The Seven Deadly Sins

"My Lady Elizabeth, you have a visitor, he says it's urgent."
The chambermaid awoke me from the small daze I had been entrapped in. I sat folded up in a large gilded chair, my wispy white shift was pooled around me like a thin blanket. My appearance was certainly less than what I usually held myself to, in fact, I was quite sure seeing anyone in this type of state would be somewhat embarrassing. My hair was unbound and unbrushed, my feet bare and pale and my face devoid of any rouge or makeup. In all honesty, I had woken up without much enthusiasm, finding no desire within me to make myself truly appropriate for my station.
I looked up from my untouched needlework in my lap, the image of Jesus and Mary barely legible from my lack of focus. Of course my mind had been almost wholly focused on a whole other topic, one that was completely against everything I've been raised on. Surely one could figure out who I was pondering on. I managed with some struggle, to pull myself out of my thoughts and looked up at the young girl with an uncomprehending stare. Did she truly say someone wished to speak with me without a formal announcement? Did she truly say someone required my presence as a Duchess at this given time, with no form of invitation or prior warning?
I heard a rather loud knock on my door, one far too hard for any chambermaid or servant to dare make. A strange and sudden dread filled me as I began to realize who would visit me so rudely at this time, who would think themselves above such common courtesy actions. It was an instinct for me to know, I knew it was Ivan.
"Blasted men!" I muttered, quickly forgetting the presence of the maid in my room. I blushed slightly as embarrassment at my actions filled me, but I quickly ordered her with all my dignity, "Retrieve my robe if you will."
She hurried over to my dresser and quickly pulled out a long dark blue robe. My heart began to pound heavily in my chest, making me feel somewhat ridiculous. Why was I allowing my mind to be taken over by such a man who desired nothing more than to overtake my body?
Though the exchange of myself would give me assured freedom from Ruben, 'No Elizabeth!' I reprimanded myself quickly, feeling the burning heat begin to stir in the pit of my stomach again, 'It would bind you in a way that'd be more than irreversible.'
I quickly tied the robe around me, still feeling quite exposed even though the thick blue fabric covered all areas of my body that would be considered indecent. Ivan knocked impatiently at my door again and I felt an irritation with him spur to life, one that seemed to grow whenever I was in that damned man's presence. Did he not realize how much of an inconvenience it was to have to hurry like this? It was more than inconceivably rude for him to do this unannounced. Even as a King, he should have some moderate decency.
I hurried over to the door and took a quick breath, trying to forget the agitating presence of the maid in my room. I opened the door a crack, but I was ashamed to say that once I met Ivan's sharp gray eyes, most of my frustrations with him seemed to dissipate. It was an unfortunate thing, that Ivan was one of the few people, if not the only man I enjoyed to share any form of company with in this damned court.
"Good morning Miss Elizabeth," He raised a dark brown eyebrow at me, most likely curious as to why I only opened the door a crack.
I narrowed my eyes at him, "Good morning my Lord, may I ask the reason for your honorable unannounced visit?"
A small smirk cured onto his face as he finally caught wind of my aggravation, "I have come to inquire whether or not you wish to accompany me for a ride on the horses this morning."
I raised an incredulous eyebrow at him, "Who else would be accompanying us?"
Ivan sighed sharply, "Come now Elizabeth, we need to speak about what happened in the gardens, I've given you more than enough time to consider my offer. I demand an answer."
I glanced back at the maid behind me, she was studiously folding clothing but I was not stupid. I knew the ways of the servants. And gossip spread like a wildfire within this court. I turned to meet Ivan's gaze through the crack of the door again, "Separate horses." I whispered in a low voice.
He narrowed his eyes at me, "Elizabeth-"
"Separate horses," I repeated in a hiss, before he could protest again, I continued, "I shall meet you by the stables within the hour."
And with that, I closed the door in the King of England's face. I smiled slightly as I turned back to the maid, the young woman of no more than fifteen looked hesitant as she met my gaze. She was naturally pretty I suppose, dark brown curls and soft green eyes. It was a shame that this would probably be as close to royalty as the child would get.
"Retrieve my riding gown please and do so quickly, I have an engagement I must make."
As the maid scurried to retrieve my clothing, I struggled to convince myself that I had no reason to be ashamed of my meeting with Ivan. Who said that something inappropriate would have to occur between us? I convinced myself that I was a self controlled Lady of virtue and no man, king or peasant, could make me do so I did not think was up to standard.
I was still convinced of these thoughts when I finally escaped the young maid and made my way quickly down to the courtyard. I hugged the deep brown sable cape to myself a bit tighter as the crisp air bit at me, the autumn setting in quickly. I was lucky that my dress was made of thick olive green fabric, the yellowish color highlighted the dark raven of my hair and the blue in my eyes. It hugged my body like a second skin, most likely highlighting other parts of my body that most might not approve of but I doubted Ivan would complain. It had a square neckline that exposed my collarbone, fitted sleeves that flared at the elbow and hips in wide skirts. My high buttoned boots crunched against the cobblestone pathway as I made my way towards the stables, the sound echoing too loudly in the empty grounds.
As I approached the stable, I ran a pathetically nervous hand through my hair. I had wished to leave it down but I quickly put a golden headpiece that pushed my hair back slightly from my face when I realized that leaving it down and swept over my shoulder made me look like a wanton.
Which was nothing short of fact.
Ivan awaited me with two chestnut stallions on either side of him, dressed sharply in shades of blue. His dark brown hair blew in the wind, he almost seemed to follow my idea of not wearing hats or bonnets most times. His gray eyes scrutinized my appearance critically before smiling seductively at me, "You look lovely Miss Elizabeth."
"My Lord," I curtsied gracefully, keeping my face as blank as I could and trying not to push out my chest. I did not wish to give him more encouragement despite my own desire for him, these thoughts lingered painfully in my mind when I met his gaze, "Where shall we be riding today?"
"As far as we can get without you falling off your horse," He grinned mischievously at me, leading the smaller of the large beasts forward, "You have ridden before correct?"
"Yes I have," I replied in a clipped voice, childishly bothered by his assumption of me. I was a decent ride I suppose, it was something I didn't really enjoy though for anything more than a slow trot caused my corset to crunch uncomfortably, "You shan't have to worry about my skills."
"How I wish that was the case," He muttered, he dropped the reins of the other horse and held out a white gloved hand for me to take. After a moment, I sighed and took it, trying not to acknowledge the sudden tingles I felt along my skin when I did so.
After a few moments, Ivan helped hoist me onto the horse, the hands lingering obviously on my waist. The horse was studiously calm beneath me, his stance passive and proud. I was both grateful and flattered that Ivan was allowing me to ride one of the court's prized mares It was clear that this was a specifically bred horse for the shiny chestnut coat and dark chocolate mane was a signature in English royalty. I couldn't help but run my own brown colored glove through it hair, wishing I could take it off to feel the silky locks on my skin.
"Elizabeth?" I was startled out of my daze and looked up to Ivan who know sat atop his horse, not bothering to correct his informality. He smiled, not smirked, softly at me from his position on the grand steed, "Let us ride."
I did have to admit, the feeling of the strong beast moving swiftly beneath was strangely invigorating. The horse rode so smoothly than the crunching of my corset was not as unbearable as it usually would be. The wind blew my carefully arranged hair askew but I did not care a bit. Ivan kept an even pace in front of me, occasionally glancing back to see if I still followed him. When he would do so, I would urge the horse a bit faster with a mischievous smile, like I was challenging him. He would grin boyishly in response and only go faster, his energy catching.
Before I truly realized it, we were racing along the worn path of a large forest outlining the castle grounds. Tall oaks with colored leaves towered over us, their leaves falling in slow circles at the gentlest of winds. Autumn was slowly draining the life and strength of these majestic statues. A small meadow was just behind a small fringe of trees, the soft light of the sun shining down on it to illuminate the tall blades of golden grass.
"Elizabeth!" Ivan called, he slowly stopped his horse in front of me, "Let us stop here, no one shall disturb us at this time of day!"
With some difficulty, I slowed the beast and managed to dismount him without help. I landed roughly on my feet but managed to keep my balance, though I wobbled significantly before doing so. Proud, I righted myself and looked up at Ivan but it faltered when I saw him leap off his horse with obvious ease. He approached me with a grin and I opened my mouth to snap at him but the words never made their way out.
His cold lips molded against mine, dashing all hopes of an innocent and purely ethical meeting to the wind. It wasn't as if I truly minded though, I doubt any woman would be able to find the will to pull away from the delectable wine tasting lips. His hands gently caressed my face before he felt the passion bubble within me, they descended into my hair and lower back. I tangled my fingers into is wind blown locks, briefly wondering why I chose to wear those absurd gloves.
How much would I have to pay for my sins? Adultery, greed, lust, wrath, envy…..all sins I had committed time and time again without thought nor regret on my part.
But when his hands pulled me so I was pressed tight against his muscular body, I could understand why. This shallow, superficial man had become a fast paced addiction that I was going to have trouble breaking. If I could break such a thing at all, I wasn't sure if I had any sort of will that strong.
The hand on my back slowly moved down to cup the curve of my rump, his touch wasn't aggressive but only firm, inching me towards something more. I jumped slightly at the shiver inducing touch but did not forbid it, if anything I encouraged such a thing. His hand pressed more firmly against it, pushing me into the cradle of his hips so I could understand his already clear mood. A little bit more purposely, I jumped so my hips grounded against his, the friction bringing on a strong bout of pleasure on both parts. The movement earned me a low groan from him and a soft whimper from me. The embers at the pit of my stomach were now a blazing fire that had spread through my system like wildfire.
I didn't realize my fingers were undoing his doublet until I felt him pulling at the strings of my cape. Any pure and practical thoughts had long since abandoned me. All I could feel was raw, unbridled desire for this man. I gasped when one of his hands cupped my breast, squeezing it through the thick fabric of my gown. His lips trailed from my mouth to the base of my neck, grazing his teeth over my searing skin.
"Dear God," I spoke in a strangled sigh, my legs wobbled dangerously beneath me as he continued to devour me. I could feel my dress loosening slightly as his expert fingers undid the complicated clasps. At no point was I thinking of my station, my family, and most importantly, my self respect whilst he kissed me.
The horse let out a sudden loud whinny and my heated reverence was broken. I shoved away from him on instinct, trying not to ponder upon his awestruck expression. His appearance was completely askew, his clothing unbuttoned to reveal a toned, pale chest. His sharp gray eyes were glazed over with still fresh desire and his chest rose in rapid breaths.
"You're a vixen," He managed after a few moments of silence. I narrowed my eyes at him and bent down to grab my fallen cape, feeling slightly uncomfortable as I felt his intense gaze on me. Once I straightened up, Ivan seemed to regain his senses slightly and grabbed the reins of the horses. He pulled them over to the grassy meadow, leaving me standing in the midst of the worn pathway, indecisive. He glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable, "The place I wish to show is this way!"
Dare I follow him? Should I continue to risk temptation or demand he take me home? With a rather unashamed sigh of defeat, I lifted my skirts slightly and followed him into the dim light of overcast.
He tied the two horses to a wide oak tree and quickly moved back towards me, his stride elegant and swift. With a somewhat wistful expression, he held out a hand towards me. Somewhat hesitantly, I took it and allowed him to pull me towards the middle of the meadow. It was a small circle of soft grasses with a blanket that had been laid out in the middle. A strange feeling washed through me as the familiarity of being with Nicholas in a similar situation, would it bear the same consequences? But I was ashamed to admit, I was sadly excitedly as I allowed him to pull me down beside him.
"I find all of this clothing ridiculous," Ivan grinned, unbuttoning his doublet to reveal a blousy white shirt. I felt my mouth go somewhat dry when he began undoing that shirt as well so I could see his well toned chest, "Don't you agree?"
"Ivan….," I murmured, blushing ever so slightly at this but it only made his grin grow wider. He reached to me and pulled me onto his lap, my knees on either side of his hips. I couldn't help myself when he kissed me again, his lips far softer and languid. His hands slid along my waist, moving up to finger where he left off with undoing my dress. My breath hitched when I felt him undo the rest of the clasps on my dress, the cold autumn air work its way through the thin fabric of my shift. I pulled away from his but his strong grip forbade me from going far, his gray eyes burning passionately at me.
"I only wish to see you Elizabeth," He whispered huskily, "I am not saying you must go any further than what you're comfortable with."
Was he lying? No, I doubted he would force me into anything like that, no matter how much he wanted me. But he most likely knew how tempting it would be for me to see how unbridled his hunger truly was for me.
After a moment of poor decision, I nodded and he closed the space between us. His lips were soft and reassuring against mine as he slid the shoulder of my gown down. My own hands slid along his chiseled torso, the wiry muscles tensing and shivering as I touched him. His wine taste was burning my tongue, filling me to the brume while his hands pushed down the tops of own. His lips moved down to my collarbone, kissing me through my thin shift.
"Ivan," the sound was trembling out of me, my body arching into him as his lips moved downward. My eyes widened significantly as I felt them descend even more, they brushed over my heart beat before fully closing over my breast. Fear burst through me and my hands fisted into his hair, pulling back at him. His raised his head with a fiery glint in his eyes.
"Why do you persist in fighting me?" He growled, my God, he was absolutely gorgeous but I couldn't give in. I would not cause Jayna such pain as the pain my mother caused the previous Queen by engaging in an affair with the King, "I know you desire me! And you must know that I desire you!" He let out a harsh laugh, "What holds you back? Is there something about me that makes you think I would be unable to please you?"
"That is the last of my worries," I replied in a low voice, there would be no doubt that Ivan could please me. Maybe that's what frightened me, the fact that he could so easily control me with the temptation of kisses and touching let alone when love making came into play. My body shivered slightly as the cold wind blew at me. Ivan's arms tightened around my waist, crushing me gently against him in a comforting hold. My nose brushed against his, my eyes pressed into his and I could feel the impossibly strong temptation intensify, "I just…..I can't do this Ivan…it's not right."
He closed his eyes tightly for a moment and sucked a sharp breath through his teeth, "If I could, I'd throw on your back and take you now, prove to you that you want me as I do you," He reopened his eyes and saw their sorrow, "But I can't, for I know even if I made you scream with delight-"
"I'd hate you more than I could possibly imagine." I finished grimly, despite the burning fire his words sent through me. I looked away from him with a lump in my throat, "So I suppose that means I am to marry Ruben then."
"Don't be ridiculous," Ivan spoke in a suddenly sharp voice, I looked back to him with surprise. He smiled slightly at me, "It would be too hard to see such a prick of boy marry such a beautiful creature."
I couldn't help but laugh in relief, "I've turned you down repeatedly yet you still continue to persist," But an immense wave of relief was spreading through me at the knowledge that I would not be marrying Ruben. It was amazing feeling to know that I had the freedom of being single yet again.
"There is nothing more irresistible than a challenge." He grinned at me before pressing a kiss to my lips that was as light as a butterfly's wing. His sharp gray eyes met mine when I reopened them dreamily, they held mine hesitantly, "But..may I ask a favor in return? Could we perhaps….pretend for a little while?"
Was that vulnerability in his eyes? I could not tell when his body was so temptingly arranged against mine. I smiled slightly at him, deciding to be kind for a change and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. His eyes continued to burn in a way that brought butterflies to my stomach, "Of course my Lord, I don't mind pretending for a little while."
He smiled at me then, not a true one but a rather mischievous one that came close to his signature smirk. This smile seemed to suit him far better than the softer one he rarely showed, it was strange but I preferred Ivan when he shallow and impulsive. It was more frightening than the anything I imagined to think of coming into contact with someone who wanted an emotional relationship.
"As you wish Miss Elizabeth," He whispered before his cold lips molded against mine and then we were both lost in our pretend world of fantasy and desire.

(Drake's P.O.V.)

I turned away from the pair in the forest, not wishing to see any more of the nonsense my brother had set up. But I couldn't help but smirk slightly as her words echoed in my mind, Ivan could kiss and coddle Elizabeth all he wanted but she was continuing to refuse him. Not only would this tactic drive Ivan to extreme desperation for he thought anything he wanted was his, but it put her in complete power of him. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this woman, she was not only beautiful but she was smart and cunning as a true Queen should be.
Maggie stood behind me, her red spirals of hair falling around her shoulders in an untamed and inappropriate styling. Her wide set green eyes were still, locked past me and onto my soon to be fiance. Even now, after more than a century of practice and control rites, Maggie still had the faint newborn yearning for blood and sex that stained almost every vampire. But after a few moments, she managed to regain herself, her eyes obediently coming back to me, "She is much like her father."
I nodded in agreement, her father had been one of the smartest mortals I had ever come into contact with. Despite his lack of Witch blood and natural abilities, he had taken ver the negotiations between the Memorium children and the offering clans with ease. It was still amazing to me sometimes that I had managed to gain the betrothal of a Memorium daughter, most especially considering it was Elizabeth. Who in my opinion was clearly the more stronger and beautiful of the two.
It was a shame that Ivan had to have her father killed because of his decision, blast it, that boy has an irresponsible temper. It was still strange to think that I was only two years his senior, most often it felt as if an eternity separated us.
"Would you still take Elizabeth as your wife if she allowed King Ivan to bed her?" Maggie asked curiously, before answering, I gland back at the couple who still sat beyond us. I did not wish Ivan to overhear my conversation, though I was quite sure he could not. Much of his constant alcohol and other intoxicating consumption seemed to have hindered his abilities quite a bit. I watched as he let out a shaky groan while Elizabeth kissed the side of his neck, her movements almost routinely practiced as she drove him over the edge. She knew all too well what she was doing to Ivan, she was no virgin in any possible way. I smirked inwardly, I planned on releasing the wild animal within this precise serpent though I was quite unsure whether I wished her to do the same for me. I couldn't help but feel a bout of jealously when I saw Ivan's hand drift over her bountiful bosom. I tried soothing my feelings with matter of fact rationality, I would soon be exploring her body in a way that Ivan could only dream of.
"My Lord?" Maggie brought me back to reality quietly, her voice expectant and patient.
After a moment of consideration, "Yes," I replied seriously, "But I would most likely have far less assurance in her strength as a Queen."
"You may want to prepare yourself for her more carefully my Lord," Her warning sounded more like a prophecy as se continued to speak, "The Memorium women are known for easily ripping a man apart, she will not allow you to take her as easily as you might think."
"I know what she is capable of Maggie," I replied impatiently, trying not to acknowledge the truth in her words.
"Do you?" Her tone was patronizing, but my prodigy continued without fear of my wrath as a King, "I know that woman's type, King Drake, she may allow you to kiss or touch her, maybe even bed her without care! But gaining access to her hearth, her true love and power….," She trailed off, seeking the right words to complete their sentence, "That shall be an entirely different set of stone walls to break."
"I see no difference," My voice was cold now, boding no further question from her. Maggie, needing no psychic intuition to realize this, kept her mouth closed. The day was darkening slowly around us and my men would soon need to feed. Without another look at the couple behind us and with a single nod on my part, my prodigy and I disappeared back to the darkness of Ivan's castle we still resided in.