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Post by Baroness Elina Cali on Jun 30, 2011 15:35:55 GMT -6
Elina stood there in front of the large wooden doors of the main hall. She was nervous. This would be the first court function she would attend as Henry's fiance. She would enter as a baroness and exit as a future princess. Vaan had decided it was time to announce her and Henry's engagement to the court. What better way to announce it than at the winter feast. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before she looked up to Henry. "Is it normal to be this nervous?" She asked gently, looking to her hand in his for a moment. Her thumb softly brushed over his knuckles. He had helped her to keep calm when they received the news yesterday that Vaan would be making the announcement today. Henry had managed to keep her mind off of it up until they began the process of getting ready hours ago. She didn't know why she was so nervous, but she was. She was glad Henry would be there with her.
She was very nervous. She hadn't been this nervous since her coming out party George threw for her on her eighteenth birthday. It was here on the island. In this very hall. Henry was there. Only because he had his eyes set on bedding some of the female guests at the party. He never even looked her way except to congratulate her. She studied her future husband thoughtfully. He looked very dashing in his court attire. She smiled and fingered the silk square tucked into his breast pocket. It matched the color of her dress. She knew that it was pretty obvious what had been going on with the prince and Elina, but it was not officially recognized by the court until Vaan made the announcement to the court. She sighed and reached her free hand up to her hair, making sure her tiara was securely in place and that her hair wasn't falling out of the messy french twist it was styled into.
She knew everything was where it was supposed to, but she couldn't help herself. She was just so nervous and anxious at the same time. She actually felt like she was going to be a little sick really. She thought if she could just get through the night without being sick she would be better off than she was at the moment. She told herself to just breath. Just breath and relax and everything would be okay. That's when she realized that she would be sitting at the head of the table with Vaan and his sons and Rachel. That did not help to calm her frazzled nerves at all. Usually her and her parents sat at one of the other tables in the main hall with George's buisness associates or friends. She would be sitting at the head table... She looked back to Henry, doing her best to put on a soft, warm smile, but she was a little too nervous to really let the warmth spread to her brown eyes.
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Post by henry on Jun 30, 2011 17:30:01 GMT -6
It had been awhile since Henry had attended a court function, much less one that involved him directly. Surprisingly, his lessons came back to him with ease and he fell into step with the rhythm of court like he'd been born to do it. Then again, he had been. He walked with purpose, his shoulders back and his head held high, confident that the most beautiful woman in the room would be right next to him. This nervous, fidgety woman who didn't believe in herself nearly as much as she should. They stood in front of the doors that led to the main hall, waiting their moment to enter and be formally acknowledged as future mates. "Is it normal to be this nervous?" He looked down at her, a small smile on his face. She'd been freaking out for hours now. "Considering the circumstances? Yes." He wouldn't admit that he felt a little green around the gills himself. He just hid it better than she did, and she needed someone to help keep her calm.
Elina proceeded to try and fix things about herself that weren't broken and he gently captured her wrist with his hand. She looked like an angel. There was no need for her to fret. Then again, he was a bit biased. She could have been covered in mud and he would have thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Bringing her hand up to his lips, he kissed the tips of her fingers. "Stop that. You look stunning, your hair is amazing, your tiara is straight, your shoes are on and fastened, and everything is as it should be." She still looked panicked, and Henry smiled at her. He hadn't exactly been through this before, but he knew the routine. He knew what was expected. The best he could do was to be strong for Elina and let her know that he would help her through the night.
A strong sense of pride went through him, knowing that this particular occasion was for them, to celebrate. Henry had a bit to celebrate for. He was in love. That was reason enough, really. He was still terrified out of his mind, but he chose to ignore that for the time being. He didn't want to ruin the night by freaking out when nobody but him would know the reason. Instead, he focused on the woman next to him. His Elina. He could hear his father's voice coming from inside the hall and he took a deep breath. He looked down at Elina again, trying to exude an air of confidence. "You ready?" Then the doors started to crack open.
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Captain Dawn Roseburn
Captain of the Guard
'I have no desire to be Queen. I only wish to be by his side.'
Posts: 146
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Post by Captain Dawn Roseburn on Jul 2, 2011 11:04:38 GMT -6
The night had finally arrived, nobles were circling the main hall curious about the festivities. Already whispers hung in the air, the main rumor? They all speculated that King Vaan had finally proposed to Lady Adrienne. That one had Dawn ready to bite someone’s head off just for even thinking he was going to marry that puta. Taking a deep breath in, she glance down at her dress wishing she had gone for something longer. The fabric clung to her curves like a second skin but amazingly the knives strapped at her thighs didn’t bulge under it. She was going to have to thank her tailor when this was all over. That man was a genius when it came to dresses she needed for formal events that required her to hide weapons when her jeans and jackets did such easy jobs of that. Wiggling her black painted toes, she couldn’t believe she had put her best high heels on, they were bound to get mucked up knowing her luck. Too late, at least they gave her an extra inch and a half. Skimming over the room, as her mind was reminded who she was, the courtiers were all dressed in their best outfits, hoping to score big approval from the King. Dawn didn’t doubt some hoped to see Henry and entice him to take them to bed. It was going to be far to entertain to watch them when the announcement was made. Passing her eyes over the main doors, she noted that the guards they had yet to give her the sign that the new couple were ready and waiting for their entrance. If she had to go drag Henry out of his suite by his haunches she would do it and she’d probably get help from Lady Elina along the way. The time for the little principito was over, it was time for the man to rise that she knew was deep down in Henry. “Captain Roseburn, I was wondering, might you tell me what this is all about?” Flicking her eyes to her side, she wanted to sigh heavily at the question in annoyance. It was the fifth time she had been approached with it by women mostly but one male had as well, likely a father to some young she-wolf hoping to marry into the royal family. Normally, at these events she was ignored, the nobles looked right past her, which she was fine with, but the secrecy of why there was a party being thrown was too much for them to resist. For Dawn, it just made her job worse than it was meant to be. “No, I cannot tell you. It is not my place to discuss the matters of the royal family.” The temptation to slap the woman was almost too much for Dawn to resist. Her sister would was panting at the idea of jumping on her to feast on her throat for dare asking something that was none of her business. Huffing, the noble lady turned on her feet to walk away towards a group of other ladies. Her ears picked up the smart ass remarks they were making about her short snipped reply making her grind her teeth and shove her sister wolf back deeper into her mind. Stepping away from her spot by the royal family’s table for just a moment, she worked her way to the main doors, eyeing the guards. They stood at attention, staring straight ahead as if afraid Dawn would jump at them for even blinking. Listening for sounds of moment, she picked up on Henry and Elina’s scents just on the other side of the door. Good, they were in position. Nodding to the men, they both placed a hand on the door handles waiting for Vaan’s voice. Dawn quickly went back to Vaan’s side to whisper in his ear for him alone to hear. “They’re ready.”
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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 Jul 2, 2011 13:44:54 GMT -6
Dawn's words alerted him, it was time. Everything was about to begin, rumors would come to a sudden and shocking end. For weeks now, his courtier's tongues had been wagging like never before. Vaan refused to reveal any details about this evening, so other presumed that he had proposed to his mistress.
Fat chance
Adrienne did not deserve the title of her royal highness, she did not deserve to sit in the throne beside him. Tonight the seats either side him would be filled by his sons. Tonight, truths would be revealed and many hearts would lay broken on the floor of the vast hall.
"The truth about tonight is behind those doors" He started, pushing him up and out of his chair. His voice booming, reaching every corner of the massive hall. There was be no-one who did not hear his words "I should start by saying, no I have not proposed to my mistress but why would I?" He chuckled, showing that he had no intention of marrying Adrienne Boudoir, he was happy with where their relationship was presently. "Tonight is about my son, your prince" No courtier would not surprised by this news. "I present to you Prince Henry Niall and his fiancee the Baroness Elina Cali" This was the signal the guards were waiting for. The doors were pulled open, reveal the couple to the entire hall.
His voice did not waver, in this moment Vaan was not the king but a truly proud and happy father.
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Post by Baroness Elina Cali on Jul 2, 2011 17:08:27 GMT -6
She relaxed when his hand took hers, stopping her from trying to "fix" anything else, even though everything was as it should be. She smiled warmly and laid her hand on his cheek before she pressed a soft kiss to his lips, not wanting to smear lipstick all over him. He looked perfect. She had to resist the urge to reach up and straighten his bow tie. She just needed something for her hands so to do. "What would I do without you?" She asked the words sweetly as she wiped a bit of her lipstick off his bottom lip with her thumb softly. She would be a nervous mess without him. That was for certain.
She could hear the murmurs and chatter of the court members in the main hall. She had heard many an interesting rumors since Vaan announced the function but gave no reason for it. She had heard mainly that Vaan was going to announce the engagement of him and Adrienne. God... she would never return if Vaan ever married that whore. She could only imagine what the courtiers would do when they discovered the prince was no longer an available man.
Elina looked to Henry for a moment when he asked if she was ready. She smiled weakly and shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Not really, but I suppose I don't have much choice now, do I?" She looked to the door when she heard Vaan's voice boom through the main hall. She pressed close to Henry and looked her arm through the crook of his gently as the large doors opened to reveal the happy couple. She watched, doing her best to keep a straight face, hiding her nerves from the people of the court as they rose in recognition of their prince and their future princess. She wanted to look to Henry, to find some comfort and strength in him, but she resisted. Instead she took a deep breath and raised her head, holding it high with her shoulders back, taking on a similar stance to her future husband.
She waited for him to lead the way and followed by his side down the aisle of two tables, all eyes on them as they escorted each other to the head table. She just kept her gaze straight ahead, trained on Vaan. She noted that as they went by, people bowed. This was her future. She wasn't even married yet and she already felt like she was a princess. She didn't want to be a princess to be honest. She knew she dreamed about being a princess when she was little, but that was when she didn't realize the responsibilities that came with the title. Now she was grown up, and she didn't want those responsibilities. It would seem that was no her decision now though.
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Post by henry on Jul 3, 2011 11:45:15 GMT -6
"What would I do without you?" Elina's thumb traced Henry's lip and he smiled. "You'd be just fine without me." He honestly believed that. This woman was amazing. She was strong and smart, a fast learner, and stubborn as anyone he knew. Elina had this way of captivating people when she walked into a room. She grabbed attention without meaning to, or probably without even knowing she did it. And she was worried about being a princess? He shook his head in wonder, having complete faith in her. She would be brilliant at it, same as she was for everything else. After indicating that she wasn't ready but didn't have a choice, he nodded. He didn't want to tell her that's pretty much what being royalty meant. It meant hoping for the best while preparing for the worst, being ready for none of it, and doing it all with your head held high. It meant hard choices and even harder actions. This engagement announcement was one of the easier parts, in his opinion.
When Elina pressed close to him and looped her arm through his, he patted her hand gently. "Breathe." He wasn't sure if that was directed at her or at himself. As the doors opened, she stood up straighter and he smiled. The crowd was revealed and a hush came over the entire room as they entered, Henry's hand still covering Elina's where it rested on his arm. He couldn't stop his old lessons from flashing through his mind. Don't stumble. Don't look where you walk either, you have to assume that people will move for you. Don't drag your feet. Head up. Shoulders back. Don't walk too slow. Don't walk too fast. Don't stare at individuals.... The litany went on without fail and he focused on his breathing, fighting his nerves.
The courtiers bowed as they passed and kept silent, though he knew it was mostly in shock rather than propriety. He wanted to tell them, Yes, I'm getting married. You can all pick your chins up off the floor now. He didn't tell them that. Henry did what he was supposed to do, what was expected of him. It was surprising to him how natural that felt. Stopping in front of his father, he made a formal bow. Then, turning to face the rest of the room and bowed again. A prince is a servant of the people, and they are your master whether you hold the higher station or not. He wanted to kick that voice in his head, but it was physically impossible which was a shame. Saying nothing, he kissed Elina's hand and made his way to Vaan's side, nodding politely to Dawn as he did so. Only when the whispering of the courtiers started did he let a grin form on his lips. This was certainly going to prove to be an interesting night, if nothing else.
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Post by crystal2 on Jul 4, 2011 18:29:25 GMT -6
Kevan was used to court functions. As the Chancellor, he had been to more then his fair share of these things. It was just part of the job so to speak. And seeing as how he loved this particular job, he of course had to love the functions. Though he couldn't say that he liked all the people in it. But he didn't care what they thought of him. He did what he wanted to and whether they liked it or not was their problem, not his. He growled softly under his breath as he fiddled around with the tie that went with his beige and cream suit. The stupid thing just did. not. want to cooperate with him. Though this was truly the least of his problems. He usually knew the in and outs of most functions. That is to say the who, what, where, when, how and why. He always knew the reasoning behind them though for some odd reason, the king decided not to tell him a bloody thing about it all this time. And the fact that he didn't really made his blood boil. He was his right hand man (or the other way around as it were)...he should know everything! What made him think he could get away with not telling him a thing?
"Oh fuck...." Kevan cursed as he just tossed the tie to the side. It didn't wanna cooperate? That was fine by him. He didn't need it anyways. He looked fine as is...and if anyone wanted to give him grief, then they'd have to deal with his snarky retorts about it. He gave himself one last look in the mirror to make sure he nothing was out of sorts before he made his way to the main hall. Ever since Vaan had announced this get together, he hadn't said a word to anyone. Thus many rumors had been spread. most of them only earned a slight huff and a shrug from the Chancellor. Rumors...they weren't worth his time. Except for one...there had been a lot of talk about how this event was due to Vaan proposing to Adrienne. Kevan gave another short growl under his breath at the very thought. Him...with Adrienne? ... Bullshit! That commoner whore didn't even deserve to be in the palace. If this was the reason for the event, then he was gonna have a long talk with the King when they had a free moment. Cause that just wasn't going to happen. Not on his watch at least...
He entered the bustling hall and made his way towards the king. Several people said good evening or wished him a good time and Kevan gave them his usual short clipped answers. He couldn't help but snort as one of the lady's seemed to have gotten her fur in a knot. Apparently she didn't know him well. He was short and blunt with everyone kids. Get used to it! Cause it wasn't changing anytime soon. He got to where he was supposed to be and bowed softly to the king. The only one that got a bow. He stood awaiting whatever news that was coming. Then after a while, Vaan's loud voice silenced everyone and Kevan listened as he spoke. A soft grin came upon as his face as he mentioned having no desire to prose to Adrienne. As it should be. She didn't deserve him...
"I present to you Prince Henry Niall and his fiancee the Baroness Elina Cali."
Kevan's slight surprise stayed hidden behind his usual mask of hidden emotions. Oh really? Henry had finally gotten engaged. What a surprise. He couldn't help but wonder what conditions they forced onto the...prince in order to get him a wife. Cause he knew the Baroness wouldn't take him sleeping around. The prince was irresponsible and a child as far as Kevan was concerned. As for Elina, well he didn't have any particular thoughts about her. She didn't bug him as much as some of the others did. Course they hardly spoke at all. In passing all they need was well just pass each other by without a word. And why would he speak to her? He didn't have anything to say to the Baroness whatsoever. Well Princess now he supposed. Well all they could do now was see how it went...
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Duke Xavier Hollows
Mi amore, you have my heart to hold and to keep, to warm it with your own.
Posts: 110
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Post by Duke Xavier Hollows on Jul 4, 2011 20:08:34 GMT -6
Xavier had been resting much of the day so he could be nice and rested for that night for the court function. He had been to many since growing up in court but he wondered what it was for that night. Getting himself all taken care of and dressing in his favorite black skinny jeans, black leather jacket with a white tank top under that. Fixing his thick mass of long hair he quickly slipped his boots and socks on, not wanting to be late. Plus his mom didn't want him being late either, checking on his nanny and her husband letting them know he was going. But waited for them since he wanted them to be there to but he still wondered what was going on just the same. Making sure he looked nice in the mirror he didn't want to embarrass his mom, everyone knew about the mother/son relationship he had with the Captain of the guards, it was something he was proud of.
Leaving his suite with his nanny and her husband to the court function, hurrying to the main hall as fast as possible. Happy nothing had started yet and took his seat and quietly. Listening to whispers around him he didn't say anything about it and smiled hearing the King's words. Thank Luna he wasn't engaged to that awful whore Adrienne, Xavier hated that whore he wasn't going to use the word woman since the whore wasn't remotely a woman in the first place. Moving to his feet hearing what was said he watched the doors open he smiled seeing Henry and Elina walking in. Thinking the courtiers were all going to have hissy fits of some kind hearing their Prince was engaged and no longer for their taking.
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Captain Dawn Roseburn
Captain of the Guard
'I have no desire to be Queen. I only wish to be by his side.'
Posts: 146
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Post by Captain Dawn Roseburn on Jul 4, 2011 22:16:59 GMT -6
Dawn had spotted Xavier slipping into the main hall moments before she gave the ok to the King. Henry might think he was her only cachorro but Duke Xavier had always had a soft spot in her heart after all the years she had watched over him. Blinking, she glanced at Xavier and towards the door where Henry and Elina were about to enter and slowly began to realize just how many little ones she held a hand in raising, in that way she and her wolf had thought of them as her own pups. That thought was for another day because Chancellor Kevan had arrived before Vaan to pay his respect by doing the only bow that was required of him. That man annoyed her, annoyed her because he always seemed to get what he wanted when a law benefited him. He was one of the reasons she was so damn paranoid about saying anything personal to King Vaan or doing anything that might make her appear weak while on duty around the palace.
Finally, Vaan stood up and called attention from the whole room. Everyone fell silent as the bombshell was dropped on each single house or nobility that had hoped their daughter would be the one to grab Henry’s attention. What they didn’t know was that each daughter had grabbed his attention to the point he had slept with most of them. Completely silence filled the main hall almost making her smirk. Was it wrong that way Vaan had worded the bit about Adrienne not being proposed to made her stomach lunge? The grand doors were pulled open to show Henry and Elina arm in arm before they descended down the row of tables. Biting the inside of her cheek, Dawn kept her face neutral when all she wanted to do was smile and applauded the both of them. Elina looked so beautiful that she put every other courtier to shame and Henry, well, that boy always looked good but he seemed to have accepted his reasonability as Prince and it showed.
Dawn watched Henry and Elina make their way towards the head table where Henry bowed to his father before doing so to the people. Even if Henry hadn’t nodded to her, she would have bowed back to him like any other member of the court or like the commoner she truly was. Skimming over the crowd, she saw a number of she-wolves in tears over the Prince’s engagement and a number of the male population seeming to sigh in relief hoping that their wives and mates wouldn’t end up in his bed anymore. “Captain!” The cry was given by a guard off to the opposite side of Henry from her that was pointing in the direction of one Lady Morgan. The lady was already on the move, sprinting, towards the Prince with one of the knives from the table in hand. There was no time for being tactful or elegant in the removal of the lycan, not if Dawn didn’t wish to see a bit of Henry on the floor. “Die, you back stabbing jerk!”
“Forgive me.” Was all Dawn had time to say to Vaan, before she leapt clear over the table. She rolled with the jump before spring right back on her feet to back hand Lady Morgan. She fell back from the muscle the Captain had thrown into the hit to land on a heap before the King and the rest of the nobility in the room. Not even having broken a sweat, she kicked the knife off to the side before standing over the lady that stared up in horror at the Captain.
“The penalty for attacking the Prince is death.” In that moment, Dawn brushed aside all thoughts of her feelings for Vaan. Her mind was set on Captain mode, warrior lycan and protector of the royal family. She’d be damn if Lady Morgan was going to even leave a scratch on Prince Henry. How the hell had she moved so fast in her skin tight dress? Well that was one of the many secrets the Captain possessed, along with fighting in heels that other woman would have died in. Snapping her finger, two guards came over and lifted Lady Morgan to her feet. Turning back to Vaan and his family, Dawn looked Vaan in the eyes. “Orders, Sire?” She wanted to rip the woman’s throat out for even thinking of hurting Henry but it was an engagement announcement party, not the coliseum.
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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 Jul 5, 2011 16:11:42 GMT -6
The sight before him, was something he had been waiting a long time to see. The sight of Elina and Henry entering the hall, they truly looked happy to him. If he was not the King, he might have cried a little proud of his little boy but alas he was not. Vaan was excepted to humble when it came to publicly expressing certain emotions. This would be kept under lock and key until they were alone and celebrating as a family away from the crowds. Everything was falling into place, his son’s life had reached a crossroad and this was his decision and time to shine. Vaan was taking a step back, Henry was ready to make the leap of faith with Elina by his side. Vaan could not be prouder. Courtiers looked on, some shocked whilst others horrified at the very thought the prince was getting to marry to someone who wasn’t their child. There was no other in Vaan’s mind but Elina who could bring light back into his son’s world. She would become his sun like Rebeckah had once before she left forever. Bowing his head in response to Henry’s bow, this was necessary behavior for the royal family. They were representing the masses, their gate keeper and guardian. Protecting and ruling with the hearts and minds of their courtiers and people. Henry was proving himself to the Prince he was born to be, the prince the people needed. With Henry in his place, it was time for Vaan to perform once again, take the stage and publicly invite Elina to the royal table as part of the family. “Elina Cali, I ask that you take a seat at my table, not as just a guest but as my son’s fiancée and part of my family” Happiness flowed through his words as he spoke. It had not escaped his notice that his chancellor had entered. Kevan had a certain atmosphere about him that no-one could easily ignore. The man was one of his closest friends and allies but there were days he questioned the man’s motives but tonight that did not matter. He had quickly returned the bow, nodding his head up then down slowly. There was a respect that his man deserved, he had worked tirelessly for his King and people day in and day out. Others questioned the relationship between the two men, question who truly was the King and who was in the passenger’s seat. Someone else’s presence had not gone unnoticed by Vaan’s keen lycan sense of smell. Xavier had turned up late but still he was there. The boy had been growing on him, everything moment with the young lad, changed him view of him. He was slowing worming his way into the king’s rather guarded heart. Things quickly turned ugly. Drama never is truly far away in this court. Usually chaos and trouble followed his son but he had slept with many different woman over the years. Each one had been someone’s daughter, sister mother or mate which meant an angry man stood behind each and every one of these women. However it was not a man who had tried to attack his son but a scorned lover who had been tossed aside. The voice alerting Dawn, forced Vaan’s guard to rise. His eyes scanned the crowd, catching movement which soon was followed by the enraged voice of Lady Morgan. His brother wolf rose, his eyes changed flashing back and forth between his golden wolf eyes and his more human eyes. No-one threatened a member of his pack like this in his own home! Dawn beat him to the punch, launching herself over the table. Her speed made her form to blur for a split second, Vaan could not help but wonder how she done that in her tight, figure hugging dress and in those killer heels. His wolf had known long before he had, it howled excitedly. Enjoying the sight but wanting nothing more than to take her then and there with those long legs of hers wrapped around his waist with those heels on her feet and digging into his sides as he…no this was certain not the time nor the place for this. It was time to protect ones kin not ogle Dawn. Watching her fight, excited him further, she was magnificent in the way she moved, in the way she fought to defend his family. His eyes lost all laughter, joy and happiness. They were now as cold as ice for the woman before him who had tried to attack his son. “The captain speaks the truth, attacking a member of my pack is treason” His voice was one of a vengeful king who would show no mercy. “Take her out of my sight, throw her in the dungeon” He begun but he was not finished. “She will be tried for her crimes this evening by a panel of your peers” This was final, there was no way out of this decision. Silence hung heavy in the air at what had occurred. King Vaan had spoken
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Post by Baroness Elina Cali on Jul 5, 2011 23:22:41 GMT -6
Elina's gaze laid on Vaan as they made their way down the aisle. She felt almost as if she was walking down the aisle of a wedding. As they came to the head table, she followed Henry's cue and curtsied as he bowed and turned with him to curtsy to the courtiers. She was going to be a princess, and that meant the people were her people now. It would be her duty to serve the people. To think of them before herself. To help them in her time of need. She looked to Henry as she turned back to Vaan. A slow, easy smile crossed her lips as Henry brushed a kiss over the knuckles of her hand. She might have had a bit of a panic attack when he released her hand and went to sit next to his father. She looked up to them, smiling weakly. It was obvious Vaan was very proud of his pup. Of what would become of his son. What laid in the future of his pack. She never thought about it, but when the time came... Henry would become the next alpha of the pack. They would lead the pack into the future.
She looked up to Vaan as his voice rose above the murmurs of the court. Everyone quieted as Vaan asked her to sit at their table. Not as a guest, but a part of her family. She felt her heart swell with pride at that thought. She smiled up at him and nodded her head in answer. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty." She said calmly. She picked up the hem of her dress a lit before making her way to her seat by Henry. She smiled and happily took her spot beside him, smiling up at Henry even thought she still felt like a basket full of nerves. The worst of it was over now.
Or so she thought. She looked over her shoulder when she heard the shout of the guard. She looked at where he was pointing and let out a yell of alarm. "Henry!" She reached out to him when she realized what was going on. Someone was trying to kill Henry. She didn't know what was going on. All she knew was one second she was reaching for Henry and the next, Dawn had the woman on the floor and cuffing her. She watched, hanging onto Henry's arm tightly as she watched the guards hoist the woman to her feet. She looked up to Vaan as he confirmed Dawn's words. This woman stood no choice. She would be sentenced to death. And just for making an attempt on Henry. She looked up to him, a little shakey as she watched the guards take her away.
She looked over to Vaan, who looked like a very dangerous person to mess with at the moment, then to Henry. Who had she been? One of Henry's past lovers? It seemed like the most plausible explanation. How many more times would they have to go through an experience like that? Elina's mood marginally began to get more and more depressing at the thought. She resisted the urge to wilt in their present company and instead looked around the main hall. She saw so many faces, but she couldn't put the names to the faces. She suddenly felt a little dizzy, putting a hand to her head for a moment she blinked a couple of times before she took her hand away and sat up straight once more. She spotted her mother and father and studied them for a moment. He was home for the week, but he hadn't brought any slutty bimbos along with him this time, which surprised her because the last time that happened, Althea and George had a little fling.
Every so often George would come home from England and he and Althea would enjoy each other's company on an intimate level. Elina could understand why they did it. Pups. Althea wanted another pup now that her two daughters were leaving the nest. It would only be a matter of time before Helen found a husband and left as well. George wanted a son though. Someone who could carry on the family name. An heir to the empire he was building. Elina had always been a little infuriated by that, but she understood part of it. Henry was from a time when that sort of thing was important to a family. It always had been important to their family. In their family, women were to over see the house and breed pups for the husband. Elina hoped that was not all that was expected of her from Henry.
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Post by henry on Jul 6, 2011 20:29:11 GMT -6
Henry smiled as Vaan formally requested Elina's presence at their table, not as a guest, but as a member of the royal family. Vaan had been the one to arrange the marriage, so he would have no reason not to invite Elina to their table, but he still breathed a sigh of relief when she nodded her head and began to move toward him. She was still nervous but it only showed in the tension of her shoulders. In every other aspect, she was the epitome of a future princess. His heart swelled with the knowledge that they would soon be married, and that she would have more than just his love for her to tie them together. He held out his hand to her as she approached, already missing her touch. She stood next to him, his fiancee, and he gave her a smile before facing the couriers once again. Not even the Chancellor's presence could dampen the happiness he felt. That's when the trouble started....
Henry watched as Morgan came toward them in a fit of rage. Quite a few things happened at once. Elina cried out his name and reached for him. Dawn sailed over the table. He moved himself in front of Elina, not sure if the attack was meant for him or her. He let his body move by instinct alone and that instinct demanded that he protect what was his. There was really no cause for worry with Dawn watching out for them, but his mind had yet to catch up to his heart. He had his fingers wrapped around Elina's wrist before her hand made contact with him, and he pulled her behind him as he took a step forward. Once Dawn backhanded Morgan, he stopped to realize what had happened, his heart pounding. He eyed the knife that Dawn kicked away from Morgan's hand and he growled. It was a deep growl, barely audible but for the heartfelt rumble in his chest.
He watched in silence as Dawn brought Morgan to the table and it appeared that the fight had gone out of the woman. Her hair had come partially undone and hung in her face, but he still recognized her. She was merely one of his many conquests that he'd spurned in fear of getting too attached. Now that he thought about it, there were a great many women in this room who would be rather put off by the announcement made just moments ago. He looked around the room at them, barely hearing his father's orders as Morgan was carried away. The faces of those women stared back at him and he felt his face grow hot in shame at the same time that he felt Elina sag behind him. Turning around, he placed a hand on her shoulder and watched her.
Sometimes he really hated the person he'd become, the person he had been forced to become. Now that he listened, he could almost hear the sounds of hearts breaking behind him, but his eyes and this thoughts were all focused on the woman in front of him. He ran a thumb across her cheek tenderly, wanting to make sure she wasn't going to pass out on him. Morgan had been the first, but he wondered how many more there would be. How many times would he have to face his past? He shook his head at himself and returned to his position beside Elina, hoping that she would be able to forgive him for all those mistakes. So many women. The sheer size of the situation was literally staring him in the face, and he saw now why Elina hadn't wanted to marry him. He hoped beyond all hope that she knew she would never be able to count herself among those women. They were fleeting connections, and Elina was the woman he loved. The two couldn't have been more different.
He kept his face a mask of impassiveness, when really all he wanted to do was go back to his suite and hide from everyone. So many. He took a deep breath. This was supposed to be a happy event, not a gathering of women who would like to see his spleen on a spike. For the first time in a long time, he felt genuine regret for the things he'd done to these women. It was tempting to speak up and say something, but he kept his silence with his jaw clenched, his face a near mirror of his father's. Twining his fingers with Elina's, he gave them a gentle squeeze, wanting to explain thing to her, wanting to convey everything he felt with that one simple gesture. He had no idea if she caught his meaning, but he hoped she knew that he was there for her and that he regretted what had just happened.
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Post by crystal2 on Jul 12, 2011 21:52:33 GMT -6
Kevan wasn't an idiot. He was far from it. He may not have said too much (well on most occasions at least--not unless it involved him directly or indirectly in any way) but he knew things. You didn't get old without knowing things. He knew there were many in this very room who didn't like him all together too much. Didn't like the way he did things. Or liked the way he may have acted at times. And what was his response to them? To their inevitable thoughts? Oh well. He wasn't going to change himself for anyone. Never had and he never will. He was who he was and they were just going to have to deal with it. Cause he wasn't going to give up his position or change his ways for anything or anyone anytime soon. They could all hang that up. And if they had a problem with it--that was to say with him, then it was their problem, not his. It wasn't any skin off the Chancellor's back unless they took it off...then there was problems.
But for tonight, Kevan was merely a watcher and observer to all that was happening around him. He saw Vaan nod back to him implying that he had noticed him. He had nothing to say and so nothing did he say...for now at least. He listened to the King as he invited the Baroness (okay so the whole calling her Princess thing might take some getting used to after so long of knowing her as the Baroness) sit next to him not as a guest but as family. It was only fitting seeing as how she was marrying his son. Everything seemed to be going well. Or as well as they could be. The crestfallen look and cries of many a other lady did not pass his eye or ear for that matter. It took a good dose of self control for him not to snort as them all. So the man they all slept with was getting married...they didn't have to make themselves look like utter fools in public over it now did they? But otherwise it was shaping up to be a nice evening.
Then all hell broke loose as it were.
Kevan only watched with a rather unamused look on his face as the Lady...Morgan was her name? Bah so many people and so many names to remember. But the point was not obviously the name he could not remember at the moment, but the fact that the lady charged towards the prince with a knife from the table. His eyebrow rose...obviously the woman was scorned and could not keep her jealousy in check. Then motions were all a bit of a blur--even for him. The Captain launched herself over the table in that tight dress and ridiculous heels...how a lady could fight in those, he resigned himself to never knowing...nor did he really care to know to be quite frank. A shrill call by someone had gone right through his head. Though for the sake of keeping the night bloodless...the lady was quickly cuffed and brought to her feet.
Kevan only gave the lady a steeled glare with his blue eyes as the king told the captain to take her away. She deserved it. Every second of that dungeon cell and the trial and possible death. Attacking any nobility was inexcusable...and if it was any other event, he'd have her tried at this moment. But it was an engagement party...a pretty important matter as things were concerned...and so he kept his disgust to himself...
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Duke Xavier Hollows
Mi amore, you have my heart to hold and to keep, to warm it with your own.
Posts: 110
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Post by Duke Xavier Hollows on Jul 13, 2011 15:09:08 GMT -6
He knew he was going to be late getting there but hoped it wasn't late enough to interrupt anything. Xavier hoped he wasn't going to get in trouble for it either he wasn't usually late to get to anything either. Making as little noise as possible but was still seen by his mom and by Vaan, cringing his sorries to them for being late. His scent was quite hard to miss really and he did understand that. Taking his seat he sat there and relaxed but saw Kevan there, god he hated that man. But all in all kept that to himself. Quite happy that the King wasn't remotely going to marry the palace whore but figured that Adrienne was going to have huge ass hissy fit very soon. Well boohoohoo deal with it honestly. Keeping quiet through the entire thing until the hell broke loose lovely a nice night was ruined by some jealous and vengeful dip stick. Staying in his seat he felt the urge to shift and tackle the woman but didn't do it.
Looking from where he sat silently Xavier reached up rubbing the back of his neck some wondering what would end up happening next. He hoped nothing else went wrong that was the last thing that needed to happen, it was a special night for Henry and Elina it didn't need to be ruined. Listening again to the women all being idiots about the Prince being engaged he didn't really say anything he wasn't going to be mean about it or anything, hell he hadn't even found his soulmate yet. Watching the goings on he didn't think the offending woman would get out of anything alive and didn't really deserve it for trying to do something that stupid.
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Captain Dawn Roseburn
Captain of the Guard
'I have no desire to be Queen. I only wish to be by his side.'
Posts: 146
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Post by Captain Dawn Roseburn on Jul 13, 2011 17:12:12 GMT -6
Dawn hadn’t thought, hadn’t even really planned her actions before taking down Lady Morgan. She had simply done the thing she had been trained to do since she was nineteen, attack any threat to the royal family without thought or concern to her own health. Such thinking might have frightened or baffled another being but for her, protecting someone was as natural to her as breathing or shifting into her sister wolf. It was a true same the lady hadn’t put up a fight, now that she had given into her wolf for that second to leap over the table with such speed her sister wolf craved more. Some much had happened in a matter of seconds that if she wasn’t normally prepared for such events she might have whiplash.
Looking up at Vaan, she knew her men had Lady Morgan in a tight grip to prevent her from trying anything else but a short glimpse to her side told Dawn that the lady didn’t have it in her anymore. She hung there in the guard’s hands, accepting the sentence passed by the king. She waved her hand to the guards in a silent order for them to take care of the she-wolf as ordered. By the odd silence that fell over the hall seemed to feed the spark of anger in her blood realizing just how many ex-lovers Henry had in the room.
Turning from Vaan, the Captain felt the need to set the record straight right then. “Does anyone else wish to test my patience for this sort of foolishness?” Dawn stared down at ladies she had seen in the halls, rooms, or even the woods with Henry before she turned her eyes to the husbands and families that were connected with each one. Staring them down, she almost seem to be daring them to try something, daring them to grant her wolf the pleasure of killing someone. Allowing her wolf to surface, her eyes glowed a golden brown to let them all know she was dead serious. Because unlike Lady Morgan, she wasn’t going to stop after breaking them down into a submissive stance. However, ever person that she examined seem to cast their eyes off to the side clearly not wishing to set off the woman.
Rolling her head slightly, Dawn took a deep breath in and let it out while walking over to the knife on the floor. Bending over, she picked it up and ran her finger over the edge of it. The damn thing was made of silver. The temptation to stab Lady Morgan in the chest with it nagged at the back of her mind but she forced that thought away before her wolf grabbed hold of it. Instead, she merely passed the knife off to another guard who quickly left the main hall to take it in for evidence. It was easy to see that her wolf wasn’t as ready to calm down as her eyes continued to glow behind her dark curls bouncing with each step she took. “I am sorry for the interrupting, Your Highness, Prince Henry, Lady Elina.” To each one she spoke to, the Captain bowed respectfully then went to walk around the table back to her place in the shadows behind Vaan. There was no way she was jumping over the table again.
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