Bleeding Love (Vaan/Henry/Open)

[Vaan Niall]

He needed to take control of himself before the wolf broke through. Taking in several deep breaths, trying to calm him down. Vaan needed to be in control, the wolf could not break through his now break barriers or this might turn into a blood bath that no-one would ever forget. If he had been seated then his knuckles would be white, from gripping the arms of his chair so tightly but alas he was standing. His son’s life had been threatened and the King would not let this pass. This was warning to anyone in this hall who dared to think, dream of plotting against any member of his family or pack. No-one would be spared.


He turned his head, taking in Elina and Henry. His face softened considerable but hating that he might had frightened his new almost daughter in law, this was not the best introduction to his family. Vaan would have to speak to her in private, to chase away any fears she might have that had arisen from this particular evening. Quickly he turned back, his mask slipped back into place. “This is a warning to other who might be thinking of trying something similar, I will show no mercy.” This was the only warning he would give on this matter. As quick as it had appeared, it faded and a soft smile spread across his lips. “Now this is a celebration that I have been waiting many years for, let’s enjoy the rest of the evening” His voice was lighter, happier than before as he took his seat once more.

There was one other he would need to speak with, rather urgently and that was Henry. It was clear that the woman, Lady Morgan had been one of his scorned lovers. His son had taken many a lover over the past few years. The numbers seemed to double and most likely half the ladies in this room had slept with the prince at least one. Something would be done about this serious problem standing in the way of his son, Elina and their wedding.


Vaan would need to schedule a meeting with his chancellor, in order to inform the proclamation he had made this evening. Everything was changing around him, it was like sand that escaped betwixt his fingers as he tried to grasp at it. The man’s opinion he trusted and took into account, at times it seemed that Kevan was the King not Vaan. Summoning a servant to his side, he handed a piece of paper which he had written a simple message ‘We need to talk and soon Vaan’

“Take this to the chancellor” He told the younger looking man but then again, lycans never really looked their age. The man nodded his head and scurried off. The very presence of the young lord Xavier seemed to calm his nerves further. The boy was becoming important to the king but before he could invite him into his pack, he would have to prove himself worthy.

It could be something simple but it had to show courage and loyalty to the King and his pack. Vaan excepted good things from that boy but he would have to wait and see what arose in the coming days, weeks and months. The image of Dawn jumping over the table in that short dress had now imprinted upon his mind, it was something he would revisit later when he was alone in his chambers. How she done such a feat without her dress riding up escaped the king but that did not matter in this moment.


Dawn was truly a sight to behold, his brother wolf stirred once more. A goddess wrapped in a soft pink material showing her curves off to the world. For now he would resist his urges but for how long could he hold back? His patience would snap eventually but what would come from such a relationship? Never before had there been a royal and commoner upon the throne, the marriage prevented such a coupling. Maybe this needed to be changed but only once he informed Dawn of his intentions and feelings. If she felt the same then the law would change and if now then that bridge would be dealt with when he crossed it.

His captain deserved the post above all other, once more she had proved this with such a simple but effective statement. A true warrior in wolf skin as she took her place in the shadows once more. “There no need for just words Captain, it was necessary. I thank you for your loyalty” In such a public place, Vaan could not address her informally, but still his words were warm and inviting. His smile widen as his eyes locked with hers before turning away to face the hall once more.

[Baroness Elina Cali]

She closed her eyes softly and leaned her forehead to Henry's gently. She was feeling a little feint suddenly, which only made her question her health more. She hadn't been feeling well the last couple of days. She was always tired. And her heart beat was much more erratic. It worried her a little because she had no idea what the cause was. She hadn't said anything to Henry because she didn't want him to worry. He didn't need to worry about her. She was just fine.

She looked up when she felt his hand lay over her bare shoulder. Her gaze met his and she smiled weakly. "I'm fine. I promise." She murmured softly. The only ones who would have heard her were Henry and those within very close proximity. It wasn't a lie. She was fine. She wasn't hurt. She looked him over, suddenly worried about him. She laid a hand softly over his cheek, studying his face. He was upset. She could tell that much. He had his jaw clenched. When he was upset and wanted to say something he always clenched his jaw like he was now. She could understand why he was upset. How many other women were now planning to do that to him? To rip him and possibly Elina apart? She looked to his hand as they sat back down. She felt the squeeze. And she felt so much in that one simple squeeze. She wanted so badly to lean over and brush a tender kiss over his lips and cheek, but she was entirely sure how appropriate that would be with the eyes of the entire court on them at that moment. So she looked to him and she squeezed his hand in return, lacing her fingers between his.

Her gaze turned to Dawn when she turned, apologized, and bowed. Elina didn't understand why she was apologizing. She was not the one to make the initial interruption, and to top it off, she was only doing her job. She looked to Dawn, shaking her head softly. "No apologies necessary, Captain." She said gently before she looked around the tables. All was beginning to settle and now tongues were starting to wag. No doubt a few rumors would be born in this very hall tonight. Over a number of things just from that one little outburst. She watched as Adrienne stood from where she had been sitting and she stormed out, catching the attention of several court members. Elina watched the whore leave, doe eyes studying her as she walked out with her nose in the air. No doubt pissed off about Vaan's comment. The woman had finally fallen off her pedistal. "About damn time."

She glanced to Vaan and then watched the doors as they closed behind the snob. She knew that Adrienne had been some of Henry's entertainment during those few weeks where Elina denied him his bed and sex. She had been one of Henry's regulars well before Elina and Henry were engaged. She wondered how Vaan went all these years without knowing of Adrienne promiscuity with Henry. She supposed that did not matter anymore. Elina had the satisfaction of knowing that Adrienne would never touch Henry again. In any way. The bitch would stay away if she knew what was best for her. She looked back to Henry once everything went back to normal and people began feasting on the food that had been set out on the tables. She lifted his hand to her lips and brushed a kiss over his knuckles with a soft smile.

[henry]

Henry tried to push down his guilt. He really did. Ever since he'd gotten close to Elina, pushing his emotions to the back of his mind became increasingly difficult, so the guilt was pushing back rather ruthlessly. So many women, staring dumbstruck that they hadn't been the one chosen. He forced himself to look at them. Some were noticeably angry. Others looked hurt or betrayed. A couple were even crying. It surprised him in some ways. For years he'd honestly believed that his fleeting nights with these women meant as little to them as it meant to him. As he looked out among the courtiers, he started to realize that he'd broken quite a few hearts along the way.

Henry took a deep breath as he and Elina took their seats, drawing strength from the touch of her hand. She may not know it, but she was his lifeline. The gazes from the women in front of him would have been enough to drive him off if she hadn't been by his side. He didn't know how she couldn't see what strength she held. There were quite a few sayings that popped into his head at that moment, but none of them quite fit. Calling someone a "rose among thorns" usually referred to one's beauty. Elina was beautiful, but it wasn't quite right. There were some women who were like hearth fires--slow burning, but warm and inviting. Others were like fireworks--dazzling, but short lived. Elina was like a lightning storm that never ended. She was the constant spark from a forge fire. She was the sun itself. He loved her, and to him she was everything.

Elina squeezed his hand before twining her fingers with his, and he slowly unclenched his jaw, taking comfort from her as much as possible. He was worried about her in more ways than one. She had been trying to hide not feeling well, but she'd seemed a bit off for days now. Even her scent was slightly off, but it was nothing he could explain. And then there was her pale face, looking like she was going to faint. Worrying about her was almost enough to push the guilt away, but not quite. He stared into her eyes, wanting to wrap himself up in her arms and hold her in return. He was surprised to see worry reflected back at him. What reason would she have to be worried about him? Well, other than getting attacked by a mob of angry females.

Guilt returned, but he tried to focus on other things. He did what he was expected to do. He nodded at Dawn politely. He kept his face as impassive as possible while appearing like he was enjoying himself. All the while, he kept his fingers laced with Elina's under the table. He kept his eyes on her and tried to ignore the mutterings around him. That lasted for all of ten seconds when Elina's gaze sharpened, and Henry followed her line of sight. He didn't catch what led to it, but he watched as Adrienne stormed out of the hall, the doors banging shut behind her. After a moment of silence, the room started to buzz with conversation again and Henry muttered under his breath. "That is one woman I never should have touched." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the color drained from his face. He didn't move, but he could tell his father and Elina had both heard the accidental admission. His heart pounded and his mouth went dry. Please ignore it. Please ignore it. Please ignore it... Already, he could feel sweat start to break out on his skin.

[crystal2]

Kevan was among one of the undoubtedly many people who had been glad to see Adrienne knocked off her so-called pedestal. The commoner whore didn't belong here...with the nobles. Or anywhere else in the palace. And she certainly did not deserve the King as her mate. But that was neither here nor there. What was done (and needed to be done for ages in his opinion) had been finally done. And he had no say in it for a change. Surprising--wasn't it? But it was over--and as he watched Adrienne storm out, he couldn't help the slight smirk that touched the corner of her mouth. But--now that the ruckas had been taken care of--so shameful really how some people just couldn't handle things--he was content with simply enjoying himself as much as everyone else in the room. It was--as the King had said--a joyous occasion to be celebrated. And he was sure that no one else would dare interrupt that again. Not unless they valued their lives. The King was a good man yes, though not someone you'd want as an enemy...to be sure.

Kevan's ears pricked as he heard the young voice beside him. He turned just as the young lycan male nodded slightly and then handed the other the note and walked away. Kevan simply took the note from the younger lycan and read the one liner not really acknowledging that the other had even walked away. Kevan's eyebrow slightly rose...this was it? Nothing more? He turned the paper over and his confusion only grew. What on earth would the King have to talk to him about? Specially that he didn't want to tell him?! Hmmm something didn't set right here. But then again--the more he thought about it--the more he was sure it was just simply to talk about what to do with the Lady that had so foolishly tried to attack the Prince.

He glanced over at the prince as he could have swore he heard him say--something. Though what--he couldn't be sure. After a few seconds however, he simply looked back at what was in front of him. The short note...and shook his head. The king always told him what they had to talk about. Always. And this--well it was different. He wasn't sure if it was to be a good different or a bad different yet...but he would figure it out soon enough. Of that--he was sure...