Everything's Not As It Seems

  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    It was not long after that the Sterlings arrived to the theater. As their carriage came to a stop, Nathaniel came out first before assisting his sister and mother out. Once they were all on the ground, they started walking towards the entrance of the theater, only stopping when Rosalie caught the look of Kaia with her family.

    "I hope you were not waiting long," Rosalie told Kaia with a large smile on her face. "Are you excited to see the play?"

    Nathaniel and their mother, Mary, followed the younger woman until they were in front of Kaia's family. At which point the men nodded to each other and the women curtsied accordingly. Nathaniel reached out, shaking Kaia's father's hand.

    "Let me introduce myself, I am Marquess Nathaniel Sterling. This is my mother, Marchioness Mary." Nathaniel then laid a hand on his sister's shoulder. "And this is my sister, Lady Rosalie."
    January 29th, 2021 at 09:32pm
  • FallenHope95

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    The excitement started to slowly rush through Kaia's veins as she took everything in. This place was huge and was slowly filling with other carriages and people. Meaning that this place was showing a far better play than the place her family usually attended. Not that they didn't go to fancy theaters, it was just this place was a little more catered to the higher-ups on the noble ranking of society. Wich also meant that her penny-pinching stepfather was going to be grouchier than usual after the play has ended.

    Hearing Rosalie's voice, Kaia turned towards her side and offered a small smile. "Oh, no. We've only just arrived actually." Kaia said as she smiled at her friend and then looked up towards her approaching family. "I'm quite excited after you spoke to me about the play and my father jumped on the idea of seeing it. He said that it's supposed to be quite a sight to see." Kaia told her friend and then raised her head to look up towards Nathaniel and Rosalie's mother as they approached. Then, she lowered her head slightly and curtsied like the rest of her family did when he approached them.

    As she stood up, Kaia glanced between her father and Nathaniel as she watched them exchange pleasantries. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person Lord Sterling, Lady Sterling." Kaia's stepfather said and then smiled kindly at Rosalie, although rather or not he greeted her wasn't really noticed by Kaia as she was too busy talking to her friend. She was so excited to finally go out to a fancy play with her friend. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to go inside and explore a bit. Is that alright?" Kaia asked, looking up towards her father and then glancing towards Nathaniel, surely her father would follow the lord's lead in this matter.

    "Kaia, young women don't just go out and explore." Her mother chastised the young girl, causing her cheeks to lightly pinken from the embarrassment. "Right, my apologies," Kaia said quietly and lowered her gaze before looking out towards the building once more. This place was beautiful, and Kaia would love to have been able to learn about its history. She heard that it often showed paintings of those who visited in the past.
    January 29th, 2021 at 10:59pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Nathaniel glanced over the Kaia's mother for a moment as she chastised the young woman in front of them. It wasn't all that odd. After all, it was a mother's duty to care for and put their children into line. He just thought it a little odd that they weren't allowed to explore the theater... Perhaps Kaia liked to cause a bit of trouble, now that would be interesting. "Well you must go see the new art display that they have in the entrance. It is quite the sight to see." The lord said.

    The man held his arm out for his mother to take. "Let us go inside then." Nathanial smiled down at Kaia for a moment before turning with his mother and heading into the building. There were plenty of people still milling about, talking or grabbing drinks before the show. Some were wandering by the outside of the room, looking at the paintings that were hung with care.

    Rosalie looked over to Kaia with a smile. "We saw the exhibit last time. It really was quiet inspiring. Lets head in." She said before turning to follow her brother and mother into the room. Once inside, Rosalie went over to one of the paintings in the middle, a portrait of a lovely pink sky.

    Nathanial looked over at Kaia and her sisters. For a moment, his eyes wandered to the wife, already seeing that the wheels in her head were turning... It was not surprising. Many mothers wanted him to marry their daughters. But he was not here for that. Though he did turn to all of them. "Which painting do you prefer? I think Rosalie has taken a liking to the pink sky sunset."
    January 30th, 2021 at 12:46am
  • FallenHope95

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    A small flutter blossomed in Kaia's stomach as Nathaniel spoke. It was nice to know that he didn't think too little of her request to go inside to see the paintings before the show was to start. The fluttering feeling seemed to intensify slightly when he even smiled at her. Which caused Kaia to look away towards her mother and watched as the older woman fixed her sister's hair or dress slightly before following the young lord into the theater to view the paintings before the play was to start.

    Turning her head, Kaia smiled slightly as she looked at her friend Rosalie. "I'm glad the hype wasn't a lie then." She said quietly as she followed her friend into the theater. Her bright green eyes slowly roaming around the place. Taking in the high vaulted ceilings. The well-dressed patrons of the theater and the paintings that all seemed to catch her breath when her eyes laid on each and every one of them. "Oh, wow," Kaia said quietly as she took in the beautiful landscapes that were painted, as well as the portraits and other themes that seemed to be on display in different sections.

    Moving to stand next to her friend, Kaia listened to the question and held back a roll of her eyes as her sisters all agreed that the pink sky painting was the prettiest one there. Then fluttering their eyes at Nathaniel or trying to use their fans to get his attention on their breasts. "I think I like the dark forest one the best," Kaia said quietly. The painting wasn't completely dark. It showed a small stream in the middle with thick trees hanging over it. Their leave a light pink color to contrast with the dark shadows that the trees were creating. A sort of fog also seemed to float between the trees as well, giving it a bit of depth as well. "It's like it's showing that there's always a light in the darkness. Like no matter what, there's always hope."

    Realizing that she had just spoken something odd, Kaia's cheeks turned a light shade of pink once more. She could feel her mother's disapproval for speaking her thoughts. Most likely then not, she'll probably be given a talking once she's home. Saying something along the lines that Kaia needed to be more girly like her sisters if she ever wanted to find a decent husband.
    January 30th, 2021 at 01:14am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Nathaniel glanced down at Kaia with a little smile as she pointed out the painting that she liked the most. He found it quiet insightful. And certainly more thoughtful than the warm sunset photo that the other's seemed to like. Not that it wasn't a beautiful painting, because it was. But Kaia's reason for her choice was just more interesting. "It is a very thought provoking painting." He responded to her. "I tend to like it best as well."

    The man's smile grew as he looked at her for a moment before glancing up at the painting. "You may not be very skilled in the art of painting, but it sounds like you would be a good critic of it, Lady Kaia." He mused.

    Rosalie turned to Nathaniel, her eyes wide and bright. "Do you think that I will ever become good enough to have one of my paintings hung up in an exhibit?"

    Nathaniel seemed to think about this for a moment but a light chuckle escaped the man. "Of course. As long as you keep practicing. Those up here have practiced for years to become as good as they are now. It is no easy feat."

    Just as he finished speaking, the bell indicating that the play was going to start soon ran through the theater. Nathaniel turned to his mother, ensuring that she was prepared before looking to the Rosalie. "We should be getting to our spot." He said as the others in the entrance started to make their way into the theater. Though, considering who they were, the marquess looked to the stairs and started to make his way there, which was a less crowded path.
    February 1st, 2021 at 11:11pm
  • FallenHope95

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    Hearing the Marquess starting to speak on her choice of painting surprised Kaia a bit. Yet it also made her worry that her choice had been wrong. That he was shocked that a young lady would like something a bit darker, and yet. His words surprised her. Looking up towards the man, Kaia couldn't help but smile slightly. He liked the same painting as her, that was amazing. She could feel her mother's shift almost imminently, proud to have one of her daughters be praised by someone so high up in society.

    Shifting her gaze towards Rosalie, Kaia smiled a little bit more. Her friend was an amazing painter. She would be an amazing artist if she really pushed herself, Kaia was almost certain that she'd be in museums and other art gallery's if she put her mind to it. Looking back towards the painting once more, Kaia took a moment to really take it in. It was beautiful, dark and light. So much was shown with so few colors. She could practically feel the artist's love for offering hope shining through the painting.

    turning towards the stairs, Kaia walked with Rosalie towards their seats in the box while her family went to their seats with everyone else. An excited buzz filled Kaia as she walked up the stairs, it was exciting to be able to see the play from up above. She won't have to try and see over or around people's heads. Common trouble she has with her short height.

    "Thank you for inviting me to join you," Kaia said quietly as she took her seat once they were in the box area that belonged to the Marquess family. Her eyes looking from her friend to Nathaniel and the lady of the house. "It was very kind of you all." Kaia felt her cheeks warm a bit as she thanked her friend and her family. She was still getting used to having a friend.
    February 6th, 2021 at 05:09pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "You are very welcome, Kaia." Rosalie said warmly as she took her seat within the box. "We are very glad to have you with us."

    "Yes, we are glad that you were able to join us, Lady Kaia." Nathaniel told her, looking over at Kaia with a gentle smile. Although he had every intention of keeping it to himself, Nathaniel was coming to the realization that he liked having Kaia around. She was interesting, to say the least. And he rather liked the energy that she tended to bring with her. At this point, he was thinking about keeping an eye on young Kaia for a while just to quench his mere curiosity on the lady.

    His eyes shifted over to the stage as the lights in the theater were getting flickered off so that the audience could focus on the man stage. Nathaniel turned in his chair. "It seems that is going to be starting soon." The man noted before looking to Rosalie and Kaia. "When intermission is given, try not to rush out of the box. I do not want to lose either of you, and I certainly do not want Mr. Whitaker to think I was irresponsible in my duties to watch over Kaia." He raised an eyebrow over at Rosalie. "You will wait for me to head down with you, yes?"

    "Yes, of course," Rosalie said, offering a bit of a sinister smile. "I would never cause you such trouble. Especially not when we are caring for my friend."

    Nathaniel's eyes narrowed at his sister for a moment. "Of course you would not."
    February 8th, 2021 at 12:38am
  • FallenHope95

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    A small sigh escaped from Kaia as she walked down the stairs of the theater. Her finger tops slowly gliding down the railing as she walked. That play was amazing, she loved it. The actors were amazing and the lines were just so beautiful. It was definitely worth all of the praise that the paper had written about it. The word of mouth had not been wrong either. The costumes that they wore were top-notch as well. The whole crew were all so talented and deserved the standing ovation that they had received.

    "That play was beautiful," Kaia said quietly as she followed Rosalie down the stairs. Keeping her gaze away from the man behind her. During the intermission, the two had disobeyed his order to not leave without him. Well, Rosalie had ignored his words. Kaia's hand was grabbed and she was dragged behind. The girl Kaia called her friend was a rebel and Kaia was seeing how she was often chastised by Mr.Sterling in a caring way. She was a bubbly girl, and Kaia would be a liar if she said she didn't enjoy her random bursts of chaos.

    As the group reached the bottom of the stairs, Kaia laid eyes upon her family. Her stomach dropped a little at the thought of the night's ends. She had so much fun, Rosalie's family were all such lovely people and fun to be around. Sadly though, as she's known her whole life. All good things must come to an end, so Kaia kept her smile upon her face as she walked towards her family after saying goodbye to Rosalie and her family.

    Approaching her family, Kaia could feel the annoyance radiating off of the twins Mari-Anna and Clarissa. No dought once they were out of the public eye, they'll give her a piece of their minds. Ruining her good day and reminding her that she was just a spare and that their father made sure to keep her dowery to the smallest he would dare to have it. After all, she was a bastard's daughter. Not really, but that's what they referred to her deceased father as. Looking towards her parents, they spoke about the traffic. Seeing as they were a tad bit further from home than they'd normally travel they thought it best to move with the crowd to try and get home at a decent hour. Kaia didn't make a sound to argue.

    Walking out of the theater, Kaia walked slightly behind her family. Her gaze upon the cloudless sky as she walked. The moon was full and bright tonight, illuminating the whole area with its beautiful white glow. The stars shined just as brightly as well, twinkling and dancing in their spots in the darkness. Then, just as Kaia lowered her gaze to look forward. A hand shot forward and wrapped around the back of Kaia's head and covered her mouth. While another wrapped around her waist. A small squeak escaped from Kaia as she was pulled back against a broad chest. They were close to her family's carriage and Kaia could see her father's servants opening the door and freezing at the sight of Kaia being held captive.

    "Give us all of your possessions or the girl dies." The voice behind her said as another figure stepped out of the darkness to her right and raised something shiny. Then, a small clicking sound echoed through the area making Kaia realize that it was the sound of a gun. A terrified scream escaped from Kaia's stepsisters as two more men came forward to rob her family.
    February 8th, 2021 at 01:24am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Once goodbyes were exchanged, Nathaniel focused on getting his own family into the carriage. Since they had been in the box section, it meant that their carriages were waiting out front of the theater for the family to be picked up. They would barely have to wait to get out of this crowded area. It was only of the many privileges that he received as a marquess.

    Arriving at the carriage, Nathanial assisted both his sister and his mother in before getting inside himself. He sat down on the opposite side of his mother and sister. Then, with a tap to the side of the carriage, they were off and making their way home. Nathaniel pulled out his pocket watch, glancing over the time as Kaia spoke over how lovely the play had been and how glad she was that Kaia had been able to come as well. Nathaniel determined that he was pleased by the young lady's presence as well. She was interesting.

    As he shoved his watch away, that was when Rosalie started to point out the window of the carriage and scream. Nathaniel was quick to spin his head, looking out to see Kaia and her family getting attacked. A swear left the man as he gripped onto the side of the carriage, trying to quickly decide what to do. It would be horribly cowardly to do nothing at all but Nathaniel recognized those men... And this was the exact type of trouble that he wanted to avoid when home. But he shook the thoughts out of his head before swinging the door open to the carriage and climbing to the front of it.

    Nathaniel took the reigns from the driver and aimed it right at one of the men attacking the family. As the horse knocked him over, Nathaniel flew off of the carriage, pulling a dagger from his side and stabbing it right into the man who had Kaia's side. This caused the stranger to release the girl but it quickly started a scuffle between himself and the attacker. During which, the gun in the man's hand went off, a bullet hitting the side of the building, causing some brick to fly off the wall and slam down onto Nathaniel's back. But the pain only urged the man only onto he had knocked the last man unconscious by hitting him with the hilt of his dagger.
    February 9th, 2021 at 11:17pm
  • FallenHope95

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    This was one of the scariest things that Kaia had ever gone through. She watched as her parents tried and tried again to explain that they didn't have anything valuable in the carriage. Yet the men didn't believe them. Heck, Kaia wasn't even sure she believed them but she didn't have anything to say against them either. Her stepfather constantly lied to her and her mother just brushed her off like a pesky fly when she tries to speak to the woman. Yet, they seemed adamantly scared of having whatever it is taken from them. So, were they really hiding something and these thugs found out, which is why they were taken? Or is it just random?

    Seeing quick movement out of the corner of her eye, Kaia looked over just in time to see a carriage rushing towards the man in front of her. Then, the next thing she knew, Kaia was falling to the side as the man holding onto her was knocked over by a heavy force. A surprised scream escaped from Kaia as she fell to the ground. Scraping up her hands and ruining the front of her dress slightly in the fall. Moving quickly, Kaia rolled away from the man as she felt sometihng wet on her back. Stopping when she was able to sit on her but and watched as Nathaniel wrestled with the man who was holding her.

    The sound of more people screaming echoed in the distance. A whistle, announcing the police could be heard around the corner. Yet, the only thing that Kaia heard was the gunshot as the gun the assailant had gone off and hit the wall. A small shaky gasp left Kaia as she watched the wall crumble a little bit before falling on top of the man she had just spent a nice evening with. "No!" Kaia squeaked, thinking that the man was injured terribly in the accident but let out a quick sigh of relief as he easily got back up and was able to knock out the man who he was fighting with.

    Being careful, Kaia slowly got onto her wobbly legs and moved towards Nathaniel. Her scraped hands moving to hold up her dress slightly as she moved towards the man who saved her. "Are you hurt?" Kaia asked, kneeling down next to Nathaniel and the unconscious man. Her hands moving to cup Nathaniel's face as she looked over his face to see if he was injured, before releasing him as she realized she was touching a Marquess without his permission. "My apologies, Sir," Kaia said quietly, her gaze quickly looking over the rest of the man as she tried to figure out if he was injured somewhere else before looking up towards his eyes. "Thank you," Kaia said quietly, as she heard the voices of the authorities behind her.
    February 13th, 2021 at 02:18am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Before Nathaniel was even able to catch his breath from the fight, he felt soft hands being pressed against his face. He glanced down at the young woman that he had just saved, still a bit out of it. After a fight, his head was always spinning and it took him a moment to breathe and figure out where he was. It was just bound to happen, the high from the fight dropped off the moment that he was safe. Though as Kaia removed her hands from his face, he was able to give her a half smile before reaching over and laying his hand on top of her head. "I'm fine." He mumbled.

    He allowed his hand to fall, stepping up as the authorities came running over. At this point, both his mother and sister were out of the car, checking Nathaniel over to ensure that the man really was okay. Nathaniel allowed them to check him over but he didn't pay them much attention as he spoke to the officers about what had occurred.

    "We were just driving by our carriage when I saw these two men trying to attack this family. They were holding Miss Whitaker hostage, holding a gun to her head. I am just glad that I was able to come in time to handle the situation before it went terribly wrong." As he spoke, two of the officers were locking up the unconscious men into the carriage to be brought down to the station. "I can send you a written statement of what occurred if you require it."

    His eyes shifted over to the family that had been attacked. "Is everyone okay? It did not seem like they had gotten the chance to injury anyone before I intervened." Nathaniel looked to Kaia, looking her over for a moment to confirm to himself that she really was intact before he looked to the man of the family. "What did they want?"
    February 14th, 2021 at 01:12am
  • FallenHope95

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    Just seeing the small twitch of Nathaniel's lips brought a small sense of relief to flood Kaia. She was worried that he was injured somewhere but hearing his voice follow the sight of his smile made Kaia certain that she had nothing to worry about. He didn't look like he was injured too terribly so she'll leave him alone and not fuss. He wasn't her family, she needed to remember her place on things. She could probably ask Rosalie if he was alright the next time the two of them hung out or something.

    Turning, Kaia moved towards her family. Her older sisters were crying and her mother was trying to console them. Offering kind words she barely spared Kaia. Her stepfather and brother gave her a small once over before turning to finish speaking to the authorities. Meaning, that they didn't care much that she was fine. Just that they didn't have to fake worry over her.

    A couple of moments later Nathaniel's voice could be heard and Kaia couldn't help but lift her head to look at him before looking back towards her father and brother. "They were looking for money." Kaia's father lied as he turned towards Nathaniel. "They for some reason thought that we'd bring a bit with us, but thankfully. Thanks to your help, they didn't hurt my family. Thank you, Sir Sterling." Kaia's stepfather said as he offered the man a respected bow.
    February 14th, 2021 at 03:54am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "You're welcome." Nathaniel responded to the man after a moment. For some reason, what the father had said did not sit right with him. He knew this gang, why would they just be after a bit of change? Perhaps this was not something that Nathaniel should be bothering himself with. He had already gotten himself in enough trouble by just getting involved. But it had been the right thing to do and he did not regret it.

    Though as he looked over to his sister and mother, the man knew that it was time to go. They were scared, and clearly wanting to leave. So he would give that to them. "I will live it to you both then." Nathaniel said as he looked to the father and the officer that he was speaking to. If the officers needed him for some reason, they would know where to find him.

    With that, Nathaniel headed over to his mother and sister, lightly laying his hands on their backs as he ushered them into the carriage. The man murmured gently to them that everything was okay, that he was okay, and that it was time for them to head home and rest for the night. Once they were in the carriage, Nathaniel looked back at the family. It was such a strange sight... Why was no one checking on Kaia?

    He closed his eyes for a moment, reminding himself that he needed to mind his own business. Nathaniel then got into the carriage and told the driver to bring them home. With that, the carriage took off.
    February 17th, 2021 at 02:54am
  • FallenHope95

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    The mellow music of the band echoed lightly through the room. Those who paired up danced together on the floor. Small smiles playing along their lips as they all looked into each other's eyes and enjoyed the company of each other. From Kaia's spot, she could watch the dance floor while also being slightly hidden. It's been almost a week since that event after the theater and she still wasn't really feeling like trying to socialize. Not that she was ever really interested in the first place.

    Well, the only thing about these gala's that interested Kaia was the possibility to get away from her mother and stepfather already. Nothing would please the young lady more. Except, she was well aware that this wasn't an event to show her off. It was a show her parents put on to seem good, while they pushed for their 'beloved' twins to find matches. In the past, Kaia often acted out to try and get her mother to notice her. Saying something mean to her supposed siblings, or allow a swear out. Instead of being noticed by her mother though, she just got the back of her stepfather's hand or a cane. It was terrible circumstances but they showed the young lady her place. At the bottom of the totem and that she really wasn't worth her mother's affection nor her father's. Seeing as they saw correction as the first option for things rather than speaking to her.

    Releasing a small sigh, Kaia listened as the song ended and a new one began. Some decided to find new partners while others decided to stay with the same one. A light and happy mood came from the dance floor, causing the young girl to feel even more out of place. Although, her focus was so intuned with watching the happy couples. Her friend being one of them, that she hadn't even realized that some suitors were eyeing her from a small distance. Seemingly dark little smirks danced along their lips as a little bird whispered into their ears. Clarissa and Mari-Anna were speaking to the men, motioning towards Kaia.

    After a couple more words exchanged, the men started to make their way towards Kaia. "Now what is a lovely thing like you, doing hiding in a corner?" A voice said from behind Kaia, causing her to startle slightly. "Hm?" She hummed as she turned and looked up towards the man who had spoken to her. Only to find two men looking down at her. "Oh, um. Hello," Kaia said quietly looking between the two. She'd never seen the men before, so she had no idea how to greet them correctly. Hoping silently that a simple hello would do with them. Which, seemed to be the correct route seeing as the guys just smiled at each other and then looked down at Kaia.

    "We saw you standing and well, my friend here really wanted to ask you to dance but he was too shy." The guy on the right said as he seemed to playfully nudge the guy on the left. "Oh yeah, I'm not from a noble family, so I'm a little nervous." The guy said as he slowly extended his hand for Kaia. "But I really would like to have a dance Miss, would you honor me with that?" This was probably the first time that a guy had asked for her to dance with him, and it felt like quite a bit of pressure for the young girl.

    "Come on, it'll be fun." The guy on the right said as he tried to offer the girl a kind smile. "O-okay," Kaia said quietly, slowly reaching out to take the guy's hand. "Great!" The guy said as he slowly wrapped his fingers around Kaia's hand. "I saw an opened spot on the floor over there." The guy didn't even point in what direction before he started to just pull Kaia along towards the other end of the dance floor. Walking a bit fast for Kaia's liking, but she just took it as her legs being shorter than the man's.

    The other man who was with them slowly started to follow from a small distance. Distracting other guests if they so happaned to glance towards Kaia and the guy who to other people would obviously be pulling the young girl towards the terrace.
    February 17th, 2021 at 04:42pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    At today's ball, Nathaniel was keeping a close eye on his young sister. Although during the first two balls, Rosalie had not had any interest in really meeting, dancing or talking to the suitors, Nathaniel and his mother both had a conversation about the importance of doing so. Because of their status, they were able to assure the young woman that she would not be married off to the first person they saw, but rather that Rosalie would really be the one picking her husband and that they would approve as long as he was a good match. It seemed that this conversation and resolved a lot of her worries.

    Because of this though, it meant that Nathaniel had to keep a closer eye on her. And because she was a lady of high status, there were plenty of men who were interested in getting to know Lady Kaia. So Nathaniel had been needing to watch the dance floor for the whole ball, ensuring that she was never out of his sight for too long.

    This is why he noticed Lady Kaia talking to two strange men. His eyebrows furrowed together, noticing how strange it seemed to him. Both of them approaching her, and the way on man was seeming to just pull her along... He was getting a bad feeling about this. Something just was not right. Nathaniel excused himself from the conversation and started to fall along from a distance. Though once it was clear that the man was taking Kaia outside by herself, he quickened his pace until he too was out on the terrace.

    "What are you doing out here, Lady Kaia?" Nathaniel asked as he was now reducing the space between himself and the two of them. "It think it is best that you return to the ballroom." He told her, raising an eyebrow. While he was unsure if Kaia thought that this was a good idea as well, he was ready to put an end to it anyways. If she thought it was, clearly she had lost her mind.
    February 18th, 2021 at 03:58am
  • FallenHope95

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    The man's hand on Kaia's was tight and try as she might, she wasn't able to pull it from his grasp. She couldn't scream for the other partygoers for help. What would they think was going on? They'd think she'd be making a scene because a man was trying to dance and she was refusing when she should be grateful. They'd think that she was overreacting and lower her status in this world of chess, where power was everything and Kaia's family barely had any. Much less power or care when it came to the youngest child in the family. So, she had to give up hope. She would still try to pull her hand away, but the man's grip just kept tightening.

    "Please stop," Kaia said quietly once they'd reached the terrace entrance. It was quiet around them, and that terrified Kaia to no end. "Why whatever could you be asking us to stop?" The man who was holding her hand asked as he turned towards her. His kind and shy smile turning into a dark look. "Yeah, we've not even done anything yet." The man behind her said as he used his body to block the sight of Kaia from the rest of the ballroom. "I-I can't be out here," Kaia said quietly as she looked between the two men. "I need to get back-"

    A new voice entered the circle and cause Kaia to stop speaking as she turned her head to look towards the newcomer. The man gripping onto her hand released it and took a step away from the young girl. "I-I-" Kaia stuttered as she slowly clenched her hands as she brought her hand to her chest. What was the point of trying to explain herself, he wasn't going to care. "Yes sir," Kaia said quietly and turned towards the man who was blocking the ball toom. Without a word, he stepped out of the way and allowed the young lady to pass. Leaving the three men on the terrace.

    "Dalton's not very happy with you stepping on his toes, Mr.Sterling." The one who was blocking the door said as he moved to once again block the people's view with his back. His arms moved to cross over his chest as he looked at Nathaniel. "He sent a message." The second one said, digging into his breast pocket and pulling out a carton of cigarettes. "He said to butt out of his business, or something might happen to that pretty little sister of yours." The man said as he lit his cig and took a deep puff of the thing. "The Whitaker's are his, so but out." An with that, the men both turned to leave Nathaniel and the party.
    February 20th, 2021 at 06:58pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    @ FallenHope95

    Nathaniel was quiet as he watched Kaia head back into the party. He had no idea what she had been thinking - if she had been thinking anything at all. But this had been really foolish of her to come out of the ball... Unless they were forcing her out here but then the man did not understand why she did not make a scene. This was all moving through his head until the two men started to speak to him, and then suddenly his mind was not on Kaia anymore.

    Looking to the two men, he look in everything that they said. It seemed that they were working with one of the gang's in London. His own gang didn't do much work in his home country. It was safer that way. Though he was aware of others moving about the shadows here. They were aware of him, but because he caused them no trouble, they did the same for him. But this was the second time Nathaniel had interfered and it seemed they were already getting annoyed. The man said nothing, but instead nodded to the two men to show them that he understood.

    He waited a moment before heading back into the ballroom. Nathaniel needed to be careful for his own family's sake. It was his job to care for his mother and sister. To keep interfering would only cause trouble. Though he could not understand how Kaia, or her family, were involved. They were the reason he had gotten in the middle twice now... Were they really worth it?

    Nathaniel looked out at the ballroom, taking in all of the guests. He took a deep breath before heading across the room to where Kaia was standing. At which point, he offered a hand. "Would you accept this dance?" His curiosity was getting the better of him.
    February 20th, 2021 at 11:22pm
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    This was the second time that Mister Sterling had helped Kaia, third if you wanted to count the attempted robbery with her family. What was going on? This was such a bad luck year for Kaia. When were things going to just settle down? Allow for her to breathe and take some joy back into her life? She'd been practicing a new song on the piano and she was just itching to practice. An all of these stupid balls and gala's were getting in her way. Making associates, connections and love were not things on Kaia's to-do list. Although, apparently it was on her parents, and as they say. A child must obey their parents.

    Bring pulled from her thoughts, Kaia turned her head to the side and felt a surge of surprise wash over her. "Mr.Sterling?" Kaia poke, her voice coming out quite as she'd just been lost in her thoughts a moment ago. Her eyes widened slightly to emphasize her surprise before moving back to normal. "Why?" Escaped past Kaia's lips before she could stop herself. Her whole body tensing before she clenched her eyes shut and inwardly scolded herself.

    "Sorry," Kaia said quietly as she quickly moved to place her hand in his open one. "Sorry. I was just caught off guard." Kaia explained as she moved to follow him onto the dancefloor. Then, once they were facing each other and starting to move along to the song that was playing slowly, Kaia started to speak once more. "You just keep stepping in and I don't really know what to say about it."
    February 22nd, 2021 at 01:01am
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    A bit of surprise settled in him when Kaia asked why instead of saying yes. It was not that Nathaniel was worried about rejection just that... Well he thought the reason why was rather obvious right now. After all, had he not just interfered between her and a two men? Going somewhere that a young lady should not go with two men. Though once Kaia moved to follow him, Nathaniel lead her out to the dance floor. His hand held onto hers while the other laid gently on her back.

    "You do not have to say anything." Nathaniel told her gently. His eyes glanced around the ballroom for a moment until his sights landed on Rosalie. Once he saw that she was safe, dancing with a lord that he knew, the man looked back down at the woman in front of him. She was a rather pretty little thing. Though why was she finding herself in so much trouble? It made no sense.

    "Do you know those two men, Lady Kaia?" Nathaniel asked under his breath, ensuring that his voice was low enough so that no one around them could hear while they were dancing. Though he wanted to get to the bottom of this. Was Kaia aware what was goin on with her family or no? Was the whole family even aware? "Why did you agree to go out there with them? You should know better than that."
    February 22nd, 2021 at 03:27am
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Slowly, Kaia pursed her lips into a thin line. She didn't know if she should actually speak a thank you to the man in front of her or not. He may tell her that she didn't need to say anything, but don't actions speak louder than words? Surely, a gift of thanks would be appropriate at least. Right? Or, would that send different intentions than what she meant for it to mean?

    Shifting her gaze to glance at where Nathaniel was looking, Kaia saw her friend dancing with a man. Her heart ached for a moment, wishing to look as happy as her friend does at this moment. Or rather the whole night as the young woman seemed like she was having fun. It was nice to see her friend happy, as she knew her friend often spoke about how nervous she was about finding a good match that her family would have approved of. Or pick for her.

    When Nathaniel started to speak once more, Kaia returned her gaze to his. "I do not know them," Kaia said in just as quiet of a voice. Her lips moved into a small frown as this conversation started to take a turn for a way that Kaia wasn't sure she was happy with. "If you're assuming that I'd willingly go with two strange men into a dark place, then you are terribly mistaken Mr.Sterling," Kaia said in a harsh whisper. She removed her hand from Nathaniel's shoulder and pulled her hand from his. "I think our dance is over, Mr.Sterling. Enjoy the rest of your night." Kaia gave a respectful curtsy to the high-ranking lord before turning her back to him and moving to leave the dance floor. She was not going to be chastised by another man. Especially one who assumed things so foolishly. Kaia liked to think of herself as a respectable young lady, and in all terms for the time she was. It was just that her family was terribly people and she hasn't made a name for herself in society yet.

    A small sigh escaped from the young woman as she moved off of the dance floor. Her shoulders were held high though and so was her head. She was unfortunately still in public and couldn't be seen throwing a tantrum because a man was possibly insinuating that she was a whore. Nor possibly implying that she should leave with him instead. The nerve of some men irked the young lady. Yet, like any proper young woman, that didn't show on her face. Instead, a fake smile and a pretend relaxed posture was on show as Kaia moved to the drinks table. She needed to cool down.
    February 24th, 2021 at 03:15pm