. The scales under his skin had started to itch.

@ ashen knight;

Once Victoria had made it back to the castle, she had took the day to rest and think over her tour. She took no visitors, and ensured that anyone who asked for her would be stopped. There were certain aspects that Victoria needed to think about before the dawn of the next day. And all of them involved Nikola.

When morning did come, Victoria bathed, dressed, ate and then had one of her servents to send Nikola on her way to her. There was much that she wanted to discuss with the man, and some of it, Victoria had been quite sure would be quite unpopular among some of her knights, Dain especially. Though, Victoria had no concern for what they might thing.

When Nikola was brought to her, Victoria turned to the man, smiling warmly at him. She held onto a pouch full of gold, which was Nikola's payment for being her bodyguard on the tour. "Good Morning Nikola." Victoria said as she held up the bag. "I have what you want." With that, Victoria threw the bag at Nikola, waiting for him to catch it before she continued. "Though, I have more than that for you, if you are to accept my offer." She said, looking over at Nikola, trying to get a feeling for what he wanted most. "I want you to beome my official personal bodyguard."

@ BearGirl

Nikola was pleasantly surprised when they returned that nobody bothered him. For those days while the princess rested, he took his leave and quit the city, travelling someplace far on his horse at the highest speed possible and when there was no more to run, he took to the skies. He spent quite the time on the edge of Victoria's kingdom, circling among the clouds and hunting game. He feasted like he hadn't eaten in months, and slept for the rest of the time. Eventually, he returned and resumed the daily life of a human. Whether a dragon had been seen or not did not concern him. The tavern rumors were quiet.

On the off-days then, he spent training, fighting in local tavern pits. Quickly, he became quite famous among the lower folk. But as he was reaching the top, he was called in by the Princess, and so he had to attend.

Now he stood before her, looking at the bag she held. He caught it when it was tossed, and gave it a small weigh in his hand. The weight satisfied him, as agreed. He pocketed the bag and was about to bow and excuse himself when she suddenly continued. Nikota stopped midway and peered at her. He listened, and as he listened, a smirk crept along his face.

"What? An official personal bodyguard?" He cast a look at the guards stationed around the room and resisted a sneer. "In exchange for what, may I ask? Gold?" He laughed softly and shook his head. "You will not buy me. In exchange for coin, am I to give up my freedom? No. I can leave, and earn less coin but keep my freedom. I am a wandering man. Ranger in name. You can keep your coins and positions for men more suited for it." He made a move to leave.

@ ashen knight;

"What I offer you is more precious than Gold." Victoria said, a smirk coming across her lips. Oh, she had had time to think this through. Luckily, Victoria thought that she was getting to know Nikola relatively well. At least well enough to know that mere gold, honor or other items would not cut it for him. No, she had to think of something special to keep him in her service, which was what Victoria wanted quite dearly. There were still things about Nikola that intriguted her, and due to this she wanted to learn more about the man. Plus, she had never seen someone quite as skilled as he was, and with the recent attacks, Victoria wanted the best.

Once Nikola had turned back to her, Victoria motioned for two servents to come forward. One held a beautiful, bejewed dagger. It was clearly quite expensive, and having such an item would be a rare find. The other walked up, holding in her hand a few jewels. Some large, some small, but none anyone could turn their nose at. Victoria really was giving Nikola quite the deal. "You get half now, and the other half once your time here is up. I want a year. One year of your service and then you can have all of this. I won't ask you to wear a uniform or even do training with the others. As for your freedom, I am sure being tied down anywhere would be seen as a deterent, but as per usual, you will have your days off. And maybe you would find it bearable for a year considering the price."

A small smirk came across Victoria's lips. She was rather sure that he would agree to this trade. It was more than fair, and in his favor to accept. As she leaned forward a little, the gem around Victoria's neck started to fog up, a little tinge of black beginning to swirl around it, almost like smoke.

@ BearGirl

Nikola stopped, only to hear out her futile attempt at seducing him, and damned he was - it worked. It picked at his curiosity, enough that he turned his head over his shoulder. The jewels caught his sight in an instance. The dagger gleamed. The room suddenly faded to darkness in his vision, and nothing bu the jewels and diamonds and other pretty stones were acknowledged. He felt his chest tighten. Breathing became almost a burden. Oh, the dragon's greed was strong. And it was ever so stronger when he was a man.

Oh, the feverish rush for gold was deadly.

"You think you can buy me for some-" he couldn't force the word out. He wanted to say 'scrappy', to insult them and appear carefree, but his tongue and heart could not allow it. "Stones." He blinked and tilted his head, turning - no, ripping - his gaze from the gems to her face. He saw the smirk. Ah, she had him. Had she figured out his true self? No, not possible. He had to play false, play human a while longer. It was best to leave actually. Any rational mind would quickly reject the offer and hightail it out of there. But he was here, and before he knew it, his hands had wrapped around the hilt of the dagger and it spun in his hand with great expertise and skill before coming still.

He lowered it onto the pillow and looked up at her.

Again, another mistake, it seemed. The gem around her neck had his attention. Oh, no, there was no way she would give it up. His thoughts raced. If he stayed, he could be around it more, find its power, find its source, find it out... His heart and mind battled. Logic versus obsession. In the end, it was clear which won.

"Fine. On one condition." He raised his head. "Should any circumstance occur in which I deem it right, I will be a free man to walk away. You can keep your gold and stones and gems. I walk away, no questions asked." He narrowed his eyes. A bargain that seemed fair, no?

@ ashen knight;

A true smile moved over Victoria's lips as Nikola accepted her offer. This was extactly what she wanted, one more year to figure Nikola out, to learn more about him. There was so much Victoria felt like she needed to know, like who he was, what happened to his eyes, that weird thing that happened to his arm when he had fought... So many questions and now she finally felt like she had time to figure it all out.

"Of course, that right is always there." Victoria said as she stood up from her chair. Her work for today was done now. All she wanted was to get Nikola before work in the castle had to start up again. Actually, before some of her suitors made her way again. Another reason to keep Nikola around, he scarred the shit out of them. "Though, I can not promise that I won't ask questions. But, you won't have to answer them, as it is your right."

With another motion, the servant with the gems picked them up and made her way out of the room. That would be given to Nikola if he lasted the full year. So, for now, they were going off to be kept somewhere safe. As for the servant with the dagger, she offered it to Nikola. Once the man took it, the girl bowed to Victoria and also walked away, following where the first woman had gone. "I do not require your services today, but will need you here tomorrow. I already have a room made up for you." She glanced at Nikola the small smirk coming back over her lips. Oh, she had been quite sure he would accept her deal. "I will have someone show you where it is." Victoria had specially picked out Nikola's room. It was in the same hallway that she slept in, ensuring that he would be close if an attack happened.

@ BearGirl

He hated and admired how easy she had him. Just like that, he was bought over. He would have hated his greed, but his greed was born into him, he did not know a life without it and thus it was natural. It was fine. Nikola bowed his head lightly and followed the servant to his room, slipping the dagger into the belt on his waist, secure and ready.

It had been a month since then, a tedious month. Suitors seemed to increase in number by the day. Nikola found himself with the cook's daughter a few times, though he wasn't sure why the stable-boy hated him. The cook's daughter said she didn't like that boy, that he smelled of manure and horse. Well, she smelled of pastry and all things sweet and Nikola was a hungry man it seemed.

He shifted, rolling his shoulder once more and refocused his vision on the sad excuse of a man that stood in front of the throne. Thin and starting to grey. He probably never held a sword in his life, probably did not know how to pull out one from the sheath at his side. Funny. How many times had he listened to marriage proposals and confessions of love? He hoped this man was the last for today. Or he would sleep while standing.

@ ashen knight;

Victoria did the same with every marriage proposal she had heard thus far, listened to what she had to say and ultimately rejected them in the nicest way possible. In the last month, it felt as though she had not seen a single serious canadite. Many of those who came her way were either way too old or way too young to be her partner or to be sitting on the throne. Any man who stood a chance knew better. They were all much more annoying but they didn't start by asking. They were currently courting her. Sending letters, gifts, talking and dancing with her, trying their hardest to fit into her schedule for just a moment. Now a days, Victoria barely got a chance to do her actual work because it was being filled by meetings with her suitors. Her father and members of the court kept scheduling people for her to meet, and taking on responsibilites that were normally hers to give her more time. They were desperate for Victoria to find a match.

And they were all annoying her. Every single damn man in the kingdom.

Once the last man was sent on his way, Victoria slumped forward in her chair and let out a sigh. "I swear, Nikola, if one more man walks in here with a proposal or a confession of love, I want you to knock him out." All of the attention, the surprise bump ins, the men constantly clawing for her attention was beginning to get to Victoria. This was barely tolerable when she only had a few men after her, and now she had the whole damn county now that some nobleman with half a brain spread that she only had a year to pick someone.

She motioned to one of her handmadiens, who quickly came by her side. "If there are any more out there, I want you to tell them that I am gone for the rest of the day to deal with more important matters. Oh, who am I meant to have dinner with tonight?" Victoria hesitated for a moment before waving her hand. "Doesn't matter. Cancel it, reschedule it. I will not see anyone else tonight."

Victoria turned back to Nikola. "Please tell me you can get me back to my room without running into anyone." Her voice was filled with desperation.

Nikola’s lips curled into a small smile at the Princess’ words. Knock him out? Of course. “I’m afraid that would cost me my head from your father.” He chuckled as he neared her, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The attire he wore now was near-forced on him. The court was no place for a ranger’s clothes, and the more he resisted the more the servants persisted. Eventually, he reached a compromise. His hair was more neatly placed around his head, though he kept a few strands falling over his eyepatch, but the rest was neatly pushed back revealing his jewelled ears (one even displaying a vicious scar from a tear from years ago). He also kept his loose shirt and riding pants, but on top of that he was given a new pair of boots and a pelisse slung over his left shoulder. He found it annoying but supposed in case of a fight he could throw it in the opposer’s face.
Nikola waited patiently for her to dismiss her handmaidens, momentarily admiring the briskness and firmness of her decisions. “I can’t guarantee we won’t run into anyone, but I can guarantee they won’t dare talk.” With one nod he motioned for her to start walking, staying close behind her. Fortunately for him, most of the palace people still feared him, and those who didn’t were wary of him. So one curt glance at anyone who thought about approaching the princess as they hurried through the halls warded them off. In such manner, they reached her bed chambers.

“If I dare ask,” he tried, casually glancing at the back of her head, “What of the assassins? Surely you wouldn’t have them run loose?”

@ BearGirl
{im finally here >_<}

@ ashen knight;

A relieved sigh came from Victoria as she entered her bed chambers. This was the one place in the castle that she was safe. No suitor, no lord, no single person would dare corner her here. Victoria headed over to her chair, sinking down into it with a small smile. At least with Nikola, Victoria did not have to worry about being overly proper. Though even as she relaxed, there was still a beautiful grace to her movements due to years of training.

"Unfortunately, I am no longer party to those discussions due to the pressing issue of finding a suitor." Victoria said with a small shake of her head. The noblemen were doing everything in their power to lessen her workload so she may have more time for eligible men. "Though, they do keep me updated. They believe that the assassins came from our neighboring enemy kingdom. There is some evidence to support it but it has not been proven. It seems there have been no other attempts on my life so they are either planning their next one, or have canceled it for now. They are still trying to find the assassins but the trail has ran cold."

Victoria folded her hands into her lap. "It is more likely that they are trying to plan an attack on me but are having difficulty now that I am here. Security is increased but nothing suspicious has been seen as of now."