Royal Intrigue: Closed Thread

[magellans_demon]

As Lord Thurston was announced, Elisa wondered what else she needed to deal with today, as if it wasn't busy enough. Racking her memory she could remember Thurston was the lord that Vallin was due to have squired for to obtain his knighthood, she could remember the announcement, so what did he need now?

"Thank you. He can leave his weapons in your care then and thank his fellow nobles for the added precautions needed if he wishes to have my time, but then let him in" Elisa answered the guard.

She heard an annoyed sigh and a brief note of complaint but Lord Thurston entered without his sword or knife, looking like it wasn't the worst thing to have troubled his mind lately.

"Your majesty" he started with a bow.

"Quickly, you wouldn't be here if all was well, what do you need?" she asked, hoping she wasn't about to get the lecture Lord Serrell had unsuccessfully hoped to give.

"There has been some trouble at Sir Valentine's quarters I am concerned about" he started.

"What kind of trouble? He has only had brief time to leave my company!" she replied, folding her arms around herself in frustration.

"I'm am afraid to say he has killed several guards, your majesty...."

Elisa swallowed a feeling of alarm but let her mind take over as coolly as possible.

"Which guards?"

"Mainly the king's own as far as I understand, although Piers of your own guard was with them."

"Vallin killed Piers as well?" she asked, forgetting her formality in shock.

"No your majesty, ah, I found Piers helping Sir Valentine. I came to warn your majesty, I am concerned he is dangerous at the moment, you should be aware and protect yourself before leaving for the ball."

"So after having already had ample opportunity to assassinate the queen if he desired he has suddenly lost his mind far enough to attack some of the strongest men in the castle but not my youngest guard? And has my guard lost his senses also then?" Elisa narrowed her eyes. "Why were they there?"

"Sir Valentine did explain to me that they had attacked him. I have the remaining guards restrained in the dungeons for your consideration tomorrow."

"And you are unsure whether to believe him? Were you not responsible for training him and apparently felt you had done good enough work to knight him only this morning?"

"Yes, but I would not say I know him well or could judge his character, there was simply no-one else who would perform the duty" Thurston added uncomfortably.

"Yet if there was such a commotion, why have I not heard it?" she asked.

"Sir Valentine's quarters are much lower in the castle."

Every answer Thurston was asked to give seemed to cause him more discomfort as the facts were revealed.

Elisa was even more surprised, she'd assumed that regardless of his treatment Vallin would have still been given the basic rights of being a member of the royal family. She silently damned herself for spending time merely playing piano as if she was a bored lady of leisure instead of interrogating Vallin about what was going on in the castle.

"Then it seems there is an epidemic of men losing their minds today Lord Thurston." Elisa stated coldly, closing the gap between them until she was looking up boldly into the man's eyes. "I appreciate there will be much grief for the late king but I am, I was, his wife and yet I appear to be maintaining my sanity, I would hate for that to change."

"Make sure your men, all the guards, all the men in the castle down to the stable boys if necessary, understand that there will be no further such disturbances while I am queen. Any quarrel anyone has with Sir Valentine will be brought to me or my captain before hosting your own challenges or punishments. The first of you who wishes to disobey me can hang at daybreak, is that understood?"

"If he is well enough to be left roaming the castle while you stand here advising me then Sir Valentine is to be given any manservants available and any suitable quarters he wishes immediately. He is either sane enough to be ready to accompany me into the ball when it is time to begin, and you can tell him I expect no refusal, or mad enough that I will expect you to summon as much help as you need and bring him to me in chains. You knighted him, you decide which is more fitting."

Possibly thinking she was catching the same madness, Thurston merely nodded and left. At that moment her eyes caught on a set of thin volumes of poetry that Jefferson had bought standing on a nearby dresser. Picking them up she hurled each into the fire with a heavy sigh of frustration, two of her maids rushing from the bedroom at the noise.

"My lady?" Joan asked with concern.

"I don't know what I did to anger the gods but it seems I must forever tolerate a mad king or become one." she ground out before turning to the maid with more warmth.

"I'm sorry, it has been a trying day. Please will you make sure I am still fit for the ball." she asked, sitting at the dressing table again.

 

[The_gladiator]

Lord Thurston stumped out of her room, muttering under his breath something that sounded like rulers, they’re all mad. Rejoining Barnabas, one of his fellow knights he ground his teeth as he headed to Vallin’s quarters.

“What did she say.”

“Told me to judge him.”

“You? She’s the flipping queen.”

“Yes, but he squired under me.”

“You aren’t the only one he served under.” He made a joke lifting an eyebrow at Thurston.

“Cut it with that. I don’t like the little prick, but he’s a knight now he deserves respect.”

“He’s a fucking loon that just killed a bunch of men without cause.”

“We don’t know that yet.”

“What more do you need. Him to stab you too?”

Before Thurston could respond they reached the corridor where they had recently left and met the knight overseeing the other palace guards that were investigating what happened. “Report,” Thurston snapped. Growing tired of being here, of the duty the queen had put on him.

“There was no evidence that Sir Valentine was armed with anything other than the belt knife that it was known he took from the queen’s quarters.”

“I saw the two short swords the fool held.”

“That’s what I’m saying, sir. Castle steal sir, they are both standard issue equipment for the king’s guard. Two of the dead men in Sir Valentine’s room have empty scabbards and the only swords that can’t be accounted for are the two he had.”

Lord Thurston’s eyes widened. “You’re telling me that Sir Valentine, essentially unarmed, was attacked by 3,”

“Four. We suspect the one laying dead right outside the rooms was with them too.”

“Was attacked by four men, and in the beginning, he was unarmed and managed to take two of their swords, kill them, and then mow through ten more before he was joined by Piers. And they held off the rest until we got there?”

“Uh, we think so sir.”

Thurston sighed. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No Sir, you seem to have gotten it right.”

“So, the kid didn’t start it, just like he said,” Barnabas concluded aloud.

“So, it would seem,” Thurston rubbed his chin in thought, fingernails scratching at the shadow of a beard coming in there. “The better question appears to be where did the kid learn to fight like that.”

“Beats me, he never fought like that in training.” Barnabas looked to the third knight.

Sir Raffin could only shake his head, “The only people that fight like that are Blood right Monks that serve the church of the mother.”

Thurston could only make a sound of derision. “There’s just no way.” Yet, he was starting to wonder. “Where is Sir Valentine now. The queen has ordered me to be sure he is given fresh quarters and manservants to ready him for the Ball.

“He went for a swim in the pond.” Another guard answered. “Something about not wanting to smell like blood before the ball.”

“Fine. Find him and make sure he is escorted to guest quarters. Be sure that you take him to the north Tower, keep him away from Lords Serrell and Bartle.” As the guard nodded and signaled and 3 more guards came away to join him Thurston shook his head, “Take Sir Raffin with you as well, he’s in charge.”

The guard agreed and turned to find Sir Raffin who had walked off down the hall. Thurston called after the young guard, “And for god sakes make sure Valentine doesn’t kill anyone else if you can.”

“So just like that you trust him?” Barnabas asked.

“Not a chance. This whole situation stinks, double the guard on the ball, we’ll keep an eye on him. If the queen won’t take this seriously, we will.”

When Sir Raffin and the guards found Vallin, he had been drying off from where he had bathed in the pool in one of the courtyards in the palace. Piers, the young man who had stood with him had been guarding him, just handing Vallin the newly cleaned swords when Raffin and the others arrived.

Vallin blew out a sigh, “Come to get some yourself? Couldn’t you have come you know before my bath?”

“No sir., we’re here to escort you to your new temporary quarters, orders of Queen Elisa.”

After some more back and forth Vallin allowed the knight to lead him to guest quarters and send for servants. He even let them fuss over him, ignoring the ones who flinched at his scars and the thinly vailed hints about his supposed sexuality. Finally, he was ready. He wore only a simple belt knife by way of weapons. No one but the guards would be permitted to carry more. Vallin picked up his mask and turned it over in his hands. Since he would be wearing it he had agreed to allow the servants to tie his hair back from his face. He felt awkward without his familiar cover, yet would still be hidden by the falcon mask. He wondered idly what mask the queen would be wearing. He had been told that the queen had ordered he be taken care of. What had he done to deserve her loyalty. Perhaps she was suspicious of him, and this was her way to have him watched. It mattered not to him. He was a level of tired that he felt like he was just stumbling through the rest of the day. That was dangerous. He couldn’t slip up tonight, this was important. He hoped drama and politics would be left out of the night, but that still left socializing.

At another time, on another day Vallin might have been excited for tonight. He had attended the Ball before but had always been made to leave early. His brother had always excluded him from the ultimate conclusion of the festivities. He could even now hear the mocking laughter of Jefferson. “Since you don’t lay with women, why should you take part in what happens, why should you be given a partner.”

Their society was rigid with traditions and some of them seemed strange to many. Many years ago, one of their rulers had discovered that his people were not producing healthy babies. Eventually it was decided that their rigid social ladder was preventing diversity. To put it bluntly, the nobles were inbreeding. The solution was that one night a year that eligible citizens would pair off with someone, preferably a stranger, or at least not your partner, and attempt to procreate. The nobles had turned it into an elaborate party, and an excuse to court someone who was not yours and enjoy a night of pleasure. Vallin was unsure if this actually helped diversify the population, at least, not as the nobles did it, as they were not honoring the tradition of it, they were not mixing classes like most the population did, they were not sleeping farmer with seamstress and tanner with maid, they were just using it as a fancy excuse to get laid by someone other than your wife while she wore a mask and you often couldn’t be sure who it was. Vallin sometimes wondered what exactly was wrong with his people. Even so, on another day he might have been excitedto finlly get to experience being with a woman.

Unable to put it off any further Vallin slid the mask over his face and became the hawk. Piers the young guard who hadn’t left his side since the attack accompanied him to Elisa’s quarters where he knocked softly. “My queen, may I come in?” he asked. “Sir Valentine waits outside as you asked, and has offered to escort you to the Ball.” He looked a bit guilty. He knew well that he should have returned to Elisa after it had all happened, but he didn’t trust the others not to hurt Vallin. He didn’t know Vallin well but he had been present when he had defended the queen before, surely, he couldn’t be all bad.

 

[magellans_demon]

After she was sufficiently primped and prepared for the ball again Elisa fidgeted, waiting to hear anything back from Lord Thurston, half expecting another crisis to quite literally knock at her door. She rose, paced across the room and returned to sitting as her patience tired.

The questions kept running through her mind, exactly what had been happening with Vallin? She'd heard the rumours along with everyone else, had seen for herself he wasn't the most respected member of the royal court, to say the least, but she hadn't expected the violent chaos that had erupted. She suspected the trouble with Vallin had far more to do with the other guards rather than his apparent loss of sanity but she didn't want to take anything for granted now with the way the day was progressing. The pieces of the puzzle were only slowly falling into place but it was already enough to give her chills.

If she was wrong and he did in fact need to be brought in shackles she was going to be in trouble, someone needed to be king or rule in less than a week and if the atmosphere could not be kept calm enough to allow this for Vallin she'd end up either having to bow to King Alexander or facing a rebellion.

Was he indeed mad or dangerous as she'd been advised, was her instinct correct that he had been targeted unfairly or were both correct and the mistreatment had turned him dangerous? The first Penrose man she had put her trust in had turned out not to be worthy of it but she could hardly have foreseen that, getting it wrong a second time would be pure foolishness though. But what would be the alternative? She could agree to leave and return to her homeland but then had lost everything she had gone through pains to keep and would be failing the common people who were now just as much her people as those she grew up around. She could try to raise her own army, to challenge the queen mother and Alexander for control of the kingdom but that would be more likely to fail. Either way she needed to speak to Vallin as soon as possible, regardless of the ball she also had to host.

Her mind moved to the festivities for the evening and the normal customs in years past, guests delighted for the chance to change partners for the night, she wondered how many of them only tolerated the rest of the evening purely for that end. Every previous year she would be conveniently excused somehow, left to watch Jefferson select someone else's wife to romance before she was escorted back to her rooms, alone other than with one of his guards, who technically would have cause to try his luck but valued his life a little more highly. This year she would have the ultimate reason to gracefully leave before everyone paired off but if it turned out Vallin was still sane she had something else in mind. The admission he'd made about how false the rumours were about him gave her reason to hope she would have more influence over him this evening than in the day.

Elisa picked up her mask for the evening which, having been quickly remade to fit her mourning colour, now resembled the feathers of a black swan instead of the previous white mask covered with gold stars, suns and moons which fit the goddess outfit that had been planned originally, mainly to allow Jefferson to indulge his narcissism that he was in fact a god made flesh.

Abruptly she was shaken out of her thoughts as Piers knocked and was allowed to enter. As he spoke it was at least it was confirmed then, Vallin could be trusted as far as the ball and she didn't have to deal with another prisoner added to the numbers.

"Come in and close the door" she instructed softly.

Piers did so with a look of anxiety.

"You were with Sir Valentine a great deal today?" Elisa asked.

"Yes your majesty, my apologies but...." he answered.

"That is not necessary but answer me truthfully, this is only between us, did he lead an attack today or was he defending himself?"

"I wouldn't feel able to swear to it but all those I saw were determined to injure, not to subdue him. All he asked was that I help to defend him."

"Thankyou. From what I understand, your service has been exceptional today, do you wish to be part of the kings guard one day?"

"I... uh... no disrespect meant in serving your majesty but yes, especially if I could learn to fight like Sir Valentine."

"Very well, until the coronation you shall loan your service to Sir Valentine and we will speak about this again. I will be out in a moment."

Piers bowed and left looking flushed but pleased.

Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Elisa placed her swans mask across her eyes and walked out to face Vallin, taking in his appearance before meeting his eyes. Putting her arm through his, feeling she was becoming used to this gesture already, she started to walk with him towards the ballroom.

"I'm glad to see you appear to remain in one piece, against the apparent odds." she started,

"I've never known anyone who seems to attract trouble so easily. Perhaps I made a mistake for being too gentle with my warnings this morning but you need to let me help you, either you are unwell as some would have me believe or you have better things to focus on than brawling with men who cannot keep their heads for a few days between kings. We must attend the ball but we will speak about this as well. I hope you are either able to dance or at least to follow, it may be the only way we will get some sort of privacy and I'm not sure I should trust anyone else to be left alone with you at the moment."

Reaching the top of the stairs, Elisa clenched her jaw as she heard herself and Vallin announced, steeling herself for the evening. Even knowing he might possibly be some way to unhinged she couldn't deny she felt stronger and more able to face all of this with him next to her.

Heading down the steps she kept them both moving as everyone bowed or curtseyed and tried to make small talk with her of greetings and comments of sympathy as she passed. Normally she would spend time moving around the room to meet and talk to various guests but she didn't trust leaving Vallin to his own devices at that moment, or to others that may be present.

Instead, keeping her arm entwined in his, she moved to the middle of the dance floor. There she slid his arm out of hers, slipping it for him around the curve of her waist until his hand rested in the small of her back, laying her hand gently on his shoulder, taking his other hand in hers before he had chance to object. As the music began she started to move with him, dancing to the slow melody, meeting his eyes and speaking in a hushed tone.

"There, now you have time to tell me what in all the heavens has been happening, what went on with the guards today, and what we are going to do about it. You should never have had to do this by yourself but you certainly cannot afford to now. It seems to be not a question of whether you trust me or want my support but more whether you have any choice when I seem to be the only one not out to harm you."

 

[The_gladiator]

He stood outside her rooms as Piers entered and closed the doors. Her wishing to interrogate her guard did not surprise Vallin at all, in fact she respected her leadership. On the subject of respect, he found he liked Piers. He was loyal. He had taken the time while bathing to ask the young man why he had defended him. The young man had said he was the king, and had done nothing he could see to prove himself to be an unworthy king. The world needed more men like Piers Vallin had decided. He also had watched Vallin wash, without seeing anything. He had not remarked on Vallin’s scars, he had just guarded him.

He too was primarily in black. He wore hose, tunic and surcoat. The only color was the silver of the brocade on his coat and the blue gray of the peregrine mask. He stiffened as she began to lecture him. There was not really any other way to describe that. She wasn’t wrong, yet the words stung. He rolled his eyes behind his mask. He thought he’d done alright with the bloody situation. No pun intended. He merely grunted at some of her words. He made no attempt to argue, to protest. He found that women rarely listened to him, if his mother were any example for him to judge from.

He did sigh a little as they were announced and he escorted them in. “What’s the point of a masquerade ball if the royals are announced.” He muttered under his breath. He had forgotten they would be announced, he probably could have worn the rose of his house on his surcoat, he hadn’t in keeping with the tradition of the masquerade. They wouldn’t be nobles if they weren’t making traditions up just to break them.

In previous years it was Jefferson leading her in and starting off the dancing, this year it was he. They needed to mingle, secure their allies but instead they were apparently going to dance. He could hear the rumors, the comments from low voices. “Is that who I think it is? I didn’t think he did women. Where did he learn to dance like that?” and on and on.

He let his hand rest on her back, fingertips pressing slightly against her, the only outward sign that her questions and comments rankled him. Even his hand in hers was nothing but gentle. “I seemed to be doing alright on my own this afternoon.” He started. This might not be the best place to start but she acted like he needed her; she hadn’t been there when he was forced to cut through the guards. He took a deep breath and blew out a sigh, “Having an ally would be nice, but you’ll forgive me if I don’t just trust you at your word. You know, after my brothers’ guards, pawns of Lord Serrell himself came to beat and rape me like usual. Unfortunately for them I decided since my brother was gone that I didn’t need to just bend over and take it.” His words were sharp, crude and straight to the point. Even as he spoke, he led her through the steps of the formal waltz. “Don’t falter, they’re all watching us.” He advised, realizing that his harsh words might cause her to react. “Before we go further, thank you for putting me up in a guest room. I dare say it’s far nicer accommodations than I’m used to.” He was thanking her, and he did sound truly appreciative, yet there was an equal share of bitterness, resentment for what had been done to him and that he needed permission to have a guest room in what was soon to be his own palace.

 

[magellans_demon]

As Vallin replied, Elisa had expected him to brush off her concerns or try to argue what she was saying but she was unprepared for how honest he was. Her mouth immediately curled in disgust and shock at his words about what had been happening to him but as he warned her not to falter, reminded her how much attention they were subject to, Elisa quickly pressed her lips together and straightened her expression, the effort of managing her reaction taking all her focus.

She managed not to miss a step, her feet moving almost automatically to the music she knew, but waves of nausea and dizziness flooded through her and she drew breath shakily as the air seemed harder to find. She wanted to leave the room straight away but knew he was right, she needed to keep herself there, maintain the show.

Her mind tried to recall if there was any way she should have known, anything she'd seen or heard that should have given her cause to suspect, but she'd allowed herself to assume the day that Jefferson injured Vallin's face would have been the lowest point. She'd allowed herself to believe the king had been younger and inexperienced in keeping his temper and gone further than even he would want to permit himself. The idea that he tormented his brother ever since, rather than merely neglecting and excluding him with rumours, was monstrous.

How could so much have happened in the palace, virtually under her nose? She thought she knew what kind of man Jefferson really was but this was low even for him, to treat anyone that way, let alone part of his family. She felt sick to her stomach, firstly at the thought of what Vallin had somehow tolerated all these years but then as she realised it was due to the man she had almost made the father of her children.

The panic started to rise in her throat but she forced herself to focus on what she could do now, the past was already out of whatever control she could have had over it, she was at least in a position to change things now. Leaning a little into Vallin's touch her hand pressed more heavily on his shoulder, using him to help steady herself, needing to compose herself.

For a long moment she couldn't speak, trying to clear her mind, but he was managing to keep going, to speak about this in the middle of the crowded ballroom, she could get over the shock of merely hearing about it, it had happened to him after all not her, she hardly had the right to become a fainting maiden about it.

"I'm sorry, I had no idea" was all she could find to say at first, sincere in her apology.

"If I'd known anything about just how much was allowed to happen within the palace I would have done what I could to help and I would not have tolerated this today, not under my rule."

Hardening herself she thought about what she needed to do now, not what she'd missed doing for years. It was almost lucky she was only hearing about all of this now, it would have been much harder to try and explain Jefferson dying full of poison or with his throat slit while she lay next to him, instead of racked with fever.

"Don't thank me for arranging something you should have been given a long time ago." she continued, her voice stronger and more confident now.

"You need to tell me anything else that could be a threat or that I need to know, if not as your friend then as your queen if I have to insist. I already gave you my loyalty before I needed to but I cannot deal with anything hidden from me and you cannot become king and be your own army at the same time, you need to trust someone."

"I hope you had no plans to court anyone tonight, never mind the tradition, you will spend the night in my rooms, so I can be sure nothing more happens without my approval. Bartle can take the first night's vigil, you can start tomorrow if needed, it would be useful for him to spend the night watching where his king ended up instead of picking someone new for his bed, hopefully he and Serrell will both be able to spend the night focusing on where their loyalties lie."

Elisa stopped, unused to issuing commands but becoming familiar with the feeling already.

 

[The_gladiator]

There was the obnoxious little brother part of Vallin that wanted to glare down at her, wanted to remind her that she was the one who wanted to have this conversation here and now, not in private. That little part of him relished the shock that her slight stumble signified. Her mask and years of practice allowed her to recover though.

He might have had that vindictive thought but he did not show it, in fact he was gentle as he pulled her a bit closer, so he could support her more easily as she leaned on him just a bit. What he did say was “You weren’t meant to know, so you didn’t.” he steeled himself because he had to feed her hard truths next. “My queen, it is easy to offer such words. Easy to say you would have prevented it had you but known. Words mean nothing to me after all these years. Do you want to know what means something to me, it’s actions.” How did he tell her that her making sure he got a room meant more to him than her fancy words. “I can’t do this here.” He growled under his breath. He wasn’t angry so much as frustrated. She failed to understand. She could demand he tell her things, trust her, but he didn’t take the word of anyone. He wasn’t just going to start because she was the queen and had a nice smile or body. Now she wanted to tell him what to do just like everyone else. It was to be his first ball where he could find a partner and now, she was denying him that too. It was a sign of his frustration with the whole situation that that was the least of his concerns. Suddenly his inability to get his dick wet seemed inconsequential after everything else that was happening. He was sure it would bother him later, but for now he just was focusing on helping her understand.

He wanted to pull away, to run his hand through his hair in annoyance. But they were trapped like this holding one another and just dancing.

He reached deep within and began to reach for calm. He didn’t think she understood the old tongue of the mother church, but even if she didn’t, the rhythm of the words he murmured were obviously a prayer or mantra. The reason for why he had reached for such a thing became obvious as he started to relax in her arms, his grip not so tight, his hand sliding up a bit higher on her back as he pulled her closer.

When he did speak his voice was calm again, no longer held anger or frustration but his tone was more patient, relaxed, “Do you know why I trusted Piers to watch me bathe, to stand guard over me while I was unarmed and as close to helpless as I’ll ever let myself be again?” he asked. Before she could hazard a response, he answered his own question, because he stood with me, guarded my back. He didn’t say he would give his life for me; he showed it. Does that make sense to you? If you want my trust continue to prove yourself worthy of it. You cannot simply demand it. Even if your words are reasonable, yes, I should trust someone, but do you expect me to just give up the training that has saved my life, the defenses that have allowed me to survive a hell you can barely imagine?” He wasn’t wanting her to jump through elaborate hoops he was of the opinion she could just continue treating him like a person, did she not realize that was already working?

He kept his voice low. Low voiced conversation attracted less attention than whispers. He did not want to have this conversation here, did not trust it, but as she had insisted, truth was what she got.

“On the subject of the Vigil. I will be grateful to not stand tonight as I already stayed up all last night for my knighthood. But it will have to be you that convinces my mother and Alexander that it should be he that stands tonight not me. Not to correct my queen, but only night two can have someone not of the blood to stand vigil. That being said I am sure Lord Thurston would be more than willing to let Lord Bartle stand his night of vigil on the morrow.” Vallin almost smiled at that thought. Bartle was much younger than Thurston, and it felt fitting to spare the aging knight.

 

[magellans_demon]

Listening to Vallin reply to her demands, Elisa could feel the exasperation in his words but could understand his point, she felt guilty for her part in forcing him to speak about this in the midst of everyone and without thinking traced her thumb softly over the back of his hand she held, as she often did when she was trying to soothe herself. Part of her wanted to apologise, back track on her comments, but even if this was the wrong place to talk it was something she needed to hear, and if it caused him more anguish it sounded as though she could never do a fraction of what he'd already survived. Even if he offended her she'd prefer the truth rather than waiting to see what happened in her ignorance, but his words were mild compared to what he could easily have felt he was owed.

As he struggled to continue, quietly uttering what sounded like a prayer, she could not understand the meaning but the effect was clear, his voice reverent and calmer, the feeling of him relaxing against her comforting. When he spoke again he sounded more measured but equally honest, his reasoning making sense as she realised how hard it must be for him to trust anyone around him.

She looked into his eyes, not wanting to back away from hearing as much as he was willing to tell. He would hopefully understand in time though that she had limited time to work for his trust and he couldn't be her only priority, she needed to gain some sort of control over this chaos as quickly as she could and if that meant pushing harder than she'd want then so be it.

"Of course, we must follow conventions" she wanted to roll her eyes, at the strange priorities that needed to be followed rather than at Vallin, as he finished by reminding her of the protocol for the vigil. "As if he has any knowledge of who is standing by his corpse or any right to disagree with whatever he is given at this point. If it would not cause more trouble than it's worth he could have an empty room and deserve it. You are right though, Bartle can take tomorrow night, I will speak to Alexander and insist he takes the first vigil."

She felt as though she was slowly learning to understand him but made sure she met his eyes again as she continued to speak, hoping he would at least start to understand her.

"You make perfect sense, I do see why words hold little value for you, when they do nothing to help you, and I'm not going to lie and say I have any idea what horrors you've been through. I am hardly going to be much use with a longsword though, until today words have been my only useful weapon. You aren't the only one to trust their own defences, I'm not asking you to forget yours, only for you to be patient with mine."

Elisa could hear the music slowly draw to a close, couples around them slowing.

"Let's go and tour the room then, unless you have an urge to carry on dancing. If the one action I can do is not to keep you stuck out here I can start there."

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin stayed in her arms as she spoke. Her gentle touches including the soft caress on the back of his hand did not go unnoticed. He even managed a smirk at her words about his brother and the vigil. “I’ve said it before, some of my people’s traditions are just…outdated.” He said finally finding the kindest word for it he could.

At her offer to stop dancing and tour the room he shook his head, “My objection was and has never been to dancing with you, just this topic my queen. This should be no surprise to you, but you are far from unpleasant, and any noble here would be honored to dance with you. In fact there’s a few glaring at me even now.” Here he adopted a mocking tone of voice, “How dare the fag boy dance with the queen. I’m a big strong man I should dance with her.” This second comment was in a low deep voice in contrast to the first, still mocking the others that might be mocking him.

Before Vallin could continue a strong hand came down on Elisa’s shoulder. “May I have this second dance my queen?” Vallen glanced up at the hulking figure in the bull’s mask. If he didn’t miss his guess, the voice behind the mask was that of Lord Bartle, and unless Vallin wished to start a fight and cause a massive scene, and possibly a war, he would have to yield Elisa to her. Giving Elisa’s hand a squeeze he passed her hand to the hulking Bartle, who’s paw engulfed the tiny hand of the queen. Vallin bowed as he backed up. “I will find us some refreshments my queen, Lord Bartle here has been bragging about that new wine from the southern isles, I should very much like to try it.” This was all hog wash of course, he couldn’t care less, but it flattered the man, warned Elisa who had ahold of her encase she didn’t know, and told her right where to find him when she was done. With that he faded away into the crowd.

“My deepest sorrows my lady,” Bartle growled in his bearish way as he swept Elisa close. For such a big man, he was surprisingly good on his feet., light and led far more confidently than Vallin had. “May I say you look lovely this evening? I was so sorry to hear of my dear king’s death.” He seemed to want to say all the things at once and switched back and forth between complimenting her, and offering his sympothy.

Vallin found himself standing in line for refreshments. “You’ve had quite the busy day brother,” he couldn’t say he was surprised to see his brother, and was also not surprised to see the red tailed hawk mask he wore. His family was nothing but properly coordinated. All that did not exactly make him excited to see Alexander.

“It has.” He said vaguely.

“What’s the queen want with a little cocksucker like you anyway. I should show her what a real man is like.”

Vallin snorted, “That might have sounded intimidating coming from Jefferson little brother,” he sighed, “But from you it just sounds pothetic.”

“I should hit you for that.”

“You won’t though. We both know I would win a fight between us.”

“You never told me how that is. Lord knows Thurston didn’t teach you to fight like they said you did in the fight today.”

“It’s just my wicked gay powers Alexander. You should try it sometime, butt fucking really invigorates me.” Vallin was bating his brother, he knew it, but really, Alexander made it too easy.

“You’re disgusting,” Alexander glared and snatching a wine glass from the noble in front of them in line stalked off. “He’s probably off to think of a good come back,” Vallin muttered to himself. His eyes slid across the room to the queen. He hadn’t wanted to leave Elisa, but it was not worth a war just to keep lord William Bartle from his goal of a dance with her.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa laughed as the melody drew to a close and Vallin ridiculed the other nobles, covering her mouth with a hand to hide her amusement, aware she was supposed to stay relatively sombre and in mourning but knowing he was correct. She scarcely had time to finally enjoy a relaxed moment between them however before she felt a new hand on her, stiffening as she recognised the voice immediately before seeing the man beside her, having had to hear him droning on often enough.

“Thank you” she answered with emphasis as Vallin took his leave, not only missing the physical contact already but noting and already appreciating his constant care more so now she knew how much he valued the intent and action behind any easy words he spoke.

Bartle was instantly keen to monopolise the conversation and the floor as he seized her, but in both she felt confident to match any strength he hoped to have. The men could keep their tournament grounds, they probably gave no thought to how much of a woman's life had to be fought at social events. She should feel weaker on her own, no husband beside her, but without Jefferson it felt much easier to deal with the oaf in front of her. If she displeased him he could take his complaints to the cold body in the chapel, all night if he wished, and see how far it got him.

The feel of William Bartle against her made her skin crawl, especially after Vallin's gentle hold, but she leant into his grip anyway, refusing to show any crack in her facade, matching whatever speed and poise he mustered as they spun gracefully across the floor. If this was where he wanted to confront her she wouldn't make it easier for him.

"Thank you my lord, you are too kind." she replied with exaggerated warmth. "It is such a comfort that you are bearing the tragedy more soundly than my dear Lord Serrell who seemed quite disturbed by this day. I will be honoured to see you take the second vigil tomorrow instead of Lord Thurston, you were after all so close to my lord, it seems only fitting to allow you the honour. I hope you can rest well tonight in preparation "

She was pleased to see the glimmer of a snarl tug at his lips before he managed to bury it behind a fake smile.

"I was sorry to hear you were otherwise occupied and could not attend the council meeting held in your honour..." he started.

"If it was in my honour it would have been convened when I requested it, and I would certainly have attended, my lord" she interrupted, her eyes hard but maintaining a polite smile.

"Apologies, your majesty" he ground out, evidently finding it harder to maintain his attempt at charm than he had intended, perhaps having expected his job to be easy, for her to immediately cling to him and Serrell in the absence of Jefferson.

If she'd liked him more, Elisa could have sympathised with him, if she'd had a difficult day his could not have been much better. William would have woken with his most powerful friend deceased, the news only reaching him after the new ruler had already allied herself with the next that he detested. Then only to find when he tried to make a delayed move for power that another ally was incapacitated and now he was faced with a queen no longer under her husband's control, she would be beyond vexed in his place and bit back a smile.

"I only hope to offer you my guidance my queen, my dear King Jefferson would be the first to wish it I am sure." he continued. "He would be deeply grieved to find that even before he was laid to rest you had given yourself and your friendship to the disgusting specimen he had always protected you from."

"What protection did I need that led to Ambrose storming into my quarters? Did you believe Sir Valentine would take advantage of me - I thought it was well known by all that he only lays with men, I could hardly be of less interest surely?" she asked nonchalantly.

"Perhaps Lord Serrell was a little hasty, it is a difficult day for us all. I am aware this will all be new to you your majesty however, there are some that would try to use your inexperience to meet their own needs, such as to elevate themselves to king say. There are also many here you can rely on to keep the kingdom running the way your husband intended so you will have nothing to trouble you while we help you decide how to proceed." Bartle tried to sound generous and reasonable as he patronised her.

Elisa allowed her cordial expression to drop as she glared at him, she knew she should avoid riling him if she could, try not to fight more battles than she needed to but he now felt like one of the last pieces of Jefferson she would happily cast away and deal with the consequences.

"I'm sure you are as aware as myself of the many things Jefferson would wish for, I will of course be the first to honour his passing and memory but do not mistake this as my intent to honour all of his wishes." she replied. "For instance, I am well aware of his wish to clear part of the lands of my birth for mining which I'm sure you pledged your ships for...."

"We can help you understand the value of your late husband's plans and how they would serve the kingdom. I'm sure Alexander would also be happy to entertain your majesty's requests, anything for a pretty face, unlike the fag..." he tried to flatter in vain before she cut in again.

Catching sight of Vallin at the edge of the room as they turned she allowed her resolve to stiffen.

"Let me be yet clearer then, I am your Queen, your King is dead, and anything I do not personally support died with him. If you disobey me, whether it be to consort behind my back or to move on my lands I will take yours, the crown can take away what it gave just as easily and to stand against me now will be treason. Perhaps it would all be in vain I know, I am only Queen in rule for a few more days, you could easily petition the new king to reverse any decision I may make. Would you like to bend the knee to King Valentine, beg him for whatever you need? Or would you prefer to give me your loyalty while I can still stomach asking for it?"

Lord Bartle's face reddened around the edges of his mask and she could feel his hand tightening around hers, squeezing the bones together in his vice-like grip, the fingertips of his other hand digging deeper into her. Elisa forced herself to keep from straining against him.

"Remember where you are and how many swords I can still command even if you break my hand. Consider your options and we can speak again." she spoke quietly.

Bartle suddenly seemed to become fully aware of what he was doing and looked at her in mingled disgust and fear, moving away with a forced bow before stalking back to his lover or his whore, she couldn't tell which behind the disguises, but she was welcome to him either way.

Massaging her hand in the other as discreetly as she could, Elisa walked slowly to back to Vallin as if enjoying the sight of the ball, grim satisfaction filling her eyes.

Accepting the offered glass she returned to a smile. "Thank you. I don't think Bartle was as satisfied with my dancing as yourself unfortunately. How are you finding the ball now?"

 

[The_gladiator]

He watched her move with Lord Bartle. His brother had somewhat soured his mood, and watching William Bartle make his move didn’t do anything to improve it. He wished he could hear their conversation. His eyes were keen even behind the mask. He saw the looks, the almost wince by Elisa. He stiffened wondering if he would have to get involved. Yet he backed away from her, clearly bested. It was a known fact that Lord Bartle was one of the most eligible bachelors in the kingdom. Had he been talking politics, or had that been his attempt to replace Jefferson in queen Elisa’s bed. His mind worked on it as blue eyes watched Elisa’s approach.

Wordlessly he handed her the glass. He managed not to smirk at her words but it was not easy. “Not everyone copes well with hard truths my queen. If he got a dance such as I did, I can see why he might have left feeling a bit disappointed that rather than just focusing on your beauty he came away with far more to think about.” He lay his hand gently on her back gently guiding her to the side to get out of the way of a couple that were overly enthusiastic with their dancing. He did it without thinking, like he was looking out for her. “At least he did not make an advance on you. I almost suspected he might. I dare say my own time was not much better. I saw my brother. I’m sure he’ll make his move to dance with you soon. Can’t be seen to let me have anything he hasn’t had.”

It was like just talking about him summoned the younger prince. He appeared before Vallin and the queen, a noblewoman in a cat mask on his arm. Bowing before the queen Alexander shot her a smile, he probably thought was quite charming. “My Queen, might I have a dance with you?” he asked offering Elisa a hand.

Vallin recognized that it would not be easy for Elisa to say no, so silently reached out for her wineglass. “My companion here can remain here with my brother,” Alexander continued. Behind his mask Vallin lifted an eyebrow. What was his brother’s angle. Why think that a woman would distract Vallin while he made his move on the queen, if he truly believed Vallin was Gay.

He had his answer as the woman moved closer as Elisa and Alexander stepped onto the floor. “Lord Alexander told me that the goddess would be pleased if I partnered you for the night.”

“Say what now?” Vallin asked curiously.

“You know it is our duty to attempt to make a child. Alexander said that the queen mother herself would bless me if I took you to my bed and that if I pleased you well enough, I might be able to banish the, begging your pardon my lord banish the gay out of you.”

“Is that so?” Vallin’s tone was cool, trying not to laugh in this woman’s face.

“Yes,”

“What else did he say?”

“He also told me that if I were to get pregnant that you would be honor bound to take care of my son as well as myself if I pleased you well enough.” Vallin sighed, and the plot thickened.

“Thank you for such a… generous offer, but I will have to pass.” Vallin’s mind worked hard trying to figure out how to get out of this.

Meanwhile Alexander had moved close to Elisa, he didn’t hold her like the others. He let his hand roam up and down her back and pressed closer than either. “Have you picked a partner my queen for tonight?” he asked right away. “I will be honest and say I am hoping to lay with you. I have always wanted an eight with you and Jefferson never got around to sharing you with me. I hope to enjoy you before my coronation where I’ll be sure to give you to Lord Bartle. He so wants your land’s resources, and can you imagine how it will show the people that you’re ok with it when you Mary him, become his loving wife.” Clearly, he had this all figured out.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa smiled at Vallin's comments, glad he didn't seem to hold a grudge about the hard time she'd given him during their dance, and as he moved her out of the way of a dancing pair she couldn't help but enjoy his careful touch again. As he explained his less than pleasant experience with Alexander, his younger brother appeared on cue and Elisa smiled again, this time though so obviously falsely that she wondered the younger man didn't see it immediately.

She shot Vallin a look of genuine regret over having only had a short moment again before turning her attention to the smarm of Alexander. She told herself the sharp spike of jealousy she felt as Alexander happily swapped the woman he approached them with for her was only due to concern for Vallin and her plan of seduction for that night, she couldn't afford to think more deeply than this.

“Have you picked a partner my queen for tonight? I will be honest and say I am hoping to lay with you. I have always wanted a night with you and Jefferson never got around to sharing you with me. I hope to enjoy you before my coronation where I’ll be sure to give you to Lord Bartle. He so wants your land’s resources, and can you imagine how it will show the people that you’re ok with it when you marry him, become his loving wife.” Alexander abruptly announced as they started to dance.

Hearing Alexander confidently give her his proposition, Elisa was caught between swallowing a laugh and loathing the sound of his words, not only what he hoped to do but also the familiar arrogance in his expectation that she would fall in line with his request, the same way he presumed his right to touch her so closely. He didn't yet have Jefferson's intensity behind his words, sounding more like a spoilt child instead, but she could sense the seed there already. Instead she allowed herself to laugh broadly.

"My lord you are so very kind giving me so much reason for amusement on such a tragic day, how do you keep such a straight face making such a joke? Just the thought that a queen could be shared like loaning your horse to another man to then be given away to a friend? Hilarious." she answered.

"I was not joking" he answered, sounding even more petulant and younger than his already more immature years. "You will not find a better man here to share your bed and I am the most fit to be the next king and shall see my commands obeyed."

"Then when you are crowned I shall no doubt obey you" Elisa replied keeping her voice level, unwilling to aggravate him more than she needed, just in case he did end up crowned in some nightmare future but if that came to pass she'd have more to be concerned about than who he wanted her to marry.

He made to respond, about to try and charm her more insistently but she was luckily saved from hearing it as the queen mother approached with a younger man on her arm, looking as though they were about to join the dancing. She seemed to suddenly have a change of heart as she looked at the two of them and tried to attract Alexander's attention, forcing him to stop short in the middle of their dance with a frown.

"Alexander my darling? Alexander, you must come and see the delightful fare laid out for refreshments, so delicious. I'm sure dear Elisa has not eaten well today, such a terrible day, come, be a gentleman and fetch her a plate, let's spend time together as the family Jefferson has left."

Elisa felt herself tense, well aware the queen mother would not give her even a tenth of this concern unless she had something else in mind.

"Very well mother, I fail to see why this could not have waited a few minutes more." Alexander almost snarled.

As the young man moved ahead to the table the queen mother took the chance to grip Elisa's arm, hissing towards her.

"It seems I must be present everywhere to ensure my family's safety. I should still be with my dearest Jefferson but I find you here throwing yourself like a street whore at his replacement. You have already had years to toy with one of my sons to no good end, I shall not see you occupy another until it leads to his destruction as well. Soon you will become dowager queen and I can resign you to only being part of our family history which will please me no end. You will keep away from Alexander and will not try to prey on his good nature and status in this kingdom."

Elisa raised an eyebrow but fortunately had no chance to respond.

"Mother, calm yourself" Alexander joined, hearing her last sentence as he presented Elisa with a plate of sweet foods. "She was only to warm my bed, as they say, for the night, then Bartle can marry her if it pleases him, I could not care less. It is nothing for you to concern yourself with."

As Alexander started to argue with his mother, both of them disregarding any need for Elisa to reply, him from annoyance at being challenged in his ideas, his mother from indignation at the idea. Both of them strained poorly to keep the appearance of a normal conversation and hide their disagreement from the other guests, leaving her free to return her attention to the room.

Elisa turned slightly and looked over to Vallin to see how he was faring with the lady he had been left with. She could not tell what the other woman was there for, or was speaking about, but Vallin looked like he would rather eat the glass that he held than continue with whatever she was discussing.

A wave of mischief gripped Elisa, something she had not usually felt for some long time, as she shifted her position to allow Alexander and the queen mother to continue speaking across her but could see Vallin opposite her across the room as she stood beside them.

Once she caught his eye she made an exaggerated childish grimace as she stood between his mother and brother. Drifting her finger across the icing of one of the small cakes on her plate she sucked it slowly between her lips as she kept her gaze on him, repeating the action, gently licking her fingertip, with the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

As Alexander and his mother managed to reach an unhappy compromise where he agreed to be introduced to 'far more friendly' ladies he might be more interested in and his mother agreed that of course he would be free to make his own decisions once he ruled the kingdom, Elisa was surprised but pleased to hear a familiar voice at her side.

She whirled around to see a close friend, Lady Collette Farland, at her elbow.

"I beg your pardon your majesties, I hope I do not interrupt anything. I am sadly unable to join the dancing tonight due to my condition," she indicated her heavily pregnant belly, "but my dear husband does miss it so and has asked if the queen would kindly oblige him for one dance."

Elisa breathed a small sigh of relief seeing the offer of rescue, knowing full well that in reality Collette's husband, Lord Farland, hated to dance but happily did so purely to please Collette and was about the most faithful man she could recall knowing. At least there was one person she could spend time with without fear of being propositioned or wanting to proposition her partner.

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin had his eyes on the queen as much as he could, actually side stepping the lady Helena, “If it please my lord.” It didn’t please my lord, but she didn’t really seem to much care. His hackles rose at the way Alexander touched Elisa. He was like Jefferson, taking what he didn’t have a right to, or what was clearly unwanted. He had tried to protect Alexander, tried to keep his mother’s claws out of him, Jefferson’s poison, but all he had managed to do was take some of the spoiled brats’ beatings for him. Not that he even realized or would care.

It didn’t particularly surprise him that his mother soon joined them. She was never far from her precious offspring. She looked stately in her dark gray Crain’s mask and tasteful black dress. He almost smirked when she did his work for him and got Alexander away from Elisa. If his mother didn’t even want the queen around him, her hated son, how dare she get near her little perfect prince. The mask hid Vallin’s eye roll.

Locking eyes with Elisa across the room he felt Helena press close to his side. He winced as she groped him, bold as brass, her left hand sliding over the front of his hose. He caught her hand in his stopping her before she stroked him in a very intimate place. He exchanged exasperated looks with Elisa. He flashed her a brief smile as she licked the frosting of the cake, and he was left wondering what her lips would taste like, what it might feel like to kiss her.

He couldn’t hold that thought for long because he still held the Lady Helena’s hand though she didn’t seem to mind stroking and lacing her fingers with him. “Why are you doing this. If you like everyone else really think I prefer men, how do you think this plan of yours will actually work?” he asked her pointedly, giving her his full attention as he saw Elisa was now in the company of the Farlands. Though he didn’t know them well, minor nobles of Elisa’s homeland, who wintered in the southlands so that the Lady Collette who perpetually seemed to be pregnant did not suffer in the cold of her homeland’s winters. Thinking of the lady Collette, he was reminded of the widow in the song he’d played for Elisa that afternoon. That lady too had had ten sons and a daughter. He didn’t know the Farland’s child count, but it was more than he could remember. He made a mental note to ask Elisa if such large families were the norm where she came from. Elisa never seemed to mind having them near, and they were some of the more uncomplicated people at court. What you saw was what you got. He would far rather her be with them than his brother and mother, who still as of yet had not even registered that Elisa had left them.

“Just let me dance with you sir, you won’t regret it.”

“I highly doubt that.” He muttered.

“I’m not sure I understand. Are you mocking me?”

“Of course, not my lady. If I grant you one dance, will you just leave me be?”

“You won’t want me to after one dance.”



“You’re that good, huh?” Vallin asked feigning interest.

“Yes, let me prove it to you.”

“What if I told you I was spoken for.”

“I’m better than her.”

“Who says it’s a her.”

“The mother demands it be a her tonight. You can resume your sinful butt sex tomorrow, but tonight you need to be inside a warm wet pussy.”

Vallin really did role his eyes. Not that he fundamentally disagreed with her. He would like that very much, but this gold-digging strumpet was not what he desired.

“If I assured you, I would be with a woman tonight, would you just leave?”

“The mother hates lies.”

“It’s like talking to the wall.” He muttered. “And yet the goddess has not smote my brother for feeding you such lies to get you here to me. How is that?”

“Prince Alexander told me no lies.”

“He told you that I was not spoken for.” Vallin knew he was grasping at straws here but Elisa had ordered him to be in her room that night. However, he didn’t dare tell this woman that the queen might not want him to even hint that he might be with her in that way.



“Wait you’re serious?” she asked.



“Like the grave.”



“That is so morbid. Well even if you are, I’m better.”



“Circular logic is circular.” He growled. “Fine my lady, one dance, prove to me how good you really are.” He was tired of arguing, maybe if he just went along with it, she might really go away. He wasn’t counting on how his body might respond to the closeness of a woman, even one he mentally did not want, just due to proximity and physical needs.

 

[magellans_demon]

Saved from speaking to Alexander and the queen mother any further, Elisa was happy to chat to the Farlands, trying to look suitably melancholy as they offered their comfort for her loss, but she couldn't help her attention drifting back to Vallin as he stood with the other woman.

She could see now the lady's hands were desperately trying to drift all over him, like some deranged octopus, as they talked and Elisa felt the familiar stab of envy or concern. This only increased as she watched Vallin willingly lead the lady to dance, observing as she almost immediately pressed herself as close to him as she could get, virtually grinding herself against him as much as she could without becoming indecent in the middle of the crowd.

Elisa thought again about Vallin's comment that no-one would want to touch him and couldn't summon quite the same conviction. Yes, his old wounds were unsightly, especially if they reminded you of the man who caused them, but they lay on a very attractive man, many nobles were frankly unsightly from birth so he was already faring better than they were. She'd assumed the depth of many people's revulsion was more to do with keeping Vallin in his place, the attitude starting with Jefferson and spreading downwards, as she could easily think of others she'd be much less keen to look at. Perhaps now with his knighthood and older brother off his shoulder the tide was turning, perhaps he'd find himself at the centre of a lot more attention now, and becoming king would hardly be a problem for that either. Elisa wondered how difficult it would be to seduce him if he was about to be surrounded by eligible women.

Elisa disliked the way the lady was throwing herself at Vallin and even more the fact that he seemed to be growing used to it. It looked to her that he was starting to enjoy the attention, allowing the lady's hands to roam unchecked and letting her stay so close to him, even holding her there as they moved. His expression looked a little more faraway, lost perhaps in the sensation as her hands moved across his body. It started Elisa thinking more hopefully however in spite of herself, his reaction at least showed he might be open to a little seduction from a woman, despite what others might say. She just needed to make sure he selected the correct woman.

Excusing herself from her friends, Elisa made her way to the couple as the dance ended, before the other woman could try to almost bed Vallin in the middle of the ballroom.

"I'm sorry to disrupt your evening," she smiled, feeling nothing of the sort, "I must take a little of Sir Valentine's time I'm afraid to discuss some urgent business. I'm sure dear Alexander would enjoy accompanying you again about the room though."

The lady looked mildly indignant but luckily there was little that could be said to a queen's request and Elisa enjoyed the moment of power as the other woman was forced to retreat with a parting comment to Vallin.

"I expect I have proven my point now my lord and hope my offer stays in your mind," she said with a flirty smile. "Don't forget your duty and how happy I will be to serve."

"I thought you might need rescuing yourself." Elisa commented after she left. "I hope she's not encouraging you to desert your queen tonight, I think that might be treason, technically. Oh and it seems I'm not worthy of your brother after all I'm afraid, my heart is broken into pieces" she smiled.

 

[The_gladiator]

She tried too hard. It all felt fake. Vallin was certain he could have paid a prostitute and had a more genuine experience. However, despite the fact that he wasn’t into her or seriously believed anything she said he reacted to her touches. He couldn’t help it. He didn’t have enough experience and his body unconsciously took in the touch, lapped it up, it was like he was caught somewhere between fight or flight, and he just went away inside his head. His body started to respond but he couldn’t figure out how to react. He didn’t want her. If he didn’t trust the queen’s affections, he certainly didn’t trust this strumpet. She had to be a trap. She would gut him after his release, he just knew it. However, he couldn’t make a scene, couldn’t seem rude. His whole society was based on appearances and etiquette. He didn’t know what to do and seemed paralyzed.



He willingly allowed Elisa to guide him away from the Lady Helena. Her hand was soft under his elbow as she helped usher him away from the clutches of the lady. “I’ll do that,” was all Vallin could muster.



When his back was finally to the Lady Helena Vallin let some tension, he didn’t realize he held in his body go as he blew out a sigh. “I tried to tell her I was spoken for this evening my queen. Please do not think I wanted that.” His tone was earnest, it was clear he was worried some of her joking had truth behind it. “I cannot thank you enough for rescuing me. My brother.” Here he sighed again, “Convinced the strumpet that if I got her pregnant, I would take care of her for life, and that if she pleased me well enough, she could fuck the gay right out of me, and even that if she took me to her bed my mother would bless her.” The mask hid some of his expression but his posture showed how tired he was. He was angry with himself that he hadn’t stopped her, that his body had reacted. “It was all lies and ridiculousness, but why did her touches feel good?” his blue eyes sought out hers. “Is this what sex does to people? They become slaves to sensation?” This was the most off kilter that Elisa had seen him since he had been backing away from his mother after she had slapped him earlier that morning.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa immediately sobered her tone as Vallin spoke, ashamed she had only thought about herself and her possessiveness over Vallin's time and attention and realising she hadn't thought enough about his feelings. Her view on the world had been too coloured by Jefferson, Serrell and Bartle without her permission, leading her easily to expect any man would be only too happy to dip his cock wherever the opportunity presented itself with barely any emotion. Again Vallin proved there who the more kingly of the brothers had actually been.

She'd almost forgotten how sheltered and naive he was in some parts of life, even though he was wiser than most in others, how hard his life had been and the position that left him in now. This time was not purely about her, if he would allow her to be his friend as well as whatever else they might be she would gladly fulfill the role.

She gently smoothed her hand over his upper arm, trying not to look as though she was merely taking over from the lady she had just removed, trying to show she genuinely cared which she'd realised she did, despite her plans.

"I'm sorry my lord, you did nothing wrong, I should learn to expect even less from Alexander than I do so far."

Elisa considered his question seriously as his deep blue eyes, now the colour of the sea on a beautiful clear evening, held hers intensely.

Seeing how weary he was she made her decision.

"Come with me, I have a feeling some air may help and we can get free of this vermin's nest. We can talk more then."

She slipped her arm through Vallin's yet again and, carefully avoiding his mother, left a message with one of the queen mothers maids who wandered around.

"Please pass my apologies to your mistress, tell her the queen has become overwhelmed with grief and needed to leave the ball early. As I will not be well enough to spend the night with Alexander please send my regrets and let him know he will hold tonight's vigil as he now has the night free."

Leading Vallin into the pretty palace gardens, the evening air and pretty moonlit nature felt immediately soothing.

In the short distance Elisa could see two or three couples already losing themselves to the evening's end, trying to devour each other between the bushes and tried to avoid getting too close to them.

"Sex, even without any love or connection, can feel intoxicating, some find the physical sensation sufficient without needing anything further from their partner. The first times you experience the sensation, which I think I have gathered is the case for you now if I am not presuming too much, can be overwhelming even if based only on lies and the most basic sensual needs. Some give into purely satisfying their physical need and become slaves to this, like a child who tries cake for the first time and wants nothing else to eat afterward.

Others feel the need for love to continue giving into these sensations, refusing to become a slave to the wishes between their legs until they have a partner they wish to be a slave to. Everyone must decide for themselves which they will be controlled by. If giving into your natural urges makes you unhappy you do not have to give in to these. The hunger for any need, whether food or sex, can be irresistible though, do not expect too much from yourself until you know how you feel."

 

[The_gladiator]

Vallin had half meant his question to be rhetorical, yet she seemed to really be considering how to answer. She chose not to answer there, and the newly knighted lord could honestly say that he was more than willing to get out of the warmth of the ball room. Though beautiful and reprisenting a bird that was near and dear to his heart nevertheless his mask was still hot and he longed to take it off. Perhaps a walk out in the gardens would settle him down.

He said nothing as she gave her message with orders for Alexander. He could have told her that wasn’t the last they’d heard of that, but he didn’t bother, she knew, she had to. He merely walked as her escort still lost in his thoughts, his feelings about how he reacted to the touches of Helena.

The gardens were beautiful, and he became much more active in guiding them as they emerged from the palace and wove their way through the plants. Without hesitation Vallin lead them into the hedge maze, one of his ancestors had started growing years ago. Now the evergreens grew tall enough that it was easy for the unfamiliar to get lost. There was very little chance of Vallin getting lost, he’d used the maze as his sanctuary since he was a little boy.

The queen seemed to understand his intent and waited until he had turned off the straight away leading into the maze before she started to speak. When she did he stopped to turn to face her, the moonlight enough just barely to allow him to see her face. “You sound very wise when you say things like that. They were some of the first touches I I received from a woman, yes” His voice stumbled a bit as he spoke. “Though it still seems as if I’m fated to have touches that are only unwanted, though I’m used to that with the way men have used me.” He shrugged and seemed to be thinking. “I liked the way it felt,” he shouldn’t have told her that he was sure, but he did anyway. “I wanted more, wanted to know what it was like, yet that bothered me because of who it was. Maybe then I am one who needs to be with someone who actually cares, or is kind to me. I think if I followed the needs with someone like that…” he paused, “Woman,” he finished, “I’d have regrets, feel dirty. Yet the feelings remain.” before he could stop himself he went on, “You know Jefferson never allowed me the opportunity to follow this night through to its conclusion. This was going to be my first year, with him being out of the way.” Why had he told her that? He closed his mouth before he made it worse.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa was glad they had come out here to the gardens, feeling Vallin hopefully ease a little into somewhere he seemed to know. She knew parts of the gardens but not the maze well, staying close to him and trusting him to lead her.

"The lady seemed... determined, to say the least" Elisa smiled in commiseration after he forced himself to stop speaking.

Stopping at a small corner she hesitated, wondering whether to hold herself back now or whether that would only force her to break the connection she hoped was building between them.

"Perhaps it was the right feeling, after so long, only with the wrong person. Someone who wants you purely for their own ends will never leave you with pleasant memories" she said, her eyes dropping as she felt the truth of this, if only for herself.

She slid her mask from her eyes and dropped it lightly to the ground, able to see Vallin more clearly now.

"Tell me to stop the moment you wish to" she spoke quietly. "This isn't a demand from your queen but merely someone who would care if it pleased you."

Easing his falcon mask from his face, taking her time to keep her eyes locked with his she added it to hers as she observed him in the moonlight, the soft light beautiful across his eyes. His hair tied back somehow suited him more than keeping a cover over himself all day, especially when they were alone without any unwelcome comments. The reminder of the pain across his face was uncomfortable but she had an undeniable urge to try and lift that at least, even though the scars needed to remain. She wanted to feel him against her too but that would only make her as bad as the lady within the ballroom.

Elisa raised her hands to his face, drifting her fingertips over his cheeks as lightly as she could, focusing on none of the judgement she'd ever heard but wanting to get to know him more.

Sliding one thumb across his lips she tentatively moved them closer to each other, tilting her face up to him until she was mere inches away.

Leaving the lightest kiss she could along his lips she followed with another, only pressing herself a fraction more against his mouth. Drawing back a short way she was reluctant to remove her fingers from his jaw but met his eyes again, wondering if she'd pushed too far.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her words again felt wise. He let his fingertips run down her arm as she looked down. With her mask off, her dark eyes did not reflect the light, but he could see where they were and that she was looking at him. Her hands were gentle as she removed his mask. Her words about stopping her made him apprehensive about what she might do next.



His hands twitched as if he were going to cover the scars, but without the light they weren’t plainly visible. Her hands were delicate. He had noticed that when she played the piano. Not tiny, for she herself was not a tiny woman, though several inches shorter than he, her people ran on the taller side. Instead, they were graceful and so very gentle as she touched his face.



Her touch was exploratory, yet also with silent requests and questions. He looked down at her as she lifted her face toward his. He tried not to flinch as she touched him. He waited for the hurt, the pain, and yet it did not come. Her lips were ever so soft against his, with the lightest of kisses. His own hands lifted instinctively to rest at her waist, slowly sliding around to her back as he unconsciously gave her permission to move closer. “My queen?” he whispered, the softest of questions in those two words.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa was relieved as Vallin held her and did not seem unwelcoming to her touch. She leant into his own touch, her breath becoming more shallow for a moment as he held her, drawing closer, again trying to keep her contact still as gentle as could.

She was glad he did not seem disturbed by her approach but she continued slowly, aware how she refused to be the latest one in his life with no care to how he felt after the many.

"You only have to call me Elisa" she spoke quietly.

She slid her hands down his shoulders, slowly across the chest of his surcoat, halting there instead of groping across him as the other lady had seen fit.

Kissing him again, only a little harder now, only parting her lips briefly to tease across the edge of his tongue, she kept her touch longer but drew back again to look into his eyes.

"I hope this is wanted..." she asked. "King or not you should be able to decide for yourself now, at least for tonight. If you want to continue the night, see what you have been denied I would only be too happy, but you choose from now, with me at least."

 

[The_gladiator]

She kissed him again and this time there was more body language in it, her hands pressing to his chest, her lips just barely moving under his. Her mouth was sweet, tasting of the honied wine. It was a pleasant experience. “Elisa,” he breathed, the word not quite a plea, yet more than just him trying out her name, even as she encouraged him to just use her name.



He wanted to freeze, was sure that he didn’t know what came next or how not to do this wrong, yet he wanted to. He understood movement and the art of movement in combat. Could it be that different in love? His own hands slid up her back as he encouraged her closer, following through on what felt right. The swells of her breasts were against his chest now, not fully but the barest hint of them. More than he had gotten from their dance. He was fascinated by the feeling. He had always been attracted to women, and the fact many thought him gay had allowed him to observe them without them fearing he would attack them or demand.



There was logic in her wanting to share this evening with him. Though overly aggressive, the lady Helena had been right. Yet, He was fairly certain she meant this to be more than a coupling of convenience. Then again maybe that was wishful thinking. “I do not really know what I want. You have caught me by surprise, but my Qu…Elisa,” he paused stumbling over her name, “This feels different. This does not feel like what it did with the Lady Helena. This does not feel like fear. I do not know why I was afraid of that woman; I literally could have killed her in over half a dozen ways without breaking a sweat, yet… she did things to me I didn’t understand.” He gazed down at her his own hand sliding up to let fingers play over the back of her neck and the edges of her upswept hair, “You stir feelings inside me, but it is different… more pleasant?” he said this last with the slight lilt of a question as if testing out his words, asking for approval.

 

[magellans_demon]

As Vallin murmured her name she smiled, enjoying even the tentative sound within his lips. Something in the back of her mind was again insisting that she pay more attention to the fact she needed him to remember she was queen and help to keep her that way. Certainly for this evening though it didn't seem to matter as much, that could wait for the day if she could just be Elisa with him tonight.

As he spoke about the experience with Helena she was annoyed with how his family were still trying to use him but felt for him, however capable you were in one area it didn't protect you in another, especially where someone could get close to you.

Before she could answer though Elisa's eyes drifted closed for a longer moment at the feel of him tracing his fingers across one of her more sensitive areas of skin, her shoulders dropping without thinking in relaxation.

"I'm finding this pleasant as well" she breathed, forcing her eyes back to his with a smile. "You feel wonderful."

She slid her hands further down, lightly running down his stomach and across his hips, pressing herself against him further but avoiding pushing him to accept what he wasn't used to yet.

"But yes, people have other weapons indeed than steel and wood, especially where sex and love are concerned, while you were training with one, someone else was training with another. I would say it's easier to fight when you understand but all I can do is show you, I can't guarantee how much it will help."

"You only have to follow your feelings and decide what you want right now however. I'm not asking you to sire any sons as Helena wished or trying to be handed your kingdom for a bed service, as you warned me could be done with your brother. And I hope you know I would not stand to get any blessings from your mother for however we spend the night." she laughed.

"To start, is this comfortable to stay out here a little longer?" she asked. "I have a pleasant bed but until you show me out we are stuck here. Don't imagine I object at all though." she smiled to encourage him there was no wrong move at that moment.

 

[The_gladiator]

Her words helped to sooth him a bit, she wasn’t asking for more than tonight. It was reasonable for them to partner one another. He wanted this. She seemed like she was safe, would take care of him. He did not think she would hurt him. She had given him her loyalty long before this had even come to this.

He shivered at her touches as his hands slid back down her back to the tops of the swells of her ass though did not cross that line yet. “I can lead you out of here at any time, but I am alright with us being out here for now, the weather is nice.” He said by way of answer.

As he dipped his head to press his face into the curve of her neck he reflected on her words. Yes, if he was training in one area, it made sense that others had trained in other skills. “Were you trained in the art of seduction my lady?” he asked curiously as he softly pressed kisses to the side of her neck.

 

[magellans_demon]

Elisa nodded as Vallin chose to stay out a little longer, if any night was perfect for that it was tonight, the midsummer air always seemed to bring some of the best weather and sweetest flowers, let alone what would then go on within it's meadows and mazes.

"I think my homeland and yours had quite different expectations of that particular training" she spoke with shallow breaths as she tried to keep her concentration with difficulty, the feel of his lips down her neck distracting her more than she would have expected.

"Yours make us look kindly but idle, focused on music and dancing, what to know about anything from medicine to children, how to please people, how to become a good wife. Which I can guarantee is nothing like how to become a queen. Think of it as spending your life training to use a longsword when everyone you fight has an axe, useful but not what you would have wished." she laughed gently, unwilling to spoil the mood or her own personal secrets by showing exactly how large a difference that had been for her and how often it still led to injuries of one kind or another now.

"Still, we are all trained one way or another, I can't say it has ever cost me a night's sleep not knowing how to bend someone completely to your will in the cruellest way possible as some would call 'seduction'."

She cupped her hand around his cheek to raise his face back to hers, slightly flushed now.

"Although I don't believe any training besides natural character taught you to kiss like a lover" she smiled, her free hand slipping around his waist until she could press herself fully against him now, drawing him in for a deeper kiss.

 

[The_gladiator]

Though he didn’t completely understand her metaphor the comparison of their peoples, he didn’t ask for clarification. He thought he understood the gist of it. His people took things to extremes. Hers seemed to be generally more well rounded with a variety of skills and were more relaxed. In his society, everyone had a role, everyone had at least one skill they’d devoted countless hours to. Especially when you moved away from the nobles and considered the commoners.



He let his lips brush over hers. “I study people he whispered between kisses. That is my gift, so I have seen lovers kiss, I have seen… many things,” here he felt heat come into his cheeks. “You might be shocked the things people do when they couldn’t care less if someone is watching.”



His hands slid again up her back. “I have always wanted to run my fingers through a woman’s hair. I of course have spent hours brushing my mother or sister’s hair. But I think it would be different with a lover,” he hoped that title for her wasn’t presumptuous. His hands slid up and over her hair, slowly beginning to remove the pins and ties holding it up. He wondered if this was out of line, would she stop him?



As his hands worked he let her pull him in for a deeper kiss, unable to completely hide the moan of pleasure as his fingers deaftly let lock after lock of hair fall free.

 

[magellans_demon]

When Vallin described his study of people Elisa raised an eyebrow, fascinated to learn more about him and his life, especially as they'd spent so much time technically under the same roof but in wildly different worlds. It was intriguing thinking what he might have seen, how much you could observe if people didn't care, but she held off any comment, seeing his face flush.

Feeling his hands work at her hair she tilted her head a fraction to meet his fingers as he gently teased at the fastenings, hoping he took it as permission. Something about this felt like one of the most intimate things he could have chosen for that moment. She couldn't pretend she had no vanity and did not get any enjoyment from being groomed and arranged as the queen, and would not be given the respect she was if she walked into court as a laid back maiden but still, it always felt like wearing clothes that would only ever almost fit. Here in the quiet with him slowly pulling apart her ordered exterior felt far more real and intimate.

After breaking from their kiss, the sound of his pleasure sending heat running through her, Elisa gently shook her head for a moment, once he had removed all the pins and ties binding it, helping to fan out the soft curls that formed after pinning her hair up for so long.

"That feels much better" she encouraged. "So, is it different with a lover?" she whispered.

Waiting for him to decide she caught one of his hands in hers, threading her fingers through his so she could raise his hand to her cheek to leave featherlight kisses across his palm before guiding his hand to run through the side of her hair. Releasing his hand she could return hers to very slowly slide down his chest, her lips pressing equally slowly against his jawline, her breath escaping raggedly at the feel of him.

"Perhaps we can discuss a few more of the things you have seen, we have all night" she whispered.