Vaan Niall
King of the Lycans
King of the Lycans
Posts: 170
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Post by Vaan Niall on Apr 23, 2011 16:06:03 GMT -6
Court was finally in session. Everywhere was buzzing with life as lycans of all ages flocked to his court meeting and greeting old friends and making new ones. A happy yet small smile spread across his lips, nothing pleased Vaan more than to see every noche and cranny filled to the brim with members of every house.
Seated on his throne, watching them wander merrily speaking to one person before sighting someone else they happened to know. Many of the nobility were littered about, this included to members of his own house and pack. His eldest son was in one of the corners leaning against the wall, checking out the new blood. Henry would never change, he would always be the lazy son chasing any woman who crossed his path.
Vaan was thankful that Richard had been the one he chosen for Rachel. It was a perfect match and love quickly blossomed between the pair. He was grateful for that, at least one of his sons who truly happy not searched for something to try and bridge the gap which formed within themselves. His keen eyes searched the crowd for his daughter in law, there was something he needed to speak about. It was time for her youngest to be introduced formally to him as both her king and grandfather.
It would be an event to show off the little girl. She would be presented with a silk dress or a necklace like he had done with her older sister. Everyone would know she was his kin and not to be touched or harm. If so there would be hell to pay. Today was all about restarted bonds and friendship so anyone could approach the throne if they dared. He hoped someone would or this would be a terribly boring day for him.
Boredom was getting more common occurrence for the lycan king. Between meetings with his council, paperwork and letters to important alpha males spread across the world Vaan had little to keep him occupied. The fierce passion he had once held for his mistress was quickly cooling. Adrienne no longer was that young girl who had enchanted him. Now she was a cold woman who clung to her position. Slowly but surely he was coming to senses about her, her true nature was coming to forefront.
Until then Vaan would seek her out on long cold nights. She was his pleasure and pain but he did care for her.
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Post by rachel on Apr 23, 2011 16:50:55 GMT -6
The life of the court was thriving and humming from within the throne room and it didn’t take a good ear to hear everyone acting nice towards each other. Lies and rumors were already being thrown behind the five houses’ backs. Duchess Rachel stilled her racing heart, she could show no fear in the room. Only a pleasant smile would grace her lips, one of the many traits her mother had taught her. A pleasant smile that showed no malice or ill wish for any other being. Squaring back her shoulders, Rachel quickly flipped her long blond hair behind her back to fall over the indigo dress that clung to her chest like a glove while flowing around her legs before waving for the servants to open the door for her. Her lack of jewlery wasn't startling since she didn't need it to look nearly half as royal as Adrienne pretended to be. Entering the Throne Room every inch the Duchess she had been born to be, Rachel flashed her smile at many old and new members of the court. She wonder how many of them would last the month and how many would turn tail to leave once they learned every move they made would be under watch. Her eyes scoped out the room looking for Richard wanting him by her side instead of leaving her to be surrounded by the nobility. Also, she feared that Vaan would bring up the topic of Titania being twelve years old and still not having met her grandfather formally. It wasn’t the child meeting him face to face Rachel feared, it was the court and how they would try to dig their claws and fangs into her baby. If she was lucky, she might be able to sweet talk the King into only introducing Titania then never having to bring her to the court ever again. So far, it had worked for Nevaeh, whenever she was brought up it only took a small change of subject to let that topic fly away. A ripple effect seemed to pass over the court as each Lycan turned to see who had entered and turned to see Rachel. It continued until they stepped out of her way allowing the Duchess freedom to walk into the Throne Room without having to brush elbows. For some reason, the place was swarming with new members, many more than in the years past. Finding a good location to stand and keep an eye out for her mate, she smiled and nodded like the perfect wife, mother, and daughter –in – law to the King. It took a great deal not to roll her eyes when she spotted the crown Prince, Henry, in the corner eyeing every woman who walked by like some meat he was about to devour whole. Somethings just wouldn’t change no matter how much she wished he’d stop dumping all his work on her love.
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Vaan Niall
King of the Lycans
King of the Lycans
Posts: 170
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Post by Vaan Niall on Apr 24, 2011 11:34:25 GMT -6
Like every other lycan in the room Vaan's head turned when the doors opened. Curious at who was entering his domain, his smile widened at the sight of his beautiful daughter in law. Rachel was a blessing in more ways than one. First she made his youngest happy, he praised her often. Second she was a wonderful mother to two little girls who he had only had the pleasure of meeting the oldest once.
The role of the duchess sorted her to the letter, nothing she did was out of line. It was almost like she was truly born to take up this role here at court. For a split second and not a moment more his eyes were drawn to the sight of his mistress as she floated graceful across the floor in the arms of a minor noble. Jealousy shot through like but faded just as quickly as it came.
His eyes turned back to Rachel. Standing up abruptly he spoke "Duchess you grace us with your presence" His voice was merry and playful but he knew that all eyes were on him, watching his every move and word with care. Moving from the throne, down the three small steps at the front of the throne down to the level of the nobles.
The king was always higher than the rest, this was the reason why his throne was always raised of the ground on a pedestal if you will. "Would you grace this king with a dance" His voice boomed happily, knowing that she would not deny her king and father in law a simple dance. It would give him a moment of privacy to speak with his daughter in law.
The feeling of someone staring at him, hit him. They were burning holes in the back of his head. It was most likely Adrienne who usually had the honor of the first dance with his majesty but not today. His whore, his lover and mistress did not deserve it anymore. Her time was coming to an end, soon he would get rid of her from his side and from his bed.
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Post by rachel on Apr 24, 2011 12:08:07 GMT -6
At one time in Rachel’s life having so many eyes on her would have scared her witless making her even possible trip over her feet. A feat she had done at a very young age that she was soon forced to grow out of or be severely punished once court was dissolved for the day or night. From her spot off to the side where she greeted other nobility, her eyes turned along with the rest of the court to see the King arise from his throne. Puzzlement fell over her face only for a second; curious to what he was up to until she began to count her long it had taken her to come to the throne room. Was it time already for the festivities to begin? The point where Vaan would dance with Adrienne, who would flash that damn smile of hers at every woman in the room making sure they saw whose arms she was in.
However, she did see Lady Adrienne stroll by, but not with the King. It baffled Rachel seeing the whore hanging on the arm of another noble right in front of the Vaan’s eyes. She wasn’t sure if she should feel outrage for her father-in-law or pleased that she was finally showing her true colors. Instead, she cleared her face of any emotion when she was addressed by the king in his charming voice that made it easy to see how he managed to have so many lovers. The joking nature in his face caused her to smile at him sweetly before curtsying. There was no man besides her mate and his father who could say Rachel bowed before. She knew her place in life and it was not bowing before any other nobility, not because she was snobby or unfeeling but because it had been breed in her to be who she was. A strong woman without many equals.
“Forgive me, your highness. I lost track of time while in the garden.” It was the truth, only censored on why she had lost track of time. She had merely been playing hide and seek with the girls and before she knew what was happening the call had gone out stating the King had arrived in the throne room. “It would please me greatly.” Holding out her hand for him to take, Rachel wasn’t positive what was going on behind Vaan’s request to dance with her first. It wasn’t out of character for him to do so, but for her to dance first instead of Adrienne…it really showed how far the two were drifting apart. Glancing slightly over his shoulder, she wanted to sigh seeing how the whore was nearly on fire with rage.
But who was Rachel to deny the King a dance? He was her father-in-law and even if he did have his flaws, she only wanted to see her mate’s father happy. Already, whispers were flying around the room about the strange behavior between the King and his whore. She only wish he hadn’t put her in the middle of it. Where was Richard when she needed his strength to make it through court?
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Post by canon on Apr 24, 2011 12:27:54 GMT -6
Richard studied the crowds as people mingled and chatted "innocently" from his perch nearby his father. He watched his man-whore of a brother as he flirted with several women before he finally ensnared some poor suspecting girl with his charming ways. Richard just watched as Henry flirted with the girl, the two slowly inching away from the crowd. It was moments like those that Richard was thankful for the fact that Henry was not the next in line for the throne. However, Richard was starting to think that perhaps a king should not have added worries like the tournament for the throne. Especially when the people were in need. The King was supposed to be there to help the people, but when you
For now he would just be thankful he wasn't stuck in his office with the mountain of paperwork he constantly had to do because his brother was only good for stealing poor unsuspecting maiden's virtue. He glanced up to Vaan, studying his father as his eyes roamed over the people. Richard did not miss the way his father's eyes smoldered with jealousy. The youngest son's eyes followed his father's gaze and Richard had to resist the urge to growl at the sight of that whore wrapped around another man's arm. Richard already knew of Adrienne Boudoir's shinanigans with Henry, and he was fairly certain Vaan knew nothing of that. Richard thought it best to wait for the opportune time to tell him though. Richard had been studying young ladies he thought much more suitable for Vaan's need as well as to take the throne as Vaan's queen.
His head turned as did everyone elses' when the doors opened. He grinned as his wife entered with that elegance and grace she was so known for. He knew how she really felt about most of the people she smiled and conversed with. He thought she had taken to the role of Duchess quite well since their marriage. He could remember when he'd first been told he was to marry her. That had been the times when boys were yucky and girls had coodies. He smiled faintly as he remembered those times, watching his wife.
He looked to Vaan a little surprised as he rose. He was requesting Rachel's hand in the dance. He glanced over to Adrienne and had the satisfaction of seeing her smoldering look. Ohhhh he could enjoy this very much. He smirked and looked back to Rachel. He smiled down at her and nodded his approval, silently telling her it was alright. He and Rachel usually danced the first dance together, but he did not mind this sudden turn of events. He slowly settled back into his seat, smiling at the two contently, looking over the court. Henry was missing, which told Richard he had seduced the poor girl into a quickie in the closet, but he said nothing. Most would not try and bring harm to Henry or Richard since they were the king's sons.
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Vaan Niall
King of the Lycans
King of the Lycans
Posts: 170
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Post by Vaan Niall on Apr 25, 2011 15:02:41 GMT -6
"There is no need to explain yourself Duchess, we all lose track of time every now and then" He reassured her, waiting for her to cross the room from where she had been standing. Vaan was a patient man with members of his own family and pack, especially the ones he enjoyed spending time with.
His smile was no longer just as a mask, his much larger, rougher hand slipped into her. This was not the first time he had danced with his daughter in law, often would he ask her for a dance on nights like this one. Spending time with ones family was important to the King, he did not want to always remain wrapped up tightly with matters of state. His time was limit and he still had much to do in the next two hundred years.
The hourglass was turning, the sand was hanging dangerous close to the edge ready to fall. Time was now against him, the festivities of this night he was going to enjoy before going back to work the next day. So much to do and not enough time left on his plate to see them the entire way through.
"Give us a more lively tune to dance to" He commanded, the band leader nodded his head not wanting to anger the king for one moment. The music changed from a slow and steady tune to a more exotic, faster pace. Placing a hand upon her hip, his feet began to move into the first few steps of the dance.
He had not missed the entrance of one son and the exit of the other. Henry would never change, settle down and have a family. He was still the lazy, older lust driven son. "Richard has arrived" His voice was soft, full of love and affection when he spoke of his youngest son. The one who he could openly be proud of.
"There is an important matter we need to discuss" He leaned in, whispering into her ear. This way no-one else would hear what they speaking about. They may chatter, trying to figure out what was being said and come to their own conclusions but the truth would not be known.
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Post by rachel on Apr 25, 2011 15:30:12 GMT -6
For a moment, Rachel did notice along with both the King and Richard how Henry slipped away with some poor naive girl. It was tempting to try and steer the girl away from the Prince, but doing so would have been a waste of time for as soon as another girl walked by he’d be sniffing around her skirt. There was no denying how relieved she was knowing her mate would never be like that, not unless he wanted to be strangled by his own intestines along with whatever woman she might find with him. It was better not to think so negatively about the man she loved, so she brought her mind back to the King. She made sure not to take too long getting to the older Lycan; she wasn’t like Adrienne to tease Vaan’s patience. Even a man who held some kindness for those he cared about had a limit to his tolerance. “Thank you for understanding.” The rough hand that took hold over hers was an all too familiar one since Vaan and Rachel had danced many times before. The only time she had danced with him first, as far as she could recall, was on her own wedding night; even then the dance hadn’t been the first one of the night. That right had been reserved for her mate. A true smile of her own replaced the fake sweet one she reserved for the nobles whenever her nerves were being taxed by their constant fake compliments and sly comments. The call for a newer, fresher song to dance made her curious as to why he would insist on infuriation Adrienne even more. The woman was already melting the paint off the walls, why did the king want to add more fire to it but dancing something his whore loved?
Placing a hand on his shoulder, she was grateful for high heels since she would have never been able to reach his height without them. Never the less, Rachel followed the lead of Vaan like any good daughter in law, the soft smile remained on her face. The dance wasn’t new to her, there weren’t too many dances that weren’t somehow imbedded in her mind but out of all of them she could only name that her heart loved the most, the flamingo. If her mother could see her dance to it when she was younger or even right then it would have made her the first Lycan to die from a heart attack.
At the words about Richard, she naturally turned her head to spot her mate lounging in his chair close to the throne. Seeing him was enough to ease any scattered nerves she had about being in the present of so many courtiers and nobles looking for any sign of weakness to nip at. “He always did have impressive timing.” The love and affection in the King’s voice was mirrored by hers very proud of her mate.
Keeping her own voice to a soft hum, Rachel had a nagging feeling what her father in law was about to bring up. She only wished she had a way of stalling it or a way of getting around the form of introduction he wanted with his youngest granddaughter. “If it is important to you then it must be important to me. Do tell me what it is.” She wondered what new gossip would spring up at the small exchange they were having. It didn’t matter, whatever it was her ears would hear it in the morning most likely from one of the maids.
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Post by crispy on Apr 27, 2011 12:54:46 GMT -6
Did Richard want to be at another pointless court function, no he didnt as he sat in his seat his eyes half closed as he listened to the whispers around the room. More than one person made comments on how the Duke looked like he was dragged through mud. Or that he hadn't taken the time to dress... Which wasn’t entirely true. He was in his court clothing it was just that they were rumpled and hardly crisp from his day sitting at a desk.
Of course it looked like he simply spent to much time in doors and on a desk, but how could he take time off when nothing ever seemed to get done. Of course their were those that were willing to function as his assistants but most of them were in another nobles pockets and honestly he couldn't trust them. In the end he only trusted his beautiful wife. He knew how she tended to draw others attentions and kept an eye on them. Listening to them, his ears though were focused mostly on the exchange between her and his father.
Honestly he had hoped and prayed his father wouldn’t try to push this on them in a public forum. Yet he could feel his hackles raise as he waited for the words he was sure would come. His eyes met Rachel's and he knew as did she that neither of them wanted their daughters before the court until they were adults... when they could make the choice on their own. From all outward appearances though one would not know he was even awake in his seat... let alone paying attention to the various rumors and gossip whispering around the hall.
Some could wonder why he sat the way he did, why he listened to the words of the court, but he saw this place as a game. Chess was played by politicians, it was they that controlled the board only it was infinitely more complex than any simple game of chess with multiple kings on the board. Each of the 5 houses had a piece of the Board and then the Royal Family held a piece and control at least for the moment. What Richard did was decide which pieces could be guided to a new point without it being known he was pushing it. In the end even though Richard didn't speak as much as others he knew how to get them to act, simply because he knew them better than many generally did.
Of course he found it amusing that his brother had chosen the moment of his entrance to escape the crowd but then, His brother was not someone to worry about and any power he could hold over the crowd was found only between his legs and he chose to ignore it. He was in the end Dirt beneath his heel... and of course their was the standing threat to his life about being near Rachel.
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Vaan Niall
King of the Lycans
King of the Lycans
Posts: 170
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Post by Vaan Niall on Apr 28, 2011 13:07:45 GMT -6
Using the beat of the music, Vaan began to lead across the now empty dance floor. Every other lycan moved off the floor, to watch the King's first dance without his mistress as his dance partner.
Normally they would have carried on dancing beside him, but this was just too interesting to not watch. Adrienne's rage had reached boiling point, turning on her heel she stormed out of the throne room but Vaan had not noticed. He was too focused upon his daughter in law and this conversation.
"His timing is useful but I fear he is beginning to burn out" He worried for his son and the amount of paperwork landing upon his desk each day. One son should not be complete that much paperwork, his own as well as his brothers. Something needed to be done about Henry and soon at that.
"I have two important matters to discuss with you. The first is to do with Titania" His voice no longer was playful, it was serious deadly serious. Vaan was no longer the father in law but the king of lycans. "I wish to have her brought to court, to be introduced to me formally as her grandfather and king" He was willing to discuss and negotiate this throughly with her.
If she wanted her daughters to be kept from court, this was fine with him but they were kin and needed to meet their king once in their lifetime. "The other matter is to do with Richard" He began as a solo violin joined in with the band.
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Post by rachel on Apr 28, 2011 14:50:30 GMT -6
It didn’t surprise Rachel that everyone was merely watching instead of following the King’s lead in dancing. It had been years since someone else had danced first with Vaan, even if she was his daughter in law it showed the clear change that was settling in between him and his mistress. It only took a second for her eyes to catch the whirl of a dress as Adrienne stormed out of the throne room and the party. That was too entertaining and it required a lot of discipline not to laugh at the bitter woman who knew she was losing her meal ticket. While passing shy glances over the King’s shoulder, her eyes connected with Richard taking a better look over his attire. Her mate at one time had been the pride of the court, but since his brother began to ignore his duties it was starting to show on his face and his appearance. He was still the same man under the ruffled clothes, but the noble ladies were far too shallow to notice it.
“I fear the same. Forgive me, but he’s only trying to cover for Henry’s lack of caring.” Covering might not have been the best word since for whatever reason Richard hated his half brother. She’d never gotten the full story about that. How was she suppose to know it was because he had witnessed that one time Henry had hit on Rachel trying to get her to sleep with him? She hadn’t realized anyone else was in the area since her nose had been completely full of the Prince’s scent. It took a lot on her part that day not to completely knee Henry in the balls, but she had resisted both that urge and his invite to his bed with as much dignity as was breed in her veins.
When Rachel was spun in the King’s arms, she spot Richard a warning glance to tell him to calm down. The other members of the court might not have noticed the flare in his eyes but she did when his father mentioned Titania, their littler pup. Returning her attention to her father in law, she took note of the serious tone stating he wasn’t going to play games about the topic. There wasn’t going to be any getting around it this time, didn’t mean she was going to give up without telling Vaan her feelings on the matter. “I have no problem with Titania being introduced to you. However, she will be kept out of this court afterwards. I will not have either of my children used like pawns. When she is older, both her and Nevaeh will be given the option of returning to the court.” Those were her conditions and there would be no negations which showed in her solid voice and stern eye she gave the King. He would grant her this small request or he would never find her daughters. She had ways of keeping them out of his grip until he was dead. Rachel loved him, but to preserve the innocence of her children she would go against him.
The color drained from Rachel’s face at the mention of Richard’s name. It was rare for her to give away such an emotion as fear but it was there. “What about Richard?” Her ears were too in tuned to the King’s voice then the music, but that didn’t cause her to stumble at all while following Vaan’s lead in the dance. Even her eyes were focused on his then on whoever else was around. It put her in a vulnerable state but the conversation worried her too much.
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Post by crispy on Apr 28, 2011 22:03:12 GMT -6
So what was to be said of the Duke of Elysian, what couldn’t be said of the noble as he sat half asleep upon his seat. He found the thing to be as comfortable as frozen stone and as such he found himself unable to get comfortable. Though that was probably the purpose in the chair after all who would want to have a comfortable seat to sit in during the long hours of court. After all wasn’t it best to sit in the high backed chair and be forced to stiff attention. It of course didn't help the stares, people could see that he looked like he was simply burnt out on his duties as the Duke. Then was the added workload of the Prince, he in that thought found himself glaring through the door his brother had vanished through only moments before. "I have two important matters to discuss with you. The first is to do with Titania, I wish to have her brought to court, to be introduced to me formally as her grandfather and king" As soon as the word leaped from his father mouth Richard was suddenly at stiff attention. At least most of the people were paying attention to the odd occurrence and most had not seen the reaction he had. Even so he couldn’t help but feel his muscles bunch in his hands digging into the hard wood of the arm rests of his wood and actually feeling it crack under his fingers pressure. He saw the glance from his mate and struggled to contain his rage that his father had decided that he only needed to speak to Rachel on this matter. Oh Rachel and he had discussed this many a time but he had always hoped he would have the chance to head it off. Keep it from happening until they were adults that had been his hope. Yet he was tense he could feel it in his entire body, wanting to throw himself across the room. It was everything he could do to stay in his chair. His glazed eyes bouncing across the room. At moments like this he despised his hearing but then he also loved it in that way that he could keep better attention upon what was happening before him in the court. Yet her look did have a small calming effect, normally he wouldn’t have let the words catch him like that, he was normally in better control than to let his emotions show as they did that moment. “I have no problem with Titania being introduced to you. However, she will be kept out of this court afterward. I will not have either of my children used like pawns. When she is older, both her and Nevaeh will be given the option of returning to the court.” At least Rachel was going to aim to get them out of any further appearances, truthfully Richard wanted his father to be a part of the girls' lives and yet he just wanted it to happen outside of the eyes of the masses of nobles. Their was nothing wrong with such a thing after all and it was normal for him to want that but it seemed to him that his father didn’t have any desire to know them as people. Why else would he confront Rachel on it in a public event. Either way his lost focus kept him from noting the response that was about him... It was fine though after all Rachel would tell him about it later he was sure.
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Post by Baroness Elina Cali on Apr 29, 2011 13:49:17 GMT -6
Elina Cali was running a little late. She wasn't really one to run late though. She wasn't pleased about that, but Helen hadn't been ready and Elina ended up having to do her hair. God forbid she should go to court without putting it all up. Elina herself only had two little braids in her hair that wrapped around the side of her head to connect in the back. little white ribbons were woven into the braids, but that was about all the adornment she had in her hair. She liked wearing her locks down in a natural way. Doing all sorts of things such as flat ironing them and curling them caused all manners of damage to it.
She stopped at the double doors, taking a few deep breaths to calm her shallow breaths. She looked down to her dress, making sure everything was in order. She may have been a lycan, but running in heels still took serious amounts of skill. She ran a hand over her hair, still checking to make sure all was in tack. She was just about to enter the throne room when Adrienne Boudoir came storming out. Elina blinked and watched her storm away in surprise. What was with her? She wondered softly before slowly making her way in.
That's when she realized the first dance was started. And Adrienne wasn't Vaan's dance partner. Elina smirked softly as she watched Duchess Niall dance with her father in law. The bitch finally fell from grace. It was about damn time. Everyone could see she was nothing more than a money digging whore. She wondered if Vaan even knew she was doing his son as well as himself. She didn't know, but she was glad to see this change in events.
Chocolate pools watched from the side lines, smiling warmly. She looked around and noted the duke was watching them as well as everyone else. She slowly approached him, studying his rumpled appearance. Compared to all the other finely dressed men and women he looked like he just got out of a bar fight. "Duke." She said calmly, curtsying a little. " You look as if you've had a busy day today, M'lord." She said calmly, studying him thoughtfully. No doubt it was Henry's doing. He had duties to and yet he ran around chasing skirts. She didn't see how Vaan tolerated it like he did. He needed to be put to work.
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Vaan Niall
King of the Lycans
King of the Lycans
Posts: 170
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Post by Vaan Niall on May 1, 2011 13:45:39 GMT -6
His sons were complete oppositions. One was calm, loyal and dedicated to his work and King. The other was lazy, driven by his lust but hiding his anger and pain inside of his heart. Vaan wondered whether an arranged marriage would sort out his wild, almost unattainable son but the only question was who would be the right woman.
"Henry has always been lazy. I will deal him very soon" His voice was once again completely serious. Henry seemed to bring his side of him to the surface. As King he had to be serious but with family he truly could be himself. This was not true when it came to his eldest son who was nothing more than a pain in his backside.
The music flowed through his veins as he gracefully moved across the floor with Rachel. She was a very good dancer, there was no denying that. He often watched her dance with Richard, happy to see her eyes light up with such happiness. It truly warmed his heart to see the love between the two of them. It reminded him of himself and Lady Jane, Richard's mother all those years ago. She had been the love of his life, the woman to melt his ice cold heart.
"I can understand your fears about your daughters Rachel" As parent Vaan could easily understand these fears. When his sons had been much younger, he worried courtiers would use them to get closer to him and his throne. Use them for their own personal gain. "I can promise you that your daughter will be kept from court until they are old enough to choose from themselves" His voice was sincere, his words truthfully. Rachel had every right to demand this for him.
No-one else had the power to ask this of him. Family had special privileges like this own. Not even the chancellor could make demands concerning his daughter whilst she was here at court. Family always came first.
The sound of the worry in her voice when he mentioned Richard tugged at his heart strings. "It's nothing bad daughter" He tried soothing her with a title she truly deserved. "Richard is overworked and needs a vacation to recover"
It was not like he hadn't noticed the dark circles forming under his eyes and that his clothes looked slept in. His son was close to break down, burning out from the sheer amount of paperwork piling up on his desk. Something would have to change soon, Henry would learn the meaning of duty and take back his work.
Vaan had a difficult task ahead of him. Changing his son seemed almost impossible, the lycan king was not going to give up. Not until his son was like his younger brother and actually did his own paperwork.
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Post by rachel on May 1, 2011 18:48:41 GMT -6
Staring up at her father in law, Rachel had to fight against showing fear at the serious tone when he mentioned Henry’s nature of being a lazy bum. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know what the King was planning for his oldest son. Because if Vaan’s voice took on that serious deadly tone it wasn’t anything good and she was grateful she had never been on the receiving end of that voice. It took a lot of careful smiles and polite remarks for her to stay on her father in law’s good side. She did want him to like her as his own daughter. That thought made her think of why and she placed the blame on her parents lack of treating her like a daughter and more like a doll to command and marry off to the son of the king so they had a direct line to him.
Taking another tour around the dance floor, Rachel’s eyes zoned in on Richard being chatted up. If she was the abnormally jealous type, she would have flipped about Lady Elina eyeing her mate up and down. But she wasn’t. And it was only natural curiosity in the lady’s eyes. It was a sad sight of her husband sitting on the chair in wrinkled clothes with large purple circles under his eyes. It took a lot on her part not to leave Vaan’s gentle hold to go to her mate and pull him out of the throne room. Maybe she would do just that after the dance was done.
Turning her eyes back up to Vaan when he said he would keep his granddaughters out of court, Rachel wanted to hug him tightly and kiss his cheek. Instead she blinked back a stray tear and smiled warmly at him. “Thank you.” She really meant it since that was one fear she could put to ease. However, they needed to get one thing straight. “Just so you know, Richard and I don’t want you excluded from their lives just because we don’t want them here. Please, do come send time with them whenever you’re free.” Rachel was a very protective mother but she wanted her girls to really know their grandfather beyond that of the stories Richard and her told them right before bed.
“If you tell me it’s ok, I will get him away from that office and the palace for as long as you think he needs, dear father.” Rachel’s voice was soft so only Vaan could hear but that didn’t lessen the impact of how dead serious she was about getting her mate away from his job. He was burning out and it was killing her as well. The only difference was she had been taught to bury her feelings behind a fake smile and cute comments about another lady’s outfit. “When this dance is over, may we be excused? I don’t think he’ll last much longer on that chair before he falls over.”
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Post by crispy on May 3, 2011 16:02:06 GMT -6
Parties, Richard could in fact think of at least a dozen things he would rather do that sit at a public event with a room full of snobbish and mostly useless nobles that did nothing but cause rumors and stab each other in the back. Even with his attention riveted by his mate and fathers conversation he managed to have some small piece of control. It helped that Rachel had looked at him and pleaded with him silently not to thrown himself upon his father. Normally he wouldn’t react like that but perhaps he needed more sleep. The idea of sleep nearly made him cringe, the nightmares of more then 2 decades still plagued him. Though the presence of Rachel tended to weaken the effect they bore upon his mind. Yet he could feel the exhaustion pulling at the edges of his mind begging him to fall into its arms. The idea of sleep, of holding Rachel through the night pulling him towards that abyss ever so slowly as his mind and body slumped back into his chair as he fought to maintain a semblance of consciousness. A voice to the side speaking up to him brought him slightly from that void, though he was sure that fighting this state for long would hardly last for long. "Duke, You look as if you've had a busy day today, M'lord." His sleepy eyes looked upon the lady, his mind trying to attach the face to a title or family and yet nothing cropped up in his mind. He blinked and rubbed at his face trying unsuccessfully to remove the cluttered cobwebs of exhaustion from his mind and yet found it impossible to do. He tried to remember what it was that he was needed to do, why he sat within the hall while his father and mate danced. He could hardly even hear the band in the back of his mind. There was something important, he was supposed to be working on but what was it again. Plus who was this random lycan talking to him, he honestly had no clue as he stared at her. “Hardly... I feel the same as I did yesterday and the day before... Pardon my asking... but who are you anyway?”
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