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Archive 20 / king’s-bride
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Aeden BOT 21-Mar-22 04:10 AM
“Stop fussing Princess, you look beautiful.” Ada, one of the Princess’ handmaidens said while tending to the Princess’ hair. On good terms with the noble, she knew she could speak a little more freely, although wouldn’t day strike up such a familiar tone if in the vicinity of the other royals in the family. “Go ahead Aeden, tell her, doesn’t she?” The handsome night’s brows rose as he was stood with arms crossed at the doorway. Watching some time now as his dear Princess got prepped and ready to meet the man who had been the talk of the Kingdom spanning weeks now when it was revealed her hand would be given in marriage. It was customary that the two would meet and formally her hand would be requested. Although the finer details of this union had been hammered out behind the scenes by the men most involved. Namely, Meredith’s father, the King of Auriel, and Kaellus the King of the neighboring state Gaelia. “Very presentable, Princess.” Aeden said softly as his grey eyes fell upon the woman. His tone sincere, but his choice of words and demeanor was overly professional. “Tch, presentable?” Ada clicked her tongue. “Don’t listen to him, this King is going to be absolutely smitten by you.” The storied tales of Kaellus had circulated the Kingdom for weeks now. A ‘new’ King, borne of a civil war within Gaelia. New blood to sit upon the throne, a new legacy, and a new start to diplomatic relations between neighboring Kingdoms who were on unsteady ground, although not necessarily hostile to one another prior. King Mayweather was a respectable and kind man who had ruled for decades now, however, he would be doing his children a disservice if he didn’t make well certain that the peace of these lands was secured. As such, the tying of families was a practice as old as time. And Meredith represented peace and prosperity between the neighboring Kingdoms.
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Aeden watched, withholding a smile, though in his heart he was happy for the girl. This was her destined fate after all. One of the many reasons he was tasked to oversee and guard her, such that one day she would be able to fulfill her role. Truthfully he was genuinely happy that she seemed excited at the prospect and that her hand would be given to a man who could presumably love and keep the Princess safe. From afar, pouring through the opened windows of the bedroom the sounds of crowds cheering from far off reverberated across the city. It was clear that the neighboring King of Gaelia, along with his entourage, had just past through the front gates. This would be a joyous time within the Kingdom. The civilians would celebrate in their own ways, just as the nobles would hold a feast and ceremony for the union of two Kingdoms. Naturally, Kaellus’ destination was to see King Mayweather. Meredith would be presented later. The union of diplomatic relations was front and center, the physical union of two people was of lesser concern to these men. But that was fine. That was just how these things went.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 21-Mar-22 05:46 AM
She had been preparing herself for weeks for this day. Ever since her father had taken her aside and told her he was offering her hand in marriage she had been feeling so many different emotions. She had been estatic, happy.. but also sad and concerned. She had kept those emotions to herself as much as she could. She had always known she was likely to marry a man she did not know. He was a king.. she should be happy, consider herself luck with such a match. But he was a king who was made from war. Who obtained his throne through blood. She couldn’t help wonder what kind of man he was. She knew so little about him. But their union was crucial for keeping the peace, to strenghten the bond between the two kingdoms. She could’t fail her people. So even as the nerves were gripping at her heart, she tried to bury those emotions back. She was dressed by Ada in a dress that had been tailored for the occasion. It was was a deep navy blue, decorated with beautiful embroidery and imbedded with sapphires. It hugged her around her waist and flared out at her hips to show her figure to the future kind. It complimented her silver hair and ice blue eyes perfectly. It was combined with earrings and a necklace inlayed with the same sapphires as the dress itself. Combined with the beautiful braided hairstyle that Ada had done on her she looked like the young maiden she was. Someone to be claimed as a price. Everything about her that day spoke about the wealth of her kingdom. “Go ahead Aeden, tell her, doesn’t she?” She heard Ada’s voice and she couldn’t help but turn to her knight to want his opinion. He had been with her for as long as she could remember. Always by her side. He had prevented her from so many injuries when she was young, catching her as she fell. Even now he protected her from the civilians who might wish her harm. His opinion mattered to her. “Very presentable, Princess.” He said and she could feel a small smile grow on her face. It was a much as she cou
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ld expect from him. Always kind.. but always distant from her. “Thank you, my knight.” She spoke to him lovingly. She turned back towards the mirror and looked at herself one more time. Taking a deep breath she tilted up her chin and pushed her chest forward. “I am ready to meet the King.”
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Nakachu 21-Mar-22 05:49 AM
(Dress for reference)
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Aeden BOT 22-Mar-22 05:07 AM
Princess Meredith was known as the shining Sapphire of the Kingdom, regarded as the fairest in the land. Perhaps it was exaggeration, but she was certainly beautiful and as she was dressed and prepared this day to meet her future husband, she was honestly breath-taking. Aeden had known this, had watched her grow into the capable woman she was today. He was under no disillusionment as to what her fate had in store for her. It was his dream too, to serve and protect her so that his Princess one day would become a Queen to sit upon the throne. She was destined for another, and that was perfectly fine for the Knight. He hoped she would be happy because knowing her as he did now, he certainly would give her the world so long as it was within his power.
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Kaellus BOT 22-Mar-22 05:07 AM
Elsewhere, accompanied by his generals and guard, rode Kaellus on horseback, as opposed to being drawn by carriage. Cloaked in hides and wolf skins, Gaelia was a more barbaric kingdom. Strength was respected and while their culture and customs ran deep and were developed, it differed from Auriel’s arts and theaters. Keen green eyes peered out upon the citizens who cheered and drank happily as this all would be a prelude towards the joining of neighboring kingdoms. A king who could keep their citizens happy was a strong and wise king, Kaellus would not take that away from King Mayweather. Sure, this Kingdom lacked the same warrior spirit, they appeared softer of flesh and mind, but while Kaellus strongly respected the blade, he also knew there were other ways with which to rule. And was well aware that the Kingdom of Auriel had much to offer. To what would he have to gain if Auriel was as significant and capable as a military power as Gaelia? Gaelia was already strong with warriors, what they needed were traded resources and thus, this arrangement was more than just a mere wedding. Of course Meredith would have expectations in providing for her husband, but there was much more to be discussed and exchanged. Lazily the King’s entourage walked their way on horseback to the main Keep before the Gaelic king dismounted. It was deceiving while he was on horseback, but he truly stood a good head taller than most men. Exuding a powerful presence and an expression that would suggest he’d seen many hardships. “King Mayweather-“ Kaellus acknowledged, but did not bow. Nor did he necessarily expect the other King to bow either. They stood as partners in this exchange. Assuming all went well Kaellus would be walking away with what he wanted, and by exchange so would the King of Aurelia. Green eyes drifted this way and that. The older male knew not of how Meredith looked. Quite frankly it didn’t matter so long as she was fertile. She was merely one piece of the trade b
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etween these kingdoms.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 22-Mar-22 06:17 AM
Once she had decided that she was ready to meet her future husband, Ada had wasted no time to get her ready to meet him. She had draped a cloak over the Princess’s shoulders to keep her warm against the cold air outside and done her hood up in a way that would not damage the complicated hairdo that decorated her head. Together with her handmaiden and her knight she started the walk to the other side of the castle. She would meet the King of Gaelia in her father’s throne room. As they walked she could feel her nerves growing. What if the king did not favor her? What if he laid his eyes upon her and decided she was not to his liking? She felt like a part of the future of her kingdom depended on it. Today she needed to be perfect.. It was a pressure that the 19 year old Princess was not yet used to. Having been prepared for this her whole life, she found the actual thing being something that she was not ready for. “Nervous?” The voice beside her called her out. It was Ada. The girl could always read her like a book. Meredith took a deep breath and looked her way. “Yes, but I will be alright. Thank you for your concern, Ada.” She said to her handmaid, trying to give her a convincing smile. The girl smiled back at her. “He would be a fool not to like you, Princess. You look stunning.” The girl assured her and it made Meredith take yet another deep breath. It helped though, even if just a little bit. Eventually they made their way to the throne room. Ada would help her out of her cloak and the doors would open before her. A guard announced her arrival. “Now making her entrance, Her Royal Highness Meredith Maywheater, Princess of Auriel, the Shining Sapphire.” She was announced by her titles. Her handmaiden would stay back, yet her knight would still be right behind her, always her shadow. This was when she first laid eyes upon the barbaric King of Gaelia. He was massive.. His shoulders spanning at least twice the width that she was, arms that seemed almost as
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wide as her waist and made of steel. Even his height was larger then she had thought. If she could guess, she barely reached his chest if she would be standing before him. The sight of him terrified her, made her breath catch in her chest. How was she supposed to pleasure a man such as him? She was well aware that would be one of her tasks. She quickly brushed the thought from her mind, this was not the time to question herself. She needed to be perfect, she reminded herself. She quickly brought a gentle smile back to her face and folded her hands gracefully in front of her body as she walked towards the King. Her eyes would find his as she came closer and as she stood before him she bowed herself at the legs. “Your Majesty.” She adressed him by his correct title. “I am pleased to present myself.”
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Aeden BOT 22-Mar-22 09:01 AM
From afar the greyed eyed knight drew his attention towards the Gaelic King. The man’s presence was indeed overwhelming and larger than life. This wasn’t a concern for Aeden, after all, wouldn’t he be pleased to know Meredith would be in the arms and hands of one that could equally protect her? Perhaps this was a bitter sweet moment, not because the fateful day came that her hand would be given to another, but that her presence would be removed from the Kingdom, shortly. That said, his position as her Guardian would not be relinquished. Only death could relieve him of his duties. The Knight dare not allow his mind to wander onto what other facets of this scenario may have been bitter sweet. One must keep in mind that in today’s age there was a Noble Class, and a serving class. Needs of the individual were set aside for the wellbeing of those stationed above them. Aeden knew better than to allow his mind to forget that.
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Kaellus BOT 22-Mar-22 09:01 AM
Kaellus had heard her title even prior to this day. The Sapphire of Auriel. A pretentious title, however dressed in the blue dress with the inlaid jewels contrasting against her skin and accenting her eyes, admittedly she shimmered like one would imagine. The stern faced man wore a stoic expression, betraying nothing as to whether he was impressed or disappointed in her as the Princess made her way before him. Still, the king of Gaelia had some etiquette. As if he would make an outward declaration of disappointment in the girl before such an audience. Honestly, the bar set for an appropriate bride was set incredibly low, so long as the girl was not barren. All the same, it was quite apparent just how genetically different Gaelia was from Auriel. Meredith was of a petite build, in kind with what he’d seen for the citizenry having more slender form. Even the females within Gaelia held impressive size and strength to them. Had he not known better, Meredith would be perceived as sickly had she been Gaelic. Green eyes from on high gazed down upon the pretty blue hues of the girl before him. His face giving her nothing. Was he pleased? Disappointed? He did this to measure the girl’s resolve. She was young, likely half his age. Obviously ‘saved’ for marriage, so this was likely the first time the girl would be introduced to a man with the intent of bonds being created. An awkward silence befell the two as the crowds died down and people looked on. Was she not acceptable? His right hand reached out. His palm huge, fingers thick, and his skin calloused as befitting a man who worked with his hands on a daily basis. In contrast to most noble men who had soft skin. He cupped the princess’ soft cheek, the large thumb dipping beneath her chin and raising her gaze. His eyes peered upon her cheek, and neckline, turning her head this way and that. Almost as if inspecting livestock. Eyes dipped lower, towards the exposed portion of the woman’s upper chest, her modes
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t bust that was hugged and supported by her brilliant dress, contouring to her slender form before the cut of said dress flared out at her hips. It at least gave the appearance that she had hips suitable for child rearing, though he supposed he would know better upon their marriage night.
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She struck him as fragile. But in the end he needed her for one thing only, and so, soon the King smiled. “I’ve heard a great deal about you Princess Meredith. The shimmering jewel of Auriel, I would certainly say you measure up to your namesake.” His touch was warm, almost starkly so in the generally cooler air of the day. Soon he let go of her, eyes shifting from off his future wife and towards King Mayweather. “Your daughter is as promised. As beautiful as a jewel. I look forward to the many sons I will have with her. Come! Let us drink and make merry.” Kaellus said, taking the King and walking with him towards the banquet hall where feast and drink aplenty would be provided for all in attendance. More important matters would be discussed now. Clearly he was accepting Meredith, but is this what she imagined her first meeting with her future husband would be like?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 22-Mar-22 09:48 AM
Up close he was even more intimidating. She found herself being right, barely reaching the mans chest as he towered over her. She tried to search his stature, to find something in his body or gaze that let her know that he liked what he saw. But there was nothing. Even if his green eyes were intense, she could not read his thoughts. He lifted her chin and she simply let him do as he pleased. She knew this was not the time for her to speak. She saw his eyes come to her face and dip down towards her chest and the to her waist and hips. She could feel her heartbeat picking up, beating loudly in her chest as she tried to do what was expected of her. To stay perfectly still. Only when he spoke did she dare to lift her eyes back up to his gaze. Even his voice was deep and rough, like that was a layer of gravel somewhere deep inside of his throat. Did that mean he preferred her? She did not dare speak and ask. His hand left her cheek and he turned away from her. “Your daughter is as promised. As beautiful as a jewel.” A deep breath left her chest, one that she had not realized she was holding. He had accepted her. She was glad his back was turned to her, giving her the space she needed to show her relief. She watched him clasp the hand of her father and the both of them walked to the next room where the feast to celebrate he betrothal was given. She however did not follow them, not right away. She felt faint now that the stress of it had left her. The adrenaline that had been in her veins slowly fading from her. She had never thought it would affect her as much. She looked towards her Knight. “I just need a moment.”
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Aeden BOT 23-Mar-22 05:16 AM
It was a tense period of time for all of the onlookers. Certainly Meredith, but there was so much at stake in this proposed union. Many, countless thousands of lives and their fates rested upon bringing these two kingdoms together which would have ramifications for generations. Naturally Meredith was brought up with a refined education, as well as lessons in being a proper lady for her future husband. But no amount of preparation could prepare one for the real thing. As the room collectively breathed a sigh of relief and people began to filter out, her typically studious knight approached her and offered her an empathetic smile. Perhaps her personal hand maiden Ada might be one of the few others within the Kingdom that understood all of what Meredith had gone through, all the years of training and education that was required and the copious amounts of responsibilities piled on top of the girl’s 19 year old shoulders, but Aeden also knew all of that as well. He held a great admiration for his Princess. Pure of heart and a near endless compassion for others. She wouldn’t put herself through such troubles if she didn’t care for the masses. “You did well.” Aeden’s hand rose to place itself against the center of her back. In more polite company the Knight would mind his tongue, but the King and Queen, as well as the large majority of the Noble guests were moving now towards the feast. He knew the Princess had been stressing for days over this initial meeting. He could understand why she might almost feel faint. “Take a breath. This is a negotiation between two Kings now. I suspect the man was smitten by you, yet held that close to his chest. If he seemed overly enthusiastic it would undermine his leverage. He’ll be able to ask more for his country if our King Mayweather believes that Kaellus is on the fence, so to speak. You know how men are. Everything is a war, it just depends on whether that war is fought with blood and steel, or with words.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 23-Mar-22 08:00 AM
Meredith leaned in more towards him, her had resting gently against his chest to keep her balance. She closed her eyes for just a second, needing to regain her breath and calm down her heartbeat. His words helped her and when he told her to take a breath, she did. A deep one in through her nose and out through her nose. Slowly she felt the faintness he had felt fading and feel more sure on her feet. Her light blue eyes would move up to look into his. She had always liked his eyes. They were kind and full of compassion. Whenever she looked in those eyes she felt safe. She had always told herself that it was because he was after all always there to protect her. She found a smile growing at her face as he reassured her and told her that she had done good. “Thank you.. Aeden.” She said to him. She finally found herself steady enough to let the hand leave his chest and hold herself on her own feet. She was alright. The King favored her and the betrothal was happening. All she needed to do now was be on her best behavior for the rest of the night and not make a fool of herself. “Let us join the others.” She said to her knight before she walked in the direction of the banquet hall. The hall was busy, bustling with the lucky nobles that had been invited by the king himself. The moment she stepped in people tried to gather around her to congratulate her. She was told her King was handsome, that he looked strong, that he would be a good husband. All kind words, yet it meant little to her as they came from strangers. Yet she thanked them all, gave them the courtesies that she was required to before she moved on to the next. There was food everywhere, but she knew this was not the night for her to eat. Not that her dress would allow her much to eat either way. She found her father and the King of Gaelia at the very end of the hall, seated on two great chairs made from wood and decorated in red velvet. On Kaellus’s side was a slightly smaller chair, her seat for the
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night. The same chair was on the side of her father’s chair, the place where her mother would soon be seated. She introduced herself once more before the king, wether he paid attention of not by bowing at her waist for him. She then took one of the wine kelks from the table. “More wine, your Majesty?” She offered her future husband.
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Kaellus BOT 24-Mar-22 04:16 AM
Kaellus and King Mayweather seemingly got along well. Breaking bread, drinking wine, hearty laughter and conversation befitting two peers at the apex of their respective Kingdoms. Kaellus’ ways were different. Maybe crude by some observations, and yet the people of Gaelia might consider the ways that Auriel did things to be strange as well. This was a union that would benefit both civilizations. Battle hardened Gaelics whose strengths were more physical in nature, contrasting with Auriel who offered resources in the form of grains and herbs needed to feed and heal large swaths of people. Auriel was blessed with fertile lands, whereby the lands were a bit harsher in the north. Coincidentally, this concept was reinforced given Gaelia looked to Auriel for more than just fertile lands. In the middle of telling a story of subjugating an indigenous tribe living north of the Gaelic capital, in this case a wrestling match between the tribe chief and Kaellus himself, he had taken note of the blue figure slipping into her seat beside him. Bringing with her a pleasant, feminine, scent worn upon her person. His gaze shifting from off the King and Queen and moving upon the Princess as she spoke up at the table. In some circles a woman was best seen, but not heard. And given she didn’t quite know Kaellus’ disposition, she could either be met warmly, or in a worst case scenario, scolded for interrupting. Raising his right brow, almost in surprise, he considered the princess. His boisterous, deep tone of voice silenced for some moments. Once again his face and demeanor giving her nothing to work with, but only for a couple seconds as he gave a wide-faced grin. “Aye-“
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Heavily his left and goblet landed onto the table, a weighty thud. “You taught the lass well, huh Mayweather?” His tone humorous and directed at the King. And soon the intimidating gaze of the larger man shifted back upon the Princess. “I see even in Auriel they teach maidens of the ways to win the hearts of men.” His left hand left the goblet, moving beneath the table to place itself warmly upon her leg. Practically at her knee so it wasn’t necessarily that lewd in meaning. His hand, like the rest of him, thick and heavy even though he wasn’t going out of his way to be rough. The warmth of him permeating quickly through the fine fabrics of her dress as he patted her in an ‘atta girl’ fashion. “Food and wine. Keep it coming and we’ll get on just fine.” He said, his tone approving and in good spirits.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 24-Mar-22 04:38 AM
Even if she had been confident in her decision to offer him wine, her confidence soon left her as the man turned towards her. She was once again met with his cold stare and the roughness of his appearance. His beard was long and rough, his dark brown hair framing his hair. His eyesbrows were sharp and his nose big and hooked. Everything about him showed that he had taken his kingdom by strength, not by birthright. But just as she had thought that she might have made a mistake, his lips curled up into a smile and he let his goblet land on the table before her. She didn’t hesitate to fill up the goblet for him, letting the wine pour, filling his cup close to the rim. He didn’t seem to be the type of man who wanted her to give him sips. His hand moved to her leg and she couldn’t help but flinch slightly, though she quickly regained her composure. The King was very different from what what she was used to. He was forward and bold. He didn’t take to the same etiquette that they did here in Auriel. He called her names like lass and maiden, touched her without asking for permission and addressed her without any formality. But then again.. who was going to stop him? She had already been offered to him and shy from taking her to his chambers and taking her maidenhood already, there wasn’t much he would not be allowed to do to her. She would need to get used to this new King of hers. Need to find herself adjusting to his ways. So she smiled at him, took the compliment as she could and told herself that perhaps this was not the night for her to play the perfect Princess. Perhaps this night it was better to simply make sure he left with a full stomach and an inebriated mind. So as she had filled his goblet for him, she also offered him more food from the table. “If you don’t mind me asking.” She then said to him, a kind smile on her face as she filled his plate with anything he said he would like. “How would you like me to adres you, my King?” She asked him. After
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all he seemed to not like the formalities she was giving him and the last thing she wanted was for him to get annoyed with her.
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Kaellus BOT 25-Mar-22 04:25 AM
The Gaelic King may have appeared as aloof, more concerned with drinking heartily and indulging in the food stuffs before him, but he was assessing the Princess even when it may appear he was paying her little mind. He felt the sudden slight flinch of her body as he took it upon himself to bridge the gap between them. She was certainly green and it showed she hadn’t been tasked with entertaining other men in such fashion. Especially with the stakes as high as they were. He didn’t necessarily think less of her for it, she was trying her best. He wondered just how quickly the little Aurielian Princess’ heart was beating within her chest. His hand didn’t linger long though as he quickly reclasped the goblet and brought it to his lips. As large as a man as he was it would take a fair bit before he was utterly sloshed, but in the meantime he would enjoy the interim period of merely being tipsy. “Master. Lord. King. They all suit-“ He said, rather straight-faced before uproariously laughing and patting the girl on the back. “I’m not concerned little Princess. You just wait and see how some of the wives of Gaelia speak to their husbands and you too may come to laugh at such a question of consideration.” As inquisitive as Meredith was, showing an interest to learn of her husband to-be, the interest was one-sided. For the time being he showed little concern or interest in what she liked. Who she was and what made her unique. Hopes and ambitions. Granted, she would hardly be the first woman who was tasked with marrying someone for reasons beyond love. Maybe he could change though. Maybe he was just a bit rough on the exterior and a woman’s touch could smooth out those edges.
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Aeden BOT 25-Mar-22 04:25 AM
The knight politely and quietly watched from behind. Tonight was fairly different than previous banquets he’d seen the Princess interact with. There was no shortage of lesser nobles who would of course like to seek out a rise to their social standing. And what better way than tying themselves to the Royal Family? There was no shortage of available suitors who had attempted to garner the Princess’ attention. Respectfully of course. Aeden certainly wouldn’t go so far as to cut off a hand that strayed, but he had interjected at points in the past. That said this dynamic was much different. Arrangements had been made, he had no authority to interject. Not that he necessarily saw a reason or need to at this moment, but merely was taking note that it was Meredith being the inquisitive one, as opposed to in the past whereby it was men seeking her favor. Time and conversation passed as music played and many enjoyed the merrymaking of the evening. The culture of Auriel was more ‘refined’ and this was made apparent by the type of music that played, and as would soon be learned, the type of dancing. Gaelia, while perhaps brutish did enjoy festivities as well. Although the type of dancing may leave many a bit faint in the Auriel court.
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Kaellus BOT 25-Mar-22 04:26 AM
Soon familiar songs befitting the style of ballroom dancing most frequented at Aurielian banquets began. Signaling to many parties that they should make their way with respective partners, and of course, it would want to be seen the King of Gaelia and the Aurelian Princess to be seen as a pair. Appearances played a big role, and such a sighting would be circulated through stories told across the two kingdoms. “Shall we little lady?” Kaellus asked, offering her a large open palm with which to take.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 25-Mar-22 04:40 AM
His answered only seemed to confuse her more. She wished she had had more time to learn about his country before he came. The suiting had come sudden. The previous king of Gaelia had been married already and had no sons old enough to be suited. It had never came to the table that she might one day be married off to that side of the country. Of course this had changed once the new King had fought for the throne and had come out victorious. She had known that Gaelia was known for it’s more barbaric ways, that it as a land that was thriving in military power and that they had come to their side of the river to seek resources. She had always believed the same customs would be in place though. All other suitors from other neighboring lands had at least responded to her flattering, yet this man seemed highly uninterested. She nodded to him then, his attention already seeming to leave her again. “My King.” She said with a smile and then decided to keep her mouth closed. She saw to it that his goblet did not run empty and she made sure he got the best cuts from the meats before it got served to the remaining guests. Her attention was on him and him alone as she tried to learn about him. To adapt to what he wanted from her. Yet he was so different that she found it hard to find out what that was. The only time she got distracted was when the banquet itself came to a halt and music started to play. Like always the best musicians had been invited and the music that filled the room was beautiful and elegant. It was something she knew, something she was familiar with. “Shall we little lady?” The voice beside her rang and for the first time a genuine smile lifted on her face. “Yes, my King. It would be my pleasure.” She said to him as she placed her hand in his. It nearly dwarfed her, her hand barely larger then his palm. She lifted her dress so she might not step on it as they made their way towards the middle of the ballroom floor. They got in position for the next d
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ance and for a second she wondered if the King even knew how to dance. But once the music started he surprised her. He took the lead in their dance and soon moved them around. He knew the right steps almost by heart and where he faltered she managed to catch him. Her hand was placed gently on his upper arm, being to small to quite reach his shoulder, hi was placed along her waist and the small of her back, gently carassing her. They glided over the dance floor and for the first time that night the Princess felt in her element. She felt happy, a smile dancing on her face as her ice blue eyes looked up to the green eyes of the king she was to wed. Perhaps this was alright.. Perhaps she had misjudged him.
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Kaellus BOT 28-Mar-22 02:43 AM
Physically the two stood in great contrast to one another. The rich blue dress worn by her stood out against the pale skin of her complexion, the young Princess even in a modest heel was a great deal shorter than the hulking male that would be her dance partner, and future groom. She beautiful, no doubt there, but she was certainly of a more delicate build as opposed to the Gaelic King. Escorting her to the ballroom floor it was understandable that they would be the spectacle of the night. Eyes upon them and their interactions. Curious eyes looking to determine whether or not the two favored one another. Even some within Kaellus’ own camp, after all, there was a mutual benefit to both of these Kingdoms coming together. The King’s exterior certainly was more rough than most nobles who had ever danced upon this floor. Sun-kissed skin, adorned by animal skins, and of a generally more barbaric looking appearance, there were probably some eye in attendance curiously watching to see if this King could even dance, or would he perform like some brutish ape?
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Still, this kind had no lack of confidence and such was worn in his expression as he gazed down upon the pretty princess and wore a light smirk as her hands found him, and his found their places upon her. “Does this surprise you?” He asked as they began their waltz. In a room filled with music and general chatter amongst the guests, their conversation might as well been entirely private despite them being front and center in public. The King’s warm hands upon her held a weight to them. Resting upon the girl’s waist and back she was brought in close, but not necessarily in a slow dance type of way. “A good King understands diplomacy. Sure, while this type of dancing may put some in Gaelia to sleep, it would unwise of me to venture to the Aurelian Kingdom without knowing some of your customs. And what of you, Princess.” Kaellus leaned in more closely, to speak a bit more intimately with the princess as they made their rounds along the ballroom. “What research, if any, have you done for my Kingdom? For me?” He asked, genuinely curious. This wasn’t a test to see if she showed any impetus towards learning of would be ‘new homeland’, but rather him curious to know what rumors circulated about him and if the Princess sought to find out more about him ahead of their first meeting. “Or perhaps I’m mistaken to think you’re a little anxious and that your thoughts have been dwelling upon tonight’s meeting.” He asked, his deep voice passing from his lips as words seeped across the exposed portion of her neck.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 28-Mar-22 07:08 AM
She felt him pull her closer, their bodies almost touching. It almost made a blush creep up her face as he did so. His height towered over her and the only reason she didn’t get lost being so near him was the way that her dress was wide near the bottom and how it would shine in the light of the room. They must have made a strange couple and all the eyes that were staring at them only confirmed her suspicion. “Does this surprise you?” He asked her and her eyes found his again. Did she dare to admit to that? That she had not believed the barbaric King to be able to dance with yet. Yet the man seemed to appreciate honestly more then anything. “I can’t claim I am not, my King. Thought the surprise pleases me.” She spoke. She could not drop her formal tone no matter how much she tried. It had been beaten into her, something that had been required of her wether she was talking to her mother or to a maid. He continued to talk, his face moving ever closer to her. Her eyes never left his, captivated by him speaking to her in the manner he was. At one points their lips hovered mere centimeters away from one another. To the onlookers it might look like the two were very much into each other, but they would be mistaken. “What research, if any, have you done for my Kingdom? For me?” He asked her and she could feel the blush creep up on her face. More then ever she wished she had done more, had asked more questions. But his request for her had been sudden, the time to prepare was little and most had been spend on her appearance and manners instead of her mind. After all.. a royal lady was only worth as much as the eye would catch and the heart would feel, not how much she knew. At least not to the normal King.. But her King was not normal. Before she could answer he leaned in even closer. “Or perhaps I’m mistaken to think you’re a little anxious and that your thoughts have been dwelling upon tonight’s meeting.” Her breath caught in her throat as he spoke the words. Her
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feet missed a step and if it had not been for his strong arm around her she might have fallen, but she regained quickly. She could feel the hair of her bears brush against her chin. His breath against the nape of her neck. Her heart quickened in pace and her cheeks flushed red. It was once again a view that could be easily mistaken by the many spectators of their dance, after all they didn’t hear their private conversation. She decided to ignore the last bit he had spoken to her and instead focused on the things she could answer him. “I know you took your kingdom by force.. not birth right.” She spoke to him, hoping her words would not offend him. “I know you seek this union for my countries resources as Gaelia is lacking in minerals and produce. I know we seek yours for it’s physical strength..” she tried to recall all the things she had been told. She stated more facts about Gaelia, wanting to show she knew at least some. She had also asked about him, had wondered who her future husband could be, what he was like. The answers she had been given were none in his favor. She had decided to ignore them. Would it be unwise to speak her concerns? “They say you have bedded many woman..” she eventually spoke in a hushes whisper. “They say that you have stood before twenty men all alone and came out victorious.” @OhRyæn
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Kaellus BOT 28-Mar-22 09:06 AM
His green gaze perceived her well, looking over her mannerisms and her expressions. She might as well had been naked before the older King for he was able to read her quite thoroughly. From the heat of a blush that rose to her cheeks when she was tested or briefly put into a vulnerable position in their conversation, or for the very fact that his hands were upon her and as such any tensing and tightening of her muscles as a result of any of this interaction would be his to feel. Were these signs of weakness? Not necessarily, merely underlining the fact that this was new to the girl and she didn’t have much experience. That she felt the weight of what was at stake upon her shoulders and naturally she didn’t know entirely what to expect from him. He wasn’t explicitly sadistic, he wasn’t purposefully toying with her just for his own sense of pleasure, but if he was going to marry and have offspring with this woman he should at least take the time to know her a bit. He could make his own assumptions about her, the fact that she at times physically would misstep, or trip over her words suggested to the King she had limited experience being in the hands and arms of a man. Truthfully it would be well within a Noble’s prerogative to inquire about the virtue of his to-be bride. Whether that entailed a personal examination, or by proxy to have doctor make their assessment, it could have well been within his demands that he know that the Princess was as pure as advertised. Truthfully speaking though, he was at once unconcerned about such frivolous things and given her actions this evening he could make an educated assumption.
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She elicited from him perhaps the most genuine chuckle and smile from the King yet this evening. “Only one of those things are true.” He commented after allowing for a couple seconds to pass before continuing. “It was in fact twenty five men.” He corrected her. Making no attempt to clear the air about having bed countless women. It was the dichotomy that existed in these times. Whereas women were supposed to be presented as delicate and pure to their grooms, the men were excused to give into any passionate craving that fancied them. There was an expectation that once wedded spouses would not stray from one another, but again, in reality many men of influence and power had multiple women behind the scenes. It was just how things were and nearly no one would raise an objection. She would be quite the naïve girl to have expected any husband would have been as pure as she was expected to be. “But that’s good you’re not kept in the dark as to the nature of this union. Many lives rest upon our shoulders and I imagine there is some concern that exists in both of our camps. Aurelia is in need of strength, and I won’t deny Gaelia very much so needs established trade routes as the climate has been harsh these past years and crops are producing less than usual. What are you thoughts about this arrangement, Princess? Will I be figuratively dragging you down the wedding hall while you attempt to tug and pull away, or have you resigned yourself to the fact you shall be a queen of a different Kingdom?”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 28-Mar-22 09:46 AM
The dancing took no effort on her part, she was to used to the rhythm of it after having been forced to attend to so many dances in her life. Besides the way he led her around was well and it required her little effort to follow him. It allowed her to pay attention the King in front of her. When he laughed at the small rumors she had told him she felt relief. She had not offended him, in fact he seemed amused. “Only one of those things are true. It was in fact twenty five men.” He corrected her, that smile still evident on his face. It didn’t take the princess long to connect the dots about his comment. He had bedded many woman. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised. A men like him could take anyone he would like. It was well within his rights. Yet it stilled a bit of fear inside of her. What if he found her lacking on their wedding night? What if her body didn’t please him because he was used to more experiences woman. She tried to brush it away from her. Those were fears for another day. Her eyes found his again as he inquired about her thoughts about their arrangement. “I am more then pleased to be able to serve my people in such ways.” She said, choosing her words carefully. “I have always known that I would be promised to another, that my life would not always be here in Aurelia. It brings me joy to know that my union will mean safety to my people.” She spoke like a true princess. “How about you, my King?” She then asked, searching his eyes for a sign of the truth. “Does our union please you? Do you feel me befitting of being your Queen?” @OhRyæn
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Kaellus BOT 30-Mar-22 03:37 AM
Naturally his eyes curiously assessed his bride to be. Watching for the tiny micro-expressions upon her facial reaction towards having the knowledge confirmed to her that this man didn’t lack in ‘worldly’ experience. He could only guess at what thoughts might be passing through the girl’s mind. Be it a fear of inadequacy, or perhaps disgust, or even irritation in that she was held and reserved to such high standards while her counterpart in this marriage didn’t need to abide by such archaic rules and customs. In the end Kaellus was unable to discern clearly what, if anything, had bothered her. Nor did it particularly matter as the Princess admitted to the fact that she understood well what was at stake in their union. Some people mistakenly believed that citizens serve royalty, however, in many ways it was the nobles who served the citizens, after all, Meredith was a prime example whereby her destiny was ordained by the needs of her people, in contrast to her own needs or wants. At her inquiry as to how he felt about the union and her being his Queen, the man from the North saw no reason to dull his words. He could certainly assuage her concerns and gloss over matters, but he saw no reason to so much as bend the truth. “Truthfully, Princess, I am indeed quite pleased with this union. After all, I am the one who initially first proposed the idea to your father some many months ago.” Kaellus confessed. Naturally he’d never seen the Sapphire princess before, but the rumors that circulated suggested she was a pretty young lady, and presumably fertile. What he didn’t confess to Meredith was that he would have proposed the idea to the King of Aurelia even if the Princess was not beautiful. Their union facilitated two things. A trade agreement between two Kingdoms, and the promise of respectable and recognized heirs. Sure, it was fairly likely some of his blood was off running around over the many years he’d been with various women, but he had no proper
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heirs of noble blood that would set his bloodline up for generations. These underlying details were not shared with the young Princess. Perhaps she would simply be flattered to know that the Northern King had been the one to propose the idea of wanting to marry her. “I’m looking forward to it.” Soon the current song died down, signaling an intermission in the dancing. By now the two had been in such physical contact that it would almost be chilling for him to remove his warm hands from her waist and back. “What do you think. Have we given the audience enough of a show, or do you think they might still be doubting how well our meeting is going?” His green eyes met her gaze.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 30-Mar-22 07:12 AM
His words pleased her. As he said them she studied his face, looking at his intentions. It was not strange for a noble like him to coat his words in sugar just to please her. Yet she found no reason to believe that he had. He had not called her beautiful or worthy or pleasing in so many words. But he did confess to being the one who proposed their union, instead of the usual route where her father had offered her. It calmed her down a bit, knowing that in the very least this man wanted her. And as long as he did, she was willing to give herself. As was her duty. “I’m looking forward to it.” His gravelly voice then said to her and she found herself smiling a small shy smile, a blush decorating her pale cheeks. As the song died down and they came to a standstill her chest was rising up and down softly. Her corset was tight, leaving little space to breath. As so even if she was not winded from their dance, her body still wanted the extra oxygen. As he suggested that they had given the audience enough to look at she smiled. “I think they would be quite pleased.” She shared with him. It was uncommon for a new pairing to dance much at their own party. Nobody would bat an eye if they left the dance floor in favor of letting others take it. His hand left her back and the cold that it left behind was instantly chilling her. She wondered what it was about him that made him run so hot. If it had to do with his Geallic blood. Perhaps she would ask him sometime. She lifted her skirt elegantly from the floor and he took her hand and escorted her from the dance floor. Soft cheers were heard as they left, murmers and whispers all around them that discussed the union between the King and Princess. Once they had reached the table where her father still resided she could feel that her breathing was not the only thing affected by the corset. “Please excuse me, My King. I will be back with you soon. I would like to refresh after our dance.” She stated to her king with a court
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esy before turning. As was custom her knight followed closely behind her. Even a trip to the bathroom would be escorted by the loyal man. As they left the busy hall and came into the silence that lay beside she turned to watch Aeden match her stride. “What do you think of my future King?” She asked the knight. “Please speak your mind freely, I will take no offense.” She assured him as she wanted his opinion. He had been with her for so long, knew perhaps more about her then anyone else. She appreciated his insight.
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Aeden BOT 31-Mar-22 08:38 AM
Soon the muffled sounds of the main hall were behind them, growing more dull with each step made as the Knight and his princess made their way down the hall. Aeden followed, only slightly behind and off to one side as her dress slightly trailed behind against the stone flooring. The Knight was dressed handsomely so as to be made presentable at such a high profile gathering. His armor was something less equipped for heavy combat, and more so layers of fabric and leather, the Mayweather coat of arms emblazoned onto his chest piece. Shades of brown leather contrasting against rich blue fabrics, as he would wear normally. The princess was after all known as the Sapphire of the Kingdom, it was befitting that her stationed knight would also wear her colors so that all who looked at him knew who he served. Aeden was in a fairly good mood, although he was on the ‘job’ so to speak. Aurelia had banquets frequently enough on a monthly basis that this was par for the course. The subject matter of today’s celebration was certainly different however. “The rumors don’t appear to have been exaggerating. Quite the large man.” Was his initial assessment. Physically the King was taller, more hulking than Aeden, although that wasn’t necessarily cause for the concern for the Knight. There was more to combat than pure force. “I would generally confess that I think as far as potential pairings go that your future husband is certainly on the better side of things, compared to what could have been.” .
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They both knew Meredith stood the chance of having been married off to a much less ideal suitor. Such arrangements were not created based upon love and mutual attraction, but as agreements and trade. Aeden felt comfortable with Meredith enough from over the years to speak at ease with her, at least when they were outside of earshot from other nobles who may raise a brow at the knight speaking on such familiar terms. Similarly, Ada was reserved with how she spoke with the Princess, unless behind closed doors. “He appeared pleased with you though. Not that I think any of your potential suitors could find issue-.” Aeden added, respectfully, though he wasn’t particularly closed-lipped about what he thought of the Princess. She was after all a wonderful individual who he had the great pleasure of being able to watch grow into the capable and caring woman that stood before him today. “I can tell you’re a bit flustered though.” He said. The reasons behind the why she was flustered weren’t his to know, but it was clear when he had spent so much of his life looking after her that he could begin to read some of her body language and start to understand how she was feeling. “There’s a lot on the line, I know. I think things are going well though. What about you? What are your thoughts? Too old? A bit too…” Aeden drew in his inner cheek, biting as he struggled to find some polite words. “ Unrefined?”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 31-Mar-22 08:50 AM
She had slowed down her pace as the two of them had started to talk. She wanted to make their little walk last as long as possible. Her eyes occasionally glancing over her shoulder as to make sure her knight was still with her. He looked good tonight, matching her dark navy sapphire dress as well as he could. Even during the gathering there was no mistaken that the knight belonged at her side, even to those who had never seen him before. To those who were of her own circle Aeden was well known and well loved by many. The knight was gentle yet protective of the princess while always keeping his manners when needed. Even so, she had always appreciated the honesty that he bestowed her with when they found themselves in private. The assesment of the knight seemed much the same as hers. The King was strong of body and healthy. Even if his age far surpassed hers, he was in no danger of being called old. Not that age was ever considered during these kind of pairing. She also agreed to him that the King seemed to favor her, especially after their private chat on the dance floor. When the knight asked of her opinion her face frowned for a mere moment, as if considered if she truly felt like she could talk openly. Even with her trusted knight, speaking ill of the King would be highly unwise. “I do believe the King finds me fitting for his needs. Though I find myself scrambling to fit his.. demeanor.” She said, choosing her words carefully. “He seems unappeased by my courtesy.” She said, a small bit of concern hidden in her voice. Her mind danced back to their conversation on the dance floor and she couldn’t surpres the sigh that left her mouth. “It came to my attention that the King has had many a woman.” She spoke openly then. “The King sees me fitting now, but what if he finds me lacking on our wedding night.. I would disgrace myself.” @OhRyæn
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Aeden BOT 01-Apr-22 08:21 AM
Aeden’s pace naturally slowed in kind with the Princess’. He was after all in no rush, and neither did she seem to be as she appeared to wish for some respite. To catch her breath, collect her thoughts, and recompose herself now that the ice had been thoroughly broken between her and the King. It was natural for her to want to talk about it and confide into someone she trusted. Calm gray eyes peered on into the Princess’ blue hues as she verbally confessed to the self-doubts she harbored, specifically relative to what functions she’d be expected to perform upon her wedding night. Truthfully the expression worn upon the Knight’s face was not one of shock. They both knew what would be expected. Although the Knight didn’t make it a habit to ponder upon the spreading of the Princess’ pale thighs, he somehow found himself on such a topic this evening. He met her candidly. She was confiding in him about some serious and personal matters, he wasn’t going to hold his tongue about it. He was her guardian, sword and shield, and when needed her rock to lean upon for support in any manner that support may be needed.
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“I would suspect such extent of pleasantries are not offered in their Kingdom. Our own Kingdom, as you well know, is many times people saying one thing in polite company, while thinking something else behind closed doors. I wouldn’t necessarily think too much into the fact that he is a bit more blunt with his words. As for him having been with women.” The knight took a breath to consider. “We both know customs and traditions are a farce.” This straddled the line of blasphemy. This Kingdom did adhere to a religion, one which would consider relations to only take place between those who were married. However in practice this was hardly ever looked into or enforced. Had it been such establishments as brothels wouldn’t exist. And sure, maybe those places weren’t openly displayed in broad daylight, but everyone knew they existed. It was highly unlikely the Princess would have been married to a pure man and she knew it. There were few people in the kingdom who would be considered pure men. Only those actually forbidden from such acts, such as in his case. “All I can offer you Meredith is some perspective. I’ve watched for years now as you’ve grown into the capable woman you are today, serving as a noble and the myriad expectations and responsibilities thrust upon you, and now, with the prospect of you jointly leading your own Kingdom shortly. I know I’m tasked to be your knight until the day I die, so I might have some bias, but truthfully if there was anyone I wouldn’t bet against, it would be you. Now to put this in other terms, the act of ‘bedding’ has been performed from the dawn of humankind. From all walks of life from those serfs who didn’t have formal education, all the way up to the most powerful and influential people of our time. What I’m trying to say Meredith, is if even those who had but a small fraction of the opportunity you had somehow managed to ‘learn’, then I would be willing to bet that you yourself will be just fine upon that day.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 01-Apr-22 09:52 AM
Her eyes lowered to the floor as she listened to the kind voice of her knight. She had always loved his voice, it’s tones soothing and gentle. Nothing like the deep gravel that the King spoke with. It instantly eased the tension in her shoulder and made her chest feel less tight. And just as she had willed him to be he was open with her. Giving her his thoughts and concerns and even being rather forthcoming with her. Had they been in public this would have all been highly inappropriate and it was exactly why the Princess valued them so much. “Thank you Aeden. For easing my concerned mind.” She said to him with a smile as they made it to the privy chamber. She turned around towards him as they stopped by it and smiled up to him kindly. She placed her hand gently against his cheek. “I can not express the gratitude I feel to know I won’t have to do this alone.” She offered him in her soft and sweet voice. Only after did she turn into the privy chamber, leaving the knight to himself to wait for her return. @OhRyæn
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Aeden BOT 04-Apr-22 02:48 AM
Aeden’s eyes locked with the Princess’ for some moments, admiring her beauty in the torch-lit corridor towards the privy chamber. She was always quite breathtaking, though tonight especially her features were highlighted so to attracted the eye of the promised King, and by extension the princess undoubtedly drew the eye of most in attendance this evening. “Of course Princess-“ Aeden said softly, ever so subtly turning his cheek into her smaller hand. She of course wouldn’t need to face anything in her life alone, not since she was assigned a knight by birthright. A knight to serve out his life in service to her specifically, and the Kingdom secondarily. Aeden took orders from the Princess herself, not even King Mayweather had the authority to order him. Some may consider Aeden to be a high-class slave, born and bred for service. A dog on a leash to serve its masters. Perhaps some knights assigned in similar fashion to him may feel such a way, though Aeden served and protected Meredith with genuine intent and care, even while understanding the many sacrifices and what would be forbidden to him. He did not resent his station, nor her. “I’ll be here when you’re done.” He commented. And likewise it was a comment that rang true indefinitely. He would always be there. - The knight awaited her return as undoubtedly they would need to make their way back to the festivities. By now her future husband was undoubtedly fairly inebriated, as would be many in attendance. By all accounts this meeting would be looked upon successfully. The dance of the King and Princess likely the talk of the kingdom for days to come. No one would be privy to what was said between the Princess and King, though undoubtedly rumors would circulate over the moving lips and the resulting flushed cheeks upon the Princess before they retook their seats. “Ready to return, Princess?” The Knight asked. It would at the very least be proper for the Princess to wish her King good night.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 04-Apr-22 04:32 AM
Once the princess was alone she finally allowed herself her emotions. She let out a shuddering breath and closed her eyes. Even if her meeting with the king had gone well, the stress of the day was getting to her. He was different then she had imagined, more sturdy and rough around the edges. He was different then any suitors she had met before. Most of them had seemed to wish to impress her as much as she had wanted to impress them. Yet this King did not. She seemed a simple piece in his plan to get what he needed for his kingdom. She could not blame him for that. After all she wished to do the same. Yet she could not decide if it brought her relief or worry. Once the moment had passed she once again got her resolve together. She would be his Queen and she would wear the title with pride, knowing it brought power to her home. She would go out there with a smile and her chin high as was expected of her. Not even her knight could see the doubt and restlesness she was experiencing. It was unbefitting of a Princess. So she stepped out of the privy chambers with a smile. Her hair and dress still the example of perfection around her and the jewels around her neck perfectly alligned between her collarbones. "Yes, I would be ready." She told him. She walked before him once more and made her way back to the banquet without another word with her knight. He had relieved her worries and after she had laid them to rest. There was no need to talk about them further. As she entered the banquet hall eyes turned to her once more and she remained the perfect picture of what a Princess should be. Sure her future King would find himself well in his drinks and it would make the rest of the night easier. She could concentrate on her task of keeping his cup from running empty and leave the talking to her father and him. When she reached the table she bowed before him as was the costum. "I have returned my King." She announced herself. Whether the King awknowledged her or n
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ot she would take her place beside him. @OhRyæn
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Kaellus BOT 06-Apr-22 09:29 AM
The knight would have to once more relinquish the Princess back towards the Northern King. Even having known this would always be a possibility it was still marginally uncomfortable. It was impossible not to have developed a sense, a need to protect her. Still, she was presumably in safe hands. Few men in the world were better protected than Kings. - “There she is!” He bellowed aloud in good humor at her return, drawing attention onto the Sapphire Princess, although she very well likely was already turning heads without such an announcement. “Welcome back, lass.” His left palm warmly placed itself high upon her back, in an area of the dress whereby her upper back and neck would have been exposed. His words were slightly slurred, his voice loud. He gave off the appearance of a merry man enjoying his time and stay within the foreign kingdom. Perhaps this was genuine. It wasn’t untrue, however, it was entirely plausible that the King was embellishing to an extent. He was a diplomat after all, it would certainly be to the benefit of his country for him to appear to be quite pleased with the arrangement. .
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It would be expected that the Princess herself would undoubtedly be invited, and thereby obligated, to attend the King at his own castle. The wedding would naturally be held in the North, as Kaellus was both a King and a male which ‘outranked’ in both a gender and nobility hierarchy. Indeed the Princess would be expected to visit the Northern Lands, to be a guest, at least a day prior to their wedding. She would travel North as a Princess, but should she ever travel south again, she would do so as a Queen. “I certainly hope you’ll have more to drink on our wedding night.” Kaellus said, poking fun at the Princess who which up to this point, from what he could tell, had not taken a single sip of wine or mead. “Afraid to wet your lips? Or perhaps you don’t find me suitable company to drink with?” He said in jest. Meredith was still young, it wasn’t entirely surprising if she wasn’t prone to drinking. After a couple of decades of sitting upon the throne many Queens find themselves cold and bitter, unfulfilled, and resentful. But these were matches made for reasons beyond such trifling subjects such as ‘love’. “I kid, although, I do hope you appreciated my dancing this evening. I cannot make promises I’ll be as… coordinated on our wedding night.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 06-Apr-22 09:34 PM
Again the King seemed to surprise her with his laid back attitude towards her. He came forward and placed his warm hand upon her back. The skin to skin contact was something she was not used to, though of course the King had every right to do so. She looked towards her mother in a quick glance, but all the Queen gave her was a soft hand motion that told her she should do whatever pleased the man beside her. “I am glad you are happy to see me return, my King.” She then said to him with a radiant smile on her face. He seemed well into his mead. His words slightly slurred and his the parts of his cheek that were visible were slightly rosey of color. She took the liberty to place her hand on his leg halfway between his knee and hips, thinking perhaps the King would prefer the physical contact over her words, especially at it had been the second time that evening he had placed his own hands on her. His wish for her to drink surprised her even more. She had always learned that it was improper for a woman to drink, especially one that was unwed. It was her task to always be alert and graceful, something that a drink rarely aided in accomplishing. Therefore, she had rarely even touched the drinks that were always served upon these kind of parties. “Not at all my King, I just thought perhaps you did not wish to share, seeing how busy you kept me refilling your own cup.” She said back in jest, laughing softly to let him know it was a joke. As she said she filled up his cup once more and then poured a small portion of the liquid into her own cup that had been empty the whole evening until then. She lifted it before him with a smile on her face before placing it against her lips and taking a gentle sip, trying her hardest to not let her face show how much she disliked its taste. “Your dancing was lovely my King, I would look forward to dancing with you again.” It had been the part of the evening that had made her feel most at ease. The part that had made her think th
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at perhaps the barbaric king and her had more in common then she maybe thought. It had proven to her that even he could surprise her. She leaned into him a small bit more. “So when will you be expecting me in your castle my King? When will I be able to call myself your Queen? So I can look forward to this day.” She said in a gentle tone, trying to find out if what he was saying to her meant that he had taken his decision. Even if he had seemed to have accepted her when they had met in private, it was still within his rights to decline her still. Especially if he had found herself not to his liking during the banquet. “I can’t wait to see the Gaelia with my own eyes.”
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Kaellus BOT 07-Apr-22 06:17 AM
Behind Kaellus’ mask of inebriation he was busily studying the Princess. Sure, perhaps his mind wasn’t as collected and calculating as it would be if he had been entirely sober, but bit by bit he was seeking to unravel and learn more about the woman who would bear his children. She seemed relatively inexperienced in having the hands of a man upon her, as would be expected. Undoubtedly she’d been asked to dance in the past, but it was an entirely different manner to have the hand of a man upon her as she was seated at the dining table. These were physical gestures of possession, asserting a claim upon her. He wasn’t necessarily blatantly suggesting to her he was free to lay hands upon her as he wished, but it wasn’t entirely untrue. “Ah, witty as well as beautiful are you?” He laughed in reply to her very light ribbing of him having kept her busy with refills. “You Aurelian women are certainly a bit prissy.” He patted her ‘lightly’ on the back in good humor, although the heaviness of his touch was apparent as even while not trying to be explicitly rough with the girl the size difference between was quite at odds. “I’m going to show you how we do banquets back in Gaelia.” It would probably make the girl inwardly laugh to see how quiet, reserved, and proper she was behaving versus how many of the men & women of Gaelia acted even in ‘polite’ company. It did strike him as interesting to feel the Princess’ small hand making contact with his thigh. Was it bold? Perhaps a little, although his intentions of desiring her as a wife had been made clear to her parents. She likely wouldn’t have done so if he was just any ordinary gentleman.
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“Aye, I like this one.” He spoke back to the King and Queen, and then turned his attention back to Meredith. “Quite eager are we?” It perhaps had some implications. That said, there was likely eagerness for a host of reasons. After all, the agreement was still in the ‘negotiation’ process. The ‘deal’ wouldn’t be ‘signed’ until the marriage day and the subsequent act of consummation. Only when following that act would the deal been figuratively signed on the dotted line. “I’ve been discussing with your Father about the need for expediency. Gaelia needs supplies, but I think more importantly King Mayweather has expressed concern along the Southern Border. Fractured tribes which have been making inroads to his land.” And by extension the need for able bodied warriors to quell such invasions. The implication here was such that her Kingdom would need help as soon as they could get it, and therefore the marriage could not come soon enough. Without giving her a timeframe, Kaellus’ demeanor seemed to have shifted as he set his glass down and removed his hands from the Princess, scooting back from the table. “I am quite pleased with the hospitality Aurelia has offered me and my men today.” He declared to the group. “Though our travel today has been long and I fear it’d be prudent for both myself and my men to rest well. Princess-“ He turned his attention to her, rising from his seat and offering her an open palm. “I should like to escort you back to your bedroom, would you do me the honors?” Kaellus asked. Leaving the inexperienced Princess with likely a myriad of questions. Had she even been escorted back to her bedroom before? Would he wish to enter? Would she be able to say no if he did? It’s not as if she could bring up such questions with so many onlookers.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 07-Apr-22 07:30 AM
She was well aware of the need from the Gaelic forces in her lands. The tribed to the south had been trouble for a longer time, but lately they had seemed to start getting more organized and more witty in the way they tried to invade their lands. Multiple border towns had already been found and pillaged by them before the Aurelian army could have saved them. There were simply not enough men to ensure the safety of all of them. So she knew the King as right.. the sooner their deal would be sealed, the better it was for her people. It was the exact thing that drove her, that pressured her. She believed that the more she could charm the King, the sooner he would wish to see her travel to his castle. Yet before she could make her own intentions clear to him he already stood up from his place upon the table and adressed those in the hall that belonged to him. Even now as she looked into the crowd it was obvious who was Gaelic and who was Aurelian. It was that shift between silks and leathers. Between broad and slim. Even the men of Aurelia were simply not as tall and musculair as the Gaelic seemed to be. It was only when he turned to her that he caught her by surprise. “I should like to escort you back to your bedroom, would you do me the honors?” Her eyes went a little bit wide, her mouth parting just slightly. From everything she had expected from this evening, this certainly was not it. She quickly caught herself, forcing her mouth closed and into a gentle smile. “Of course, my King.” She said to him, though the could feel her heart beat in her chest. As she got up from her seat and offered her hand to the Gaelic King she took a quick glance at her parents, but neither of them seemed to mind the King’s request. Or perhaps they simply were prepared to give anything it took to assure the Gaelic army to join their forced, including their daughters innocence. So she had no choice but to go with him. They left the banquet hall with cheers from both their peopl
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e. Soft whistles and claps that celebrated their union and the fact that they were leaving the hall together. The only person that followed and slipped behind them was her knight. As the doors closed, the silence overtook the space around them, the only sound to be heard that of their footsteps and perhaps the sound of her rapid beating heart. It was exact that reason that she forced herself to keep him talking. “I hope you enjoyed your evening with me my King.” She said to him, her light blue eyes looking up in the hopes of finding his. “I was very happy to finally meet my future husband.” @OhRyæn
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Aeden BOT 11-Apr-22 02:38 AM
It would certainly cause a potentially scandalous end of the evening. To be discussed and speculated upon behind closed doors. It was often joked that these Gaelics were barbaric and uncivilized, however, now it begged the question as to just how uncivilized. What exactly where the parameters of courtship in that northern Kingdom? Was the act of consummation not waited upon for the wedding day? Had there been some lapse in communication between the royals that somehow this larger than life King mistakenly believed he was to have the princess this very evening? It was definitely forward of the King. Almost to the point of being inappropriate had it been anyone else, but he alone was seemingly immune to customs and tradition. Able to act on a whim, like a king. Admittedly it caused a spike in the pulse of the Knight who stood attention. Years of conditioning having taught him to not wear surprise upon his face. To remain stoic in the company of others. It did however leave the knight in a peculiar position. The quiet, but noisy, chattering of people speculating as to why this King would want to escort Princess Meredith back to her bedroom, couldn’t help but paint a lewd scene unfolding for the evening. A conflicting set of emotions swelled within the Knight. On one hand his life and duty was in service to the Princess. He would lay down his life in honor of her and her safety. On the other hand, if this barbarian did wish to take matters further, was Aeden really ready to put the lives of thousands at risk and potentially cause a war between two Kingdoms? Quietly the Knight followed, behind some ways. It would be ‘rude’ for him to follow too closely and eavesdrop. He was of the serving class, and as such, knew when not to be seen.
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Kaellus BOT 11-Apr-22 02:38 AM
As brutish and prone to impulse as he might appear to be, Kaellus was quite perceptive of what he’d done. The rather brash way with which he ended the banquet, leaving many to almost gasp at the implications. This served as a curious test to the King though. Not only in regards to how the Mayweathers would react, which Kaellus noted, they remained quiet even at the expense of their daughter’s innocence. Perhaps reasoning that if her hand was to be given away to another anyway, why make a fuss? Similarly, the brief way with which Meredith’s jaw slacked and hung open suggested she also knew the risks at hand. And while knowing them still proceeded to offer her hand to him. Kaellus took this to note that she was a bright girl. Perhaps still young and inexperienced in the world, but not so sheltered she’d blindly walk into a wolf’s den. “Quite so, Princess Meredith.” Kaellus said, holding her much smaller hand in his as they headed down the corridor. He would rely upon her to guide them, after all, he had never been to her bedroom before. Their pace was slow. Perhaps for the best given that she likely wouldn’t want them to move too quickly, especially when not knowing the end goal of the King. “As mentioned before, out of the many ways this evening could have unfolded I am rather pleased with how it went.” Hand in hand the much taller man walked with the princess until heading down a wing of the Keep that would spill out to her area. A long corridor with rooms on either side of the hall. Some specifically for the Princess, such as a dressing room, a study, art studio. Some reserved for the ‘help’ who would wait and sleep nearby in case the Princess needed anything. Aeden’s bedroom was also in this section, the only male permitted to sleep along the same hall as the unwed Princess. It was clear that at the end of the hall, before ornate double doors, that the Princess’ chambers were at the end. As much as Aeden would have wanted to follow the two, he knew he
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would need to give them space. As such, he hung back a ways. Trying to feign disinterest, but the truth of the matter was his heart was equally pounding. What if the Gaelic King wanted to enter the bedroom? What then could the knight do? What could Meredith do? Deny Kaellus access and potentially offend her future husband?
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“So this is you?” Kaellus said, as they approached the large double doors, guiding her so that her back would be against the doors, and she would be facing him. Keeping her cornered so to speak between his large looming frame before her, and the solid oak doors behind. “You asked me earlier-“ Kaellus’ voice was husky, low, and even if Aeden was trying to listen in, he would not be able to make out the conversation. The man’s hands leaving the Princess’ as his right hand moved to her chin, lifting it so that her eyes would meet his own green gaze. Close as they were now the heat could be felt as it poured off his broad frame. Spilling against the princess who had comparatively much more skin showing. From her bare arms, shoulders and upper chest. The King did have a scent of mead to him. Undoubtedly tipsy. His fingers stayed against the underside of her chin as he leaned forward. “How long would it take before you can see Gaelia? I wonder what you’d say if I desired your presence to head back with me on the morrow. Or am I being too forward, Princess?” And undoubtedly he was being forward. No other man would have been so blatant with her. The princess was free to let her mind wander as to this King’s motives. But it would appear he was ‘eager’ in some degree or another. And did such a fact bother her? Was it even surprising given the rumors that circulated about this man?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 11-Apr-22 07:38 AM
The further they walked the more her fears were starting to grab at her chest. So many thoughts were running through her mind no matter how much she tried to will them away. Her hands were slowly starting to get sweaty and she tried to hide it by holding his hand more tenderly, even if he was adament on being more firm on his side. “I am glad to hear that, my King.” She smiled at him as he said he had enjoyed his evening. Of course he had.. he had been well into his cup. Even now as they walked she could tell there was a subtle sway to his steps, one that had not been there before. They crossed more and more of her area’s. Past the maiden’s quarters and past her dressing room. The closer they got the more she was scared of what he might ask or do once they got to her room. She shouldn’t have been surprised. A man with as much experience as him, of course he would wish to know if she was fitting before he told her father if she would do. Would he take her purity away from her? Would the barbaric king go that far? She didn’t know.. The closer they got the dryer her mouth was running. Till they reached those double doors that she adored so much. Inlaid with gemstones and painted in beautiful vibrant paints. “These are my chambers, yes.” She answered him, no longer able to keep the edge of worry away from her voice. Her took her arms and made him turn towards him, only to step forward and eat up the space that had been between them. Her heart once more seemed to speed up it’s beating as he leaned forward and took her chin with his hand. She was forced to look into his eyes, her lips parting slightly just so she could breath. He was so close that she could smell the mead on his breath. The next moments would be crucial and Meredith was well aware of it. She had to walk over that thin line between attempting to keep her purity and to not offend the man that could safe her kingdom. “I am afraid it is not my place to decide over such things, my King…” she said
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in a soft voice that only gathered between the two of them. One of her hands would land on his chest, the other on the arm that was not holding her chin, as if she could physically hold him away from her. “You would need to talk to my father. Surely my parents would wish to be by my side when we are to be wed.” She said carefully, hoping to not anger him. Even if she had wished to tell him she would leave with him in the morning if he wished, that was not something she could promise him. “Perhaps if you gave us a few more days we could prepare ourselves for the travels. I am sure my father would be more then willing to accomodate you longer.” Her eyes held his as she had finished saying it. She could only hope he would accept her answer, bid her a good night and walk away. If he did not, she truly did not know what she was supposed to do.
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Kaellus BOT 11-Apr-22 08:38 AM
His green eyes studied the rich blue hues of the princess. Studying her face, the waver in her voice, the clear look of jittery nervousness swelling within her. He could have pacified her fears by coming forth with the fact that he had no intentions upon tainting the dear princess tonight, but this was a learning experience for him. Truthfully he didn’t harbor such silly notions that a woman need be ‘pure’ if she was looking to be wed. The females of Gaelia didn’t subscribe to such archaic customs. He wondered whether that would comfort Meredith, or perhaps, have the exact opposite effect had she known her virtue was something her future husband was indifferent to. How unideal her ‘special’ moment would be to just be another act of passion between this man and a new woman. Meredith need not know these facets, instead, Kaellus gave off the vibe that he was perhaps too eager to claim her as his wife. After her answer there was a silence between them one that lingered on a couple more seconds than was comfortable. Leaving the Princess to question as to whether she’d said something undesirable. After that awkward period of time his stoic features moved into a smile. “Of course. Forgive me if I appeared a bit too rash. Or if matters are progressing too quickly. You had simply asked me how long you would have to wait, and if it were up to me entirely, I would very much look forward to showing you my kingdom, as soon as reasonably possible.” His eyes shifted once from her own gaze, and towards her lips, before rising again. “I’ll speak to your father tomorrow about the arrangements. It was a pleasure to dance and dine with you tonight, Princess, and as much as I’d enjoy taking more of your time this evening, I fear if I don’t let you slip out of that dress you may faint on me.” It was a ‘polite’ excuse for him to suggest that she seemed unnerved and out of breath. Likely a result of the tension. Of not knowing what this kind was after, but he could give her a
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believable excuse to blame it on her dress. He was quite close still. Enough for the heat to be felt from his presence, for his breath to be felt as he spoke. Clearly invasive of her personal space, his own lips ventured dangerously close before… “Sleep well Princess.” He said simply, and then let go. Stepping back from her and with it giving the dear girl some reprieve for what could have been a terribly uncomfortable evening. Turning, he left the girl and strode his way back down the corridor. “Knight-“ Kaellus said, acknowledging the Knight, though not looking.
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Aeden BOT 11-Apr-22 08:38 AM
To his part, Aeden was reserved, back against the door to his quarters, head down as if pretending he wasn’t paying attention to what had unfolded. It was silly, but even he felt like a breath that he wasn’t aware that he’d been holding was now free to spill out as the Gaelic King disappeared. “Princess?” Aeden said, now that they were alone, closing the distance towards her chambers and her. “You look exhausted. I suppose no one was necessarily expecting this would be painless. That said, considering the multitude of ways this night could have unfolded I would say this was favorable, don’t you think?” He inquired, looking to know if she was alright. Whether she would like to turn in and have some privacy for the evening, or if she was anxious still after having flirted so close to a man who could have taken everything.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 11-Apr-22 10:22 PM
The silence that followed between them was killing her. She was sure he could hear the beating of her heart between them. Her breath becoming slightly deeper and her chest rising and falling up more. When he finally spoke she managed to let some of that air escape her in relief, though she did not dare show it much to the King in front of her. “There is nothing to forgive, my King.” She offered him quickly. “It would be my pleasure to join you in your Kingdom, yet it is not my place to decide about such matter.” She offered him in a soft voice as his eyes once more danced towards her lips. She could feel his hot breath on them, how close he was to it. With every second that passed she wondered if he would move forward and if he did if that was the only thing he would do. Even when his words made it sound like he would part with her, he merely pushed closer, her heart beating in her throat at that point and her body screaming for her to take deeper breaths. And then he pulled away. The cold air replacing the warmth that he had emitted and sending goosebumps over her skin. She stayed against that door, as if he still had her pinned there as he walked away. “Good night, my King..” she said, though her voice barely held any strength. She managed to stay upright for the duration the King was still in her views, but the moment he was not she could feel her knees buckling under her. He had not wanted to enter her chambers.. and neither had she offended him. She had walked the thin line and made it to the other end. She was glad when Aeden closed the distance between and offered his hand to lean on. She smiled up at him. “Yes..” she said, still partly breathless. “You are correct. The King still seems to favor me and I do not believe I have offended.” She said, trying to talk herself some more courage as she found the strength in her knees again. “It is up to my Father now to see this courting succeed.” She had don her part and she had done it well. The King coul
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d call upon her again during his stay here, but beside that she would not see him again till she was to make the travel towards his Kingdom. She took another deep breath and straightened her back, offering the Knight a smile. Even if Aeden was one of the few people that would sometimes see the true emotions that plagued the Princess, there were also times that she could not share those even with him. She could not speak ill of her King to her, even if she trusted that he would not speak of them to anybody else. “Could you call my handmaids to my chambers for me? I wish to be undressed.” She then said and finally turned to open the double doors to her bed chambers. The room was beautiful, decorated in creams and whites and pinks. Every single corner of the room was decorated with wood works that were carved into beautiful shapes. Her canopy bed was made with only the finest and softest fabrics and the large window looked out on her personal gardens that only she and those she invited were allowed to enter. In one of the corners was a partition wall where the handmaidens could undress her and prepare her for her bed.
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Aeden BOT 12-Apr-22 07:12 AM
They could all breathe a sigh of relief after the Gaelic king made his exit. The man certainly held an intimidating presence. Larger than life both physically and in persona. It was unlikely the princess would have come in contact with such a presence in the past, and somehow she would be expected to marry this man? At least the Gaelic king didn’t appear abusive. Indeed the king may have reached out and took hold of her as he pleased, but he seemed interested. As intimidating as that may be for Meredith, it was probably still a ‘good’ sign. Helping the Princess to her feet Aeden offered her a gentle smile, understanding well that today must have been exhausting. Even long before the King’s introduction Meredith undoubtedly was busy stressing over this for days now. Playing out all the various scenarios in her head as it related to the ‘Barbarian King’. She now would have a chance to breathe and let her thoughts collect. She now knew what her husband would look like. She knew his voice, and to an extent his touch. She had a much better picture than she had before, but undoubtedly there was much for her mind to still sort through. “On the bright side he doesn’t much seem the one prone to be easily offended.” Which was true, Kaellus and his people in general seemed to lack a little bit of the etiquette that Aurelian people would have. On one hand it would cut her a bit of slack if ever she was anything less than perfect. “I have faith the King will do as is necessary for the union.” Aeden said, confidently. By all counts it appeared this night was a success, that the first step of several in uniting two Kingdoms was taken. Although it was still up in the air whether that was entirely a good thing. “Of course, Ada is probably still up. I’ll get her, Princess-“ Aeden turned, letting the princess wander into her bedroom as he fetched the handmaiden. Naturally Ada was still up. How could she not be? This was one of the most highly anticipated nights of the
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year. She had spent countless hours around Meredith, discussing and preparing with the princess. Ada was not permitted to join in the festivities, so she would not have seen the dance between Kaellus and Meredith, but she was certainly eager to know how things unfolded. So even before Aeden could announce his presence, just the crack of the door, Ada was already up and alert.
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“She’s back? Finally, I was beginning to think I’d have to wait till morning to know how it went. How was it?” She asked, approaching the knight and pushing past. “Appears to be on course. The princess presented herself well and-“ Aeden began. Ada sighed as she strode towards the bedroom. “I want juicier details than that Aeden.” And she knew that she wouldn’t get those kinds of details from the knight. Ada was the first to enter the bedroom, followed by Aeden. It would not be the first time the Knight stayed within the room as Meredith undressed, although, there was the privacy partition so there was nothing inappropriate with her knight staying. He simply didn’t wish to assume he’d been relieved of his duty. That said, he knew Ada would be fishing for details and was uncertain if the Princess would want him to overhear that. Truthfully he didn’t know if he wanted to overhear it. This was before Ada even knew the fact that the King had almost taken Meredith alone within her quarters. “Ah, Princess, would you like if I were to wait outside the bedroom until needed?” He offered politely, if that is what she would desire.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 12-Apr-22 10:36 AM
Once Aeden left the room to fetch her handmaid Meredith found herself alone for the first time since having gotten out of bed that morning. It didn’t take long for her to start pacing around the room lost in deep thoughts. Even if she was convinced that the King favored her, that she had done everything in her power to make him like her. She still couldn’t help but feel nervous about it. Even if in some ways it made it easier that the Gealic King didn’t seem much about etiquette she was also aware that it could make him just as difficult. Perhaps he would not hold much value to the evening that was spend together. Perhaps it meant that he could change his mind just as easily and ride back to his home land without her. She simply wished her father will do what is necessary. Even if she would have liked more time to prepare herself and pack, she would drive with the King as soon as tomorrow if that was what the union needed. She needed to ensure this match more then she had needed to do anything. It was vital. When Ada and Aeden joined her back in the room she forced herself to stop pacing and instead smile at her handmaid. Her face was beaming. Ada liked things like this, believed that Meredith’s life was one of glamour and beauty. To her the possibility of her being married was like a fairy tale coming true. She already knew the woman would have many questions for her. “My Princess.” She greeted Meredith who gave her a small bow. “You wish to undress?” She inquired. “Yes, please Ada.” She offered back and the handmaid led her to behind the partition. It didn’t take long before the sound of the string unlacing started to fill the room as the handmaid was peeling the tight dress away from Meredith’s body. “Ah, Princess, would you like if I were to wait outside the bedroom until needed?” Aeden asked from the other side. “That would not be needed Aeden.” She said to him to let him know that he was free to stay in the room. “So, tell me Princess. How was your
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night? How is the King?” Ada asked with excitement in her voice as she was starting to give the Princess room to take full breaths again. “The King is very.. different then I expected.” Meredith admitted to her handmaiden. “He does not care for etiquette as much as one might believe. He seems to wish to speak his mind anytime he sees fit as well as touch me any time he desires to.” She said as the outer shell of the dress finally dropped down to her feet and she could step out. “Does that bother you?” Ada asked her curiously. She considered that for a moment, unsure how to answer that. “It does not matter if it does. He is the King. If he wishes to be that way it is his right to do so.” She said in the end with a small smile to her face. “He is a good dancer however.. I enjoyed our dance.” She said thinking back to that moment. It had perhaps been the only moment that night she had felt comfortable with the King. “You danced with him?” Ada asked with a chuckle. “That is good Princess! You should bond with your King as much as you can.” She mused. Another layer of the dress fall to the floor and she could finally take a full breath again. As she was stripped to her undergarments Ada made sure to dress her again in a nightgown. The gown would be made from thin fabric, yet it would fall around her body loosely enough to not show the shape of her body much and was long enough to tickle the top of her feet. They came out from behind the partition and back into the room and took place near a vanity that was placed in the room. Once the Princess sat down Ada would start to take out the pins and braids that had been placed in her hair. One by one the strands would fall down around her shoulder, creating beautiful thick grey waves that reflected the light of the candles in the rooms. “I am just glad the King seems to favor me. I was so scared he would turn me down.” She admitted at she looked at herself in that mirror. Her eyes caught those of Ada who gave her a gentle
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smile. “But do you favor the King, Princess?” She suddenly asked and the question drew Merediths breath away. Did she favor the King? Was he what she had imagined she would marry? The answer was no.. She had always imagined she would marry someone graceful and gentle. Someone who would make her feel loved and wanted and cherished. “It does not matter..” she whispered on her breath. Ada was about to say more before she closed her mouth and decided against it. “Of course, Princess.” She said, the enthousiasme in her voice having faded as she finished letting Meredith’s hair down and picked up a brush to take out any tangles that remained behind.
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Aeden BOT 14-Apr-22 03:54 AM
Shadows cast against the partition did illuminate to some vague degree what was unfolding behind the screen. Audibly, the sounds of lacing being undone and the layers being peeled off the princess could illuminate for the Knight that the woman was being undressed a couple dozen feet away. This wasn’t inherently new to the knight, although he was perhaps one of the few males ever permitted to remain within the bedroom while such an act unfolded. Well, him, and soon her husband. Although, it was entirely possible that her future undressing by Kaellus’ hands would have much less decorum than Ada’s adept fingers. Whether Aeden wished to be privy to this conversation or not he had no choice but to overhear the young maiden’s inquiring of Meredith. Ada was always curious, seemingly the type that thrived on gossip. It made sense to an extent, there was little in the way of entertainment, especially within the serving class. The idea that their Princess would be married off, that two Kingdoms would be uniting, was likely some of the most exciting news in over a decade. As Meredith slipped out behind the screen, Aeden’s calm grey hues lifted and fell upon the princess who now was having her hair brushed out and free from knots. Aeden bit his inner cheek. He knew there was likely a maelstrom of emotions circulating within the younger princess. She had confessed as much to him. The fear of inadequacy as it related to ‘pleasing’ her King. The anxiety that existed within her given she was inexperienced. Aeden likely wasn’t the best source of information as far as experience went, although Ada potentially knew better. It was not the Knight’s place to bring up such a topic when the Princess confided in him. .
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He at least would throw Ada some information. After all it was likely only a matter of time before the rumors circulated the Kingdom. That the Gaelic King wished to take Meredith to her chambers personally. “She’s being humble. As befitting of our Princess, though she’s failing to comment on the fact that the Gaelic King saw fit to personally escort her back to her bedroom.” Perhaps if matters had intensified, and had the couple disappeared behind the large oak doors, Aeden would not so freely speak upon the subject. However, nothing explicit had unfolded. His Princess just as virtuous as he always knew her to be. Ada, regrettably, tugged a little on Meredith’s hair in response to the ‘bombshell’. “Wished to take you back to your chambers on the same night he met you? Dear me, Princess-“ She said, her tone one of impressed and praiseful. “I’ve heard rumors those northerners are impulsive, though it sounds as if he couldn’t keep his hands off you. I’m guessing he’s rather…” She paused to consider phrasing. “Eager for the wedding.” She put politely. - However, the Gaelic king would not see, or summon his bride to be for the following few days. Leaving the poor princess to wonder if she had indeed possibly offended her King. Perhaps to doubt herself as to whether she should have invited him inside. Perhaps the King was reconsidering his options, or identified something lacking within the delicate Aurelian Princess. Were negotiations falling apart between the Northern King and her Father?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 14-Apr-22 04:17 AM
The conversation between her Knight and her handmaiden left the Princess even more unsure of herself then she had previously, even if this was not the knights intention. To hear the handmaiden so riled up about it the fact that she was escorted to her chambers.. If she had to believe the girl she should have been overjoyed and excited that he had. Yet she had merely felt scared and a part of her still did. The more she thought about the Gaelic King, the more unsure she became, the more doubt was spiraling around in her mind. This doubt would have settled easily had the King actually called upon her, but he had not. For days now he had left her to her own, not even showing for the dinners with her parents. Her father unwilling to let any details slip past his lips. As a result they barely spoke at all. By the third day the Princess was restless. Sleep no longer came easy to her and she found herself with too much time on her hands. Still no word had reached her that the Gaelic King had left their hospitality, neither of his departure alone. He still remained within the walls of the castle, yet not once had he seemed to ask for her. Either that, or her father had refused. She was afraid the arrangement would soon be called off and he people would be let without protection still. So she sat down at her desk with he quill and ink and bend herself over a letter to be written to her suitor. Even if it was highly inappropriate for her to ask for his company within the Aeralian etiquettes, she knew that her King was different. He preferred boldness and perhaps he would he would appreciate her gesture. If not.. she already believed their match to be lost. My dear King, How fare the? I can only hope that you are enjoying your time within our castle. Have you yet been for a stroll through our gardens? The flowers are beautiful this time a year. If it would not offend, I would be more then willing to accompany you, my King. You may call on me anytime.
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Yours sincerely, Meredith Mayweather. She signed the letter and sealed it with wax and her personal sigil before sending it with a trusted maid to have it delivered to the Kings personal staff. All she could hope now was that the king would answer her and not be offended.
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Kaellus BOT 16-Apr-22 10:51 AM
Naturally any ordinary maid would not be permitted to simply waltz into the quarters of a foreign king, so naturally the wax sealed letter would have had to be entrusted to one of the northern guards who stood at the front of the King’s quarters. It was easily identifiable, from the blue wax and the sigil used, that this was a letter from the Princess. Such a letter would have been delivered, wax unbroken, to Kaellus as he was sat with advisors, sipping on mead, although it was only midday. Inwardly the King smiled at the news of the letter. Perhaps the princess believed she was being punished, or that the male had second thoughts of wedding and having children with her. And yes, to an extent Kaellus was aware that the lack of initiative on his part may be misconstrued in such a manner. That said, the King had been busy. Not a day had gone by that he’d not grabbed the arm of King Mayweather, discussing many matters. Indeed, the Princess was brought up, although seldomly. There were many more matters of importance. From the southern border, from trade between nations. Bringing the envelope up towards his nose he was curious if he could pick up the scent of the Princess before easing open the seal and sliding out the letter. Her penmanship was quite feminine, a work of art compared to his own. Reading over her words he could almost imagine her voice reciting it, even down to the slight unconfident waver in her voice as he knew she was reaching out now because she had sensed something was possibly awry. She wished to see him, and likewise, he would not mind laying eyes upon the Princess yet again, especially considering the lack of things he would customarily indulge within had they been back at his kingdom. But of course, he was not going to be summoned by some woman. It would undermine his position to simply come knocking at her door. “From the Princess?” An advisor inquired. “Yes-“ Kaellus responded shortly, dipping the corner of the note into the f
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lame of a candle and setting it on fire. The day had passed without the Princess being summoned. Night fell, and while the King did not hide himself from dinner, he seemed more interested in continued discussions with her Father. Not even a ‘good night’ to the dear princess before the Northern King finished eating and had left the dining hall. Considering how inexperienced the princess was it was likely she would not at all understand whether or not this was the norm. Most of her past suitors practically begged like dogs to garner her attention, and this man hardly looked her way? Whatever it is the Princess may have been up to at such an hour, at least eight or nine in the evening, her evening would be disturbed by a few, strong, knocks against her doors. Perhaps the King’s own messenger? Or perhaps the very man himself, unannounced, and giving the princess no time to prepare herself. She did say he could call upon her at anytime though.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 16-Apr-22 10:10 PM
“Surely he is just awaiting the right time to summon you, my Princess.” Ada spoke gently to her as she brought the brush through her grey hair once more. “He did not even offer me a glance at dinner Ada..” she said, her voice heavy and her eyes downcast. “I fear he does not favor me any more, that I might have done something to offend my King that I am not even aware of. I should have learned about his customs, I should have been prepared.. I should have.” She rattled before Ada came around and lowered herself beside the Princess to be at level of her to interrupt her. “The King would be a fool to not want you, my Princess.” She said once more in that gentle manner that she used to speak to Meredith when she was upset. “You are one of the kindest souls I have met and you are absolutely beautiful. You would make a wonderful mother and a wonderful Queen.” Ada spoke and the honesty from her voice was telling. Meredith met her eyes and let down another sigh. Even if the words of her handmaiden moved her it did not change the fear that was in her heart. This match needed to be made, there was so much more dependant on it then just her. It was for her country.. “I would wish to be prepared for bed.” She said then, not wanting to speak any more about it. Ada did as she was told and finished brushing out the Princess’ hair and dressed her in a soft blue nightgown that reached to her ankles, sheer and long puffed sleeves and a v-neck line that showed some of her chest. She dismissed the maid and since he had already dismissed Aeden earlier it left her alone in her room. She sat down at her desk to write, her quill dancing over the page as she wrote down her worries for nobody to read but her. That was till the knock was heard on the door. It was to strong to be one of her maids and to impatient to be of Aeden. She couldn’t help but wonder if something might have happened. She stood up from her desk, her grey hair falling around her shoulders in soft curls that were
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left from the braids that had been in her hair all day, and opened the door for whomever was at her door. If any of the maids had caught the knocker coming up to the Princess chambers, they would have surely called upon Aeden to make sure the Princess was well.
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Kaellus BOT 18-Apr-22 03:53 AM
While mostly any other person venturing down the Princess’ wing of the Keep would be stopped and asked to wait, there were few who now had unrestricted access to her. Her parents, of course, and now, considering the stakes, Kaellus too seemed to enjoy such freedoms. What guard or maid would want to tell the Northern King was he could or couldn’t do? Aeden probably would have stopped him, politely of course, but the soldier had been relieved of duty this evening and would not have expected the Northerner to make an appearance so late in the night. The shocked expression upon young Meredith’s face would be amusing to the large man as he stood before her, dressed in his fine garbs comprised of leathers and animal skins, looking down upon the gray-haired princess who was clearly underdressed. To be fair, the cut of the gown she’d worn upon their first meeting did accentuate certain assets of the Princess, so the bit of V-neck and cleavage she’d show now wasn’t too much more. However, the sheer nature of the gown certain would show a bit more of the woman, especially depending on how light might show upon her. The King’s green eyes dipped from her own, towards the girl’s chest, and then back to her own eyes. “Forgive me Princess, your letter did say I could call upon you at any time, did it not? Unfortunately my day has been quite busy, so unless I am disturbing your sleep, would you mind allowing me to steal a bit of your time?” Although he already knew the girl had little chance but to accept his presence. “I must admit I would be very interested in exploring the gardens with you.” And while outside and relatively ‘public’, the tall hedges and winding paths provided much in the way of privacy from onlookers so the couple could walk and talk without feeling like they were out in broad daylight. “That said I might be committing a crime if I snuck you out of your room in the middle of the night. Perhaps you’d be inclined to walk out with me onto the bal
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cony and over look the court yard?” He asked, knowing it was a bit nippy out, but if need be he’d be willing to offer the Princess a little warmth.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 18-Apr-22 06:12 AM
The moment she opened the door and saw the King standing before her she couldn’t help her eyes going big in surprise. She even took a physical step backwards as he loomed before her. “My king..” she said in an almost breathless talk before quickly falling into a courtesy before him. She bowed deep, unsure what else she could do to express her lack of preparation for his arrival. “And I still stand by that My King.” She quickly said as she reminded her of what she had written in her letter. “I merely did not expect you to..” show up at my chamber door she had wanted to say but she stopped herself before it came out. “Give me such short notice.” She corrected herself and offered him a smile. She didn’t know how to feel about him showing up like that. She wasn’t properly dressed, in fact she was hardly dressed at all for her standards. Never before had someone simply came upon her in her chambers, but of course she could not turn the King down now that he found himself in front of her. Just like the time that he had brought her back to her chambers, she was unsure how to handle the situation and her heart was beating quick inside her chest. “If that is what you wish for my King, I would be glad to be escorted by you.” She spoke to him, though the matter of her apearal was still on the front of her mind. “If you would just grand me a moment to make myself more presentable for you..” she offered him. If he granted her permission she would call upon Ada to help her dressed in a simple gown before joining the King. If he did not and insisted she come with him she would take a deep breath before offering her hand to him. “As you wish my King.”
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Kaellus BOT 18-Apr-22 07:15 AM
The King had his own reasons for keeping the poor girl on her toes. It was in his best interests to keep her guessing and potentially doubting. For her to feel as if she were carefully balancing herself such that one misstep could result in all these careful plans unraveling. Truthfully, the Gaelic King was easy to please, he wasn’t caught up with all this etiquette. He was a King that was raised on the battle field, he respected strength. He respected physical confrontation, but words? Words would not bother him, and similarly there was almost nothing the Princess could do that would insult him. He gave her a soft, apologetic smile as the girl backed away and commented upon the short notice. “You’ll have to forgive me. I found myself wishing for your presence, and it seemed silly for me to draft you a letter, to send a servant, and wait for your response, if any, when I could simply save us much time by coming to see you myself.” Clearly she was a little scattered in having no time whatsoever to prepare. Hair undone, dressed in an attire suitable for sleeping not for entertaining a King. “There’s that bit of silliness, don’t you think?” He stepped inside her chambers, shutting the door behind him. Manners and etiquette did not seem to exist for this man. Rather, blunt and to the point. Why ask for permission to enter when she just admitted to standing by her words? Perhaps her heart would flip as he so casually shut the door behind him. Now cementing the fact that she was behind closed doors with another man. Her future husband, alone and woefully unprepared on how to navigate this meeting and what he wanted. And what did he want of her? The possibilities, for a man who simply did what pleased him, seemed endless. “I am going to have to keep it in mind that you will need a handmaiden on call for your dressings and undressings.” He said, before elaborating why he thought she was being a little silly. “There’s no need to disturb one of your handmaidens
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at this hour. I am perfectly capable of helping you into a gown if you still would wish a second set of hands.” Even as ‘ill-mannered’ as he was, he knew he was being rather forward, essentially suggesting he’d undress the princess. His eyes finding hers, curiously seeing how much shock would be in her blue hues before he gave her a warm smile. “My dear girl, try not to faint. I know what I said. Still, I can be a gentleman in my own ways. I would have you turn your back towards me. Not that I’m disinterested in seeing, but I understand you might not be ready to let my eyes rest upon you. And that’s okay.” He said, surprisingly understanding in his own kind of way. “Or do you find me unfit to help you?”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 18-Apr-22 07:32 AM
The whole situation that was unfolding before her was so strange. She found her mind scramble, trying to find ways to deal with the man before her. He didn’t follow any of the rules that had been hammered into her mind since a small girl. He didn’t care about how etiquette at all, in fact, he ignored them as blatantly as he could. Stepped into her chambers and closing that door.. anyone but him would have seen themselves taken before the king and their head taken from their neck. But of course he knew he could do this, with their union on the table there was almost nothing he could not request from the Princess. “Of course my King.” She once again said before realizing she kept saying that to him, but what else could she say to him? “I merely would have wished to find myself more presentable for you. It is not befitting of me to be before you in merely my night gown.” She explained to him as best as she could. In her mind she might as well have stood before naked and she could not be less proper. But of course that analogy soon left her as the King suggested that perhaps he could help her into a gown. Her eyes went big with shock at the prospect. Not only would he lay his eyes upon her bare skin, so would his hands. “My King..” she spoke in a hushed whisper, unsure how to respond to him as he seemed to search her eyes for an answers. Could she refuse him? Would she risk their union if she did? Did the King come here at this late an hour on purpose so he could lay his eyes upon her and deem her worthy or not? She had kept quiet the entire time and was only brought back to reality when he spoke upon her. “Or do you find me unfit to help you?” The sentence held such power and demand behind it’s words. “I would never claim such a thing.” She said quickly and with that answer she knew she could no longer deny him. If she denied him the chance to help her dress as he wished now, she would claim him unfit to help and that was the last thing she could do. She w
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as left with no choice. “I would be grateful if you could help me dress, my King.” She spoke as she lowered her eyes an made another courtesy before turning around to her wardrobe. Her hands were shaking as she picked out a dress as well as a corset and underskirt that would go along with it. It was a simple grey dress that would have been used during a simple morning stroll or perhaps a dinner with just her father and mother. It was nothing elaborate, but certainly more fitting then the nightgown she wore now. All her more fancy gowns were stores elsewhere. “This way my King.” She offered him as she made her way to the partition in her room where she dressed behind and invited him inside. She hung the dress and it’s accessoires over the side as she took a deep breath. She couldn’t help but wonder if she would even make it in that dress.. the King had claimed himself a gentleman, yet his intensity still worried her greatly.
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Kaellus BOT 18-Apr-22 09:51 AM
He at times liked to play like a mindless brute who didn’t know how his actions or words made an impact, but he knew he check-mated the princess when he phrased it in such a way that she couldn’t deny him without risking insult. To think the Princess would be verbalizing how grateful she was to be undressed by his hands. Granted, she didn’t strike him, yet, as disliking his hands or eyes upon her, but it was clear she was quite inexperienced in anything related to this. “Of course Meredith-“ The tall man said as he followed her towards the partition. He half considered commenting on why even slip behind the partition when it was just the two of them, but he did not wish to be too cruel to the girl who likely had a racing heartbeat akin to a rabbit who has been caught by a wolf. The small area behind the partition was intimately sized, reserved for just two people, and namely herself and one handmaiden. Given Kaellus’ stature he made an already small space appear smaller. The ambient light within her bedroom did not penetrate as far through the partition. Still light enough they could see, but not nearly as bright as broad day light. Her pale, nearly naked body would have at least a thin veil of shadow over it. With her back turned to him Kaellus reached out with bear-sized hands to delicately lift her gray curl aside, to expose the back of her neck where her nightgown had a simple little tie. Unlacing that knot would leave the gown precariously positioned on her body. Slacking such that the opening would spill down her shoulders, and if she weren’t careful, entirely fall off the woman. Gently he collected her hair and let it drape over the front of her shoulder. The heat of his body, his chest, radiating out from him and against the girl stood before him. The thin, sheer, garment allowing that heat to pass through against her pale body. “You’re clearly nervous, Princess.” He simply observed. He knew her mind and heart were spinning. His comment was
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yet another potential ‘flaw’. Was he unhappy with how nervous she was? How inexperienced she was? She already had confessed to Aeden about the lack of confidence, this was surely just the King taking more of a note of additional issues she has. But, his warm words continued as he gently placed the flat of his right palm against her neck. Feeling her pulse, granting her heat from his touch. “Which I understand. I’ve spent very little time with you, Princess, but you strike me as a girl who would never spend time unsupervised with a man, let alone slip behind a dressing partition to have yourself disrobed by a male’s hands. I’m still learning about you, Princess, but I’m not unpleased with you. Breathe a little for me.” His warm words said softly from behind as his palm slipped forward, laying over her collarbone.
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“As I mentioned before I’ve been preoccupied with your father. You did tell me last night that if I desired your presence earlier at my castle that I must clear it with him. And that my Princess, is precisely what I’ve been up to. However.” He paused, hand lowering as he let his warm touch descend and graze on over her upper chest, for his fingers to slip beneath the opening of the gown. She was inexperienced, sure, but she likely knew a man shouldn’t have his bare hands upon her in such a way. However Kaellus did stop, his palm centered on her heart, over her left breast, but not cupping her bare breast in his hands. He would need to allow his hand to slip a little further down if that’s what he wanted. “Your heart is racing Meredith. So, it got me to thinking that perhaps my future bride is herself unhappy with these arrangements? You can be honest with me, Princess. As nobles, there are many things we must do that we do not necessarily enjoy, but I’m curious, do you dislike the idea of our union? If I didn’t know any better-“ His husky voice rang out behind her as he kept his warm touch scandalously over her chest. “I would almost think with this racing heart of yours, that you’re scared of me. Perhaps to the point you wish my touch was not on you?”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 18-Apr-22 07:01 PM
She could not help but nervous. No man had ever come in her chamber with her like this except for Aeden and even then he had never joined her behind her partition or laid his hands on her to undress her. When he brushed her hair to the side she couldn’t help the shuddering breath that left her. She closed her eyes willing herself to calm down as his fingers pulled the string, her hands came up to hold the garment against her, preventing it from falling down and exposing her chest, but her shoulders and back were now bare before him. Only when he said that he was not displeased with her did she calm just a small bit. Was she still in his favor? He claimed to have been speaking to her father, that it was the reason he had not come to see her. She did not know what they had been talking about that lasted two full days, but it was also not her place to question that. It was only when his hand moved forward and moved down to her chest that she stiffened again. She almost wanted to prevent him from moving further when he stopped right above her heart. Her finger grazed the top of her breast but as he spoke he made his intentions clear, he was feeling her heartbeat. A heartbeat that was racing so hard it made her take more breaths then she should. He told her to speak honestly, but how could she? Even with her closest maids and advisors she could not speak freely, some things were simply not supposed to come out of the mind of the Princess. The only thing she would be honest with was her journal and even some of those pages were burned to prevent unwanting eyes from peering upon them. But his words did make her think. Was she unhappy with their arrangement? This entire time she had been consumed by one thing and one thing alone. The fear of making herself unwanted before this man. Because failing for him to take her hand would mean to fail at the task that she had been prepared for her whole life, to be a proper price to ensure the happiness of her kingdom. Bu
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t in that moment she allowed herself to think about their union in a personal sense. Did she wish to marry him? He had nothing to cause her fear for him. He had been kind and respectful even if he had done it in his own way. His actions might be foreign to her, but none of them had showed her that he was unfit of being her husband. It was only then that she realized she had been quiet for a long time, letting the king speak and say nothing back to him. The silence had already drawn on to long. She turned herself around then, her light blue eyes peering up to find his. The contract between the two could not be greater. Meredith short and skinny, dressed in barely anything and clutching to fabrics to her chest, the tops on them showing. And him standing tall and broad dressed in thick furs and leathers. “The only thing I am afraid of is to displease you, my King.” She then spoke and in a way it was the truth. “That you would find me unworthy of your touch, unworthy of being your Queen.” She said as she peering into his eyes. She had seen his eyes dance over her body before. Even with how inexperienced she was, she knew what it meant for a man to want a woman’s body. She could only guess that this man before her, with as many woman as he had claimed to have bedded, had certain needs of his own. She took a deep breath then and averted her eyes to his chest as she let her hands drop to her sides and the nightgown fall down to pool around her feet. A blush rose to her pale cheeks and she did not dare to look up to the King and see his reactions, afraid that he disproved of her boldness or did not like what he saw. “I want to be your Queen.. Kaellus.” Hesitation in her voice as she used his name as he had been using hers.
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Kaellus BOT 19-Apr-22 02:23 AM
The girl might as well had been like a leaf shaking in the wind for how her heart hammered against her chest. As perceptive as the King could be, he could only speculate as to what was passing through her mind. The various reasons of such anxiety. Sure, the girl was known as the Sapphire of the Kingdom, her beauty revered and commented upon through the city, but for all she knew people just said that to be polite and proper. She was a princess after all, did anyone really want to put their lives at risk by insulting a royal? And now she was met, not by some lower born boys looking to ascend the societal ladder, but by a weathered man who had likely slain as many men as he had bedded women. What if she wasn’t special? What if she was found to be lacking and because of reasons outside of her control he decided he was going to dissolve the union and perhaps make an agreement elsewhere, a more favorable agreement with a more favorable woman. The girl clearly didn’t engage in the same matters as men did. Her negotiation skills were lacking, she betrayed and wore far too many emotions. She was still young, she’d grow wiser, colder in time. But as she stood before him, even if she had kept her clothing on, she might as well had been bare and naked for how much she was showing of her emotional state beneath the surface. As the shorter girl turned around, facing his intimidating presence, she would find his green eyes looking back at her, only before her resolve faded, and she shied her gaze away as she allowed her gown to fall. Exposing her pale body before a man’s eyes for the first time since she was a babe. With her eyes downcast she would not be able to know if his eyes dipped, but they most assuredly did. Peering on down the girl’s petite form, towards to modest swell of her chest, to the pink pigment of her nipples as those very same nipples stood erect. Likely from a myriad of causes, from the cooler air of the night, from the adrenaline coursing thro
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ugh her body and causing her blood vessels to constrict as she was figuratively, or maybe literally, faced with a life or death situation. Admittedly she surprised him. She showed him more courage in this moment than he thought she had. This wasn’t an act for what he could tell, she seemed incredibly uncomfortable on being on display like this, being judged by another’s eyes. She most assuredly knew the weight and the responsibility set upon her thin shoulders, and he wondered in that moment just how much leverage he had upon the dear princess. Just what demands could he make of her. Just how desperate was she? She was scrawny, likely considered malnourished if he were to take her to his kingdom, but she had an attractive face, and her hips suggested they were fit to bear children. The sight of her stirred a man’s blood. Although, for all he knew of her, she might buckle and cower if faced by the reality of what it meant to make a man’s loins heated.
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Many firsts would be taken from this Princess. And so, Kaellus decided to sample his young Queen. To ‘test’ and see whether she knew what she was getting herself into. She wanted the King’s favor? Just how much favor was she wanting from her King, and dare she voice up when she believed it was too much? He didn’t allow her to shyly keep her gaze down for too long, not before his right hand moved to lift upon her chin. Directing her blue gaze, those rosy embarrassed cheeks of hers, up to look at him as he looked on back at her very nearly bare self, save for the undergarment at her own loins. In the grand scheme of things, what he was about to do was not nearly as invasive as some of the other options, but in kind with his lack of manners and propensity to do as he pleased, he decided to taste the Aurelian Princess. Leaning forward, perhaps keeping her chin held hostage, Kaellus sealed the gap between their lips. A gingerly and gentle touch, before quickly becoming more scandalous in nature. Meredith’s mouth was pristine and untainted for all of her nineteen years, and yet upon this night she would know what it felt to have a man plunge that heated, fleshy organ, a tongue to push past the threshold of her lips and grind against her own. He was forceful, purposefully so, guiding her back such that her back would be against the wall, the front of her body facing him, so she would understand that she was effectively cornered, with no escape between them. At his mercy as his tongue invaded her mouth, and god forbid if he wished for more.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 19-Apr-22 06:20 AM
To say she was unprepared for the Kings advantage was an understatement. Even just the hand that moved under her chin to lift her eyes up to his intensified the blush into her face. She didn’t know what to do with her arms, almost moving them to cover herself up, but this was not the moment to shy away from him. She wanted him to see she wanted him as that want might be the thing that made him promise to take her as his own. Her eyes gleamed as she looked into his. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was seeing in his, but they were as sharp and dark as ever. He said no word to her, simply held that look. Had she known the gaze of lust that men could held, surely she would have picked up on it. But the Princess had never bene with anyone in such ways and so she could only mistake it for other things. Anger? Displeasure? And then his face moved forward to hers, his lips placed against hers. It started so gentle. She had seen this between her father and mother, a sign of love that was passed between them in those small private moments that they could afford. But it soon changed into more. He pushed into her, forcing her lips apart for his tongue to invade her mouth, searching for her own. She was caught of guard, pushed against the wall and pinned to it she his tongue kept up it’s way in her mouth. She tried to go with his flow, to follow his lead, but she was easily overpowered and overwhelmed. Her hands came to rest on his chest, as if she could push him off her if he advanced any further. The fingers softly grasping into the furs in a manner that could easily be mistaken as enjoyment and excitement had she been a woman of experience. Yet she did not push him. She had accepted him into her chambers, had accepted his hands to undress her and the she chosen to present her body before him. He was taking what was his, sampling what he was negotiating for. She needed to remind him of what he wanted from her. So even if the sudden burst between them was unexpecte
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d and overwhelming, she would go along with him as best as she could.
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Kaellus BOT 19-Apr-22 09:01 AM
Her skin, her lips were as soft as one would imagine a Princess’ to be. While in some lights this was a test Kaellus was giving the dear girl, he’d be lying if there wasn’t some personal curiosity behind his actions. Even with his eyes closed as he kissed her, he could feel her uncertain reaction. Feel the way that she hadn’t yet knew how to work her own tongue. This was not a polite kiss to be shared in public, but one with an altogether different sort of passion behind it. And with his eyes shut he felt the way her body tensed, he felt the way her hands found themselves to the front of his chest. Likely just reflexive on her part. She was likely less than half his weight, she’d be powerless to push him off her, but she wasn’t trying to push him off. Not yet. Perhaps just some instinctual need to try and make sure things didn’t unfold too quickly. Kaellus may have kissed many women in his life time, in many places that the very thought would likely leave the dear Princess’ mouth agape and cheeks flared. Still, locking and grinding tongues was among the most sensual and erotic ways with which human beings could connect with another. How could it not be? Here she was of nineteen years and obviously having reserved her mouth for someone in the future. This was clearly not an act on the same level as holding hands, or dancing. Even though the initial kiss was abrupt, what with the way he pushed his tongue forth, the grinding motion he used was slowly and steady, granting the girl time to acclimate as his left palm positioned itself heatedly against her bare hip. Holding her in place as tasted her. But dear Meredith would be exposed to many new firsts upon this night. To feel a man’s hands upon her bare body, to have a man’s lips upon her, tongue inside her. But there was of course more, with possibly frightening connotations. Kaellus was blunt in actions and words. At times shameless, and as such he harbored no shame in the fact that kissing her
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like this was arousing. There were many facets behind it, from the act itself, to the various tests he was laying out for the Princess. And so, as if she needed her poor heart to thump more erratically within her chest, the King moved to step forward just a bit. Just until a certain something brushed against her skin, heated, and firm against the front of his trousers. She undoubtedly knew what men had, but it was something altogether different for her to feel it pressed against her. And with it, a question she’d need to ask herself. Was this a good thing for her King to be aroused by her? Or would the realization of what she was doing to him be cause for her to panic?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 19-Apr-22 09:21 AM
Even if Kaellus believed that perhaps he was moving in a slow enough pace, he was moving quite fast for Meredith who had never experienced anything close to it before. She had only just started to get an understanding for the way his tongue was moving inside of her mouth, when his warm palm got placed against her hip. She couldn’t help but feel a shiver run up from where he was holding her to the base of her neck, the feeling making the softest of sounds escape her mouth. She could not place what had caused it. Wether it was fear that had struck her or perhaps her body was naturally responding to the action of a man in need. He pressed himself even closer to her, his warm body being placed against hers, making the chill in the room disappear around them. And then the most heated part of him got pressed against her. She couldn’t prevent her eyes from opening to find his, the dance of their tongues pausing for just a moment as she was understanding what she felt. She had heard talk of it before, though never from anyone within her family. Royal ladies were kept blissfully unaware of exactly what the act of bedding was like, it was clouded under this veil of duty and the need for it to be able to bear children. Words like erection, arousal or orgasms were not uttered among them as it was seen as vulgar and unbefitting. It had been Ada who had told her more. Who had made her aware of the fact that men had a body part between their legs that would harden as they were wanting of a women. And that during a bedding that part would eventually make it’s way inside of her. She could only assume that it was that part of him that she was now feeling against her, that her King was wanting for her. “My King..” she would say into his mouth and if he permitted her the space to speak she would find his eyes, her cheeks clouded in a heavy blush and her heart beat quick in her chest. Her breathing was coming in short bursts as she knew that the next thing she would say would
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be perhaps the most dangerous words she would ever let escape her mouth. “If..” she hesitated before pulling herself through it. “If I accept you into my bed.. will you give me your word that I will be your Queen?” Some might have called her a fool for deciding to offer herself to him in such ways. She was meant to be pure upon her wedding night and if this man decided to take her and not wed her, she would be tainted forever. Yet if she had found the King to be anything it was that he was authentic. If he gave her his word.. she would believe that he would keep it. To ensure their union from happening, to ensure her kingdom from having what it needed, she was willing to give her to this man who was so wanting of her right then.
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Kaellus BOT 20-Apr-22 02:57 AM
He was quite curious of Meredith’s reaction. Would the prim and proper princess crumble upon being faced with the reality of the situation unfolding before her? Clearly she was out of sorts, but he did grant the girl some time to speak. Taking a break from violating her mouth as he cast his gaze down into her eyes, noting the deep blush upon her pale cheeks. She called out to her King, and truthfully, Kaellus was prepared to hear the young Princess ask for mercy. He could have pacified her earlier, let her know his intent wasn’t to go too far with her, but that would defeat the purpose of learning how she would navigate such a situation. But instead of asking for mercy, she surprised the Northerner. As sheltered as she might have been while being a noble, she undeniably understood the ramifications of uttering what she did. Accepting him into her bed was not a euphemism for cuddling, even she must know that. While the idea of her preserving her virtue for her ‘one and only’ seemed like a silly custom down in these parts, he understood the gravity of the situation. She was willing to allow herself to be tainted by him, before vows that would tether them together, knowing full well that if negotiations fell apart that her worth would be impacted. Rumors would circulate about her, friends and family would talk behind the back of the Princess who too eagerly spread her legs for another man. But that was only if negotiations failed. Kaellus did what undoubtedly no man prior dared to do to her, moving his right palm behind her rump and giving the girl a firm, possessive squeeze. “Between you and I, my Southern Princess, I will not only make you a woman this evening, but indeed, make you my Queen.” He seemed to agree to her terms, after all, what man would willingly pass up the chance to take a princess? Perhaps Meredith, prior to this point, had never thought to imagine how it might be for her first time. Perhaps the prim and proper princess didn’t have
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a mind that delved into such deplorable and sinful thoughts. Regardless, it was highly likely that even if she did let herself imagine, that the reality would be different than ideal imaginings. Kaellus took her hand, gently, walking the topless princess out from behind the partition and towards her royal bed. “Don’t worry about your panties. I’ll take them off for you.” He said. A ‘considerate gentleman’ to make such an offer as he walked her to the foot of her lavish bed and let go of her hand. “I would typically expect my women to know instinctively what position to assume, but considering this is your first time. Go ahead Princess. Climb on the bed for me, faced away and assume a position for me such that you’d be on all fours.” Kaellus said, straight faced as if this was a totally normal request, even if in reality it was incredibly exposing and humiliating to the girl who had not shown herself ever to such a degree. Or would she defy her King’s orders?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 20-Apr-22 04:17 AM
She couldn’t help the gasp that left her as his big rough hand grabbed into her behind. Such a foreign touch to her and so possessive that even though she knew exactly who the man before her was and what she had offered him that it caught her by surprise. Yet she held her eyes with his and when he said he would make her his Queen she could not help but feel relief flood through her body. She had saved it.. she had done what she had needed even if it meant that she was about to lose her innocence.. Become a woman as the King had called it. She looked down to his hand. In that moment she felt strangely calm. Like the weight that had been on her shoulders for months now was finally lifted with the single promise from the King. She took his hand and walked with him out from behind the partition. As he told her she would not need to undress further she nodded to him, letting him know she understood. She had never thought about her wedding night. Even if she had she had been unsure what to picture. Nobody had prepared her for such things, nobody but Ada had even told her about anything of what she was to suspect. All she knew is that she was supposed to listen to what her husband said and that she had to be still and dignified.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 20-Apr-22 04:25 AM
So when he spoke to her and told her to get on the bed on her hands and knees she did as she was told. She moved forward and climbed into it like he told her. She felt exposed to him, knowing his eyes were moving over her body as they spoke. She took comfort in knowing the small piece of white fabric still covered her, but she knew that comfort would soon leave as well. She stared into the sheets below her, at the pillows that were propped up against the headrest and stayed there. She wondered how it would feel, to have a man enter her. They had always said the union between and man and woman was beautiful and precious. But now as she was facing away from him, resting on her hands and her knees, waiting for him. She didn’t know what she was expecting.
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Kaellus BOT 20-Apr-22 05:09 AM
He watched in relative silence, save for the sounds of firewood crackling in the hearth. The majority of the Keep would be sleeping peacefully, blissfully unaware that the dear Princess would be losing her innocence this evening. That her faithful Knight just down the hall slept, entirely oblivious to the fact that the one life he swore to protect was moments away from being impaled. Aeden would undoubtedly consider this a personal failing. The thought never occurred to the Knight that she would willingly offer herself. Any other scenario in his mind suggested she would scream and fight, which of course would signal her dear Knight. However, Kaellus watched as the girl obediently took up her position on the bed. Her pale body exposed before his eyes as that thin piece of fabric covered her sex, shielding her most vulnerable and precious place from his eyes. Indeed, the fabric was thin enough that the slightest of pink hues could be discerned. “Good girl-“ Kaellus offered her praise as he stepped forward. He didn’t prevent her from looking. If she would rather close her eyes and tighten her jaw the whole time, she’d be allowed, or if she wished to look over her shoulder, or down below her body to see and watch this man take her, she would equally be permitted. And then she’d feel it. He’d touched her several times before, whether while dining, dancing, or most recently as they were kissing. It was similar, but different now as the heat of his palm was placed at perhaps a more acutely tuned position. He cupped her. Right hand pressed between her thighs, palm and fingers contouring to her mound as the heat of his touch permeated the thin fabric and seeped into the underlying skin beneath. He did so knowing this was the first time the Princess would be touched in such fashion. To be ‘held’ in such a place. “I have conditions, Princess.” His deep voice calmly spilled out behind her as his palm stayed put, firmly pressed to the heat of her core. “
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One being, unless instructed otherwise, you are not to leave this position. If this is how I desire to take you, then I shall. Secondly, I still wish to crave and yearn for our wedding night, and as such, I’ll be depriving myself of sight. So to say, I’ll be blindfolded before I peel these.” He emphasized, pressing his thumb a bit more firmly against the cloth covering her core. “away.” He warm palm left her core, letting the cooler night’s air seep in against her as her King proceeded to fix a length of cloth over his eyes. “Make no mistake Princess, I’m a very curious man, and indeed I want to see. Consider this as further incentive for me to uphold my end of the deal. Fair enough?” Kaellus said, hands dropping towards his belt and trousers, now blinded, and awaiting the Princess’ consent.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 20-Apr-22 05:33 AM
His hand against her core came as a surprise as she had not been looking at him. She sudden heat of his palm against her own heat felt strange, yet not unpleasant. It was not a thing she would have thought would be part of it, to have his hand upon her like that. But the King knew better. He had bedded many women as he had admitted. It wasn't for her to question his intentions. "I have conditions, Princess." She spoke, his voice the same gravel that it usually wad when he spoke to her. "Pleae voice them, my King." She said and let him speak. She listened to his words carefully. The last thing she would wish was for the King to be displeased with her upon their bedding. Even if he had given his word, if she was found lacking he would be at no fault for walking from her. As his thumb pressed into her she found her breath leaving her. A strange pressure forming in her lower stomach that she had not felt before. Then he took his whole hand away and she almosr shuddered from the sudden cold that came upon her. Yet she did not move. "Yes, my King." She spoke. Letting him know she agreed to his terms. They were simple enough. She was not to move from how she was and she was not to be seen by him. She looked down over her shoulder just to see him put the blindfold over his eyes. Part of her was glad for it, that his eyes would not look upon the most private part of her body. That even the King seemed to wish for their wedding night to be special in a way. When his hands dropped down to his trousers and belt she let her eyes wander down to his frame and they stayed there as the leathers dropped down to the floor. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked upon the length that was straining against the fabric of his undergarment. Her breath caught in her throat. Was that the part she would take inside her? Fear gripped her once more. It was so different from what she had expected. She turned her face back to the pillow, deciding it better to not try and fear but to sim
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ply wait for what the king would do to her.
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Kaellus BOT 21-Apr-22 05:58 AM
As one could imagine his presence was just as intimidating as the rest of his body. A larger than life persona, physique, and indeed well endowed for parts southern. There was little hesitation in dropping his trousers as the thickened outline of what Meredith would have to surmise was his member stood clearly out against the undergarments. A double-edged sword, if she dared to look. On one hand it was physical evidence that she was attractive and arousing to her future husband. One the other hand, it was in fact this attraction that would prove to be what would likely be an ‘uncomfortable’ time for the dear girl. Eyes covered, Kaellus would not know whether the Princess’ curiosity got the better of her, although he did look forward to the night in which he could see just how wide her pretty blue eyes grew at the sight of him. “If I might offer you some advice, Princess, try to relax.” He commented as he blindly reached out, tracing a finger warmly along her covered cover. From grazing over a hooded button, all the way up along the supple fabric that covered her heat before he hooked a finger into her panties. Granting her the feeling of flesh against flesh. For a man to be touching her in such a place, even though he was only peeling her panties aside, exposing the ripened pink core to the cooler air of the room. A revered, and respected Princess she was, relegated now to being on all fours like some common breeding mare, blatantly exposed. Her solace being that her more private of parts, even uncovered, was still shielded from his eyes. Her modesty partially preserved in that at least a man would not have seen her. .
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But even without sight, it didn’t mean the King was not able to perceive. He could feel the warmth of the princess. Even if she wasn’t in a state of arousal, it was undeniable that her heart was thudding with anxiety, that blood warmly circulated throughout her body, including the blood vessels beneath surface around her genitalia. He could feel the soft skin brush against the knuckle of his finger, and further could feel the pubic hair brush against him. It wasn’t surprising. Not shaving was more traditional. It was highly unlikely she would have spoken to anyone about what ways she might make herself more presentable to her husband. That said, this wasn’t a turn off for the King as a quick pull resulted in the thin fabric tearing and exposing her bare sex. This was soon followed by his unsheathing, pulling down his undergarments and granting her a view. Stepping forward, the heavily hung appendage pressed its swollen, heated length against her core. Specifically, his shaft. The tip was not lined up, merely, just making contact as his hands firmly clasped to her hips, to hold her in place as he brought that heated muscle to press against her. Letting her have a feel for the first man she had ever known in such a way. For her to feel what it might be like to press back against a man swollen with want and desire. To feel the raw strength and power that embodied such an organ as it throbbed against her own heated entrance. “Tell me Princess, what is going through your mind at this moment? Are you terrified of me? You can be honest, after all, I am to be your husband.” Kaellus asked, slowly moving his hips back, and then forward, to grind a bit against her. Pressing bodies together, but thus far, seemingly not intent on penetrating.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 21-Apr-22 08:07 AM
She did not dare to let her eyes wander behind her again. That short peek at him had already been enough to make her heart start to thump and the nerves to settle back into her. She tried to just concentrate on the pillow before her and after he had spoken his advice, she also tried to relax. Even if she would prove to not be very good at that part. His knuckle brushed over her sex as he grabbed into her underwear. The feeling was strange and foreign. She had never noticed she was that sensitive there as her hands had rarely ever passed it except for washing and wiping. Yet in that moment it was almost like she could feel that touch of him through her entire being and she once more found it hard to relax. And of course that feeling didn’t get any better when that last bit of protective fabric was torn away from her body. The cold air hit it almost instantly and she could feel another shudder going through her. More sound of clothing being removed followed behind her and only mere moments after his hard length was pressed against her. Even from just him pressing against her she could feel just how well endowed her was. She almost wanted to walk away when his hands wrapped around her hips and locked her in place. Perhaps that was a good thing.. so she could not run from the situation that she herself had caused. As he moved the strange feeling came back to her, the same thing she had felt when his knuckle had brushed against her, perhaps even a bit more intense. Combines with her fast beating heart made her lips part and deeper breaths to leave her. “Tell me Princess, What is going through your mind at this moment? Are you terrified of me? You can be honest, after all, I am to be your husband.” He spoke to her and it was clear he demanded an answer that was more then the pleasantries she would usually offer him. “Not of you, my King..” she spoke. It was not him that she feared, it was the nature of the act they were about to engage in. “I do not wish to di
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splease you..” she spoke then, being as honest as she could allow herself to be. “To have you find me lacking or unfit.” Her hands grabbed into the sheets, the anticipation of it all making her body rigid. She tried her best to relax herself once more. “I am terrified of you turning me down..” she admitted in the end, making herself vulnerable in front of her King in that moment.
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Kaellus BOT 21-Apr-22 09:07 AM
His heart was actively beating within his chest, pumping lustful blood to course throughout his being. He had not laid with a woman since departing from his Kingdom, and it would certainly have been rude for him to enlist the services of a concubine and sample the brothels of the Southern Kingdom. His body was wanting and ready. Princesses were a rare treat for any and undoubtedly he would savor laying claim to her. To take her as his own through the throes of passion, and leave her this night quite possibly with his child. Slowly Kaellus used her body to stroke and grind against him. Deriving from her that sweet friction he desired, all the while allowing her body to prepare and coat him with her sweet nectar. Marking a King with the scent of her body, imparting her unique scent upon the first, and only person who would ever have the pleasure. Unfortunately for the dear princess, Kaellus had already known how this night would transpire, even before the girl had offered herself to him. Strong, warm palms positioned themselves upon her bottom, fingers dipping within her cheeks and spreading her lewdly. Undoubtedly giving the King an eyeful, if only he hadn’t been blindfolded. However, there was a method to his madness in blindfolding himself this evening, for he knew had he witnessed her tonight that all semblance of willpower would be lost. With a deep breath, the erotic scent of two bodies subtly in the air, Kaellus’ muscles tightened as he expelled heated breath to roll on out and along her bare back. First it was his manhood which left her, and then his palms from her bottom, before planting his right hand firmly against her core. “I now believe you Princess. I was curious to know what amount of resolve you had. Whether your words were genuine and to measure just how much you understand the gravity of what is at stake.” His strong voice warmly spoke behind her, as if lecturing the princess as his palm subtly moved as if petting the Princess’ sex.
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“I did not know what to expect when I met you for the first time. And while I suspect there’s much to learn still of you, I will tell you that I am not disappointed.” Blindly he allowed his thumb to stroke along her folds, gently resting the pad of his large thumb against her virgin entrance, though not pressing within. “However-“ His palm steadied, ceasing the friction granted to her. “You’ve felt the heat and swell of a man’s desire against you this evening. The raw unbridled power of one craving sensually another.” He withdrew his hand from her core, about an inch, before sealing the gap in a soft spanking. .
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“Princess. In you I wish to spill my seed, to grace you with my presence. I think it is only fitting you understand what it is to crave and want, and I do not believe you understand what it is to desire yet. That is not your fault, for I suspect you simply did not know. Next time you are before me, Meredith, positioned just like you are now. I want to know, and feel beyond a shadow of a doubt that you crave to be mine.” He suspected she would not entirely know what he meant by that, but she was a smart girl and would figure it out in time he was certain. And soon his hand left her sex entirely, bringing it briefly up towards his face to breathe in her essence. This would take a great deal of will power, but the Princess likely wouldn’t know just how closely he was to simply giving in and indulging. “It was nice seeing you tonight Princess. I’ve spoken with your Father and preparations for your departure shall begin tomorrow, with a caravan officially leaving the day after. Your parents and their attendants will be coming in their own carriages. You’ll be allowed to bring two personal attendants yourself, so you should look into those appointments tomorrow.” He said, fixing his undergarments, still visibly swollen as he’d fasten his trousers. Still the king felt the need to reiterate. “You did not disappoint me tonight Meredith. But I’ve told you what I want now, so see to it that the next time we meet you do not disappoint.” And with that, he would make his leave.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 21-Apr-22 09:27 AM
She couldn’t help the state that she was left in. Even as he was talking to her and preparing to take his leaf she couldn’t help the soft panic that was slowly rising in of her. Even if with all the words that he had spoken to her she only had one thing in her mind. The King had not wanted her. Even if he had been as ready as a male could be for a woman, he had pulled away from her and spoke of her lacking. Even if he had tried to reassure her that he was not disappointed in her, she could not help that feeling of panic. The moment the door closed she scrambled from her position, grasping into the blanket to clutch it closely against her chest and hide her naked body from the cold air that was in the room. She could feel her heart beating fast in her chest, her breathing matching almost the rhythm as she couldn’t seem to get enough air into her lungs. She was her own worst enemy in that moment, her mind tormenting her with endless thoughts about her failure. Reasonable thought was not with her in that moment and perhaps later she would think back about the Kings words and realized just that. But this was not that moment. The hyperventilation was causing her hands and feet to tingle, her eyes filling with tears and slowly made their way down her cheeks. Simply unable to calm herself down in that moment. The stress of the last two days finally grabbing such a hold on her heart that she could do nothing but let it out. Between meeting the king, waiting for his calling, having him find her in her chambers and finally having been exposed and humiliated in the way she had been had caught up to her.
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Aeden BOT 22-Apr-22 03:48 AM
“What do you mean you didn’t know?” Aeden shouted out to the servant who enlightened him that the King had been seen leaving the Princess’ quarters. “Why wasn’t I notified when he approached?” Aeden, who had been sleeping up until the point had quickly shot up out of bed, in the midst of hastily pulling on trousers and a tunic over his torso. Sword, sheathe, and belt fixed to his waist. He was armorless, both in regards to steel and leather. He was irritated, but more so than that, his heart sank as the possibilities ran wild within his mind. To this point, Aeden would never suspect the Princess of offering herself. And while he didn’t quite know what kind of man Kaellus was, and while this meeting could have been nothing more than simple discussion, it was far too easy for his mind to wander upon less than desirable scenarios. Did this man lay hands upon her? Had she been harmed? “Princess?” It had been only a few minutes since Kaellus had left the Princess. In some ways rejected her. And with no context of what had unfolded, there was a sickening release of adrenaline. In those seconds following his calling out to her, the knocking that followed, he did wonder what he’d do if she didn’t respond. What if the woman he swore to protect had met an untimely demise? Ultimately Aeden opened the door and his eyes frantically searched. He was looking for blood, signs of a struggle. .
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But the room, even though it was cast in flickering shadows from the fire place, did not look terribly out of place. Her nightgown conveniently out of sight behind the partition, as his eyes and ears brought the Knight’s attention towards the bundled up form of the Princess by the bed, clutching the blankets around her body as the soft sounds of sobbing reverberated through the chambers. Like a rug being pulled out from under him, the sounds of her crying felt like a punch to the gut. So she had been in danger, and thus instincts kicked in and he found himself moving swiftly to her side. “Princess, it’s me. What happened. Look at me, what did he do?” Aeden said, moving to sit near her as his warm palms reached out to her cheek. He normally refrained from so casually laying hands on her, but he needed to assess the situation. To understand if he needed to send for the Kingdom’s doctor. So, while cupping her cheek he lifted her gaze so he could see. His concerned, gray eyes scanning her face, the red and swollen eyes from her sobbing, all the way down towards her neck and collarbone before the blankets hid the fact that she was entirely unclothed. What would she tell him? How much more humiliating did this night have to be for her? How could she possibly confess that she was turned down? “Princess-“ Aeden, placed a hand behind her back and moved to guide her to rest her head to his shoulder. “Are you hurt? What did he do to you? That man, I swear I won’t forgive him.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 22-Apr-22 07:05 AM
She had barely even heard the knight come into her room. She was curled up in a small ball, her knees pulled up against her body and her head placed on top of her knees. The blanket clutched tightly against her, but her shoulders and back remained bare. It was only when the knight called out to her that her head lifted from those knees and she looked at him. Her breathing was still rapid, her eyes red and her tears coated her cheeks and chin. As his hand reached out for her and was placed so gently on her cheek she only seemed to start sobbing even more. She leaned into him, needing the comfort of her long friend. Even if the reason they were together so much had been because he was meant to protect her, they had formed a close bond over the years. Even so, they did not often actually enjoy each other physical company as those things would be seen as improper between them. He asked her what had happened but she could not move the words past her lips. What could she say to him? That she had offered herself to the King and had been refused? That she had laid bare before him, that his hands had touched her most intimate part? It was all to much, to embarrassing, to humiliating to even word out. “Are you hurt? What did he do to you? That man, I swear I won’t forgive him.” It was only then that she found the words leaving her mouth. “Don’t blame the King.. He was not at fault.” She said through her sobs. “I am not hurt Aeden..” she tried to say, at least not physically. She laid against him, resting her head against his shoulder. The soft beating of his heart had her closing her eyes and focusing on it, finally able to calm down a little bit. “Would you fetch me my nightgown.. please?” She asked, wanting to cover herself and not feeling like the blanket was enough to make her feel modest again.
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Aeden BOT 25-Apr-22 02:38 AM
Despite his eyes being upon her, and scanning, it took him longer than he cared to admit to realize the complete state of undress she was in. Namely the way the blanket was pulled around her body, while keeping her shoulders and back bare. It was then confirmed to the Knight, at her request for her nightgown that beneath the blankets around her she was presumably bare. This revelation caused the Knight’s heart to squeeze. Not necessarily out of imagining the Princess naked beneath the covers, but rather, questioning why and how did she end up in such a state. She said to not blame the northern King, but was she merely making excuses for her future husband? Had Kaellus, the brute that he was, tore the nightgown from off her body and possibly left her after she didn’t give him what he wanted? Very rarely had he even witnessed the princess being as upset as this. He spent a lot of time trying to shield her from pain, physically and emotionally, but this was certainly unlike what he’d ever felt from her again as she leaned in and instinctively, as to consul her, his warm hand moved to her upper bare back, and to the back of her head. Fingers briefly weaving into the soft gray and silver hair of the woman. He had not had previous occasion to touch her like this, and as always, Aeden was considerate and gentle in his handling of her. In contrast to the Northern King who simply took and touched her as he pleased. “Nightgown?” He asked under his breath before realizing. “Are you sure? I could wake Ada, or-“ He began. His first thought was that she was royalty, as such, she neither dressed or undressed herself. Him fetching her nightgown would by extension suggest to him that the princess needed dressing and that she was bare beneath the blankets. However, given the clearly upset state she was in, perhaps… she would rather not share her humiliation with anyone else. Parting from her briefly, the warm Knight rose and headed towards the partition that he’d
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never had occasion to set foot behind as naturally it was not a place a man should be, and yet, all the same as his eyes looked upon the bunched up, thin fabric of her gown on the floor, he could only assume that Kaellus had been back here. Picking it up Aeden soon stepped out from behind the partition and towards the huddled Princess. Still very clearly feeling as if he should wake one of her handmaidens in the middle of the night. Part of him considered offering to close his eyes for her, but another part of him thought it would be inappropriate for him to offer. He would of course do whatever it was the Princess asked of him, but given his position, he couldn’t be the one to suggest it. “Princess?” He said, holding her nearly sheer gown out before them.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 25-Apr-22 05:31 AM
“No.. please don’t wake Ada.” She told him almost instantly when he suggested it. She did not want Ada to see her this way. She had not even wanted Aeden to see her this way, but that had already been to late. She could not remember a time that she had been more upset, more humiliated. To be rejected by the king while she knew he was wanting, when she had presented everything of herself to him. It was more then she could handle. Though a small part of her was glad that he was there. The hand that rested on her back was the exact touch she had needed in that moment. One that was gentle and soft. His hands were so different from the Kings. No thick and heavy callus on his skin. Even if Aeden was trained to be a fearsome fight for anyone who dared to challenge him, the knight did not often actually get to draw that sword he wore at his hip. His hand was also not as warm as the Kings had been. It was almost an exact match to her own temperature, making the touch feel almost like a second skin and it was comforting. She finally felt Aeden move away towards the partition and return with the light blue nightgown in his hands. She came to the same realization as he did, she had nobody there to dress her. Yet she could not bear to be seen by anyone else in this state. He offered it out to her and she reached for it with shaking hands. “Would you please avert your eyes?” She asked of Aeden in a gentle manner. If he did turn himself away she would carefully step out of the bed, her naked feet padding softly on the ground and the blanket being left behind. She made almost no sound as she quickly made her way to the partition. When she was there she wasted little time to lift the nightgown over her body. It was a simple garment, the only tie that was on it was in her neck and she reached that to tie a knot so it would not fall away from her anymore. Now that she was covered she managed to calm down a bit more. No longer exposed to everything, she had gotten her modes
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ty back. She took a few more seconds to herself and forced the tears away. She still had red eyes and part of her face were red, but at least the tears had stopped by the time she stepped towards the bed. She once again took her place beneath the blankets, but they were not clung as heavily to her chest. “I apologize, my knight..” she said to him softly, not yet giving him permission to look at her once more. “After everything you have done for me over these years to bring me safety and comfort, for you to be the one to find me in such a state.” Her eyes were on him, taking in that familiar form. He was her shadow, the one who was there always. Even if he was meant to be someone who was always there but rarely noticed, she could not help but feel like a part of her was missing every time he was not by her side. “I do not wish to speak any further on what happened this night and I would appreciate if you would remain silent about the subject as well.” She took a deep breath. “You may turn back to me.” When he turned back he would see that her breathing had halted and returned to normal, her face softened and her eyes no longer big from panic. “However..” she said, hesitating for a moment. “I would prefer your company for just a small bit longer, if it would not rob you of valuable sleep.”
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Aeden BOT 25-Apr-22 07:46 AM
“Of course Princess.” He replied gently in response to her request of averting his gaze. He felt conflicted, leaving her to dress herself, but the alternative was inappropriate. She was a maiden and her body should not be seen beneath the eyes of a man, at least until her wedding day. Although, Aeden could surmise that the Northern King had received an eyeful of the Princess. Aeden still believed Kaellus did so under less than respectable ways. Forcing the Princess to undress, either physically, or ordering her. Quietly he waited, back turned and eyes shut until the Princess voiced her return, and further apologized to him for finding her in such a state. “Meredith-“ He said, quickly realizing he’d been too familiar and corrected himself. “Princess, you needn’t apologize to me. There is nothing, no state, with which you could be presented to me that you’d need to apologize for.” Aeden said, genuinely. His mind not wandering to the various interpretations of that. He had long considered himself quite blessed to be assigned as her knight. It wasn’t just because it was his duty, but he very much so thought Meredith Mayweather to be the most beautiful, pure of heart woman he’d ever had the pleasure of knowing. He might not always be able to express that to her, but through his unyielding loyalty to her and his service he hoped she would know how deeply she meant to him. Turning about face, eyes still shut, at her request of never speaking about this again he nodded. In the end his service was to her and her alone. The King, or the Queen could issue him an order, but he was not at all obligated to follow. His allegiance was to Meredith and no one else, until only death where his service might be relieved. “My lips are sealed Princess.” He said before lifting his eyes to look upon her. Her soft gray hair cascading over her shoulders, her pale cheeks still a bit reddened from crying, and yet she still looked beautiful to him. It broke his heart for her to ask
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so weakly for him to stay. As if he could say no to her. Who could ever tell her no? “You’re silly Princess.” He said softly, moving towards his belt that tied the sword to his waist before undoing it and setting the sword down. “You know I would stay up and watch till dawn if that is what you wished of me.” He said, as he once more looked at her, blankets pulled around her now clothed body, though not as tightly as they once were. .
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He decided to take a seat at the edge of her bed. Near her, but not right up against her. Instead, letting his view look out towards the fire place. “It’s probably been a good ten years since last I was in your room this late.” He recalled. “I’m sure you remember. It was the night following a wandering theater group who your father had tell ghost stories to the nobles. And you insisted upon being present even though your mother advised against it. But we both know how stubborn you could be back then.” He teased her lightly, helping to switch the subject. “Do you remember that? Having me check under the bed, every corner and crevice of your chambers, and then having me keep guard all night long as I promised you I would never allow monsters to harm you. You took forever to fall asleep, and yet ultimately exhaustion found you. And do you remember what you saw upon waking up that morning?” It was him, sat beside the fire place, still awake, and still watching over her bedroom quietly as he let his sleeping princess rest and kept himself awake as he had promised her that he would look over her as she slept. “If need be Princess I can take up my position by the fire place again.” He half joked, but the offer was genuine in that he would remain as long as she needed him.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 25-Apr-22 10:14 AM
She felt comforted when Aeden told her that he would say and even more so as he said he would stay till dawn if that was what she needed in that moment. The problem was that she did know what she wanted. Or perhaps she did.. she wanted to be comforted. To be held and loved, to be told she was enough. After the rejection of the King she could not help but feel like he had seen something about her that he had not liked. Why else would this man have left her in the state she was in. She did not understand what he had meant with her needing to want him. She had presented her body bare before him, how else could she show it? But how could she ask of the knight to comfort her. It was not his task to be her comfort, he was there to be her protection and nothing more. If he were to be found with his arms around her, especially in the comfort of her bed.. they would take his head for that if not worse. So she was left with just needing to enjoy his company in her room and the protection he would offer her. She watched him sit down on the edge of her bed. If she stretched out her leg she would brush it up against him underneath the blankets. He was close, yet respectably far enough. It was almost a perfect way to show their relationship to each other. So close, yet never to close. When he started his story she could not help but chuckle softly, her hand coming up to shield the laugh. Even if the knight would never scold her for laughing, she still felt the need to hide it as was proper. “I remember.” She said to him, the smile back on her face and her eyes gleaming with admiration for the knight. “I believe I even made you check twice, not believing there would truly not be a monster hidden underneath my bed.” She chuckled softly. She had good memories with Aeden, fond memories. He had been with her in her earliest memories, always behind her. Back then he had been young himself, merely a boy watching over this small girl who liked to get herself into trouble more
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then she should. “You were still awake.” She said as he asked her if she remembered that morning. “You told me that you had watched over me the whole night. And later that day you came back into my room bearing a red candle. You told me that a magician had put a spell on it and that if I lit before I went to sleep it would ward of any monster.” Normally she had used white candles in her room, so the red one had seemed special to her. “And you were right.. no monsters came for me and once that candle ran out, I asked you for another, and another. Until the day came that I was no longer afraid and it was no longer on my mind.” As he offered to take his place by the fire place again she looked down at her hands. She shaking had stopped and after his story she felt relaxed and perhaps even a small bit sleepy. It was already late, way past the time she would normally sleep. Yet even now that she had calmed, she wanted him to stay. “The King wishes to travel North in two days.” She suddenly said as she met his eyes again, trying to gauge his reaction. She wished she could explain to him what had happened that night, but it was to humiliating to talk about. “The King has allowed me to bring two people in my service. I want you to prepare to travel with me, my knight. You and Ada.” Feeling like he deserved to know what would happen. “So if you wish to have a good night sleep in preparation I wish for you to do so. However, if you wish to stay..” she let the proposal hover in the air, her eyes locked with his. It was improper for her ask for him to stay during the night at her age, let alone now that she was betrothed. Yet she needed him, perhaps more then ever.
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Aeden BOT 26-Apr-22 03:40 AM
Aeden couldn’t help the smile worn upon his face as she recalled the periods in the past where he had specially went to market to fetch her those ‘enchanted’ red candles. Of course, their ‘power’ was exaggerated and he didn’t enjoy ‘lying’ to the Princess, however, it did consul her and it warmed his heart to know she felt safe at night even during times he could not be there watch over. “I still have one red candle on my nightstand. The last one I had bought before you grew out of needing it.” Consequently, looking at that red candle as the last thing he saw before going to sleep, and the first thing he saw upon waking up each day reminded him of Meredith and so, in a way that red candle also brought him some peace of mind and tranquility. Turning to look at the princess Aeden couldn’t help the way his brows rose as she enlightened him to the idea that Kaellus had requisitioned her presence at the Northern Capital in two day’s time. But that shock soon left his expression. Prior to entering her bedroom tonight Aeden believed it was only a matter of time before the princess would need to travel Northward. However, he’d be lying if he said a little part of him held a glimmer of hope that after seeing her in such a state this evening that perhaps the wedding had been called off. It was selfish he knew as much. He knew the kingdom and the many citizens therein were counting on this marriage. And yet… Aeden’s concern first and foremost was Meredith. Aeden bit his tongue at the phrasing that the Gaelic King had ‘allowed’ Meredith to bring two people. He would have accompanied her regardless, though it was ‘convenient’ that the accommodations could be made. Ada was additionally a good choice. The woman craved to get out beyond the walls of the castle and the Princess seemed to enjoy her company. It was important to Aeden that Meredith not feel alone, and obviously he knew there would be times he’d not be permitted to be with her, so as such, having Ada accompan
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y them would be beneficial for both. “Of course Princess. I will speak with her in the morning. Knowing her she’ll be thrilled at the opportunity.” Aeden’s calm gaze looked at the princess as she laid, mostly wrapped in her blankets. .
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It'd been a long while since he’d been in her chambers alone, so late after nightfall. If it were any other man it would be highly inappropriate, but just as Aeden would not bring up what happened tonight, neither did he or the Princess speak of Aeden’s own sacrifice and the ‘chains’ placed upon him at birth. He was a royal guardian, he understood that loving a woman would never be permitted to him, that he would never be a father. The Princess knew that as well. He didn’t resent the princess for this, quite to the contrary, if you were to ask the Knight he would confess to being blessed at the chance of being able to protect Meredith, even if that meant his life would otherwise be lonely. All that being said, it wasn’t that scandalous for the Knight to be in her chambers this late, after all, the knight was sworn to celibacy. “Once again Princess you’re being silly.” He said softly with a smile. “Asking such a question as that.” Perhaps she didn’t know that he would trade almost anything just to spend a little time with her. “I can probably pack in about an hour. You on the otherhand.” He smiled, simply teasing the girl. “I’m sure you’ll keep me quite busy tomorrow. If the Princess would permit me, I would be more than happy to stay longer. Y’know, keep the monsters at bay.” He joked, but at the same time he would keep her safe and warm this evening, for her to let down her guard and let her relax knowing she was in safe hands, figuratively or literally.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 26-Apr-22 04:12 AM
She once more could not surpres she small giggle that escaped her mouth. She knew that packing her things would not be an easy task. Perhaps lucky for her she would not be the one to do the packing. She had a lot of dresses that needed to be packed carefully as well as undergarments and nightgowns that had been prepared just in case a sudden union would be found. The gown that was meant for her wedding would also be packed along with the royal jewels that she would be expected to wear upon such an occasion. Even if the King would be required to provide her new gowns to wear in his own families colors, she would have to bring enough to last her for a few weeks to grant him time to see to it. After all, it would be scandalous for the Princess to wear anything twice, at least for the gowns she wore out of the castle. And while her maids would do her packing all that would be required of the Princess would be to be presentable if she would happen to be called upon. She would be required to be present at morning breakfast as well as the evening dinner. She would also be prepared for her wedding for as far as those preparation could be done. Like trimming her hair, and perfecting her nails, bathing her skin in oils. The whole process would be repeated before the actual union took place, but now that the trip north would be taken, the first steps would be started. “Thank you.. Aeden.” She said with a gentle smile on her face. She reached forward in the bed and took his hand in hers, her grey hair falling over her shoulder to brush against the V neckline of the nightgown. It was a simple gesture, yet coming from her it meant a lot. Her casual touch was rarely given, even in private situation like these. She was once again surprised by how soft the skin was on his hands, how gentle even that part of him was that was trained to kill anyone who dared touch her uninvited. “I wish you nothing but happiness.” She said to him in almost a whisper as her eyes held his int
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o hers. “I can merely wish that you find it in my company. Even after everything you have needed to sacrifice.” She said. She was well aware of his position. How his life was vowed to hers. How he would never be allowed a wife or children or even the company of a woman beside him. He was married to her more the he would ever be to someone else, yet even she could never give him the comfort that came with such love. “Tell me..” she said then her voice growing a bit more serious. “If you could choose to live another life, would you wish that?”
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Aeden BOT 26-Apr-22 08:08 AM
It would have been worth staying up the entire night just to see the gentle smile upon her face, her light giggle, and the supple contact of her hand against his own. There were differences in culture amongst men. Men didn’t hug other men, hold hands, or engage in physical gestures more than a hand shake. Especially not battle hardened men. Physical touch was reserved between intimate acts, of which he was not permitted. And so, this small physical touch they shared was truly something that warmed him. It wasn’t on an erotic level, rather simply cherishing the moment to be close with another when he had lived his life essentially in solitude. He did not have the luxury to reach out and touch the Princess at any given time, so it was a treat for her to make contact with him. His calm grey eyes looked into her blue hues. Her pale skin bathed in the warm orange glow of the fire place as her hair spilled down her shoulder. She was undone, having cried, no make-up, and hair undressed and yet she was still strikingly beautiful in his eyes. Beauty in the way of admiration, not merely his mind drifting towards inappropriate imaginings. His care and love for the princess extended beyond such carnal feelings. That said, his eyes briefly in their peripheral did note the open v-neck of her gown, the pale skin of her upper chest, and the small amount of exposed skin from her breasts. Aeden was not a saint. Objectively he found her attractive, but he simply didn’t let his mind wander. Not in her presence at least, he would not disrespect her in such fashion. And soon his eyes lifted back to her, his hand warmly holding hers as his thumb brushed against the back of her hand. “Are you aiming for a record today Princess? In how silly you can be?” He said, a grin spreading across his face handsomely. “You know I enjoy spending time with you. Even ‘off duty’.” Although, he was never really off duty. Always her protector and guardian at any hour of the day. .
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Rarely they spoke of him and his sacrifice. It took some explaining to Meredith a long time ago for her to understand the nature of his station. Like most young girls it was natural for her to develop a crush or say she wished to marry someone in her life. Before Meredith knew better he could recall her at one time confessing marriage to him. Before she understood the gravity of the situation and her own station. That it was never up to her who she would marry, and further that Aeden could not be with another. He simply deflected those times until she was older and could understand a bit more clearly. “Of course not.” He looked down. It was a little uncomfortable for him to speak about this subject matter. Instead his eyes focused upon her hand, turning it over in his. Again, he very rarely had an opportunity to touch her. And so, as long as she’d allow it, he was happy to hold her hand, fingers tracing into the soft skin of her palm. “If you ask me Princess I would likely consider myself the luckiest man in the kingdom. Some men may fall in love with a girl from in the village. Perhaps a noble’s daughter. A childhood friend or whatever. Very few men get to spend their life with a Princess, and so if you ask me, having a chance to watch over you, to spend a life time with you. Well, I would certainly consider myself lucky-“ He confessed. Heartfelt and genuine. It should come as no surprise to hear he loved her. ‘Platonically’ is how he’d say he meant it. Although his answer did gloss over the other facet of loving and being with someone. A facet of a relationship that he could never have with her. Ironic that she might have someone who could cherish her so sweetly, and yet be forbidden to be close to him in such a manner. And instead, arranged to be married to someone who seemed to not value her. To even want to be near her. To touch her. Aeden, who clearly savored even holding her hand, whereas Kaellus had his palm against her most intimates and still l
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eft her. “Besides. Who would have kept you out of trouble back then?” He switched his tone. He felt uncomfortable getting too emotional with her, like he was weighing down the mood. “Sure, you’ve grown up to be less of a handful, but you had been quite the trouble maker back then.” He said, assuming she had lost her trouble-maker ways.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 26-Apr-22 07:25 PM
Her eyes once again softened as he admitted to his ‘love’ for her. She knew that it wasn’t the type of love that could ever lead to anything, but she cherished it either way. More then she cared to admit she needed him by her side. She would be lost without him. He had always been there since the very start, he took care of her, protected her, sang lullaby’s anytime she could not sleep. But more then anything he had been there for her. While her parents were busy leading the kingdom he had always been there. A part of that small girl who had asked him to wed her was still inside her. He had been all of her first, at least he had been until the King had kissed her. Even now she longed for his embrace, for his comfort, yet it was one of those things that she could never have from him. Eventually she pulled her hand back, not able to wear his touch any longer if it could go no further than just that touch. A soft chuckle once more leaving her as he mentioned how much trouble she had been to him. “Perhaps.” She said with a smile as she looked to the side of him. “I couldn’t expect you to do that forever. I had to grow up sometime.” There was a hint of sadness in that last admission. Growing up had been what led her to where she was now, her eyes red from tears and needing the comfort from her knight to make her feel human. If she had just been able to stay that little girl that had asked him to marry her. Just the recollection of tonights event was enough to almost bring the tears back to her eyes. “I should get some rest, it is going to be a few very long days I would imagine.” She said then, needing to put the subject to rest before she would request things of the knight that he could not give her. She moved herself down beneath the sheets, her legs stretching till her body was barely not hugging around the place where she sat in the bed. The blankets tugging close to her chin and her grey hair fanning around her. “Thank you Aeden.. thank you..” she whispere
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d softly into the pillows.
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Aeden BOT 27-Apr-22 04:11 AM
There was a silence that hung in the air for some seconds before the Knight lifted from off the Princess’ bed and watched as she slipped beneath the blankets. Rising, and walking around the side of the bed as his eyes rested upon her sleepy visage. Although he promised to not speak of what had happened, he still knew the Princess was struggling and regardless of what that struggle was he wished to let her know. “Whatever it is, no matter now or far into the future, know Princess that I am always here for you. Always.” He said softly and yet there was not even the slightest bit of lack of confidence, no problem he believed insurmountable. With that he excused himself and let the Princess get her rest. Aeden quietly retrieved his sword and excused himself from her chambers. The knight returned to his bedroom for the evening although sleep did not find him quickly. As per usual the Princess occupied his thoughts well beyond the point at which they parted. Pondering upon what could have happened, along with other tangent thoughts. Some repeatable, some not. - The next morning Ada made her way into the Princess’ chambers. Aeden apparently having been up at the crack of dawn and enlightened the handmaiden as to the trip northward in a couple of days. As promised Aeden did not speak of the state of undress and sobbing that he found Meredith in. As such the woman waltzed in in a good mood, bubbly even. “Good morning Princess-“ She said, walking towards the large window and pulling aside the curtains to allow the warm sunlight pour in. “So it would seem the King had been busy discussing travels yesterday hmm?” She knew how concerned Meredith had been given Kaellus had not called upon her. But now with this new pushed up schedule it seemed as the wedding was moving ahead as planned, even quicker than imagined. “I’m thoroughly excited! I’ve never got to witness a union between a King and Queen, or ever imagined I’d be waiting on a queen herself.” She said, s
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traightening up as the Princess stirred awake. “Aeden tells me you’ve chosen me to tend to you on your travels, and I just want you to know I am grateful for the opportunity. You’re going to look so beautiful.” As she began rambling on about different topics about the future wedding and how it might be like. “Your bath should be drawn now when you’re ready Princess.” She said. As per usual a large copper tub would be filled with fresh water, a fire lit beneath as the water would be warmed to proper temperature suitable for the supple skin of royalty. Naturally this is where Meredith would be tended to by handmaidens as well.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 27-Apr-22 05:55 AM
Meredith had not been ready to wake up as Ada drew those curtains. The moment the light fell upon her sleepy face she groaned and pulled the blankets over her eyes. The handmaid was her chipper self, perhaps even more chipper than she usually would be with the travel that was soon to happen. She finally pulled herself up from her bed. She stretched out her limbs and yawned. “Good morning, Ada.” She said then rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She could see other maids bringing in the water for her tub while Ada went over to the windows to open some of them and let the fresh air into her room. She then came around with her robe to protect her against the chill morning air. All the while she was talking about how excited she was. How she was going to be tending to a Queen and even if Meredith would have normally gladly went along with the happy girl, she could not summon the energy today. Everything that had happened the night before had not left her. It was like a sickness that had seeped into her and she would need time to recover. Even now she was still feeling exposed and abandoned. Even if it had been silly of her, a part of her had hoped to have her knight still with her as she woke. But the knight was never there for the mornings, as it was improper of him to be there. As the bath was ready she walked with Ada towards it and let Ada undress her before she stepped into the tub. The warm water embraced her body and finally she could feel herself relax even if it was just slightly. The water smelled good, oils mixed in to keep her skin beautiful and healthy. Ada was soon by her side and started to wash her skin. Ada was one of the only maids that had ever seen her in this state. “Can I ask you something Ada?” Meredith then asked all of a sudden. The girl looked up in surprise as the Princess had been kind of quiet. “Of course Princess, anything.” She said with a kind smile, probably wondering what was on Meredith’s mind. Meredith turned herself a bit so
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she was facing the girl. Even if she was not much older then Meredith herself, the girl had much more knowledge in certain things then she did. It was that knowledge she now needed.
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“You have enlightened me with your knowledge about men before.” She started and could feel the hands of the girl stopping for just a second at the turn the question had taken. Even she was not allowed to speak freely over such matters. The Princess was not supposed to be told of lewd thoughts of actions. “I want you to speak freely with me Ada. Nothing that is said will leave this room.” She assured the girl. “I merely seek to be prepared.” Ada took a deep breath. “Alright, Princess. Ask me.” She decided. “You have told me what it is like for a man to want a woman.. How it will show in their groin. What does it mean for a woman to want a man?” She asked. Again Ada seemed to be considering her answer. “When a woman wants a man she will feel a warmth between her legs, a soft pressure and longing and she will develop a wetness at the spot they are meant to enter. That is how a man will know they are wanting them. It is more subtle, not as easy to tell.” She tried to explain. Meredith nodded. “And how does that happen?” Meredith asked. “Princess?” Ada asked, not sure how to answer that. “How do I get to feel that heat between my legs?” She clarified. “It will happen naturally Princess. If you are with a man you love and that man kisses you or touches you in the right ways, it will happen.” She assured Meredith, but this did nothing to calm her heart, if anything it made it worse. “What if love was not part of it..?” She asked, her voice a mere whisper. “Princess..” Ada said softly and paused her washing to lay a soft hand on Meredith’s shoulder. “How can I show the King I am wanting of him? I feel so ill prepared..” Meredith admitted, the tear almost forming again. Ada once again paused and for a moment there was a silence between them. Then she got up and walked around the tub so she was facing Meredith easier. “Have you ever..” she paused, letting her eyes fall down. “Touched yourself Princess?” She then asked, knowing how insanely inappropriate it was. “Touche
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d myself?” Meredith asked in confusion. “Between your legs.” Ada clarified. Meredith quickly shook her head. Why would she do that? Ada seemed to pause again. “Please Ada. Speak freely.” Meredith assured her again. “A woman does not need a man to.. please herself. She needs a man to be with children, but not to feel the pleasure that comes from the act.” She spoke carefully, still highly uncomfortable with the topic. “Next time you find yourself alone in your room, Princess. You can move your hand between your legs or against your breast, or both. Find a spot that makes you feel good, that creates a feeling in your lower stomach. You do not have to enter where a man will. Once you find that spot.. stay there.” She explained as carefully as she could. By this point Meredith was perhaps even more confused than before. “How will this help me in wanting the King?” She asked. Ada smiled softly. “Because that feeling, the feeling when your hand is between your legs, that is what the King will give you as well. Perhaps not your first time, but the second time. So when the King lays you down in the bed and climbs upon you, I want you to think about that feeling. That will help you to become wanting.” She explained. Meredith nodded softly, even if she still didn't quite understand fully. “Thank you.. Ada.” She said, knowing that what she had just told her was something nobody else would have shared with her. “Can I resume bathing you now, Princess?” She asked, obviously uncomfortable. Meredith nodded. The two of them spoke no more about the subject, though it was on Meredith’s mind during that bath. She was soon clean, her hair washed and her body covered in a thin layer of loton. She was dressed in a simple grey gown with off the shoulder sleeves that showed quite a bit of her skin. Breakfast would be served soon.
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Nakachu 27-Apr-22 05:56 AM
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Aeden BOT 27-Apr-22 08:56 AM
Aeden awaited outside his door, in the hallway, that morning for the Princess to eventually emerge from her chambers. He knew her routines well and knew better to enter first thing in the morning as it was highly likely she was undressed and bathing. Eventually the door opened as the Knight lifted his gaze towards her. Eyes noting the beautiful dress. It was perhaps on the simpler side of things for royalty, but for the vast majority of the population this dress was nothing short of exquisite. Flaunting her pure unblemished skin it was certainly clear these past few days she was dressing at a higher caliber. She was to be wed to a King, appearances and impressions were vital. That said, no one, not even Aeden, knew that the Gaelic King had already known the Princess quite well now. Undressing and touching his bride to be well before the marriage ceremony. “Princess.” Aeden said warmly and took his position, being her shadow as he would escort her to breakfast while Ada would busy herself enlisting the help of other servants to begin the arduous process of packing.
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Kaellus BOT 27-Apr-22 08:56 AM
The King and Queen were seated and casually enjoying a hearty breakfast of various baked breads, fruits, fried meats and eggs on the table and available for any of the servants to serve portions for the nobles in attendance. Similarly, the Gaelic Nobles in Kaellus’ entourage were seated and enjoying filling their bellies although the King himself was not yet present. Perhaps she would suffer another full day of not seeing her betrothed. Perhaps after the kind of humiliation she had that would be a preferable outcome. But alas, that was not to be the case as the Northern King made his entrance. No entourage, or attendees at his side. A self-sufficient man who didn’t need anyone to wait upon him. A man capable of doing as he pleased, taking what he pleased. Just as he could have taken the Aurelian Princess the night before, and yet something had deterred him. He approached the seated Princess from behind. Would he even acknowledge her? Would he even bring up what had happened? Surely he wouldn’t in the polite company of her parents. Would it be for the best if he just pretended she didn’t exist? So she’d not have to face the man who humiliated her? His eyes set upon the back of her, noting her hair which was done up nicely, exposing her neck, shoulders, and upper back as the petite Princess took her seat at the table. “Nothing like waking up in the south. No frost nipping at your ass first thing in the morning. Right fellas?” He bellowed out a laugh before approaching the table. Two large, bear-sized palms placing themselves on either shoulder of the slender Princess. His heat sinking into her skin, similar to how it sank in against her when he palmed her groin. “Worry not Princess, we’ve got thick furs so you needn’t worry about your bottom getting bit by cold.” He said in jest. Teetering on the edge of vulgarity, but these northerners were brutish. Leaning down, he could peer over the front of her, down at her chest as his lips neared her ear without
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touching. Close enough to feel the heat of the male’s breath against her skin. Taking in a breath before spilling it out against the crook of her neck. “You smell good this morning, Princess-“ He said, his deep voice muffled, words meant for her alone as he pulled out his chair and took his seat, reaching out himself to take bread and meat as he pleased. “I suppose now is as good as time as any to enlighten everyone. An invitation has been extended to this Kingdom to join me northward. To show them the same hospitality they’ve shown us. Naturally it would be my goal that through their stay we would ultimately conclude matters with the wedding between myself and the Princess.” He shifted his palm under the table and onto her knee. “Assuming all parties are happy.” He said, ending it with a caveat. Around the table were smiles. What could possibly go wrong? However, one person among them might indeed have something to worry about as to whether he would happy.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 27-Apr-22 09:18 AM
She could not hide the smile on her face as she once again laid her eyes upon Aeden. She was glad to see that he did not seem tired or exhausted after having been up with her so late. As he greeted her she would nod her head towards him. They were back in public now, they could not afford themselves the small luxuries they might when in private. So she did not speak to him and simply turned to continue her pace towards the breakfast hall. As she entered she took note of everyone that was inside of the room. “Father, Mother.” She said as she bowed down before her parents. She then turned towards the nobles. “Your grace.” She addressed them all at once, yet they didn’t seem to care much for her greeting as none of the northen people seemed to do. She paid it no mind and continued her way to take a seat. Her King was not there and she found herself wondering if she glad about it or not. She peeked over towards the northen nobles, wondering if he had told them about his victory with her. About the way he had undressed her and laid his hands upon.. Her thoughts were broken when the King did enter. His voice carried strong and deep within the hall. He owned the space he walked on just like he had always done. A presence that could not be ignored, by nobody. As he came from behind her she could not tell if he laid his eyes upon her even if his steps brought him close to her. Suddenly those big hands sunk in on her shoulders and she couldn’t help the small flinch. It was the first time he had touched her since last night. His heat was once more overwhelming. She offered him a polite chuckle at his small jest. “I am sure you will keep me quite warm, my King.” She said in a soft whisper that would not reach her parents quite as easy. As Ada had talked about heat and warmth, she just hoped the small hint would reach him. Desperate to be in his favor again after being rejected. He returned her whisper by bending forward to her the same and placing his lips close ag
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ainst her ear to share words with her. She could not help the small blush on her cheeks. “Thank you, my King..” she said back to him as he took the seat beside her. As he started to stack his plate she also reached forward. Her plate was modest with mostly fruits with honey and yoghurt, compared to his that was stacked with breads and meats and butter. She forced a smile upon her face as he talked about their travels up north to his man. She assumed her parents had already been aware and their lack of responds told her so. It was her father that spoke first. “My wife and I look forward to seeing your Kingdom as well as seeing not only our daughter being wed but two Kingdoms be joined as one!” He spoke raising a glass to the Northen King. She felt his hand travel to her knee and turned towards him to smile at him. His touch now made her even more uncomfortable then before, but she refused to let it show upon her face. “Like I told you before my King, I would wish for nothing more then to see our wedding take place.” She spoke honestly to him.
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Nakachu 27-Apr-22 09:19 AM
(Sorry I didn’t really advance the story much.. xD but didn’t know where to go after)
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Kaellus BOT 28-Apr-22 09:23 AM
(Sorry for the delay, been incredibly busy at work today) Her soft comment in voice only he could hear did note her phrasing about keeping her warm in the chilly North. The implications clear. Inwardly Kaellus smiled in some amusement. Indeed the girl would be quite warm sharing a bed with such a man. A bed lined with the skins of those beasts he had personally vanquished. How she would be yet another maiden who might know what it felt like to have their bare bodies pressed heatedly against such silky smooth fur. Assuming she’d be called into his chambers more than just once. It was not uncommon for Kings and Queens to have separate chambers. Everyone deserved their own personal space, and while many couples may share a bed, there are many more who don’t. Whether for lack of passion in the marriage, or simply because they find it easier to fall asleep alone. With a hand lingering upon her leg Kaellus eventually gave in to filling his belly and making merry talk with those at the table. Those in attendance acted natural. It should have been clear that Meredith’s dirty secret of offering herself prematurely had been kept between the betrothed. “You spoke to me of exploring the gardens yesterday, Princess.” Kaellus spoke, loud enough for those around the table to overhear. “I should like to walk them with you before my departure. As previously stated you and your family are invited northward in a couple day’s time, however I myself will be leaving ahead. Preparations to be made and I should hope my own Kingdom may be as presentable as yours.” After all, the majority of Kaellus’ kingdom didn’t know whether the wedding was still on. “Join me after breakfast?” He requested. The gardens large and sprawling, consisting of many a variety in exotic flora, artwork in the form of sculptures, hedges and fountains. It was easy to get lost within such a place if one did not know where they were going. Equally, given how large an how many different areas there were, it
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was also easy to find areas of privacy, despite being out in broad daylight.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 28-Apr-22 10:11 PM
Once the King started his bantering with his own nobles she simply concentrated on her meal. She placed her fruits into her yoghurt and drizzled a small amount of honey over it before enjoying it silently to herself. The Princess had quite a sweet tooth, but because of her stature she could not often enjoy them. So fruit was one of her favorite things and breakfast was a good time to enjoy those. All the while that hand remained on her leg, burning into her skin with it’s heat. Only when the King once more spoke to her did she move her eyes back to him. His invitation to the gardens surprised her. Except for the night before when he had came to seek her out in her chambers, the King had showed little interest in spending time with her. Perhaps the promise they had made about their union had changed the King’s mind. “It would be my pleasure, my King.” She said to him with a gentle smile on her face and a hand resting gently on his own leg. “To spend some final time with you before your departure. I am looking forward to seeing your Kingdom. I am sure I will find myself enjoying it.” She spoke to him. After they finished their breakfast she would wait for him to rise from his seat before she did the same. She would take his arm if he offered and keep her body close to him as they said goodbye’s to her parents and walked out of the breakfast room. It reminded her of the time he had walked her back to her chambers, though perhaps a lot had changed between them since then, or perhaps nothing at all. She led the way towards the gardens as a maid fetched her a cloak to drape over her shoulders. One would also be offered to the King to take or leave as he wished. As the doors opened the cold crisp morning air would greet them, though it was probably nothing compared to what the King was used to. “I hope you will enjoy the gardens my King. It has been build by my great grandparents. They were avid collectors of sculptures and needed a way to display them. Over t
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he years many more things were added to it until the beauty that is before you was created.” She explained to him about the gardens as they walked. It was easier to talk to him this way after what had happened the night before.
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Kaellus BOT 29-Apr-22 03:38 AM
Kaellus declined the cloak, the crisp morning air felt nice against his skin, but for the petite princess, especially with her exposed shoulders and upper chest, it was no surprise she’d like something to help keep the heat in. Arm in arm the King escorted the young Princess, although it was she who ultimately guided them as he had not known the way. Optically this would serve as some means of relief for onlookers. The Betrothed spotted on the final day arm in arm for a ‘romantic’ morning walk about the court gardens. Naturally in tow was Meredith’s esteemed knight. Trailing her like a shadow, although a respectable distance away so as to not overhear their conversation. Kaellus walked closely to the girl, side brushing against her own and serving as a beacon of warmth on this cool morning. “I am sure I will find the contents quite pleasing to the eye.” He said, before they approached the entrance and halted in his place before turning back to look at her knight. There was no reason to suspect any feelings emanating from the Knight towards Meredith. Kaellus didn’t know their history, nor that the Knight had picked the Princess up from off the floor sobbing after being rejected the night prior. It was entirely plausible the King wouldn’t care anyway. It was clear though this Princess always had a Knight behind her, at least, while outside of her bedroom. “Given this may be the last time I may spend time with you before we may have moments again in my Kingdom, I would request to have a little privacy with you, if acceptable?” His eyes shifted to the Princess, letting her make the decision as to whether to ask Aeden to remain behind. Did she want to risk denying the King? On the flipside, was she comfortable potentially having a moment alone with him after knowing what he’d taken from her the night earlier?
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 29-Apr-22 03:58 AM
As his request came upon her she looked up at him before looking over to Aeden. He stopped in his steps, one hand leaning on his sword like it always did and he kept his distance. But even with that distance she believed the Kings voice had carried enough power in that moment to be overheard by him. She considered the request for a moment, given what had happened the day before. Had the King changed his mind about wanting to take her before he left? Surely even the barbaric King would not dare to ask such things of her in the gardens, especially in broad daylight. She swallowed away the fear. He was a respectable man, she had no reason to doubt his intention. Surely he would respect her in the privacy of the gardens. In the end it had been her who had offered her body to him. “My knight.” She said then, meeting Aedens eyes. “You are relieved of your duties for the moment. Perhaps you can help the handmaidens pack. I will call upon you when I return from my stroll with the King.” She said then, her voice as steady as she could manage it in that moment. She could swear she could see the slight indesiciveness in Aedens gaze as he had no choice but to obey her command. Once it was given she turned back towards the entrance of the gardens. “Shall we proceed, my King?” She asked him with a smile. She would continue her steps, walking down the ornate entrance that would soon be covered in beautiful roses once their blooms took hold. Even from the very start of the garden’s the hedges would tower high around them, offering privacy to the pair. The statues that she had spoken about appeared on all sides of them. Most made from beautiful white marble and had been kept in prestine conditions. They depicted horses, and knights, and even naked men and women that were held in each others embrace. She had always liked the statues and even now her eyes were mostly focused on them as they walked, her arms still wrapped around that of the King.
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Aeden BOT 29-Apr-22 05:38 AM
She was right, Aeden was uneasy about the request. Those gray eyes searching hers, though his face tried to maintain an indifference. Silently asking if she was certain this was alright. Highly protective of her and the one thing in the world he would consider most precious. That defensiveness only increased after his dear Princess had been so emotionally hurt the night prior. But he understood her position. Her sacrifice and the weight of the Kingdom on her shoulders. He knew that essentially she was forced to comply with whatever this man wanted. The knight could only hope the Princess’ time in the gardens would be enjoyable as he nodded and took his leave politely. Undoubtedly causing the Knight anxiety for the next amount of hours until next he’d see her and confirm that she was still safe.
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Kaellus BOT 29-Apr-22 05:38 AM
Arm in arm he walked with her, admiring the artwork. Both of human craft and nature’s. For a while he was content in looking at the contents of the garden. Commenting upon the beauty and enjoying what the Princess had to offer in comments. “You should come to like the North I think. We too have beautiful summers, albeit short. That said, there is beauty to behold in the winter as well.” Aimlessly he walked with her, down one branching path or another as they would admire certain works of art. At times needing to turn around and head back the way they came before venturing down another pathway. However, at this particular deadend the King positioned himself before her. Behind her was a statue surrounded by hedges, and the broad Northern stood in front, preventing an easy exit. He wasn’t necessarily exuding any hostility, but the small princess was indeed cornered now. Not that that had to be alarming. “You yourself will be a great addition to the beauty of my Kingdom.” A compliment. “Your hair and blue eyes are quite exotic for northerners. I imagine you should be well received and admired by the population. Although you’re a bit more frail looking than they’re used to.” He took her chin, gently, maneuvering her neck one way and then the other, as if surveying her. “As mentioned I will be departing shortly. Between travels it may be up to a week before next I lay eyes upon you. A week for me to inform my Kingdom of my plans to proceed with the wedding preparations. Which, make no mistake Meredith, I still believe our union to be beneficial. Indeed, I’ve some concerns but I believe you may overcome them.” He let his green eyes dip down to admire her form for a moment as he considered his words to her. “Let us discuss the night before.” Perhaps his words may have been like a hot dagger to her heart. Bringing up the painful rejection and humiliation she’d suffered. So he wasn’t just going to forget her desperate attempt at offering herself to him? His eye
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s lifted to see the look on her face. To wonder what thoughts may be going through her mind in that moment. .
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“If we are to wed it’ll be imperative you come to be able to truthfully speak to me. If I were to grant you a wish, for you and me to forget what transpired last night would you seek to erase it? To regain your modesty from my eyes.” He again let his gaze dip down, as if underlining the fact he’d seen the Princess very nearly bare, save for her panties. “To maintain the sanctity of your mouth.” In reference to the deep kiss the King forced upon her. “And of course, to forget what it was like to have a man’s heat rest between your thighs.” He pressed his palm against her lower belly. The heat of his touch sinking quickly past the supple fabric of her gown. “In the moment, you felt as if you dislike it, which is of course fine. I’m just curious now, after a night and morning to think about it, would you erase such things from your memory, take it all back?” It wasn’t a trick question, merely genuinely curious if the Princess herself harbored any curiosity or perhaps any fondness in the otherwise humiliating event.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 29-Apr-22 10:27 AM
The walk had gone on for quite some time before the King eventually made his move on her. She had almost started to believe that their walk in the garden was going to be just that, a walk. But of course that had been a childish thing to expect of her. Especially after everything the King had showed her before. She had just been about to turn around once more when the King stepped before her and trapped her there. She did not believe she could ever get used to the size of him and how easy it was for him to tower over her. As he took her chin she let him maneuver it around without resisting him. “Thank you, my King.” She said before the conversation took the turn she had been hoping to avoid. “Let us discuss the night before.” Her breath caught in her throat as she held his eyes, that hand still upon her chin and preventing her from looking away from him. She had not wished to talk about it. He once again told her how he expected her to be honest with him. Though how could she be when there was so much on the line? She listened to his words as her heart beat inside her chest. “No.. I would not, my King.” She eventually spoke as he demanded her answer and her answer was truthful. Though she took the reason why her answer was no to herself. Even if everything that had transpired the night before had been terrifying and humiliating, she would have done it again. As it had assured her union to the King, or at least she wished to believe it had. She would have done everything to assure that, to bring security to her kingdom. So she would have done it just the same if she got a chance to redo it. She would bare her skin, she would let him invade her mouth and she would go on her hands and knees before him as he placed a hand upon her. The heat of his palm upon her stomach only reminding her of that. Her cheeks blushing just slightly. “Nobody tells a maiden how her wedding night might be..” she suddenly said, wanting to share with him how it had felt for her. “S
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he is told to be still and silent, to let her husband take her as he pleases.” She held his eyes in hers. “So yes, my King. I was terrified. Because unlike you who has bedded many women I have yet to share my bed with another. I have yet to find out exactly what it is that is expected of me.” It was the honest truth, the thing he had wanted from her. She was sharing her feelings with him and she could only hope that he would accept it from her. “So please, my King. Don’t be displeased with me for having been ill prepared for you last night. I promise I will try to do better upon our wedding night.”
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Kaellus BOT 02-May-22 03:26 AM
Meredith reminded him of a rabbit or lamb, cornered by a hungry wolf whereby she could not be certain of his intentions. Was he merely playing with his food, or would he go in for the kill, so to speak. Even still he kept his gaze centered upon her hues, disallowing her to look away whether from embarrassment or shame. Watching as the pale cheeks of the princess began to heat up with color as he unabashedly referenced the night before. He was an experienced man, even blind his mind could likely paint the way she assumed such a lewd position and while the heat of her core had not been visible to his eyes he did get quite a handful of ‘her’. Not to mention the lingering scent of the princess that would have been on his hand that night. Such a revelation would likely cause the girl to collapse in humiliation if she were to know her ‘scent’ stayed with the king. Eyebrows lifting, he listened quite acutely to her candidly expressing how she felt. Knowing it took a great deal of courage for her to open up in such a vulnerable emotional fashion. He understood Meredith to be a ‘good girl’ who had followed the directions set forth by her parents and advisors. Meeting the expectations of her tutors. He knew she would have no insight as to what was expected on her wedding night and that such topics could not be taught and of course the girl couldn’t venture forth an experiment by learning with another. None would suspect the sweet Princess of even having a carnal appetite, this was confirmed by the King when he palmed her. It was not necessary she enjoy it, so long as she would ultimately provide him with an heir. But he could sympathize with the girl in how clueless she was. Even if he’d granted her some initial insight as to how the night might unfold and how she might be taken, it was incomplete and likely still left her with many unanswered questions. “I’m sure you will.” He said in reference to her promise of doing better. His right hand stayed upon the woman’s
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chin and cheek, keeping her gaze lifted as his left hand ventured forth and took her own hand, guiding it towards his abdomen as his eyes stayed locked with her own. Watching. Assessing as he pressed her small palm against his belly. Then lower. .
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There was at least two avenues to take. Completely leave the girl in the dark as her mind ruminated over a slew of possibilities of what to expect. Or give the princess something concrete to wrap her mind, or hand around, which actually might not serve to calm the girl, but potentially make her worry further. Bit by bit he guided her small hand lower, past the waistband of his trousers and down the front of his lower abdomen as he led her hand to the root of that masculine organ. Unabashedly thickened, he guided with the intent that she would get a feel for that lewd muscle. She was an educated girl, she likely knew enough that what she was feeling was the same organ that would be inside her somehow. And so his eyes watched in curiosity. At her reaction. Whether upset or disgusted that her betrothed for take a maiden’s hand and place it upon ‘him’, or whether she would show some possible despair at the size of what she was expected to take upon her wedding night. Or perhaps the Princess would she some curiosity in the light of eyes at feeling a raw man beneath her finger tips and understand, while lewd, her King was granting her a chance to learn. Perhaps the information she would derive from this teaching would cause her more anxiety, but this was a service he was providing for her benefit that he didn’t need to. “Does that scare you?” He asked candidly. There wasn’t a wrong answer.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 02-May-22 04:11 AM
The moment he took her hand and started to let it move lower upon his body she found her heartbeat quickening. She tried to avoid the Kings gaze, to look anywhere but upon him, yet every time her eyes moved away from his that hand on her chin brought her face back enough to where she had to face him. It had seemed to take forever before he had moved her hand down far enough to where it rested along his length. She could feel clearly the size of him, the way it lay to the left in his trousers. How rigid and stiff it was. She eyes showed the fear that she felt. She knew that part of him had to enter her, between her legs, but she could not even begin to understand how it would. This man was so much taller and broader then she was and the organ between his legs seemed to easily match his size. While she was small.. almost insicnificant compared to him. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had ever even bedded a girl like her since he kept refering to her as small compared to the Northeners. What if he really could not fit inside of her? Would she fail as a wife? Would he send her back down to her kingdom and demand an annulment? “Does that scare you?” She was brought back from her thoughts, her eyes on those deep greens of the King. “Yes..” she admitted to him, her voice small and weak. She had a thousand questions yet dared to speak none of them to him. She was scared that he found them improper even now that he had laid her hand upon his manhood. It was simply not for a lady to talk about, that is what she had always been taught. Her tongue came between her lips, wetting them as they were parched from the intensity of her breathing with her heart beating so fast once more. “Will..” she eventually dared though her voice stopped half way. She had to look away, move her gaze down before she could say the words. “Will it hurt, my King?” She then asked, needing to know what she was trying to prepare herself for.
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Kaellus BOT 02-May-22 04:55 AM
Heat poured from off this inflamed muscle, swollen with the heated blood that coursed throughout his body. The organ beat in kind with his own heart, her hand effectively being placed upon the King’s lifeline. Allowing her to feel the strength and untapped power that rested beneath the surface. Like everything about him it was undoubtedly intimidating. Reminiscent of her placing her hand over the heart of a wild beast and feeling the coiled muscles lurk beneath ready to spring into action. “Almost certainly.” Why lie to her about it? “However, that’s not necessarily unique. I would very much so imagine you’d face discomfort if you instead had bed one of your smaller Aurelian males. Would you adjust more quickly? Sure. All the same…” His eyes dipped as if surveying the petite woman before him. “I do expect you’ll adjust. I’m more so concerned of your ability to carry a northern child.” If she’d be too small to do so. “I believe I’ve been fair in enlightening you what to expect upon our wedding night. From the position, to the feel of what will be inside you. You wish to not disappoint me Princess? See to it that your body is just as wanting upon that night I claim you. I’ve spilled seed into plenty of women, I should not like to have to do so with a wife who is crying the entire time.” He expressed honestly. Brutish as he was he would take no pleasure in bedding a woman in physical pain to the point of sobbing. “Are we clear, Princess?” He asked, holding likely one of the strangest conversations of her life as her hand was maintained against that organ.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 02-May-22 05:06 AM
For just a small moment she had believed the king to be caring and gentle with her. That she had been free to speak her fears and her insecurities. But the moment she had let her mind wander past those walls of formality he once more proved to her that she could only disappoint him in doing so. It had happened last night when she had offered her body to him and he had walked out before taking her. And it was happening again now that she had asked him to tell her if she would hurt. She instantly pushed her own feeling away again and met his eye as he told her that he did not wish to bed a woman who was weeping. It came back to that again didn’t it? To be still and silent.. perhaps that is what they had meant all along. At least she would now know what to expect even if just remotely. And he had laid the rules out that she would need to play to. She was not to weep, she was not to move from the position on her hands and knees and she was to present herself wanting to him even if she not yet knew how to do that. She remembered her talk with Ada and the handmaids information seemed more important now then ever. “Yes, my King. I understand.” She said to him as she tried to force the emotions away from her face, to put on a stoic look instead. “I will not disappoint you.” She added to it, her voice sounding a bit stronger now that she had forced her emotions in a box, only to be visited later when she once more found herself in the comfort and privacy of her room. “Thank you for telling me, my King.”
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Kaellus BOT 04-May-22 03:33 AM
Kaellus looked on down towards the obedient little princess while maintaining her lewd hand positioning against his member. Even despite the circumstances the Princess stood with resolve and didn’t crumble or buckle at the knees. Instead the King granted her a smile. “I’m sure you won’t.” He said, in reference to her saying she wouldn’t disappoint him. However time would tell and the Princess likely had herself only a week or two before she’d find herself in a similar position as the night before. Bare and spread upon a luxurious bed while this hulking man behind her had intent to lay claim to his bride. Keeping her hand positioned, briefly, he instilled within the girl one last feel of the muscle that was arguably as thick as her forearm that somehow she’d need to handle. Unabashedly aroused there was perhaps a glint within his eyes that potentially did desire escalating matters. Soiling the dear princess in the royal courtyard her Grand parents had built, shamelessly having the dear girl drop down on her knees or turn around to be bent at an angle as she received her King. As intimidating as his presence was, it was perhaps at least a ‘good’ sign he was so reactive towards her. “Well then. I suppose it’s best I not keep you back here for too long, lest we run the risk of rumors circulating as to just what sort of beauty was the northern King admiring in the gardens today.” He withdrew her hand, those his imposing presence did not back away, still standing before the Princess while her back was very nearly against the hedges. “Just over a week-“ He mumbled to himself. “I do suppose I should be able to remain patient. Shall I assume I’ll be in your thoughts Princess?” Although, what the subject matter of those thoughts, and whether they were desirable would remain a mystery.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 04-May-22 04:26 AM
She did see that desire in him and she would lie if she said that it did not scare her. Even as he pressed her hand more firmly into him, making her feel just how hard it had gotten underneath her touch, she forced herself to keep meeting his eyes. This man’s desire was laid into her hand and she could not help but wonder if he might fault her for being there, if he would ask her somehow take care of it for him. She wouldn’t even know what to do if he did. But then he let her hand go and she withdrew it perhaps a bit to quickly. Her quickly beating hard still not fully calming down, but she felt like she could breath a little bit again. “We would not wish for that.” She said in a soft voice as he talked about the rumors. It wasn’t strange for her to spend her time in private with the king, yet it was perhaps a bit strange that her knight had been send elsewhere while she did so. Even if she had offered herself to him the night before, her dignity was important. To the Aurelian people, their princess had to be wed pure. “Just over a week, my King.” She repeated after him as she felt the hedges brush against her back and arms. “I shall be thinking of you and our wedding night.” She promised him. Yes she would.. endlessly, especially in the dark hours inside her chambers. She would wonder if she could do it, wonder if she would be able to not weep, wonder if he would find her lacking and most of all wonder about how she was going to make herself wanting of him when all she could feel for that night was fear. “I hope you have a safe journey.” She spoke then, unsure if the King would wish to continue their stroll or if he would wish to excuse himself now that he had seemed to have told her what he had wanted to.
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Aeden BOT 06-May-22 02:21 AM
“And may yours be just as safe, Princess.” Kaellus said, keeping her gaze for some time, perhaps almost uncomfortably so before the King seemed that he was going to allow her to leave unscathed. Unviolated and untampered with after their ‘stroll’ within the court gardens. Emerging from the gardens the future King and Queen were looked upon by the servants and nobles within the Keep. One last foreshadowing before the beautiful Sapphire Princess of the Kingdom would be sent Northward. And that was that. After the morning’s little excursion that would be the last time Princess Meredith was cornered by the King before he left with his entourage. Leaving the girl some time to actually digest all that had unfolded. That in a span of only a few days she met her husband to-be, had felt and been felt by him, and now the short period of time before she would find herself having to face what could be perceived as an insurmountable obstacle. Still, as uncertain, possibly scared as she was, she had the countless lives of her citizens who were counting on her. “Was everything okay?” Aeden asked from across her bedroom, watching as the Princess sat near her window seemingly gazing out at nothing. She didn’t have to share anything with him. She was not obligated to speak her mind, but it was clear he was feeling a bit protective and concerned. He alone knew of the emotional damage she suffered under the day before. He knew the burden on her shoulders. And while he didn’t know the explicit context of what had unfolded in the bedroom, or in the gardens, he still wished to know if she had been harmed, physically or emotionally. He was her knight, guardian and protector. How could he not want to check up on her? “Ada has been busy coordinating your packing with the other handmaids. I’ve personally gone down to the stables to review and inspect the carriage that will be taking you northward, the horses and the driver. Preparations are well underway.” He said, although, p
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erhaps news that she’d be ready to leave any day now wasn’t exactly the most comforting.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 06-May-22 02:39 AM
She couldn’t help but be grateful when the King finally seemed to give her back her own space. Not that he had been wrong in confronting her. Almost nothing the King could have done in that moment would have been wrong, especially after she herself had offered up her body to him merely the night before. He could have taken her in the gardens and she couldn’t have said another word about it. But he had chosen to let her leave untouched this time, even if the same could not be said for him. She could still feel that hardened rod in her hand, could still imagine the size of him. It took her breath away. They walked back in silence. Even the happy way she had talked about that garden before had seemed to fade into nothing. Her mind to preoccupied by the task before her to ramble about those beautiful pieces of art. It was likely her last stroll in that garden and somehow she didn’t like that this was how it had gone. She big her King farewell one last time, knowing that the next time she saw him would most likely be in a chapel. Even if she wondered if the King would even get married in a chapel. She didn’t know the Northen way. She soon found herself back in her chambers, needing time and space for herself. She had always believed that if she was just smart enough she could have faced whatever was thrown at her. That if she could think instead of feel that she would survive any conquest. Even if that perhaps still stood true, there was no denying her feelings. She was scared. Scared of failing at the only task that had ever mattered in her life. She had not even heard Aeden enter her chambers till he spoke to her. She turned her gaze towards him and forced herself to smile, even if he could probably tell the emotion behind her eyes. “Yes, it was fine.” She said, deciding it was not her place to confide in Aeden. Even if she had wished to tell him she felt it was wrong to talk about such explicit matters to the Knight who had sworn his celibacy for her. As
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he talked about the preparations she looked back out her window, back to those beautiful gardens. She was sure that the King and her could have been seen from here, luckily her wing was the only one overlooking it. “I am going to miss my home..” She suddenly said as he finished what he had been saying. “I am going to miss the gardens. I am going to miss the summer breeze in the mornings. I am going to miss breakfast with my parents.” She stated of the list, needing to get everything out that was weighing on her heart. “I am going to travel to a place I have never been, to a culture that is foreign to me and a man that I hardly know.” She looked back to Aeden now. “I don’t believe I am ready.” She admitted.
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Aeden BOT 10-May-22 02:26 AM
Kind and concerned gray eyes fell upon the Princess as she was haloed by the light of the sun pouring in from the window. She at once looked serene and beautiful, and yet so melancholy as it was clear that despite the idea of a wedding and being married being any young woman’s dream come true instead weighed like a heavy burden upon her. When Meredith was younger she was more free with her emotions, leaning and opening up to her knight who swore to make everything better. As she grew older she likely began to understand the limits of what he could do. Still, even if he could not be a super hero, he at least strived to still be her hero. “Unfortunately I can chain the sun and pull it closer, or I would for you. However, I suspect if you shield your eyes and only look upon the differences in the Northern Kingdom you will find many shortfalls when compared to our own. It is beautiful here as you say. However-“ Aeden approached her, walking up to place a kind hand upon her shoulder as he looked out the window and upon the gardens. Oblivious to the fact that some time ago a certain Princess was cornered by a certain King who shamelessly forced her hand upon him. “I suspect that if you keep an open mind that you may find beauty in things that you initially wouldn’t have considered. And worst case, I shall sculpt you a garden with my bare hands so that you may have something beautiful to wake up to each morning, my princess. I understand you may feel like you are going this alone, but trust in me when I say there is an entire Kingdom who holds you in their hearts and who will be forever with you.” Aeden said, continuing to set his eyes onto the garden. “On the brightside I trust it is a good thing the northern King wished to see you before his departure? Ironic how just some couple weeks ago you had been so stressed as to whether this King might like you, and at least now it looks as if the wedding is to move forward. It’s natural to have anxiety, but you’ve be
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en overcoming every obstacle thrown your way thus far.” He rubbed her back gently.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 10-May-22 02:42 AM
She herself kept her eyes trained upon the gardens as well once Aeden joined her near the window. She listened to his counsel, always enlightened when the knight offered it to her. She wished to believe him when he told her that it would be alright. She wanted to believe that her kingdom would not forget about her and that her sacrifice would not be in vain. But how could she? Who would still remember the princess in fifteen years when her own Kingdom was likely rules by one of her cousins, all because she had not been born a man and they had? She wished she could stay... At the same time, she appreciated his words more than anything. His care and dedication to her had always surprised her. In their early years, he had been like her big brother, then her first crush and slowly but surely they had evolved into something even beyond that. She couldn't give it a name even if she had tried to. "You are right Aeden." she offered him then, looking back upon him with a smile. "There is no use for me to dwell upon this change. All I can do is embrace it so I might enjoy it more." she stepped away from the window, as if forcing her eyes away from the gardens meant that she had closed the walk with the king behind her for good. "I am glad that you will be there with me, to be my last bit of southern sun." she smiled at him radiantly and took his hand into hers. Only when the conversation turned to the king and how he had wanted to see her did her smile once more falter. If only Aeden knew what had happened in the garden. A part of her wished to tell him, but another part was afraid of how he might react. It was his task to protect her, to know he had laid her hands upon him like that.. She didn't want the knight to feel like he had failed her. "I believe so too. He merely wished to tell me his goodbye and to make me aware of what might be expected of me once we reach the North. I cannot fault him for that." She accepted the gentle movement that strokes over her back
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before she stepped towards the inner room. The day had already taken so much out of her even if it was barely past noon. "I would wish to spend some time by myself." she let him know. "To reflect on the journey ahead and to make sure my most treasured possessions are brought for our journey. I would wish for you to do the same my Knight." she smiled at him. Yet before he could truly dismiss himself she turned back towards him, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "What do you think of the King?" she suddenly asked him. "Please speak freely."
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Aeden BOT 12-May-22 07:53 AM
Aeden had watched her from afar long enough to be able to read upon her face whether or not she was keeping things bottled up inside. As she spoke to what the Northern King had wanted in the gardens he suspected there was more to the story, however, it was difficult to decipher. Perhaps it was just anxiety related to moving North, giving up so much of life that she’d come to know and enjoy. But perhaps it was something deeper, a hesitation in regards to the man who would ultimately be her. The knight bit his inner cheek, and his tongue to not pry more deeply as to what was bothering the princess. Her request was understandable and he was of mind to give her some time alone, knowing that at least she’d be safe and sound for the near future now that the Gaelic King was departing. Yet as he was about to turn away she requested more insight from him. His gray eyes meeting her own blue hues as if questioning as to whether she knew what she was asking. “Forgive me if it feels a bit like walking upon thin ice when I am asked to voice my opinion of my future King.” Aeden said, and while he would never serve Kaellus, he did know that after the marriage that he would belong to the Queen of the Northern Kingdom, as opposed to the Princess of the South. “I’ve grown quite fond of my head, so I should hope my opinions may remain between us, Princess. That said, I find him brutish. As one would for their kind in the North. Lacking tact and finesse, especially in regards to how he handles you. Not that you are fragile, however… I do imagine his ways could potentially be a bit of shock. What with how bluntly he speaks. Or given he is a king and as such, their types are more accustomed to taking without asking, whereas the suitors you’ve known earlier in your life tiptoed their way around you.” Some silence spread between them before Aeden considered further. “I’m aware nothing I could say, nor could you say, would sway the future. Nor should it as I’m well aware of
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what is at stake here. While I don’t know the full story behind why I found you sobbing the night earlier, and I will respectfully not pry for details, I will confess it bothers me greatly as your knight. I should wish to protect you, my Princess. In body, mind, and heart. I should hold no high regard for a man who may harm you, but I understand my duties. As much as I might like to keep you safely locked away in a high tower, I know doing so would negatively impact your enjoyment in life, and so, I merely need to walk a fine line and stay ever more vigilant so that harm does not befall you. It would certainly make things much easier if you’d merely let me keep myself tied to your wrist.” He joked at the end of course. “Luckily you don’t get into too much trouble.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 12-May-22 09:59 AM
His talking about the king had her worried. Aeden did not seem to like him in the slightest and even though he spoke about many things, it seemed to come back to the fact that he had found her in tears the night before. “He is indeed very different.” She admitted to him as he spoke about the King’s way and how she was not used it. One thing he was not correct about however.. the King did not take what he wanted and that was why she had been left in tears. After he finished she could not give him the chuckle she usually would have offered for his joke. She was to deep in thought. Her knights vision of the King was both wrong and right and she believed that he deserved to know the truth about what had befallen the night before. He believed her to be perfect.. that she could not have flawed. Yet she had. “It was not the Kings fault that I was left in tears, Aeden.” She offered him without meeting his eyes. “The King came to my chambers to seek to take me to walk the gardens. He merely came at my offer that he could call upon me at any moment. It was his right to come here and it was his right that he came unannounced.” She offered. Her tone was not angry, not did it show that she disagreed with what he had said before. She merely needed him to understand even if it would change his view of her. She pressed her lips together before she continued. “I was the one who offered myself to him..” she eventually managed, feeling the tears form on her eyelids once more and she forced them away. Her arms came up to her chest, as if she felt naked and exposed once more and her arms could shield her. “I was desperate to see this union succeed. I had seemed to have lost the Kings favor and I needed him in my good graces once more. I thought if I just gave him what he was used too.. a woman in his bed.. that he would..” She had to stop, press her lips as she felt that first tear escape her. “He rejected me Aeden.. He could have taken me and he choose not to.” In her recolle
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ction she made it sound like the King had done her a favor and in some ways she truly thought he had. He had reserved her purity even if it had been for selfish reasons. Aeden did not need to know this details. “So please.. do not be angry at him for the tears you saw me shed.”
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Aeden BOT 16-May-22 02:57 AM
It was natural for the guardian to dismiss her words initially as she confessed to the King not being at fault. Meredith was just that type of person who would burden herself and accept blame when others quite possibly would take advantage of her. Although, out of respect for her, he held his tongue as she enlightened the Knight as to what really took place. And admittedly, it had left the Knight speechless. Emotionally Aeden didn’t have much in the way of navigating his own feelings. He served and so long as his Princess was happy he seemed to be happy himself, however, about a month prior when it was learned her hand would be given in marriage there did come a sickening feeling within him, even though he knew it was an inevitability that she would marry. Without delving too deeply, he merely thought this was out of concern for her. That he merely hoped she’d be marrying a good, suitable man who would take care of her. Upon the revelation of Meredith offering herself that same sickening feeling gripped him. Mouth going dry as he processed what she was telling him. Heart rate quickening although he tried to wear a stoic expression and to not come across as judging. The maelstrom of emotions that tossed inside him were too difficult to discern specifically. He didn’t think less of the Princess for offering herself. On one hand he was relieved she was rejected, although that conjured certain questions as to why. On another hand there were some feelings of possessiveness, or perhaps envy. Perhaps the painting of inappropriate images of the woman in how that scene may have unfolded. It was disrespectful of him as her Knight to imagine how the Princess must have acted during that moment of disrobing, and yet, he couldn’t keep his mind from wandering if only briefly. By the same token, it possibly left Aeden considering the ‘Brute’ from the North perhaps was more respectable than he had considered. Would Aeden have the will power to reject someone if met
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with similar conditions? Who knows, although, he was certain he’d never have to face such a situation as there was only one women who was ever upon his mind. .
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“That’s…” He paused, trying to collect his words. She clearly looked wounded and embarrassed by admitting her rejection. “Perhaps I had misjudged him then. I had assumed that he had harmed you, physically or emotionally. Maybe forced your hand and demanded ‘things’ of you that you were not prepared for.” He assumed, quite rightly given the Princess had been kept in the dark for a lot of those ‘unrefined’ activities. “It appears that man values tradition more than I would have given him credit for.” Aeden said. Assuming the King wanted to wait until marriage, as opposed to the other possibilities. Such as, not finding Meredith attractive or worthy, or not knowing that the King had other stipulations. “Naturally you don’t need to ask me to not tell anyone. This is obviously just further proof of how much weight bears down on your shoulders.” He suspected. Meredith was once more selflessly putting her own body on the line for the good of the Kingdom. He didn’t suspect she desired the king to claim her for any personal reasons. “I should take it then that since he’s requested to see you before his departure that things are still good and underway?” The Knight asked, prying maybe more than he should to know whether or not the King still wished for the wedding to proceed even with the Princess boldly offering her body prematurely before the wedding.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 16-May-22 07:07 AM
She couldn’t help the feeling of relief as her knight seemed to adjust his opinion of her King. Even if he did not know the full truth of the story, he at least no longer thought the King had forced himself upon her. The truth of the rejection could be left up to his imagination. After all it was not about tradition at all. It had been about her failing to meet his expectation. About how she had felt fear instead of desire for him. She still did not know how she could appear before him in a different manner next time, yet she was determined to figure that out. She would disappoint him again. He was giving her another chance, she was not about to mess that up. She looked back up to Aeden and she couldn’t but feel most pained by the look that he was giving her. She couldn’t even entirely place it. Was he disgusted in her for offering herself? Was he displeased with himself for letting her do it? For not being with her that night when the King came upon her chambers? Whatever it was, there was pain in his heart. She could see it in him and it broke her heart more then the King had. “Yes.” She eventually answered him, deciding to leave the subject behind her. There was no use talking about it more as the detail would only upset Aeden more. “He still wishes for me to travel up north and our union will take place not long after we arrive.” She let him know. She stepped towards him then, placing herself right in front of him. Her blue eyes would meet with the grey of his own and her hand would land gently on his cheek and the other would find the one on the other side. With her head gently cupped between her hands she would hold his eyes to hers. “I could not wish for a better person to be by my side for this journey ahead. I can rest more peacefully knowing that you will be in the north with me.” She said to him and gave him a heartwarming smile that would make her face radiate in the dim lighting of the room.
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Aeden BOT 20-May-22 09:10 AM
Aeden’s cheeks warmed beneath the princess’ supple touch. Not necessarily due to blushing, but her touch did elicit some dilation of blood vessels and facilitated a rushing of blood closer to the surface. Gazing down upon her blue hues as he quietly cherished not only her company, but her touch. Presumably platonically, but who in the kingdom wouldn’t cherish the Princess laying hands on them and gazing upon them with those gem-like eyes of hers. While many could possible be appalled should the secret and scandalous nature of what the Princess had down to ‘bribe’ a King of another Kingdom, Aeden’s thoughts of her were not tarnished. Quite truly it was doubtful they ever could as he held her on a pedestal of perfection. The pale beauty almost taking on an angelic persona. Subtly more quickly the Knight’s heart beat within his chest. Not reading into it too deeply. “Your words honor me, Princess.” He bowed his head slightly as he savored her touch for a little while longer. “I should see to it that your carriage preparations are underway.” After all, her comfort through the lengthy trek northward felt like a personal duty to him. A personal failing should his lack of oversight cause physical discomfort and aches within the Princess. “Should you like for me to call upon Ada to finalize any apparel or personal items you still wish to be packed?” He offered.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 20-May-22 09:57 AM
She simply smiled at him as he said that she honored him with her words. She truly believed that he deserved them. She could not imagine for a personal knight that she would feel more comfortable with then Aeden. His gentle nature and his sweet words and action never failed to bring a smile to her face. She admired how dedicated he was to her and she truly believed she would never be able to repay him for the sacrifices he was making by serving her. She would pull her hands back from him and step away again to find her place back by the window to overlook the gardens. "Yes, please send Ada to me. I would like to discuss a few matters with her." she let him know as he suggested it. She would spend most of the afternoon with her handmaiden in tow. They made sure that everything the Princess would need was put on a list to be packed away and Ada promised her to oversee some of the more personal items. Several times she wanted to speak to the girl about her talk with the King in the gardens, wanted to acquire more knowledge about being with a male, but she decided against it. The girl already had so much on her mind that Meredith did not wish to burden her with her troubles. Perhaps she would ask Ada to ride in the carriage with her, just in case she needed something during the journey. That way she could ask her questions then. Besides, Ada had already enlightened her plenty that morning. Evening came soon enough and since she had spend the day in her rooms, surrounded by servants, Aeden had not been needed. She did not see him again and told Ada to let him know that he could retire for the night if he wished. She was prepared for the night herself in a long silken gown in a lavender color that hugged her body much closer then the one she had worn before. She dismissed her maidens and retired to her bed. As she lay there she found sleep hard to come by. So many thoughts were coming to her. Thought about the garden, worries about pleasing the King like he wis
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hes. Worries about being 'wanting' of him. How could she want something she had never had? Something that she had been told would be uncomfortable or even painful. All she knew about the act that was done upon ones wedding night was that it was required to carry children. The only one who had given her any insightful details about it had been Ada, yet even she had been reluctant to talk open with the Princess. Her mind wandered back to what she had said that morning. The question if Meredith had ever touched herself and the explanation that had followed. To touch herself at the spot between her legs, the place where a male would enter her. She lay there for quite a while as her thoughts stayed there, repeating the words over and over again in her mind. She turned to lay on her back, pulling her nightgown up slowly till it lay across her belly. Her hand wandered to her bellybutton, then going lower till it came upon the soft hair that grew at her mound. Her eyes stared at the ceiling the whole time, her body tense in the anticipation of what it would feel like. Her fingers traveled even lower till finally they reached the folds of her sex. Ada had told her to just rub over herself, to feel around and find a spot that made her feel good. So she let her fingers travel over the skin, rubbing it gently. Eventually her fingers brushed up again a small nub that was hidden at the top and she couldn't help the involuntary gasp that escaped her mouth. She surprised herself with it and her eyes opened even wider because of it. Was that the spot? She dipped her fingers a bit down again before bringing them up once more, finding the spot again. As she was prepared this time the feeling was even more intense, travelling from the spot where her fingers touched to a point deep inside her belly where a strange heat started to develop. If anyone had seen her at that point they would have noticed her cheeks to be a deep red.
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Yet she would continue as Ada had instructed her. Her fingers would pay around that small nub. Rubbing around it before finding it again. Each time she brushed her fingers over it she could feel her body heating up, that sensation traveling through her and increasing in intensity everytime. A wetness was starting to develop at the spot that was there and coated her fingers every time she dipped deeper between those folds. Again it reminded the Princess of what Ada had told her. About how a woman would grow wet when she was wanting of a man. Somehow this brought her comfort and relaxation, to know that she had achieved at least a part of what she had wished to know. And with that relaxation came the freedom for her body to get lost in the feeling of her fingers. Slowly but surely her thoughts started to fade and were taken over by a cloudiness in her mind. The deep breaths started to turn into soft moans that rang through her bedroom. the play of her fingers became faster and more focused on that bud that was now glistening with her own wetness. Her free hand started to grip into her sheets and her back arching underneath the blankets that covered her nakedness. This lasted till eventually she brought herself close to that first ever orgasm. By the end she was squirming underneath the blankets, her hips moving along to the movements of her fingers. Her back arched and her neck stretched out while her fist had turned white from the strength at which she grabbed into that bedsheet. Till finally that feeling overflowed with an intensity that made a deep moan leave her and her body tense up. It became so much that she had to pull her fingers away from that bud. Once her body relaxed back into the blankets her heart was beating fast in her chest and her breathing was elevated. She was surprised to discover just the smallest bit of sweat dampening her chest and forehead. She felt between her legs and was met with an intense wetness that was thick and slimy. She br
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ought that hand up above the blanket and looked at it for just a moment before she just rested in the bed. Her body was still humming with the sensation of what had just happened and she closed her eyes to just enjoy it for a moment. It had felt pleasurable, it had felt good… a part of her wanted to do it again. But she did not know if that was a good idea.
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After her heartbeat had slowed down again she would pull herself from the bed and find a washing cloth to wash away the slick wetness between her legs and away from her fingers before laying back down in her bed. Sleep came easy to her after that, her mind still hazed in that cloudiness made it harder for her to think. The next morning she woke up feeling rested and refreshed. She had not slept that well in weeks as worry had kept her up most of the nights. This time sleep had come easy and she had not awoken till Ada had entered her chambers to wake her. “Good morning Princess!” She said in a cheerful manner. “Good morning Ada.” Meredith greeted her back as she came out of her bed and let Ada guide her towards her usual morning bath. “You look well rested Princess! That relieved that your travels to the North have been arranged?” Ada asked her as she was helped into her bath. “Yes.” She spoke before her voice took a bit of a softer tone so only Ada could hear her. “And I followed your advice.” she added. Ada frowned a bit. “My advice Princess?” she asked, obviously confused. “About making myself wanting for the King. About… touching myself.” she said. She couldn’t help the blush spreading across her cheeks and for the first time she believed that even Ada had a blush dancing across her cheeks. “I uhmm.. I hope it was insightful Princess.” Ada quickly spoke as she seemed a bit uncomfortable. Even if Ada was fully aware of what she had advised the Princess to do, it was still different to hear about it the next day. If anyone learned about this, they would have Ada's head on a spike. To teach the Princess such vulgar matters. Even Meredith understood that Ada was trying to dodge the subject and she decided to respect her wishes. “Yes, it was. Thank you for being the only one who is truthful with me Ada.” she spoke and offered her a smile. Ada smiled back at her and nodded quickly as she checked if nobody was around the corner that could have heard them, but it
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seems the coast was clear. The rest of the bath was spent in silence and soon she was dressed and ready. Today was the day that they would travel north. It was the last day that she would spend in her home as she had always known it. “Would you call for Aeden? I wish to take one last stroll in the gardens before we leave.” she spoke to Ada who nodded to her to fetch him. She would wait for him at the entrance to her wing.
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Aeden BOT 23-May-22 02:37 AM
Even while retired for the evening the Royal Knight, the Princess’ guard, was never truly off duty. A life of servitude, although not bred in resentment. More akin to a loyal canine companion who loved their owner and would steadfastly guard them. Even at the great expense of his freedom Aeden did not regret his station in life. Indeed there were many sacrifices, and yet, he would confidently say he was the luckiest man in the world to be able to serve her highness. And so sure, spending a life time within the Keep and having been born from a noble himself, Aeden did keep high company. Breaking bread and sharing drinks with some of the other guard and officers. And while many might recount their escapades in whoring about the city, Aeden could only imagine. The Princess’ royal crest branded into his chest upon her birth, signifying that he belonged to her. Further branding him as forbidden to procreate. Everyone knew of the select guards who were hand picked and appointed by the crown, a means of controlling rival factions from other prominent noble families. They certainly can’t produce heirs if they’re forbidden from being with a woman. Such to say, even if Aeden had walked into the middle of the red district at night with a bag full of coin that he’d find it difficult for a woman to bed him once they say that brand and knew that their lives would be at risk should they ever have such seed take root within them. Some may have despised the branding on their skin, just over their left breast. But as the lean male undressed and pulled his tunic from off his sun-kissed flesh it was a marking that reminded him of none other than the Princess. Not that he much needed help in such a matter as his mind routinely drifted upon her. That said, the past few days had brought a level of shame and concern to the knight. He was quite happy to be her guardian and protector for all these years when he knew her hand was not taken, but now as they were arguably a week or
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so away from a wedding ceremony, the thought brought about a stir of conflicting emotions. Some happy, as ultimately he wanted her and the Kingdom at large to be happy, but other emotions were solely rooted in selfishness. This was exacerbated by the last couple of days. The Princess’ touch, whether that was her hands upon his cheeks, or feeling her body as he had pulled her in closer for a supported embrace when she was at her most hurt and vulnerable. A royal knight as he was, trusted and loyal, the mind could only act as a wall for so long before time and erosion caused such walls to crumble. Before willpower grew weaker in pushing thoughts aside and before one’s mind dared to tread upon the sinful. .
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Restlessly he crawled into bed that evening. The linens of his bedding quite fine in their own right as the supple material was felt against his bare skin. It was often rumored and joked that royal guards appointed like him had been castrated. That they didn’t harbor desires of a feminine touch, but in the darkness of his bedroom, cloaked in shadow as if to hide his own shame, Aeden, beyond a shadow of a doubt felt that burning hunger in the form of swelling. He was a genetically, and biologically healthy male. This wasn’t the first time he’d felt such an affliction. Some were just random, but this one came on tonight with such ferocity that it left his abdomen knotted. Thin sheets were pulled over his body as the knight’s skin was burning, lewdly tented in the darkness as his hand trailed lower to grasp the hilt of the inflamed appendage. Almost to the point of pain for how swollen the knight had become as behind shut eyes his thoughts drifted back to none other but the Princess. Part of him would claim he didn’t want to. And yet, still his mind repainted the images. Of her bare body cloaked in a blanket, as his mind went further as to paint how she might have looked beneath. He knew the princess’ night gowns to be rather sheer, only having occasion to catch a passing glance, to give an outline to her body as opposed to a clear view. But his mind wandered, as to what details he might have seen had he seen her the same way as the Northern King. Just how sheer was the top covering her torso? Just how much had the king seen when she positioned herself as an ‘offering’? As much shame as the knight had in those wandering thoughts, he still allowed his imagination to wander, in kind with his hand rising and falling along that swollen and heated organ, utterly engorged with the lewd thoughts of the princess. He at once both despised what he was doing, and yet, reveled in the feeling of friction while thoughts were conjured of her. Ultimately the Knight wou
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ld not know satisfaction that night. Instead, stop himself before spilling his seed at the thought of her. As if that would somehow save him from sin. Sleep would not find the knight well that night, instead, tossing and turning as a throbbing insatiable desire consumed him. - “Good morning Princess-“ Aeden said, handsomely dressed and freshly washed that morning. His gray eyes looked a bit tired, but he met her with his same warm smile. Pushing aside the fact that she had been the topic of his imagination late into the evening. He wasn’t proud of it… but he believed it to be something he would need to overcome. It still wouldn’t stop him from doing what he felt was best for the Princess. “Ada tells me you would like one more walk through the gardens before our departure?” He gave her kind, knowing smile, knowing the woman wouldn’t be able to see these gardens for quite some time. “Were you able to sleep alright last night? I know there’s been a lot upon your mind. A lot of changes that are soon to take place.”
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 23-May-22 03:30 AM
Her dress that day was a simple one. It was made from light blue fabrics that was corseted tightly around her body while having the lose skirting around the bottom. There was a sheer layer over her shoulders and her neck was decorated with beautiful silver and sapphire. It was a dress that for her was a dress she would only wear at home, and this time for the travel that was ahead of her. A choice in wear that was mainly meant to keep her comfortable. Yet that being said it was still a stunning dress and any girl that was born outside of nobility would dream of wearing it on their body. It was matched with a blue cloak with a creme fur trim to keep her warm in the morning chill. The moment she saw Aeden she would smile at him warmly. She was glad to see him like always. Having him near her always made her feel safe and comfortable. She still found a lot of comfort that he would join her. "Yes, one last walk." She told him as she led them out into the gardens. He kept his respectful distance, walking just a small bit to the back of her and letting her lead their walk. When he asked her after her sleep that night she couldn't help but find her mind wander to what she had done the night before. The slightest of pink hues would coat her cheeks as she answered him. "Sleep found me quite easy, surprisingly." she said then, giving him a small but rather shy smile. "With the King accepting my travel to the North a lot of the things that have trouble my mind had left me." She tried to explain it. She then turned to the knight and looked him over. She suddenly noticed the darker rings below his grey eyes and the dullness that seemed to be present in them instead of the usual shine that he had. By then they were already quite a bit into the garden and out of view of any prying eyes. She would stop in her stride and turn towards him. "Are you alright, Aeden?" she asked, worry in her voice and eyes. "Is there anything that troubles you?" Her hand would once more find hi
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s cheek and her soft fingers brushed over it. "You know you can confide in me if there is something troubling you."
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Nakachu 23-May-22 03:37 AM
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Aeden BOT 26-May-22 05:11 AM
Inwardly it made Aeden smile to hear that the Princess managed to sleep well the night prior. Not haunted or overly worried to the point of tossing and turning. And apparently the sinful thoughts that plagued the Soldier’s mind didn’t anger the gods enough to negatively impact the girl. This was a good thing, he believed, for doubt to be shed from her shoulders in that it appear the Northern King was still intent upon taking the girl’s hand. Similarly, it warmed his heart for her to inquire as to how he was feeling. Many commoners think of royalty as being self-centered and caring little of the ones around them, but Aeden knew better and this showed. Here she was, having a huge change ready to impact her life and she was even taking note of the smaller details of one of her servants. It only illuminated to him how pure of heart and considerate his Princess was. Again he felt the soft, supple touch of her hand upon his skin. A soothing, and welcomed gesture, despite the feelings of shame within him as he knew exactly what had kept him from sleep the night prior. How undeserving of her touch he was, and still she inquired of his wellbeing. However, her reassurance of confiding in her was an impossibility. Where those just words anyone would say to pacify another? Would she maintain such a stance if she knew the depraved subject matter? That her Guardian, until death, sworn to celibacy had spent much of the late hours of the night painting the princess in the lewdest manner within his own mind? “You’ve plenty weighing upon your mind Princess. Although I am touched at the gesture.” He was her knight, and while he wouldn’t outright lie to her, he would be able to perhaps dance around the subject matter. “Admittedly I found myself stirring through the night contemplating you. For the changes that you will endure. For the hurt you felt the nights prior. However-“ His grey eyes assessed the Princess, taking in her appearance and complexion. “You appear to be
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glowing this morning. A true sapphire in the light of the Sun, befitting the name the Gem of the Kingdom.” And she did seem to have a certain glow about her. A marked shift given how pale she appeared the days prior with all the worry she had. “Believe me when I say you have much more important matters to concern yourself with than what it is that keeps me awake at night.” He smiled softly, half swollen with guilt given what dark secrets rested just beneath the surface.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 26-May-22 09:22 PM
As soon as he admitted that it had been her that he had been contemplating late into the night she couldn’t help her face falter a small bit. She had hoped that she had been able to calm his worries when she had explained that it was her who had provoked the King that night. That she had been the one at fault for being left behind in tears. Yet it seemed that still he had lost sleep over her well being. “My knight..” She said, a mere loving whisper that came from her lips as that hand remained on his cheek. “It is kind of you to be concerned for me so much, but please don’t let me steal your sleep. I want you to be well rested and happy. You already are giving me so much of you, do not let worries about me disturb your sleep as well.” She spoke to him in a gentle manner and offered him a smile that made her blue eyes gleam in the morning light. “I promise you that I am going to be just fine.” She added to it, something that she herself liked to believe. Her small hand would leave his cheek then, the warmth of it being replaced with the chilly winds of the morning. She would turn from him and continue her way through the garden. Her hand brushing past the flowers and even bending through her knees to sniff some of them one last time. “I hope the King has some gardens for me to roam. I wonder what kind of flower would bloom in such a cold place?” She said, mostly to herself. She would miss this garden so much.. Even since her childhood this was her retreat, her own small place to be alone with her thoughts and to enjoy nature. All the flowers and plants had been planted at her discretion and she had even been seen pulling weeds from the ground with her bare hands whenever she spotted one.
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Aeden BOT 02-Jun-22 04:11 AM
The compassion that Meredith could provide knew no depths. Her kind words and insistence that he not worry over her only made the feeling of guilt and shame constrict and roil within his stomach. He was not deserving of such kind words, but he could not bring himself to explain to her the true depths of what had kept him awake through the night. In the end, Aeden mustered a smile back at her and nodded. Things would fine. The Princess would get married, and whatever thoughts plagued Aeden’s mind would fade. It was not the first time Meredith had wandered to his mind, but perhaps resulting in the strongest emotional response of recent memory. “Let us try and make it a habit to at least get out once a week to explore what winter flora grows around the Northern Kingdom.” He followed up, believing it could something the both of them could look forward to. To make little habits and routines and slowly ease in to the idea of getting accustomed to their new ‘home’. Following from behind he walked and wandered with the Princess to her heart’s content, allowing her one ‘last’ look upon the beautiful gardens, or at least, the last look for some time. All the while, finishing preparations were being made for her carriage. Naturally Aeden would sitting atop the carriage, beside the driver, while Meredith and her Hand Maiden would be able to relax in the relative comfort of the interior. Elsewhere, similar preparations would be made for the King and Queen as naturally they would be participants in offering the hand of their daughter to the Northern King. Undoubtedly to arrive a couple days after the young Princess, a couple of days before the wedding ceremony where the Princess no longer would belong to the people of Aurelia, but to Kallus of Gaelia. As time crept on by Aeden ultimately would ask the Princess. “If you are ready m’lady, your carriage awaits. It would be wise if we leave before nightfall. I do believe we can stick to the path through the night, but t
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he sooner we are on the trails, the sooner you will be back in comfort.” He said, at least hoping the brutish northern race didn’t live in caves and slept on dirt floors. But surely things wouldn’t be that barbaric.
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Meredith Mayweather BOT 14-Jun-22 12:49 AM
Her smile would be radient as he suggested that they should take a walk together once every week to explore their new home. “That would be lovely.” She answered him with a twinkle in her eyes. She spend another fifteen minutes in her gardens, giving one last smell to her favorite flowers and even gathering one or two from it’s stems to take with her. She had always been against her gardens being plucked, but this time was different. Once they made their way back to the entrance she would nod at Aeden with mixed feelings and make way for her carriage. She handed the flowers over to a maid and told her to make sure they were well packed for the Norths cold and be taken along. She took a deep breath as they found themselves before that carriage. This would take her away from her home, to a new place she would have to find a way to call home. How different would it be? Would she like it? Would she miss her old home? Ada would be waiting for her. As her handmaiden she would ride in the carriage with her to make sure that she was feeling well and was served to her every need. “Are you ready my Princess?” She asked with a sweet caring smile. Meredith found her yes and nodded. “Yes, I am ready to depart.” She said as she tilted her chin up a bit to show her devotion, to trick her heart into not making her cry. She stepped into the carriage with Aeden’s help and made herself comfortable as Ada was offered a hand as well. They were soon seating on the blue velvet cushions. Even the interiour of the carriage spoke of riches, with all kind of scenes carved into the wooden frame. She kept her eye away from the window. Not wanting that last look as she could not afford to have all her staff see her cry.
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Aeden BOT 13-Jul-22 06:58 AM
Some may reflect upon the leaving of Aurelia behind as bittersweet with the promise of new adventures and exploration to be had in the Northern Kingdom, however, in Aeden’s point of view it was merely just bitter. This was a day that he had long awaited in the back of his mind, and yet, it all seemed to have transitioned so quickly. A few weeks ago and he would have never heard of the Barbarian from the north, and now he was expected to hand deliver his princess into that brute’s hands? These were not suitable thoughts to dwell upon for the knight. At best it would only serve to stir resentment, and at worst these thoughts may very well lead to a treasonous death. Such was his fate though, and many knights long before him undoubtedly had felt similar. He was not a father to Meredith, however, it almost felt that way given he’d watched her grow from a young age, and while he might not be walking her down the aisle, to hand off to another, he was the one driving her carriage. Still, he would do well to not dwell upon his own misgivings, and place himself in the shoes of the Princess, who was essentially leaving her entire life behind. For a woman of her delicate stature to be thrust into the midst of the tribal northerners. The slow monotonous crawl northward did well to grant Aeden a chance to digest and organize his thoughts. He had time, plenty of it, as Meredith and her handmaiden kept warm within the interior of the carriage. Compared to the castle the Princess would have to ‘rough’ it tonight. Likely for them to set up camp before night fall and for Aeden to fix a campfire. The ladies would undoubtedly sleep within the carriage while the Knight would make do either sitting atop the carriage, or closer towards the fire. 1. They proceed unobstructed to camp this evening 2. Encounter a poor beggar on the side of the road 3. Ominous weather blows in in the form of rain and wind
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Avrae BOT 13-Jul-22 06:58 AM
@OhRyæn 🎲 Result: 1d3 (3) Total: 3
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Aeden BOT 13-Jul-22 06:59 AM
By mid afternoon, the weather took a turn for the worse as darkened clouds covered the sky, blotting out what residuals were left of the sun’s night. A cold front, that brought promise of rain. There would in fact, not be a campfire tonight, but at least the Princess and her hand maiden would be relatively safe and dry from within the carriage.
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Nakachu 14-Jul-22 05:41 AM
The carriage ride there was going to be long and tiresome. Ada did whatever she could to keep the princess her mood high, but even she eventually fell silent. Meredith watched out that window, seeing her kingdom pass her by and she couldn’t help but feel heartbroken over it. If only she was leaving for love.. if only she was leaving to follow in what she believed. But of course that was not the truth. She was leaving in an attempt to give her kingdom what it needed to survive. She was merely a sacrificial lamb in this game of royalty. “Princess, please don’t have such a sad face.” Ada tried, snapping her out of thoughts. “You are going to see this other side of the world. You are getting married, you should be happy.” She tried. Even though surely Ada knew just as well what this marriage really was about. “I know Ada, I apologize.” Meredith said, but Ada could tell straight away that it wasn’t helping her mood, so she tried something else. “I got a glimpse of your wedding dress yesterday.” She said with the biggest sparkle in her eyes. “When they were packing it away for you. It is stunning! I promise you. Even you have never worn a gown that extravagant.” She said. It did work and did bring a small smile to Meredith’s face. “Really?” She asked, a sort of childlike curiosity in her voice. After all, which girl didn’t dream of looking pretty on her wedding day? The day was spend that way till the weather suddenly turned foul. It wouldn’t take long before the rain was coming down, tapping against the top of the carriage. She would look outside to see the knights that were travelling with them, getting soaked to the bone. She didn’t like it and liked it even less when she knew that Aeden would be among them. The carriage finally halted for the night and the rain was still coming down. One of the knights came to inform her that they would stop for the night and that the Princess should just stay inside. Food would be brought to her. She nodded in understanding but the moment she saw Aeden she could not contain herself. “Could you fetch me my Knight?” She asked the man and he called Aeden over to her. He was soaked, his dark hair sticking to his face and his face looked pale from the cold. She hated seeing him this way and her face fell a small bit. “Come inside Aeden, warm up with us. Please.” @OhRyæn
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