The Beasts Inside Us

@ BadStreetBoys

Charlotte could see the little wrong on Ivan's face from her teasing. It had seemed to her that the comment from his brother had been funny, him wanting to go out to balls and flirt with women. After all, it was what most people his age had wanted to do. Though it seemed that Ivan disagreed about the humor. Though, still, she smiled at him, mostly to reassure Ivan. "I know you won't." Charlotte responded to him. She had not thought about the possibility of Ivan finding a mistress till that moment. She wasn't quite sure how to feel about that... Probably best not to think about it at all at that point.

Thinking it best not to play into the boy's humor anymore, Charlotte started to eat her dinner. Though she continued to listen in to what they both were saying. At least, Charlotte found it more interesting that the other conversations that were at the table that were mostly about politics. It would be important for her to learn though, but right then she was more curious about the family. Their dynamic seemed so strange. Why were they taunting Ivan so?

However, things quickly took a turn when Vladimir decided he would like to poke fun at her. Charlotte didn't even have a moment to react as Ivan had done so quickly. From the mere surprise of it, Charlotte had jumped in her seat and looked to her husband. Once Vladimir held up his hands, Charlotte reached over and laid her hand against Ivan's arm gently. "It's okay, Ivan," She whispered to him, not really wanting an argument to start out because of her between the two brothers.

@ Sweet.Persephone
King Markov glared at Ivan after his outburst. Ivan looked at Charlotte as she touched his hand and gave a small smile, nodding, as his eyes faded back to their natural color. Ivan looked over at his father and quickly looked away from the other man’s hard gaze. “Yes sir.” Was all he said. Vladimir looked over at his father as well and shook his head. “It’s okay dad.” He said. The King looked at his other son and took a deep breath before nodding. “My apologies for my son’s outburst. He has had a stressful few days. It won’t happen again.” The king said to the table. Slowly everyone began to eat again.

Ivan stayed quiet for the rest of dinner as he finished his food. He certainly wasn’t in the mood to put on a facade for the crowd anymore. But maybe if he was a good little prince his father would forget the embarrassing moment. When Ivan was done he waved with his good arm for the servant’s to come and take his plate away. Slowly everyone finished and did the same.

The King stood when everyone was done. “Alright, everyone, meet at the square in fifteen minutes and we will be doing the announcement. Ivan, come speak to me before you head out.” The King said, he took the queen’s hand before they left the room. The other council members and lords began to move in various directions. Ivan looked at Charlotte. “Stay here, I’ll be back in a moment.” He said and stood. Ivan straight tee bed out his uniform before leaving the room.

A few minutes later Ivan returned and looked down at Charlotte. “Come in, I’ll explain while we head over to the square.” He said snd offered his good arm to the Princess.

@ BadStreetBoys

All of this was just so strange. She didn't really understand it. Why were Ivan's brothers giving him such a hard time? And it seemed strange that they would try to do so on her. Charlotte was new and Ivan's wife. Not only was she not someone they new but she also wasn't some nobody that they could be rude to with no consequence. At least that was how it should be... but it seemed to be Ivan that got in trouble.

Once the Ivan had his food taken away. She reached over and lightly took his hand into hers. It was hard to say if it was calming to Ivan at all but it did make her feel a little better. This place was so strange.

Though soon she was left at the table alone as everyone headed off to where they belonged. She folded her hands together as she waited for her husband to return. And once he did, she was on her feet and her arm was looped with his. "What is happening?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan began to lead Charlotte out of the dining hall. “Shh.” He said before he grabbed yet another book shelf and pulled it, leading Charlotte in before he pulled it back. “My brothers don’t know about these pathways. I like to walk in here to talk. No one can eavesdrop.” He told her. “Father wants us to be the happy couple, as expected. He wants me to say something I guess. About the marriage snd how happy I am and how it’ll heal us and whatever.” He took a deep breath and sighed. “Wants me to kiss you and be a good husband. He’s going to mention the attention and motion to me being fine as a sign of the strength of the royal family.” He explained.

Ivan s paused and leaned his back against the wall, he ran a hand down his face and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry about my brothers. They’re children sometimes I don’t get it. Father babies the and let’s then get away with anything and do what they want with no consequences.” He said and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I got all the responsibilities because I will be the king and they get to go to parties and push my buttons.” He said and shook his head. “I used to babysit them. But I didn’t actually have the power to tell them what to do. What kind of babysitter is that?” Ivan laughed. “And we had servants for that.” He said exasperated and laughing.

Ivan straightened himself out and stood. “Okay we have to really go.” He said and offered his now injured arm. “Just satay on this side. Stand slightly in front of me, I’m going to put my hand on your hip just to hold it up and for it to appear like we are purposely being close rather than my arm trying not to be in pain.” He told her as Ivan led her through the secret pathways. Once they got thiugh and Ivan led her outside, they walked until they arrived at the town square. It was a large meeting area. Surrounded by the shops and some houses of the lords. There was a large stage where most of the royal family was already waiting. Ivan walked up the stage and stood besides his father, with Charlotte on the other side.

@ BadStreetBoys

"I do rather like how quiet these tunnels are." Charlotte whispered to him as they walked through. She listened closely as Ivan started to explain the plan... she didn't love the idea of kissing Ivan in front of a large group of people. Especially for the first time. She supposed it was going to look and feel awkward. Though Charlotte couldn't exactly say no could she? "I wish your father would tell us the plans ealier than just minutes before."

"Sounds like the worst kind of babysitter." Charlotte teased gently, trying to raise Ivan's spirits. It was clear that he was upset. "Lets just get this over with and then we can go back to your room. And you don't have to apologize for your brothers, its not your fault they said that..."

Charlotte offered a firm nod as Ivan told her how to stand to hide his arm. "Just do what you need to for your arm, okay?" And with that, they were heading out and making their way to the stage. As they got closer, Charlotte started to smile towads the people attending. She was trying her best to seem warm and friendly... like the type of person one wouldn't want to kill.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan was slightly reassured by Charlotte’s teasing. He supposed things could be worse. She may not have liked him, but at least she was kind. At least Charlotte recognized his stress and didn’t make it worse. He realized that she could have snd had every reason to after he had been an asshole after their wedding. He was also glad she was so accommodating with his broken arm.

Ivan stood alongside the rest of the family. He kept his face neutral as he looked over the large crowd of vampire here. It was not their entire kingdom, but enough to spread the news and the announcement be officially. Some looked passed, others intrigued, other sad, and some even seemed a bit happy for the war to be over. Ivan waved to the crowd with his good hand, bowing slightly. The crowd cheered for him. Ivan smirked, ever so slightly. His father may have hated him, but the people of the kingdom loved Ivan. He ha s grown up in their spotlight, a plucky child, to a strong teenager, to a brave young man willing to battle on the front lines for his people. He was the first in the royal family to have joined the military in six vampire generations.

Ivan’s father began his speech. Talking about the treaty, the peace, other political things. Encouraging the vampires to make peace themselves with the ended war. Explaining how this was a win for everyone. Blah blah blah. After he finished he stepped aside and motioned to Ivan to step up. Ivan nodded. “Hello, my people.” Ivan said proudly, grinning ear to ear as they cheered for him. Ivan thrived off the love they had for him. “I want to thank everyone who supported me, who fought alongside em, and who died for our kingdom. I am very pleased that this bloody war is over. It has gone on for far too long. We are now able to raise our children in a safer kingdom without the war. We are all now able to sleep more peacefully. This time of peace could not have come without my fathers masterful negotiation. But most importantly I want to thank my beautiful wife.l Ivan said snd motioned for Charlotte. “She has been just as accepting and excited about this change as I have been.” He wrapped his arm around her and motioned to the crowd to clap. They did, even if it was hestitantly. “Princess Charlotte and I are happy to one day lead both kingdoms as there humans snd the vampires will live in peace!” He said triumphantly before leaning over and kissing Charlotte.

@ BadStreetBoys

Once the two of them found their spot on the stage, Charlotte slowly looked out at the crowd of people. She could see all of the emotions that the crowd seemed to have and it was varying. Some seemed on the calmer or happier side... others were not that way. Though she could understand the mixed emotions of the people and she was quite sure that it was the same at home, when her father surely made the same announcement today. Most did not enjoy the war but the cost of it might still be bittersweet. But at least the whole crowd was not angry. At least this would turn into a mob. And she was glad to see that the people seemed to love Ivan. That was a good sign.

While the King spoke, Charlotte did listen closely. She was interested to hear what the man had to say about this treaty. It didn't seem to be much besides that peace was a good thing for their future, that now the kingdom could focus on other greater things than fighting their neighbor...She wondered what those greater things were. Though she could not dwell on it much as Ivan was now going up to speak and she followed.

Now everyone's eyes were on there and Charlotte ensured to be on her best behavior and looking her best. Though as she looked out at the crowd, she could now see some glares arising her way. Hopefully their anger would be quenched soon. Once Ivan leaned over to kiss her, Charlotte moved in and shifted slightly to hide his bad arm better. His lips were then on hers and Charlotte lightly kissed him. Nothing too intense but hopefully something that the public would see as a sweet moment. Once Ivan pulled away, she headed down to the side of the stage with him, waiting to see if any more would be said or if the announcement was over.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan was glad once his little parade was over. The king moved back and said a few more things, announcing that there would be their seasonal ball in the oncoming month to celebrate a month of the treaty. Afterward the King dismissed everyone. The royal council and lords and their ladies all left as well. The Queen, Ivan, Vlad, and Andrei all stop and waited patiently for the King. The King moved over and clasped a hand over Ivan’s good shoulder and nodded, his face still emotional. “Good job, Ivan.” Was all he said before he turned to the rest of the family. “Let’s return home.”

Ivan released the tension in his body as the King and the rest of his family began to walk away. He looked at Charlotte and gave a small smile as he took her arm and began towards the castle. “Well I’m glad he is happy with that.” He told her, honestly. He didn’t know what would happen if the King was unhappy with them.

Ivan entered the castle, though he didn’t follow the secret pathways and opted to follow the halls. He didn’t want to interact with anyone so he went straight to the bedroom.

@ BadStreetBoys

Once they made it back to the bedroom, Charlotte felt like she could finally relax. Out, in front of all of the people who used to be her enemies had been unnerving to her. Though nothing had happened this time around and that eased her nerves a bit. At least some people in the crowd seemed pleased, or in the least unbothered. Though it was still clear to her that not everyone was her friend and that she still need to keep an eye out.

Charlotte disappeared into the bathroom once they were back and she came out a bit later wearing her nightgown. Although it was not that late, the princess was tired after what had been a very long and eventful day. When she came out, the young woman glanced over at Ivan. "How is your arm feeling?"

She sat at the edge of the bed, beginning to braid her hair to keep it out of her way and kempt throughout the night. "Do you know if we are expected anywhere tomorrow?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan went to his closet and pulled the door shut behind him. It was large enough for him to change into while the Princess used his bathroom. He changed into silk red and black pajamas, grabbed his sling and put his arm into it. Ivan stepped out and moved to the bed where he sat down.

Ivan was deep in thought as the Princess came out. He was thinking about the future of the Kingdom. His current role in the military now that the war was over, and his role in the royal family. He knew that with a wife he was guaranteed the throne after his father. But he just felt as if this marriage was some sort of deceit by his father. He frowned at the thought. Ivan also wondered what his battalion would think of this marriage. The soldiers he commanded were split in half married and single. He knew the fact that his wife was a human would definitely change some opinions. Ivan worried about Charlotte, as well. After what happened to her on the trip here, he felt as though he couldn’t leave her alone without worrying if he would find her dead. He didn’t understand why he felt like he needed to care for the Princess, why he was so fond of her.

Ivan jumped slightly when she spoke, being brought form the recesses of his mind back to reality. “My arm is fine, thank you.” He commented snd laid his good hand in his lap. His eyes moved to meet the Princess’. “Not that I’m aware of, but my father does tend to make last minute plans.” He said and sighed. “I’m not sure if i need to do anything else with my battalion now that the ear is over. I’m still their commanding officer.” He commented and frowned. The man hoped his soldiers still saw him that way. “What would you like to do about the sleeping situation?”

@ BadStreetBoys

"Good to hear. I am sure you're not going to enjoy the next few weeks but hopefully you can keep it in the sling for as much as possible." She shook her head a bit thinking about the sling situation with Ivan's father. It seemed ridiculous to her that the man was so insistent on not showing weakness. The more Ivan messed with his arm, the less likely he would be able to actually use the damn thing. "I guess just let me know if you need me to help you hide it again..."

Charlotte finished braiding off her hair, tying it off at the end with a ribbon before dropping her arms down into her lap. "I hope not. It would be nice to have a day to walk around the castle... get used to it here." Her head turned back to Ivan, looking at the man. She wondered what they would expect her to do here. Charlotte was too far away from home to care for most of her responsibilities as heir. Some of it Charlotte could still do but it wouldn't take up as nearly as much of her time as it used to. So what would she do with her time here? Or was the princess just meant to be some kind of...ornament for the family to show off. Well it didn't matter, Charlotte supposed she would need the time to figure out her escape from this. Ivan was nice but this life wasn't.

Her eyes shifted along the room as Ivan asked about the sleeping situation. She couldn't say she was totally comfortable with this but there was no way she was going to kick Ivan out of his own bed. Besides, Ivan already explained that he wouldn't sleep nearly as much as her. So she probably wouldn't have to share the bed very often. "We can share the bed," Charlotte told him softly. "I'll stay on my side and you stay on yours. How does that sound?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan nodded. “I’ll give you a tour if you want.” He told her and smiled slightly. “I want to give you a tour of everything. The land, the kingdom, the castle. But I’m not sure if walking amongst the people is the best idea yet.” He said and looked away awkwardly. Ivan bit his lip for a moment, suddenly feeling a twinge of hunger. He knew it was because he had exerted himself so much earlier. He decided to ignore this feeling at least for a moment.

Ivan raised and eyebrow as she said she wanted to share the bed. He was just surprised. But he was glad that he could stay in his bed when he needed to and wanted to sleep. “Sounds fair to me.” He said. Ivan got up for a moment. “I think we’ll need some more blankets” he moved to the door and stepped outside, Ivan looked around for a moment before he saw a servant and requested more blankets. “I don’t know if you’re a blanket hog or even if I am. So if we have our own there is no problem. It gets cold here anyways and I know you will deal with that worse than I will.” He explained as he sat down on the bed again.

Ivan tapped his fingers on the bed as he thought again. His life was so different now. Just two weeks ago he would be feeding, then going to sleep early. He would wake up and put on his uniform. He would get his weapons snd head out to the barracks, where he gathered his battalion and they headed out into battle. That was his routine, And now every part of it was gone.

@ BadStreetBoys

"I like the sound of that." Charlotte responded gently. It definitely would be best if Ivan gave her a tour instead of just her wandering around the castle. There was no doubt that he could show her more than she could find on her own. Plus, at the moment, the young princess liked having him around with the knowledge that he would protect her if someone were to show up to hurt her again. "Yeah, I think we should definitely stay away for now.... Or at least I should." She gave a little shrug. Charlotte was sure that he would want to go down into town at some point, she just wouldn't go with.

"Well, if it just gets too cold for me, I'll just kick you out of the bed and have you tend to the fire," Charlotte said, trying to tease. Though she couldn't say that her heart was quite in it at the moment. She was just tired at that point but wanted to wait for the extra blankets that would be brought down. Ivan wasn't wrong in saying that it was cold. Though it had been easier to ignore when she had all of her dress layers on. "After all, you need less sleep right? Should give you something to do."

Charlotte rubbed her face with a little tired sigh. Would it be weird for the castle to have someone who slept much more than them? She figured that they probably didn't eat at her normal times as their days would last much longer... Though who knew if they would even have regular meals or if she would be eating all by herself. Plus there was the possibility that the castle would be buzzing with activity while she was asleep. What even happened here all day? So many questions and really only time would tell.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan nodded. “I will probably go into town the next few days. Just because there war is over doesn’t mean I’m not part of the military still. I still have a job that I have to attend to.” He said casually. Though most of his job now was directing soldiers to train and paperwork, Ivan still prided himself on serving his Kingdom. “Yes and no.” He said and laughed, a small smile on his lips as she teased. “We don’t need sleep like you do. But it is a healing type thing for us. We heal faster in our sleep. So I could say sleep for 5 days to a week straight snd my arm would be fine again. But when we have injuries, go through traumatic events, or stress a lot we need more sleep. It’s why most of our soldiers bedrooms are nicer than other people’s. They don’t feel the need to waste money and resources. Whereas the Crown knows soldiers need to recuperate and heal.” He explained, unsure if it made sense.

Ivan heard the servant knock as they returned and he went out, taking the extra blankets from the servant and heading back into the room. Ivan set the blankets down on the edge of the bed for Charlotte to choose from. “Just wake me whenever you get up and I’ll give you a tour and whatnot.” He said and nodded to himself. “I’ll be right back.” He told her before disappearing from the room.

Ivan moved about the castle quickly and with purpose. He didn’t want to talk to his brothers or father at this hour. He just couldn’t ignore the hunger pangs in his stomach at the moment. He was drained from the day earlier, and his wine and raw meat wasn’t cutting it. He went down towards the basement, where the humans who offered themselves stayed. It was sort of like a brothel. Though the conditions were much better. He checked the chart to see who was on rest and who was available before gently waking one of them up. Ivan fed and thanked them before he headed back to his bedroom where his wife was awaiting him.

@ BadStreetBoys

"Sounds like you will be spending most of your time sleeping over the next week," Charlotte pointed out to him. "Probably for the best that you do to heal your arm. I'll have to find something to do to occupy my time." She smiled at him gently. It was strange to hear that vampires could do such a thing. To simply sleep and heal faster. That Ivan's arm could be healed in 5 days because of it. At the moment, she couldn't help but wish that humans had that ability as well. Though it seemed that they must go the slow way of healing.

When Ivan brought over the blankets, all the young woman could feel was grateful. That had been the one thing she was waiting for in order to go to bed. So when he set them down, Charlotte got onto her feet and grab one of the blankets. "Okay," She said softly as Ivan headed out of the room.

Charlotte only thought for a moment that she should wait for Ivan to come back before heading to sleep. But the exhaustion was getting to her. So she got into the bed and buried herself under two of the blankets that they had. And the moment she laid her head against the pillow, the young woman was fast asleep.

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan arrived back at the bedroom and stepped inside quietly, he saw that Charlotte was already asleep. He was slightly relieved because all he wanted was to sleep. He moved to the bed and laid down, albeit uncomfortably because of his arm. Ivan fell asleep easily. He was in a deep sleep throughout the night.

The next morning Ivan woke up groggily. He groaned softly, his arm was still very sore but most of the rest of his body was feeling a little better. The man got up and out of bed, moving into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. He knew he promised Charlotte a tour, so he wanted to wander around himself before he did so. Once Ivan was dressed in his casual vest and button up He headed out into the hallways of the castle and began to wander. Taking in different things he had missed. He missed the castle. Ivan had been away for so long while serving in the military.

After about an hour, Ivan made his way back to the bedroom. He hoped his wife would be awake so that they could start the tour soon. The man wanted to go to the tavern later and meet up with his battalion. Ivan wanted to see how they felt about all of this.

@ BadStreetBoys

When Charlotte woke in the morning, she was quick to notice that Ivan was already gone. It was a bit surprising as she thought that the man would want to attempt to rest as much as possible considering his injury. Though she did not think on this much as Ivan was his own man, with his own responsibilities. And she was sure there was about a million things that her husband could be doing in the castle for a million different reasons.

Deciding that it was best to get ready though, Charlotte shifted out of the bed and made her way to the bathroom. She came out a while later, dressed for the day. Although on a typical day, Charlotte would wear something a bit more casual, she wanted to ensure she made a good impression on anyone she might meet. After all, it was her first full day in the castle and Charlotte was bound to meet some people for the first time.

As Jax came back into the room, Charlotte was working on brushing out the curls she had put in her hair. "Good Morning, Ivan," Charlotte said softly before she glanced back at the mirror. "Are you having a good start to your day?" She glanced at him in the mirror for a moment before continuing on. "How is your arm?"

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan looked over at Charlotte and nodded slightly as he heard her speak.”good morning, dear.” He said and ran his good hand through his hair as he took a breath. “Yes. Was just walking around the castle a bit by myself before I give you a tour.” He told her. “It’s fine. Still hurts snd still sore but better than yesterday.” He shrugged. Ivan felt awkward all of a sudden and moved to the bathroom to deal with it.

Ivan splashed some water in his face and took a few breaths before he dried his face off and moved back into the bedroom. “Do you want to eat before the tour? We can arrange breakfast. If not we can just start now.” Ivan looked down at his feet for a moment before he looked back at Charlotte. “I plan on going into town later. I want to go to the tavern and meet up with my soldiers.” He told her. Ivan didn’t feel the need to lie to Charlotte. But he also didn’t feel the need to listen to her if she disagreed with his decision.

@ BadStreetBoys

Charlotte's eyes followed him for a moment, watching as the man disappeared into the bathroom. Her eyes then shifted back to the mirror as she finished doing the rest of her hair. By the time she was getting out of her seat, Ivan was coming out. She looked at him, smiling softly as she did so. It was becoming clear to her that Ivan wasn't as bad as she had been worried he might be. The first day they met had been rough... Well, the second day as well. Though it seemed that he had warmed up to her enough and Charlotte was ready to do the same.

"We can just start the tour now, I'll eat later," Charlotte told him. She wasn't all that hungry yet and something about Ivan just sitting with her as she ate seemed stranger. Although he had shown that he could, Charlotte still knew that eating human food did nothing for him. It seemed likely that he wouldn't keep it up when they weren't at parties... Besides she really didn't want to smell almost raw meat that morning.

"Then we'll just have to make sure that the tour is done by the time you want to go." With that, Charlotte headed over to Ivan's side. Even though they were married, Charlotte had no intention of actually acting like his wife. It was nice to know if/when Ivan would come back to their room but he was free to do what he wanted as long as it wouldn't somehow become an embarrassment to her or her country. She went to his side and took his hand into hers gently. "Let's get started then."

@ Sweet.Persephone
Ivan nodded. He was glad to get it done with. He knew their castle was fairly large and a tour would take a bit. Not the whole day but long enough he would think she would get bored too. Though Ivan was glad Charlotte was interested in a tour at all. She was taking everything so well considering the events that had transpired the day before. He hoped his father would take his advice and not publicly execute those responsible but he also knew his father was bullheaded and cruel. His eyebrows furrowed as he thought about it.

His concentration was broken when he felt Charlotte by his side, his hand tangled with hers and he nodded. “I don’t want to go out long.” He said softly. “Just for a drink and I’ll be back.” Ivan looked down at Charlotte. “I don’t want to leave you alone in this giant castle for too long after we’ve just been wed, that would be rude.” He said with a gentle smile. Ivan nodded snd headed out from their bedroom, he decided to start with the room she was already familiar with and work his way out. He led her back to the dining hall and it’s vast area. “As you know this is our dining room.” He said and his eyes shifted to her. “It was the first room built in the castle, so everything else was built around it. So that this room would be the main room.” He explained as he walked off towards a side room. “The large doors open and give access to other important rooms for gathering and parties, my father is big on his image so these rooms are always kept the best. The large doors to all of them can unfold to make the rooms seem as one.”