Royal Blood (closed)

[Hannah18]

As soon as he speaks to me, I mask my face, letting a small smile grace my lips "I apologize for leaving so quickly it is rather warm in here, do you not think?" I ask "so I left for some fresh air" I wasn't sure if either of them believed me, nor did it matter, I was sure that my brother did not want me airing our personal buisness in public, besides I was still feeling a little shaken up from the short conversation with sir Bradshaw, who thought that such a gentle man could be so... so ungentle.

Neither say anything, i suppose because the room was actually getting quiet cold or perhaps they could not think up an appropriate answer to give.

Leaning back, I lean up towards your ear, making sure that I can not be heard. "Sir Bradshaw makes his apologies but he must leave, it is a family emergancy" I say, my hot breath hitting your cheek, before I straighten up and lean back on my chair, reaching out and taking a platter of the fruit fritters and placing one onto my plate, passing the platter to the person on my right as I begin to cut it up and eat slowly, praying for the feast to be over, so I could go to my room and just think.

 

[swordandsandle]

"Well," I give a polite smile as I pick up my own fork, trying to ease out the situation. "I do hope you had a chance to take care of yoursef. The season is upon us, no?" Part of being a diplomat was learning how to be vauge... just vauge enough so that it sounded like you knew what you where saying. Still, after that, I reached for my own slice of sweetmeat, cutting it to small peices before slidding one into my mouth, the gentle and smooth sweetness sliding down my throat.

"That it is," Veldim sounded unconvinced... but willing to go along with it. Still, his eyes obviously showing a bit of confusion, he attempts to change the subject. "This is quite a good meal you have here, and so close to the end of your stores. The land must be truely plentiful."

Yet, we moved our way through the food quickly... indeed, it was getting a bit nippy, but what was I to expect this late in the year? I give a slight nod at your comment... even though I knew full well what went on. Finnaly, as the food winded down, and the room filled with plesent groans, the party slowly started to leave... first those at the lower ends, then the upper, coming up to give the royal family and their guest a warm thanks.

Eventually, we choose to leave as well, I standing up slowly, my belly feeling well. "Prince, please feel free to pick any room in the castle in which to stay... barring my sister's of course." I felt the need to add that... perhaps because of my fright last night. "You have as much authority here as I, and I hope your men might remain healthy so you'll arrive for your bride by the harvest."

"I beleive I will, your grace," he gives a polite bow before turning to you. "And you, my lady." And with that, he headed out the doors... to a room I'd probebly end up hearing about later.

"Well, shall we?" I ask, taking your hand.

 

[Hannah18]

I watch in delight as you stand, taking it as my signal to do so, I was glad to be leaving, if I was honest I could not wait to just strip down and crawl into my nice warm bed.. okay so perhaps I was asking for a little too much due to the chilly night air. "Good night sir" I say with a short nod watching him turn and leave.

I glance up at you, giving you a small smile as I wrap my hand around yours tightly and exit the room. "Yes I have been wanting to leave all evening" I say and then quickly clamp my lips shut, realising just how bad that sounded. "I mean it has been a long day..." I trail off, unable to come up with a good excuse so I just leave it hanging.

Finally, we reach my bedroom, I step back from you moving towards the door, slipping my hand from yours as I turn slowly so that I am facing you. "So I will see you tommorrow brother?" I ask almost hopefully, hoping that you would not bring up the incident that happened at dinner, because I was not ready to talk about it yet.

 

[swordandsandle]

"Understood," I give a bit of a yawn myself, the weigh of the food in my stomech and the lack of sleep starting to get to me, my body demanding time to rest and digest. Besides, the affiars of state could wait for a few hours... espcially with such an important guest to take care of, catch up on all he'd missed while travaling. Surely, the advisors could leave me alone for some time. The hallways where a bit chilly... though honestly, I wasen't actually cold by any strech of the imagination. The stream of activity was still there... but at this point, it was more concentrated to the lower levels, not the towers where our querters where.

Allowing you into your room, I stroke your neck for a moment... needing a bit of softness after all that surpressed tension. "Of course, sister. I wish you a good sleep." Smiling, I linger there for a moment before turning myself around, as if it had never happened, heading back to my room to clear up my thoughts.

Finnaly arriving, I set myself down at my desk, looking over the map there... our little holdfast marked in blue, the various masses of horses (or their last known position) in black... it looked a bit depressing. Alot would depend on how good the harvest was... or if we could even get it in before they attacked. I gave a silent prayer for our rider, before my eyelids grew a bit too heavey, and, forcing myself to do what was good, I slipped atop my bed, returning to the stuff of dreams.

 

[Hannah18]

I watch you leave with a sad smile on my face, perhaps it should be you to find your match first, it would certainly help to relieve some of the stress I know that you are feeling, but still... the thought of another woman helping you, touching you and warming your bed on a night both hurt and irritated me.

I enter my bedroom as I pull my hair free from it's confinment and change into my nightclothes... I glance over at my bed, hesitating there was nothing more I wished for than to crawl into it, but now I know what I must do.

I peak out of my door, seeing nobody is around I tip toe down the corridors being over cautious as I know that it is not proper for me to be roaming the castle dressed in such a way so late at night.

Finally I reach your chambers, "My lady, what are you doing out of bed so late?" I spin around seeing a guard stood there and sigh.

"I wish to see my brother"

"I'm not sure that..." I raise my hand to cut him off.

"He know's that I am coming" I lie as he gives me a brief nod, I enter your room, glancing around, seeing you laid on the bed looking so peacful. I walk past your desk noticing some paper's, I frown a little because I did not understand them, though they were obviously important.

Walking to the bed, I climb in next to you, like we did when we were little, "Brother are you awake" i whisper softly as my hand moves up to stroke your cheek softly

 

[swordandsandle]

It was a fitful sleep... even in unconciousness, I could feel that. My dreams where bordering on nightmares, dark bloodstains and dust and smoke. I stood atop the ramparts of the holdfast, the enemy spread before us, on horses without number, slamming their own bodies agenst the walls. I could feel the great vibrations on the stone beneth, the cracks underfoot. Yet, try as I might, the sword refused to be drawn, no man answered my call... then, the floor shattered beneth me, sending me falling into the darkness....

Then, I awoke in a cold sweat, breathing heavly. It was a dream, only a dream. Still, it had been enough to cause me such a fright... the stress was getting to me, it was only too clear. All I could do was lay there, slowly calming down, the darkness around me a bit unerving, wishing for a touch as I slowly tried to bring myself back to sleep...

But, as I lay their silently, calmed down and almost returned to unconciousness, I felt a light bouncing on my matress, and a light hand caressing my face. "Hmmm," I growled in approval before pulling myself back from the brink, eyes slowly flipping open. "Who is it?" Slowly, I flip myself around in the bed, eyes setting on a shape silloetted in the moonlight from the window... a female figure, that was clear, but something I could not tell from sight.

Yet, then I took a deep breath in, and the smell was unmistakable. Lightly sugery, cool and clean... that was my sister's smell. "My sweetness, what are you doing here?" I slip my hand up to your face, trying to feel my way to your cheek. "You need your rest." Propping myself up with my other hand, I slid myself out from under the coverings, lightly dressed for sleep, but all in all invisable in the dark shades of night. "Has something been troubling you?" I ask, half for something to say, half because I genuinly expected something... especially after Bradshaw. It was a good thing I had exposed him to you before you'd married, but it still must have been hard for your tender heart to bare.

 

[Hannah18]

I feel rather than see your eyes upon me and sigh, knowing that I have been caught, thankfully though and to my surprise you are not angered by the fact that I have come into your bed so late at night and probably awoken you.

"Apologies my dear brother" I begin softly as I lean in against your palm, enjoying the feeling of your comforting hand on my cheek. "It's just you seem to be under a lot of stress recently..."I begin as I move a little closer, aware of how close our body's are, but hardly caring, infact it felt strangely nice and comforting.

"And remember when we were little.." I pause as I shake my head, the truth was I had know real explanation for coming to your room and sneaking into your bed, it was like something had overtaken me.

"Please let me stay, if only for a short while" I plead, as I reach up brushing my hair from my face, if I stayed to long people would begin to talk and I was pretty sure that would not do either of us any good, I did not wish to be labled as the princes' whore.

 

[swordandsandle]

"I'll be fine... its normal," I slowly pull myself back into reality, finnaly getting myself to sound fully awake. "We're just in a bit of a rough time right now. Please, don't worry yourself with it." My eyes adjust to the dark, finnaly seeing the details of your face... calming me down slightly. At the very least, this wasen't just an elaborate ruse.

"Yes," I hold the word longingly, feeling our bodies grow close, almost touching but not quite. "I remember. You where so... adorable back then." Ah, it was indeed a good time. Slidding my hand over your arm, I rub it softly, feeling a bit... off. "You always did love sleeping with me, diden't you? Always so afraid of something." A light laugh escaps my lips at that... how much you had changed!

Slowly, I lean back as I listen to your words, deeply pondering the situation. Who could deny a young girl the comfort of her brother's presence... and yet, it was a strange request. Still, I just could not leave you there. "Certainly," I state calmingly, running my hand up your arm to your cheek. "Please, stay as long as you'd like. Just relax."

 

[Hannah18]

I could not belief the great amount of relief that I feel as you offer to let me stay with you... but it troubled me that you thought that I did not have those same fears that I had as a little girl, fear of the dark, fear that monsters would get me, but the fears had also grown, like I would not get a husband that suited me or that I was doing something wrong.

"Brother, do not believe for a moment that I am not as scared as I used to be, but I mask those fears, it would not be proper for a lady to feel and say such things" I say with a sad sought of smile.

"It's just.. these couple of days have been really tiring and I needed you" I whimper softly as I move in closer, wrapping one arm around your waist and burrying my head against your chest, breathing in the familiar and comforting scent. My eyes flittering closed, it always made me so tired laying here in your warm arms.

 

[swordandsandle]

Up as I was, I could feel the soft lull of sleep starting to call to me. So much stress, so many issues, the raw danger eating away at me for so long. Still, I could not help but make a light, caring chuckle at the light ting of sadness in your voice. "I understand," the hint of a yawn flints over my words as I slid myself around a bit, getting a bit of stiffness out of my joints. "As old as you get, you'll always be that little girl to me. Don't feel as though you need to act like a lady about me."

Still... even though I was tired, I felt a certain sence of wakefulness as you nuzzled into me, but a soft one, not an energetic one. Slidding my head down, I slip it between your head and shoulder, lightly kissing your cheek. "Its ok," I sooth, my arms enveloping you. "Don't be afraid. Your prince will take care of everything, alright?"

 

[Hannah18]

I giggle softly at your words "you do realise that I cannot be that little girl for ever right?" I ask softly, almost sadly, it was so much easier back then when someone would take care of me and the only worries that I had were trivial ones.

I smile as I feel your hot breath against me, which of course causes me to giggle loudly as I squirm on the bed just a little.. yours seemed so much comfier than mine, I cannot help but wish that I could stay there so I decide to push it a little more and pull the covers back, sliding underneath them fully now and allowing my eyes to drift shut.

"I wish you could just take care of everything for me" I say sadly "It makes me feel safe"

 

[swordandsandle]

"Of course I know that," I speak sadly... perhaps not showing my normal emotional control due to my emotional pressure. "Its just... this would be so much simplier if that where true, no?" My hand on your back slowly starts running up and down, nails lightly tracing over your nightdress. "We woulden't have to worry about finding you a husband, or acting so proper. I could still carry you about on my shoulders, and you could stay with me like this every night..." God, I could see why so many men wanted a woman in there beds all the time. They where so cool, so soft... perhaps it would not be so bad to find one, if I could.

I do not protest as I feel the covers drap over me... indeed, it felt quite comfortable. "Its ok," I want to calm any fears you may have... nobody would ever dare to expect something this as moving to the profane. "I try to take care of as much as I can, but I can't do everything a husband could. I'll do as much as I can, but... you'll have to act a bit more feminie if you want such safety and happiness. I only wish I could do more."

 

[Hannah18]

I smile up at you softly and genuinly... a smile that was only reserved for you, "it would be simplier of course" i say quietly, gasping as I feel your hand upon your back, nails lightly grazing my soft skin through the nightgown, causing me to let out an unintentianol whimper of pleasure.

"May I ask you something..." I begin, hesitating just slightly as I bite down on my lower lip gently, I was not sure of your reaction, however I knew that it was not entirely yours, you were only doing as father asked, but father wanted it not because he cared, but more for the sake of society. "If I told you that I did not want or was not ready for a husband.. what would you say?" I ask nervously as I move in closer, enjoying the heat that was coming from your body.

"You could do more.. you do not have to find me a husband" I say honestly and a tad hopefully.

 

[swordandsandle]

... I was not in the mood for such deep thoughts. Honestly, my mind was wanting sleep, begging for it even, and yet, I could not just leave you there. My hand slowly works its way to a stop, finnaly resting in the small of your back. "It would be so much more preferable. Just..." it was ineveitable. People grew older, and had different needs... needs I could not fufill. All I could hope was that she softened enough to find a man who could do so.

"Of course," The tiredness was apperent in my voice as I forced myself to remain awake, this thinking tiring out my recently worn brain even more. Silently, your voice filling my head, energies devoted to fighting off the specturs of both fear and dreams, before tencing up, slightly confused. "Well, I would tell you that you would end up regretting it." The idea slowly works through my brain, taking form as I let myself relax back down. "Even if you don't want to marry now, you will eventually. Woman, eventually, have certain needs; family, comfort, and... other such things. However, the older you get, the harder it will be to find a man who's willing to offer such things. I simply think of your future..."

Yet, nearly after my finishing, feeling a bit more confident in my statement, I hear your request... and my mind shoots awake. "What exactly is it you are proposing?" My voice going suddenly louder, although only by a bit, and with a small bit of fear... hoping. "Are you saying I find you a positoin as a mistress for some married noble? To suggest such a thing... you deserve much more then that."

 

[Hannah18]

"No no of course not" I say, my eyes widening as I hear your absurd question, to degrade myself in such a way? No I was a princess and that would not be possible.. I smile at that thought, remembering back to when I was just a little girl, I loved the idea of being a princess.. to be special, now I just resent it.

"However the more I think of it my brother, the more it makes sense, I could be a mother and have the family I have always wanted just without the hassle of a husband." I sigh as I shake my head slowly, even to me that sound ridiculous and I knew you would never go for it.

"But if you want to find me a suitiable match then you cou..." I cut myself off before I can fiction, it was just a fantasy, no use saying it now. "It doesn't matter" I murmur pressing a soft kiss to your chest, before turning away, my back now to you, but remaining close.

 

[swordandsandle]

"Well and good," I breath a sigh of releif, getting that phantom off my back. The very thought of it was enough to send a chill down my spine... to degrade herself in such a way. Although, to be honest, you had a little problem of degrading your own stature through your actions, a little bit at a time. Still... there had to be something. That little fact nawed at my brain, making me feel no lack of unplesentness.

Still, I coulden't help but feel like shouting as he continued, bitting into my Having a husband is not a hassle, dear sister," I finnaly got myself to say, though there was an edge of tired annoyance. "I would not concider a wife to be a hassle; a spouse is there to help you, to make life easier, to love you no matter what you do or say. Until you understand that..." I ran out of good words to say, something that would sound at least remotly kind. It was a cold, hard truth... but this late at night was not the time for that sort of thing.

However, I caught a bit of curiosity when you made a statement... though you cut it short, that might have been of assistance. The whole process of sorting out suitors, only allowing the best a decent, proper chance to get to know you personally (afterwhich they always politly rejected), was one of my larger stresses at the moment... anything to lighten my load would be well welcome. Turning myself around in bed, I flip it, so my head sticks over your shoulders, looking at you sideways. "Go on," I encourage, arms wrapping abour you, one hand landing on your belly, the other on your back, both rubbing softly. "Anything you have to say matters to me, sweetling. Here, you don't have to worry about property."

 

[Hannah18]

I feel myself blush as you look down at me, suddenly feeling very small and determined to put it off as long as possible. "What man would want me brother" I whisper ever so quietly, ashamed to admit it, even to myself... "you know as well as I do that while men may admire my looks, they do not enjoy my personality. I know that I may act as though I do not care, but..." I trail off hesitating slightly.

"I cannot help being outspoken and opiniated, I try not to.." I sigh "what chance do I have of finding a man to love me?" I question.

sliding my hands down to cover yours, I reluctantly slip them of my stomach. "There is only one man that I love and I know loves me" I state firmly as I lean down pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. "Goodnight my prince "I whisper in your eat and with that I turn, darting from your chambers and down to the saftey of my own bedroom. I crawl into my bed, pulling the covers around me and allowing the tears to fall.

 

[swordandsandle]

My brow furrows... a bit emotioinally conflicted as I start to feel your sorrow, so great a change in so short a time. Ah, the magic of a maiden's heart. Still, I felt the urge to comfort, to assist... to solve the problem so you would no longer be sad. "There are men out there," I try to sooth you, speaking as if all would be well. "Good men, true nobles at heart. They will care about what you have to say, but will say it for you, so you don't have to risk yourself. They will want to hear you speak, to feel your touch, to treat you as one would a favored adult child... somebody like me."

Still, before I can speak again, I feel you flip out of my bed, your light brushing agenst my cheeks, and the quick patter of your feet hitting the stone floor. "Wait," I speak a bit louder then might be concidered proper for this time of night, pulling myself up to a sitting postion , covers falling off me... but not catching you in time. The door slaming behind you was the only sound I heard, other then the slight whisper of the wind.

I coulden't just sit there, and so sighing heavly, as if deciding on a course of action, I pulled myself out of the bed, slipping on a shaft over shoulders before heading out into the halls, a quick glance with a stoney face to the guards being the only thing I needed. Finnaly reaching your door, I open it quietely, walking in slowly, deliperatly, feet clicking softly with each step, before leanding down over your bed, placing a hand on your back, and singing softly. My voice was, perhaps, not made for such sounds; it was more for harsh commands and scholarly discussion then such matters, but I woulden't call it a poor tune... only unrefined.

 

[Hannah18]

I hear the soft creak of the door and sniffle softly, pulling the covers over my head, like I used to when I was a child and I was caught out of bed when I was not supposed to be, I would run to bed and pull the covers over my head.. hoping that whoever it was would think I was asleep, but you had not believed it then and you would not now...

I listen to the soft but purposeful sounds of your footsteps nearing my bed and I try not to panic but to my utter surprise, you did not shout or lecture me, you began to sing, a sweet familiar tune that I recalled from my childhood and it actually did begin to calm me. My tears eased up a little and I began to feel a little bit better about the situation because if you were mad at me then you of course would not try and soothe me, I could feel my eyelids begining to droop, but managed to resist the urge to fall asleep.

Slowly I pull the covers back down, holding them just beneath my chin. "I'm sorry " I mumble out "I shouldn't have said that it was innapropriate.. I shouldn't have come to your room anyway, it was late and I woke you."

 

[swordandsandle]

Shaking my head slightly, I wonder at the certain akwardness in your voice, the latent fear in your stance. It was all so... cute, in its own way. Still, the soft smile on my face made it clear that I wasen't mad, just wanting to help. "Do not worry about it, dear sister," I move my hand up to your face, wiping away the lingering tears there. "No matter what is the problem, I shall always be there for you." I shifted myself up into the bed, sitting next to you, looking down as I kept running my hand over your cheek.

For a few precious minutes, I just sat there, moving myself so my hips pressed agenst the covers near your shoulder, lightly humming, feeling myself grow a bit heavy with tirdness, but not quite going to sleep... it was almost as though I was in a trance. However, I eventually got myself back into full conciousness, looking back down at you. "Is there anything you want to tell me?" I ask, feeling a bit guilty... but wanting to know. "I promise, nobody will mad at you."

 

[Hannah18]

A flicker of a smile crosses over my face as I feel your hand on my face, wiping away the remaining tears, but even then it lingers and I was grateful, it was strange but your touch always seemed to relax me and today was no exception.

I sigh, I realised that you probably wouldn't be angered but it was still difficult to talk about... the fear of rejection, it wasn't right for a lady to be the one to do this. "It's late brother perhaps we should save this conversation for the morning" I say as I turn to lay on my side, feeling your hand slide towards the edge of my face. Unable to help myself I quickly speak again "It's just that,.. perhaps the reason I have not liked any of the men you proposed is because they were not you" I say ever so quietly, it was true I had compared all the men to you, at first I had thought it was because you always took such good care of me and then I realised that it was more than that... it wasn't just sisterly affection I felt towards you.

 

[swordandsandle]

It took a bit of will not to go into laughter... it was just a rather funny thing to me. Not that I actually thought it diden't make sence; though I had my share of humility, I diden't play myself down, and I was a rather good man as far as those things went. It was a laugh at an undeserved honor... and it was blatent in my next words that's what I ment. "You honor me," my face tightens up for a moment as I run my hand down off your cheek, over your neck, before pulling it off. "I assure you, there are many men out there just as good if not better then myself. And, if that's what you desire, I will find one for you.

Still... I could not keep my hand off you, placing it down over your back. "And I assure you, I will do all I can to give you a life of ease until such a man is found. Such a pretty woman should not be denied such things." Indeed, it was not a standard I had for all woman, though I gave them the respect their station deserved. You, in particular though, I felt should not have to do any more then nessicery. As a child, you had loved that, but as of late, I was the only one you'd accept that from. The mere thought of you being alone... it was enough to make my skin crawl off.

 

[Hannah18]

It was frustrating, you could be so frustrating at times... I shake my head slowly. "You are by far the greatest man that I have known." I murmur softly "Who would look out for me, care for me the way you do?" I ask and i knew that there was not any man who would, but you do not seem to understand what I am saying. "I do not want any other man"


I feel your hand slide down my neck and let out a soft unvolentry moan and suddenly it as though I cannot help myself, leaning up slowly, I press my lips to yours, brushing them against yours, before pressing them together firmly but briefly and I swear that it sent sparks throughout my entire body, making me shiver in delight. Quickly I pull back, gasping in horror "forgive me if I was too bold.. I just didn't know how to.." I trail off as I collapse back onto the bed completly mortified... kisses were something that should not be given away so freely and that was indeed my first one, oh god he is going to think that I am a cheap harlott.

 

[swordandsandle]

"I," I pause, for once a bit lost for words. It wasen't as though the idea haden't been flittering around the edges of my thoughts tonight... but it had been more of a prayer that it might be something else, something more simple. Yet, such a definace of the laws of the land and Church... how could she do such a thing? Perhaps I was misinterpretting, but that did not seem likely... all I could do was listen, trying to convince myself that something was amiss; perhaps I was dreaming, yes, another nightmare. There was no way the princess could be so wrong.

Yet, the sensation of the kiss was all to real, and almost out of instinct, I quickly took control of it, pressing back with as much vigor as was given if not more, running my hand down you back as I did so. What on earth was I doing? It was almost as if I existed half outside my own body, asleep. "That was," I pause again... not wanting to frighten or shame you, but struggling to find different words. "That was, not the proper way to kiss." my voice was extremly unsure, even a bit frightened. "But I agree, this conversation would be better put off until tommarow. You did drink rather alot at the feast." Yet, I just sat there, almost bound to the spot, for minutes, shaking slightly, before finnaly standing up, eyes almost dropped completly shut. "I enjoyed that," was all I said before heading back over to my chambers, mind running a million miles and hour, before collapsing onto my bed, crashing into the mess of my own dreams... but, this time, more gentle, lovely fears of you being realized within.

 

[Hannah18]

I could not stand that the hint of uncertainty laced within your voice, anything else I could handle, but you always knew what to do and now it was obvious you didn't. I watch your face, not listening to the words it was so obvious that you were disgusted by me and I did not blame you, I had acted out of character tonight and I could not let it happen again.. I could not allow myself to get hurt.

"I didn't mean too" I whisper, although I doubt you heard as the door slams behind you, the tears begin anew, rolling down my cheeks quickly and dripping onto the covers. I toss and turn before finally falling into a restless sleep, dreams of being thrown out of the castle, of being rejected by my brother.

I awake the early hours of the next morning in a hot sweat, in need of comfort, but I dare not go, so instead I climb out of bed preparing myself for the day.