crown of sorrow

  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Ghoul of 2016
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    uneasy lies the head that craves the crown

    Image
    Princess Amarille Loradan & Prince Caspian Ellis

    Image
    Princess Isolde Loradan & Adviser Rainier Irving
    February 3rd, 2020 at 07:14pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Ghoul of 2016
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    United States
    The princesses sat in the throne room, watching as the great doors opened at the end of the hall opposite of them. The room seemed so much larger, much more empty since they had received the news of their parents death earlier that week. Nothing had changed, still the guards lined the walls and the maids kept the place immaculate, but even as she sat now with her sister, the throne hall was silent. She couldn't even begin to understand what her sister was going through. They had both lost their parents, but Amar was the one being forced into the role of queen. The king's advisers had already taken it upon themselves to seek out a prince for her sister to marry and that was why the pair sat, just waiting in their parents thrones.

    Isolde didn't feel weird sitting in the kings spot. More often than not, she had taken the arm of the chair as her seat while she listened to her father speak to the citizens of their kingdom. Their family had always been a happy one, the king had held his wife on a pedestal and his daughters were the light of his life. The princesses lives had truly been magical, just like a fairy tale, full of spectacular balls and lavish trips, gifts and posh experiences. Now, it seemed like they were finally getting their first taste of tragedy, finally waking up to what the world actually was. It felt like the girls hadn't even had time to mourn their loss. The very next morning, Amar was being pulled from all sides, being forced to address her citizens in a way she never had to before, being forced to sit in meetings and listen to grown men tell her who she should marry. On the other hand, Isolde had seemed to manage to slip into the background, disappearing from the limelight like a ghost. She had been able to mourn on her own time, leaving her sister alone to fend off the ravenous advisers who were trying to influence her every decision.

    The younger sister knew she had to be with her sister in this moment, however. She lifted her gaze to see who was entering the room, not surprised to see her father's most trusted adviser, Rainier, entering. If he was coming to address the girls, it must be to let them know that Amar's suitor had finally arrived. Isolde turned in her father's chair, leaning over the arm to finally grab her sisters hand, wanting to send as much comfort her way as she could without hugging her. "You do not have to follow through with this. Think of what father would say." Isolde kept her voice low, not wanting Rainier to hear as he approached. Peering into her sister's dark eyes, she squeezed her hand, holding it tightly. "He would want you to be happy." Isolde had always been so much like her father. She saw the responsibility of the crown, but wanted nothing to do with it. Like her father, she preferred to listen to her heart over her brain, truly believing it would never lead her astray.

    Hearing Rainier's footsteps stop a few feet in front of the throne, Isolde turned her head to meet his gaze, slowly dropping her sisters hand and pulling herself to her feet. The parliament had been very vocal about their distaste in seeing her sit in the king's chair, but she hadn't stopped and she wouldn't, until her sister chose a king to take it.
    Prince Caspian looked up at the castle as his carriage carried him through the main streets of the kingdom. The sights were breathtaking and Loradan castle seemed to put his own to shame. The castle was so high up on a mountain, the majority of its towers shrouded by clouds that he almost wondered if he was imagining the beauty of it. The kingdom he found himself in was right by the ocean, many waterfalls seemed to fall down between stacks of buildings, feeding the many canals that ran through the alleys. The scenery and all of the smiling people he saw in the streets were all a nice breath of fresh air, enough to distract himself from the real reason he was here.

    His parents were trying to rid their land of him like he was some sort of contagious disease. He knew what he was, was actually worse than that, but it was easier to live in ignorance than face the truth. The horses slowed to a complete stop outside of the castle and the sound of the carriage door opening snapped Caspian back into reality. The prince jumped to his feet, stepping out of the carriage with excitement. It saddened him to think about how happy it made him to be away from his family.

    "Prince Caspian," a member of the Loradan parliament was quick to meet him, bowing his head when he stepped up to the prince. "If you will follow me, I've already sent someone after the princess. She should be waiting to make your acquaintance."

    Caspian took a deep breath in as he straightened the brilliant blue cape off of his shoulder and straightened out his jacket. He had been the oldest of all of his parents sons, and yet, he was the last to be married. His father had made his second oldest son his heir, not shortly after Caspian's problem had been discovered. That had been three years ago. "I cannot wait to meet her. I am terribly sorry to hear about the king and queen's passing..." Caspian's voice trailed away as he followed the adviser into the castle, the ornately decorated castle with all of its gold and jeweled embellishments had his breath catching in the back of his throat.

    "It was an absolute tragedy, the poor girls are still trying to process it..." the man who led Caspian to the great hall didn't really seem too upset by the mentioning of their passing, but the prince was far too distracted to pick up on the odd absence of emotion. It wouldn't have seemed extremely weird to him anyway, not many people revered their monarchs in such high regard. "Just through these doors, your highness." The adviser motioned to the large doors in front of him. They stretched all the way up to the ceiling and had a beautiful story of a god carved into the wood. The fine arts seemed to be very celebrated in this kingdom, from all of the impeccable architecture and decorating.

    Caspian's collar seemed to be tightening around his throat once the doors began to open, revealing the beautiful white and gold throne hall. The prince refused to let the gorgeous surroundings captivate him this time, instead, focusing solely on the radiant beauty that was sitting in one of the thrones down the way. Her sister and the adviser standing in front of them seemed to blur from his vision, completely ignoring them as he started making his way towards Amarille.
    February 3rd, 2020 at 07:57pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    While the princess's childhoods had been filled with love and affection, Amarille's had differed from her sister. While her sister could wander the kingdom as she pleased, Amarille had to sit and study the laws of the kingdom, memorize their alliances and enemies, trade routes, the names of am ambassadors and princes and kings. Her father had managed to still give her time off, and had stressed that it would be a long time before she felt the weight of the crown. But his sudden passing changed things, and now it was her responsibility to look after the kingdom, no matter the cost to herself. She'd barely had time to grieve for her parents death before her father's advisors began to scheme and manipulate, but luckily for her her father had taught her well, and she'd become quite the expert at fending them off.

    She knew she couldn't avoid this marriage, however. Her father had been helping to plan some sort of marriage for her, although in his plan she would have chosen her own husband, instead of being told who to marry. "Father would want me to do what's right for the kingdom, Isolde. And right now, that is marrying this prince." Amarille said simply, patting her sister's hand before turning to look at Lord Rainier as he approached the throne. He was one of her father's advisors, and one of the ones that didn't seem the worst, so for now she'd decided to trust him. "I'm assuming his carriage has arrived?"

    "Yes, your Highness." Rainier spoke as he bowed before the future Queen and her sister. While the kingdom mourned for the tragic death of their parents, he knew the truth. He'd caused their deaths, having planned on using Amarille's status as next in line to the throne to become king himself, however the other advisors had already convinced her to marry this Caspian fellow, and he'd been forced to abandon that plan in favor of a less direct route. Her sister was still eligible, and he knew he could easily cause another accident that would claim the soon to be Queen. "He will be arriving any moment." He spoke as he stepped up to stand by the princess's sides, waiting for Caspian to arrive.

    When the doors to the throne room opened and the prince she was betrothed to entered Amarille stood, smoothing her hands over her dress. Her advisors had wanted her to wear something more cheerful, but she was still mourning her parents deaths, and it didn't feel right to try and hide the fact she was still upset in some way. She hadn't been able to cry or be hysterical in the way Isolde had been able to, having to keep calm and level headed despite how broken she felt on the inside. She had to be put together, from the delicate crown on top of her head to her hair. Everything had to be perfect. "Lord Caspian, I hope that you had no troubles on your trip." She said in greeting, offering a polite curtsey. If she had it her way, she'd be the one seated in her father's throne, but that wasn't the way things worked. She'd marry Caspian, he would become king, and she'd be reduced to producing him heirs.
    February 3rd, 2020 at 08:40pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Caspian entered the room with his head held high, wanting nothing less than to impress the princess he was meant to marry. A horrible first impression would definitely be a precursor to how their marriage would go and the prince didn't want to be in a loveless relationship. He had seen enough of that first hand from his own parents. Most importantly, it was apparent to him that he needed to tread carefully around Amarille. The black dress she wore and the tight braid her hair was in gave insight to the fact she was still in mourning. Why wouldn't she be, after all, it had only been five days since the news had broke.

    The prince stood in front of the princess and crossed one arm over his chest before bowing his head in greeting. "It was an easy journey." He spoke once he straightened back up. The princess was fair skinned with dark brown hair and even darker eyes. A light pink blush was painted across her freckled face and she held herself with grace before him. The prince was absolutely captivated by her. "It is lovely to meet you, and-" Caspian turned his head to the left, giving her sister a small nod of his head and then glanced towards the adviser by her side. The man stood tall, with dark curls and piercing grey eyes. The prince's smile hadn't faltered until looking up Rainier and he couldn't help feeling like something was off about him. He turned his gaze back to the Amarille's sister, "-it's a pleasure meeting you, as well, princess. I would also like to send my deepest condolences to the both of you. I'm very sorry for your loss." He felt he needed to say something about their tragedy, especially with both of the girls still seeming dressed for the funeral.

    He wrung his hands nervously in front of him, a blonde curl falling out place behind his ear. "I would love it if you could show me around your beautiful home? Your kingdom looks absolutely nothing like my home, this place is fantastic." Caspian hoped he was putting his best foot forward, not wanting to come off rude or as too much.

    The older adviser who had led the prince into the castle stepped forward, eyeing Amarille with a serious look before plastering a smile on his face for the prince. "That is a lovely idea. After all, your courtship will be beginning now. It would be best for the two of you to get to know each other." He all but stepped up to answer for the would-be queen, slightly worried she might try to decline the prince. Caspian looked towards the adviser, pulling his brow together slightly, before turning his attention back to the princess. He softened his expression and held his hand out to her.
    Isolde stood quietly next to her sister, her hands pulled tightly behind her back. She almost wanted to scoff when he mentioned the loss of their parents, still feeling a bit scornful. Instead, she held her tongue, knowing the prince was trying his best to address the elephant in the room. Their death was the whole reason he was here, her sister wasn't even of age yet. Everything had been rushed. It wasn't as if Isolde was so much younger that it was impossible for her to wrap her mind around these things. The girls were only ten months apart, her mother having conceived her only weeks after giving birth to her sister. The prince did seem courteous and good mannered, which was enough to help Isolde feel a little more relaxed about the whole situation. She knew her sister wasn't as opposed the crown as she was, but Isolde still didn't want all of her sister's decisions to be made for her.

    Standing up straight next to Rainier, Isolde cleared her throat after Charles, the other adviser, had seemingly answered for her sister. "Just don't forget, we have plans later." The princess looked towards the queen, with a little twinkle in her eye. There was a carnival happening in the fields to the west of the kingdom, and Amarille had promised to attend it with her. Not as queen, but just as her sister. Isolde had somehow managed to convince her sister to dress down with her and sneak away from the castle for the evening, leaving behind all responsibility. Isolde glanced back towards Caspian and gave him a little curtsy, before agreeing that it was nice to meet him.

    Turning to her right, she made eye contact with Rainier before slowly stepping past the brooding man. The raven haired princess had never truly understood why Rainier had been right hand to her father. He was always so tense and serious, sometimes coming across as morally askew. Nothing like how she would describe her father. "Excuse me." She turned her head down to him immediately, before leaving out one of the side doors.

    @ katahdin
    February 3rd, 2020 at 10:03pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    Had their meeting been under any other circumstances, Amarille was sure that she would have found Caspian charming. Would have acknowledged the little fluttering in her stomach as a good sign, something to celebrate and be happy for. But this was an arranged marriage, something Rainier and Charles had no doubt come up with, and she was so used to forcing her emotions down by now that she barely even noticed the way her heart skipped a beat picked up when the prince greeted her.

    "I'm glad to hear it." She offered him a polite, but obviously forced smile as he said that his journey was easy, giving a little nod as he offered her his condolences, repeating the same line she'd been repeating ever since their death. "Thank you, your condolences are appreciated." She couldn't help but tense a little when he asked her to show him around the castle, and before she could say anything she received a dirty look from Charles before he answered for her. With a deep breath she willed her shoulders to relax before she stepped down from the throne, placing her hand delicately in his outstretched one. With any luck, he'd say he was tired from his journey and would ask to retire, and she'd be able to go back to her room for a few blissful hours of alone time before dinner.

    She looked back at Isolde with a sympathetic look as she reminded her of their plans. She didn't have the heart to refuse her sister, but she was so mentally and physically exhausted that she wasn't sure if she'd be able to attend the festival with her. But she'd do her best to push her feelings aside so that her sister could have fun, knowing the girl deserved it. With her arm linked through the prince's she led him out of the throne room, initially making the way toward her old room, before changing direction to lead him toward where he would be staying. She couldn't think of anything to say as they walked, the weight of the silence weighing heavily on her, but she just couldn't seem to get words to come to her.
    Rainier watched the exchange between the prince and the future Queen, bowing his head politely as the prince looked at him, although he did notice the somewhat dirty look he was given. The last thing he needed was this prince meddling in his affairs, or convincing Amarille to dismiss him.

    "A wonderful idea. Have a good time, your Highness." He wished the two lovebirds well as they left the throne room, turning just as Isolde nearly ran into him. With a little smirk he caught her arm to steady her, curious as to what her plans with her sister were. If he could get on her good side, seduce her and convince her to marry him, then once Amarille was out of the way, he'd become king, as he'd originally planned.

    "Princess, if you don't mind me asking," he began as she stepped around him, turning to follow her as she left the throne room. "I'm very interested in what your plans are with your sister? I was unaware of any meetings or events happening in the castle after dinner. I had thought that time was reserved for Amarille and her suitor to spend time with one another."
    February 3rd, 2020 at 10:26pm
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Caspian followed Amarille from the great hall, their arms linked together as if they were already head over heels for their betrothal. He could sense from how stiff she held her body and how silent she was that that was far from the truth. It was beginning to feel more like a direct assault on him, rather than just sadness over her parent's passing. Caspian would never open his mouth about it, the last thing he would want to do is insult the princess.

    "It is as if every thing was taken into account, down to every last stone and pillar..." He spoke, finally breaking their silence as he admired the marksmanship of the building. "Perhaps one day, you might visit my home, but I doubt you'd find it to your liking. Ellis Castle is much more dim and there aren't many pieces of artwork to indulge yourself in." At this point, he was doing his best to just talk about anything, hoping she might find his personal life a tad bit interesting. It was obvious that this arrangement was just as forced on both sides. Just, luckily for him, he welcomed it, but Amarille... didn't seem to like the idea of him much.

    He pulled his arm out from the princess's, instead moving to hold her hand in his, a motion that also stopped her in his tracks. Now that they were alone, he found it might be easier to try to be more open with her. "I understand that we're both being forced into this, but I'm willing to try. I can make you happy." The prince's eyes flickered around her face, hoping he wasn't stepping on his own throat. He didn't expect the princess to be completely subservient to him, but he hoped he could get her to open up at least a little bit to him, sooner rather than later.
    Isolde found herself staring up at the ceiling when she heard Rainier's footsteps trailing her. By the gods, why... She swallowed her sigh, still feeling his touch on her upper arm. When he caught up with her, she looked over her shoulder at him, trying her best to hide just how annoyed she was. "No meetings or events, you are correct." The princess nodded her head as she held a bunch of her dress's fabric in her hands, walking just a tad bit faster towards her room. Her dress had been just as black as her sisters, Isolde had always been one to love rebelling against the parliament and if her sister was, then she definitely would too. If they wanted them to dress in cheerful colors, on account of Prince Caspian, she would match with her sister in their funeral attire.

    "I'm sure it's nothing you would be interested in, Rainier." Isolde wondered if calling him by his first name irked him, she only ever heard him addressed by 'Adviser Irving'. Most of the court went by their titles and last names. "Just plans..." She racked her brain trying to come up with some sort of lie. "Maybe we will read books, or braid each others hair, or gush over the handsome prince." Before the princess could stop herself, she caught herself rolling her eyes at words, something she was sure he would've seen.

    @ katahdin
    February 3rd, 2020 at 11:26pm
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    Amarille felt relieved as he began to speak about the architecture of the palace, as well as his own home and family. This was something she could talk about easily; rattle off lines from her textbooks about the history of the castle and their kingdoms. It'd be something she didn't have to put much thought into, something boring to keep herself occupied. She'd just startled to rattle off some of the facts when he took her hand in his and stopped her. She looked up at him nervously as he began to talk about something far more personal, something much more emotional. She couldn't shut her feelings out completely if they talked about this, it was too much.

    "I.." she started, staring down at their joined hands before looking back up at him again. For a brief moment her hard exterior slipped, all the pain she'd been feeling over the last few days boiling to the surface, and as she sucked in a breath it looked like she might say something. But she only cleared her throat, closing her eyes for a brief moment before opening them again, the same resolve there as before, although she silently begged him not to press her.

    "My people's happiness is my happiness. Since my parent's deaths, they've been in mourning, but our marriage will give them hope." She said, giving his hand brief squeeze before pulling her hand back. "Forgive me if I insult you, it's been a long few days.. You must be tired from your journey, I'll show you to your rooms." She murmured, turning to continue down the hall.
    Rainier hummed a bit as she spoke, a little smile on his lips as he followed her through the halls. He snorted when she refered to him by his first name, knowing she was doing it to annoy him. And it was working. But, if he were to become king, he'd have to put up with this little brat for a while yet.

    "I'm sure that's not true, princess he retorted, smirking as he walked at her side. "I'm very interested in your plans. I doubt it's any of those things you've listed. Your sister doesn't strike me as she gushing type." He teased, tilting his head as he watched her. "Perhaps you'll be sneaking out of the castle again?" He knew well enough that she liked to sneak out in the dead of night, and knew that her sister disapproved, so he was surprised to hear that she'd agreed to go with her.
    February 4th, 2020 at 12:10am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Caspian bit down on his tongue, the frown apparent on his face when she turned and continued on down the hallway. Perhaps he should've just bit his tongue and continued talking about the walls. He let out a silent breath before beginning to follow after her, hoping the longer he stuck around the easier it would be to speak with her. Most princesses weren't so quick to keep up a thorny exterior. Caspian had met plenty of them back home during their own balls and events, but his family had insisted on sending him off to a far away place. Getting the hint from Amarille that she'd rather not bother speaking on the subject of their marriage, he just kept his head down and his mouth shut.

    He supposed she still had her guard up from her parent's passing, finding it hard to handle the loss. Caspian felt like he could relate on some level, he had lost his parents too, just not quite in the same way. Still, he couldn't come to understand why she was so quick to write him off. "Whatever pleases you, my queen." The prince wasn't tired in the slightest, but if the princess wanted to be alone, he wouldn't try to hang over her shoulder. He could use the time to rest a little and wash up before dinner. Hopefully by then, Amarille would be more inclined to tolerate him.
    Isolde stopped dead in her tracks when Rainier mentioned sneaking out of the castle. Looking in both directions and sighing in relief when no one had been around to overhear, she looked up at the dark haired adviser and crossed her arms over her chest. "Can you keep it down?" The princess narrowed her eyes at him, wondering exactly what he was prying for. If he wanted to just be a jerk and get her in trouble, he could report her nightly activities to the rest of the court and have some punishment enacted, but instead he was teasing her.

    "Why do you care?" Dropping her arms back to her sides, she continued on down the hall, wishing her room wasn't so far from where they had started. Knowing he wouldn't give up, she decided to indulge him, "There's a carnival tonight."

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 01:26am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    Amarille swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as Caspian spoke, realizing how cruel she must seem. The Queen who never smiles, that's what she'll be known for. She'll be just like the evil sorceresses in the books her father used to read her, the ones who didn't let any love or happiness into their lives. She'd always felt bad for them, but now she felt like perhaps they must have done something to deserve it, the way she felt like she'd done something wrong and had lost her parents as punishment.

    When they got closer to where his rooms would be she stopped, turning to face him as she wrung her wrists anxiously. "I.. I'd like to apologize. For how I've acted. I should be grateful you're here, I should be happy and welcoming, and spend the rest of the day showing you around the castle but I just.. I can't do this, Caspian." Her voice broke at the last part, the poor girl squeezing her eyes shut as she tried to force her tears back. "I don't know how to be Queen, I don't know how to be a wife, I'm not ready for any of this, but the Parliament says that I have to, and it feels like I'm being smothered or drowned and I just want to be able to breathe again." She knew she was fucking up in saying all this to him. What sort of prince would want to marry her after listening to this sob story. But she had to say something to someone, and she couldn't say anything to her advisors of her sister, so Caspian was just the unlucky soul who drew the short straw.
    Rainier smirked as the princess came to a stop and confirmed his suspicions, chuckling and holding up his hands in defense as she told him to keep quiet. "Don't worry, princess. Your secret is safe with me." He promised, pretending to lock his lips with a key and throw it away.

    "I do wonder if it's safe to go out, given that your parents death was so recent... We know that it was an accident, of course, but you never know if there are assassins or men with ill intentions wandering around, looking for runaway princesses." He pointed out as he stepped closer. Little did she know that he was one of those men himself, that he'd do anything and everything to get the throne. He followed her toward her room, hoping that she wouldn't simply slam the door in his face when he arrived like he expected her to, especially given how she was indulging him in a conversation she didn't have to have.
    February 4th, 2020 at 01:47am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Caspian was actually more relieved when Amarille stopped him at his door, rather than letting him enter it on his own and leaving. His stomach turned at the sight of tears in her eyes, but he welcomed the vulnerability. Even if he hadn't a choice in who he was marrying, he could control what kind of marriage he had. Caspian intended on having a loving, understanding marriage. That's all he had ever wanted, to just be understood and not cast out like a monster. The prince knew a part of his curse, he knew everything he had been told at least. He knew the beast he held inside, but he never remembered the transformation. To his knowledge, he kept it controlled for as long as he could remember. To his knowledge, no one was in any danger.

    Reaching out for the princess's trembling hands, Caspian held them tightly between his own, "Do not cry." He swallowed his nerves, knowing this was a pivotal time for him to show her just what kind of man he was. "You have no obligations to tour me around your home, my lady. You are still mourning and trying to figure out what kind of ruler you will be." He used that word specifically. "We can handle it together, if you'd like. I will be learning how to be a husband and king, but it will be much easier if we help each other."

    He freed one of his hands only to lift up to her face, wiping away a single tear that had escaped. "If you would like to go rest alone in your chambers, feel free. Or, you could..." Caspian glanced over to the door to his room, suggesting he would like her company if she would give it to him.
    Once the princess arrived at her room, she pressed her back against the door, her hand tightly on the handle. Looking up at Rainier, still listening to his insufferable teases, she couldn't help wonder if part of the nausea she felt was nerves from how handsome he was. Yes, he was intimidating, nosy and annoying, but she had also seen how clever and strategic he could be, when she had listened in on some of her father's meetings with him. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside of her room and just glanced back at him, as if silently welcoming him inside. Isolde wasn't sure why she was inviting him of all men into her chambers, but here she was.

    "I'm capable of taking care of myself out there, no need to worry about me. Shouldn't you be more worried about my sister, after all? You are her new right hand, ... right?" Isolde stepped farther into her room, moving over to the table that held a fresh pitcher of lemonade that someone must've dropped off not long ago. The ice cubes inside were still completely chilled. Pouring herself a glass, she turned back around to look up at the adviser. "I suppose you are actually more worried about her safety. Don't worry, she'll probably skip out on me anyway."

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 02:17am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    Amarille looked up at Caspian as he took her hands, having not realized that she was trembling until she felt her hands shaking in his sturdy ones. This only made her feel worse, like she was weak, and foolish for saying anything, but then Caspian was reassuring her that everything would be alright. That they could work through this together, and for a moment she let herself hope that everything would work itself out.

    She leaned her head into his hand as he wiped away her tears, closing her eyes as she took a few deep breathes, willing herself to calm down before she gave a little nod, opening her eyes after a moment. "Yes.. Yes, that sounds nice.." she murmured softly, both in response to his invitation to rest in his rooms and in response it everything he'd said. She wasn't good at opening up, but hopefully she'd be able to work on it and be open with him. Clearing her throat again she pulled her hands back, stepping over to open the door to his room for him. "I haven't slept in ages.. I probably won't be the best company." She offered him a faint smile as he stepped inside, following him in and shutting the door behind him. "I hope everything is to your liking.. There are plenty of other rooms to choose from if you'd prefer something else."
    Rainier smirked as he looked down at the princess, letting his eyes trail down her frame as she leaned back against her door. She was gorgeous, and he definitely wouldn't mind bedding her if it meant he could get the crown, but he wasn't sure if he could put up with her attitude. When she all but led him inside her room he all but grinned, feeling like a wolf in sheep's clothing as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him as he glanced around her room. He'd been in here before, but never just the two of them.

    "I know that you are more than capable of taking care of yourself, princess, but now that you and your sister are the last two in line for the throne... Well, forgive me for being concerned over your safety." He smiled, watching as she helped herself to a glass of lemonade. "It's my job to worry about both of you. Until Amarille marries and produces an heir, you're next in line, which makes you very important."
    February 4th, 2020 at 02:36am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    "This is perfect," he spoke, relieved once he stepped into the room and heard her shut the door. In a split moment he had been sure that she would leave him all alone and he would have to try to charm her all over again at dinner, and now, here they were alone together in his room. Light shined in through a large open window that had a lovely view of the ocean below them and in front of it was a small table and two chairs. Sitting atop the table was a bottle of brandy and a tub of ice, with two small square glasses.

    Deciding to let himself indulge a little, to help knock a bit of the nerves off, he dropped two ice cubes into one of the glasses before pouring a bit of the liquor. Turning towards the princess, he gestured towards the glass, "Would you like one?" He wasn't entirely sure if the soon-to-be queen ever participated in drinking, but even if she wasn't supposed to, he would never tell.

    Propping himself up against the table, Caspian crossed one arm over his chest as he swirled the ice cubes around in his glass. "If you'd prefer to rest, I won't stop you, my queen. I'm glad enough that you've decided to gift me with your company."
    Isolde tensed as she sat down at her vanity, turning to face Rainier instead of the mirror, however. She brought the glass to her lips, wishing for nothing more than a bit of liquor to mix into her drink. "Please don't place such a curse on me." Isolde had never been quiet about her desire to have nothing to do with the crown. "Besides, there's no reason to even think that way. My sister is about to be married, and she's young. Long live the queen, and all that?"

    The younger princess definitely wasn't very comfortable with the way her adviser was speaking. It was as if he was suggesting something could happen to her sister. Besides, even if something did happen to her sister, the kingdom would just go entirely to Prince Caspian, unless she wanted to challenge him for it. Which she wouldn't.

    Isolde sat her drink down on her vanity, turning back around to face her mirror, before beginning to pull the pins out of her hair, relieving the tension the braided knot was causing her. "But if you're trying to talk me out of sneaking out tonight, it's not working." She looked at him in the reflection, noticing how he stood so still in the center of her room. It was almost unnerving.

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 02:59am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    Amarille stood awkwardly by the door, unsure of where to go in his room. Sitting down at the table didn't seem comfortable, and as much as she wanted to lay down and go to sleep, she knew that that wouldn't be proper, either. With a sigh she shook her head as he offered her a drink, offering him a small smile. "No, thank you.. It's all yours." She sighed, stepping over to adjust some throw pillow on one of the armchairs by the fireplace.

    She tensed when he told her that she could rest if she wanted to, although it wasn't because of the offer. "Don't.. please don't call me that." She wasn't Queen. She didn't want to be Queen. That was her mother's title, not hers. Just hearing the words made her want to vomit, and she ran her hands over her face and over her hair to try to calm herself, although she knocked her crown off in the process, and messed up a good portion of her neat braid. Cursing softly to herself she knelt down to pick up the crown, feeling rather pathetic and embarrassed.
    "But it's true, your Highness. If anything happens to your sister before her marriage - gods forbid - the crown falls to you." He said, stepping toward her after she'd say down, watching as she undid the braid in her hair. Oh he'd love to run his fingers through it, pull her head back to kiss that gorgeous neck of hers..

    He chuckled a bit at her insistence on sneaking out anyway, the statement pushing his other thoughts from his mind. "Perhaps you'd like an escort? Of course, I wouldn't treat you as a princess, that would only draw unwanted attention to yourself. But I would feel much better knowing you were safe tonight, princess."
    February 4th, 2020 at 03:12am
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    dezz (100)

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    "I am sorry. First name basis?" He chuckled, trying to relieve the tension in the room. His lips parted in surprise when her crown clattered to the floor, but the princess was already reaching down to grab it up before he could even try to pick it up for her. Her face was blushing pink, probably out of frustration, but Caspian couldn't help consider how cute it was.

    The prince pushed himself away from the table and took the other seat near her by the fireplace. Her braid was beginning to unravel, little tufts of hair falling down around her neck. Amarille seemed like a completely different princess sitting in front of him now. The girl he had met in the throne room had been stone cold, speaking only in short polite sentences and rarely giving him any attention. The girl he was sitting with now seemed so broken, so unsure of her place inside this castle. He liked seeing this side of her though, it only meant she had to be somewhat comfortable with him.

    Taking a sip of the brandy, Caspian ran a hand through his wavy blonde curls, before holding the glass tightly in both hands. He just looked upon the princess, finding it hard to say anything, until he remembered what her sister had said in the throne room. "What plans do you have with your sister this evening?"
    Isolde looked up at Rainier, completely shocked by his offer. "You would want to go to the carnival?" She couldn't help the way her brows pulled together in confusion. Adviser Irving didn't seem like the kind of man to every enjoy any sort of fun. Her fingers massaged her scalp, running through her thick black hair until she dropped her hands back down to her lap.

    She couldn't help her surprise, both at the fact that he would be willing to go and also just surprised that he seemed like he was showing more interest in her than he needed to. "Why not." She finally answered, looking away from the mirror and back up to him. "But what would the court say if they heard you spent an evening out at a carnival with the princess?" She couldn't help but tease him, one of her favorite things to do was annoy him.

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 03:24am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    "I don't care what you call me. Just not that." She sounded panicked, her breathing getting out of control again, and as she grabbed the crown off the floor and sat back in her seat, her hands gripped the fabric of her dress, willing herself to calm down. The room seemed too small, like there wasn't enough air in the room. Looking over at Caspian she frowned. Did he not notice the walls moving in? Did he not feel the air being sucked away? How could he be so calm when she was sure she was about to be swallowed whole?

    She sucked in a little breath as he asked about her plans with her sister, closing her eyes for a moment to find her voice before she opened them and began to speak. "There's a festival in the city tonight.. to celebrate the last full moon of summer, before the harvests begin. She wanted to sneak out and go, but I'm... I don't like crowds, and I don't think I'd be very fun to be around if I went with her."
    Rainier put on a fake shocked impression, placing a hand on his chest as he pretended to look offended. "Do you think I'm incapable of having fun, your Highness?" He teased, laughing a little as she agreed to let him come with her. She was foolish to trust him so much, but it just made his job easier.

    He moved over to the pitcher of lemonade, helping himself to a small glass before turning back to her, taking a sip as his eyes studied her. He smirked at the mention of the court, giving a little shrug. "I would tell them I was doing my duty and protecting my princess. If I couldn't stop her from leaving the castle, I could at least make sure she stayed safe."
    February 4th, 2020 at 03:38am
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    dezz (100)

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    Caspian noticed Amarille's face beginning to redden a bit past a blush. Her eyes looked panicked and for a moment he wondered if she might begin to hyperventilate. He sat his glass down on the end table next to his seat and got to his feet, moving to open the window for her. There wasn't much he felt he could do, but maybe a nice, fresh breeze would help her relax.

    He returned to her side, instead of sitting in his chair, he knelt down on his knee. "Then you do not have to go. Lie and pretend you must entertain me, queenly duties and all that." Caspian did not care to be the root of her lie, because while it may make it harder to fit in with her sister, Caspian's first order of business was winning over Amarille, her family would then come next. "You said it yourself you haven't slept much, don't exert yourself."
    Standing up from the vanity, Isolde took a moment to admire the man. It was odd how he could make her skin crawl but also cause her to forget to breathe all at once. Even if he sometimes he came off slightly sinister, if her father had trusted him for as long as she remembered, couldn't she?

    "You're not going to complain the whole time are you?" Isolde stepped closer to Rainier, close enough to playfully poke him in the side, feeling the silk material of the vest he wore. It was true that the younger princess didn't often act like a princess. She was usually outspoken and definitely not afraid to get a little flirty or mischievous when she thought she could get away with it.

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 03:56am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    Amarille felt a bit of relief when he crossed the room and opened the window, the breeze helping her to calm down a bit, although the looming dread was still there. She couldn't let it win, though. Not in front of Caspian. She was supposed to be putting her best foot forward, impressing him with herself and her kingdom, convincing him that he wanted to marry her, but all she'd done was manage to make a fool of herself in front of him. When he moved back over to her she was surprised he didn't take his chair, instead kneeling on the floor next to her, and telling her it was alright for her to use his visit as an excuse not to go. Her breath caught in her throat at his kindness, feeling like she didn't deserve it, especially after she'd been so rude to him, and before she knew it the walls were closing in on her again.

    "I.. I-I can't breathe, Caspian.." she spoke softly, grabbing the hand that rested on the arm of her chair, giving his hand a squeeze as she looked at him. She wanted to apologize, beg his forgiveness, tell him he didn't have to stay if he didnt want to, but it was impossible to find words at the moment. She'd had panic attacks when she was a child, but hadn't had any in years, but after everything that had happened this week, it made sense that she was having one now.
    Rainier smirked down at her as she stepped toward him, sipping his lemonade as he watched her eyes take him in. Maybe it would be easier to get her than he thought. He chuckled as she poked his side, catching her hand in his when she went to do it again. "I'll only complain if you give me something to complain about, princess." He teased, leaning forward a bit as he squeezed her hand. Oh, how easy it would be to throw her onto her bed and have his way with her now, but he needed to be patient.

    Releasing her hand he stepped back, setting his empty glass down on the table. "I should get going. I'll see you at dinner, princess." He smiled charmingly before heading to her door.
    February 4th, 2020 at 04:10am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Ghoul of 2016
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    Caspian only felt relief for a few mere moments, watching as the calming cool breeze helped the princess only until it didn't. She squeezed his hand tightly, almost digging her nails into him, but he didn't mind. "Princess, what do you need?" He rose up just a few inches, his other hand rising to rest on the center of her back. It was obvious just how much stress Amarille was under and he knew it all had to be coming from her court. They were no doubt telling her every step to make of every moment of every day since her parent's passing and it made him sick to his stomach. Did they know how badly they were hurting her? Would they care?

    Rising to his feet, the prince stood behind her chair and began to loosen her braid, trying to do anything that might help make her more comfortable. Her hair fell around her shoulders and his hands fell to her arms, massaging them gently. "How about we lie down? You said yourself that you haven't slept much. There is time for you to take a nap before dinner." All he could do was suggest things as he watched the fear in her eyes swell. Her breaths were short and fast, her chest rising and falling swiftly with each exhale. "Please just try to relax, Amarille. Focus on my voice, focus on your breathing." If anything, maybe it would help her just to have something to listen to, something to focus on other than the suffocating feeling of dread, so Caspian did his best to just keep speaking to her in a calm voice.
    Isolde gasped lightly, her shoulders tensing when Rainier reached out and grabbed her hand. Other than instinctual attraction, the princess didn't feel much else for the adviser. She was intrigued by his sudden piqued interest in her and she wanted to push him to see just how far he was willing to try and go with her. He was so much older than her and a friend of her dad's before her birth. His seemingly sudden interest in her after her father's death seemed weird to her.

    Before he could slip out of the door, Isolde turned towards him and took another sip from her glass. "Could you send a maiden in here to help me undress?" Isolde found herself wanting to wash up before dinner.

    She held his gaze as she moved over towards her bed, teasing him again by using his first name, "See you at dinner, Rainier."

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 04:30am
  • katahdin

    katahdin (100)

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    @ ghost-

    Amarille watched nervously as he stood, half convinced he'd just leave her there like this, but when she felt his fingers pulling out the pins that held her hair in place before he smoothed out her braid she relaxed a bit. She nodded a little at his suggestion to lay down, doing her best to do what she was told and listen to his voice. It was rather calming, and once she felt up to it she stood slowly, holding onto his hand tightly as she walked over to his bed. She gave him a nervous glance, as if asking permission before she slipped out of her shoes and moved to lay down, staring up at the ceiling as she tried to calm herself further.

    "I-Im sorry.." she apologized softly shortly after, doing her best to take deep breathes to slow her breathing, although she had no idea how much it was actually helping.
    Rainier smirked at her gasp, lifting her hand to press a chaste kiss to the back of her knuckles before releasing it. He could tell she was attracted to him and it only made him more confident, hoping that he'd be able to achieve his goal much sooner than be initially thought. He nodded at her request to send in a maid to help her change, almost offering to undress her himself, but that would be too much too soon.

    "Of course, your highness. Let me know if there's anything I can do to serve you." He spoke before leaving, sending in a maid shortly after to help the princess undress. He thought about using his magic, casting a spell that would let him see everything the maid was seeing, but he wanted to be able to unwrap her for himself when the time was right.
    February 4th, 2020 at 04:40am
  • dezz

    dezz (100)

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    Ghoul of 2016
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    27
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    United States
    Caspian helped the girl into the bed, smoothing out her dress for her as she straightened out. "Do not fret, there is no need to apologize." He offered her a soft smile, trying to convey in the most sincerest way he knew how that he was in no way upset. He ran a hand over her hair and then down her cheek, feeling how hot her face still was. He left her side only to pour her a glass of water, finding a cold pitcher of it next to the brandy the servants had left for him.

    Returning the water to the table by her side, he leaned gently against the bedpost. "I will wake you soon so you have time to get washed up for dinner, how does that sound?" The prince looked around the room, eyeing a small bookshelf in the corner. Surely there was some reading material there that could capture his interest long enough for the princess to nap comfortably under his watchful eye. He was willing to overcome anything to be able to live comfortably somewhere other than with his family, but he could tell that if her stress was any indicator of her court, he imagined he would definitely have some hurdles to jump through.

    The prince gently patted the princess's hand before telling her to rest well. He laid her hand over her stomach before turning to take his seat back by the fire place, crossing his legs and picking up the book that had been left by the last person to occupy this room. He doubted he would read a single word, instead, he would flip through the pages and get lost in his own thoughts.
    Isolde was taken off guard, not expecting him to place a kiss on her hand. She stood in the same spot for as long as it took her maid to enter her quarters. "Are you alright, madam?" Isolde snapped out of her shock and just nodded, leading the maid to her bathroom, where a hot bath already awaited her. It was often that the princess enjoyed a hot bath before dinner, so usually someone went ahead and prepared her bath for her. "Tell me, Frind... Does Adviser Irving seem odd to you?"

    The princess knew it wasn't right to ask a servant to speak ill of any noblemen or royal family member, but Frind happened to be her closest friend inside the castle walls other than her sister. The ginger haired maiden walked up behind the princess and helped her loosen her tightly laced corset, "Sometimes he seems to be a little intimidating, and he's a bit quiet, but I wouldn't know if I'd call him odd." Isolde only nodded, wondering what she was thinking. No matter how friendly seemed with any of her staff, none of them would ever tell her the truth.

    @ katahdin
    February 4th, 2020 at 04:59am