Romanticide (Mature/TW: Abuse)

[severine]

There was incoherent yelling from two women behind the baroque door that the guards stood in front of. Earlier something glass had smashed and there had been a scream that had been stifled. The younger guard shifted, clearly uncomfortable under his gilded helm, continuously turning his head back to the door. At least the two women were still alive, as there was clear screaming from them both. The elder of the two tisked under his breath at the younger guard, nodding for him to turn his head forward.

“Should we-” His voice was punctuated by the smashing of glass, “Should we do something?” the younger guard whispers, hand trembling on his pike. The elder shakes his head.

“You’re paid to stand here and protect Lady Severine. You follow her orders, and our orders are to stand and not let anyone in or out without her permission. No matter what happens in there.”

The younger man flinches at the sound of a pained scream and a thump of a body hitting the floor. “It’s an honor to have this post.” the elder guard murmurs, voice unphased by the sounds of something hitting a body. “Until our Lady calls for us, we do not move. It is an honor, boy. Would you rather listen to the King and his boys?” he pauses as the screams and thumps quiet, followed instead by a shuffling noise of cloth.

“Linsley.” Severine’s voice, breathless from exertion, floats from the other side of the door. “You may open the door now. I will be taking my leave.”

The guards step aside and the elder, Linsley, opens the door for Severine to stride through. She’s pulling gloves on as she walks, hiding bright and angry scratches and scrapes that twist up her hands and arms. The elder woman, her makeup intact perfectly despite her clear exertion, turns to Linsley with a smile that does not suit her face. “Clean her up in whatever manner you deem appropriate. I don’t care. Just get her out of my sight. She knows what she has to do now.”

Severine strides forward through her ornate parlor to another set of doors, then another, leading out of her apartments to the hall. Linsley and the boy peer into the bedroom, seeing the young woman, her curly cloud of hair matted and wet, curling around her stomach and heaving with breath. She’s sobbing silently into her arms, hands raw and bloody, a visible ring that had been there when she went inside missing.



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The fresh air was so nice after exertions, Severine couldn’t help but ponder. She never really noticed it before. She never particularly… exerted before. Outside of childbirth, at least. The tea and desserts had been spread out by a litter of servants underneath the beautiful blooming archways of the gardens. They weren’t for her, of course. They were to tempt her lovely young guest that would be arriving soon.

Lillith. A lovely young blossom in the King’s court. She had been foolish to pass the girl over before. She had seemed so little in comparison to all else, but like anything else in her way, the girl could be used or squashed. Especially in mind of the King’s new… interest. It was her job to protect him, after all. Shield him from the whores that clawed at his feet. Not just anyone could be queen, after all.

It was strange that she couldn’t feel the pangs in her hands and arms. Perhaps that was the real miracle of the thing choking her neck, hidden behind brocaded cloth. It had inflamed her, filled her with strength and excitement unlike anything she had ever felt. Was this what it was like to have magic? It was… enthralling. She could see now why Roland treasured it so much. And Brenton and Mysteria. As Severine pondered she twisted the heavy stone ring on her finger, oblivious to the drying blood splattered across the amber colors of the rock.

[Deleted]

Lilith was more than surprised to have received an invitation from Lady Zoe. Of course she’d heard about her many times. She’d only met her once, back before she’d gotten the job as a Royal Healer. She didn’t remember most of that night if she was being honest. Healing Lady Mysteria had taken a large tole on her body, and her memory was fuzzy from moments after she entered that room. Never the less, receiving the invitation had startled her to say the least.

Lilith made sure she didn’t sleep at the castle the night before the scheduled event, this way she would have time to change and make sure she was presentable for whatever was thrown her way. She’d heard Severine was severe, a woman to be reckoned with, and certainly someone Lilith didn’t want to mess with, or cross. She dressed in a light brown gown with a lovely intricate swirling pattern in a slightly darker shade covering the entirety of the fabric. The neckline was a V cut, though she wore a simple white blouse beneath it. The sleeves were tight around her arms, coming to a stop at her wrists, while the skirt of the gown ended at her ankles, her black boots sticking out from beneath it. Her insanely long platinum hair was mostly down, against her back like a silky cape, while the strands that would normally frame her face were twisted and pinned back. She wore no jewelry, or anything fancy aside from the gown.

This time when she headed to the castle, she left her healing supplies at home, not wanting to arrive with a bag in hand. However, she never went anywhere without her dagger stuck into her right boot, it was a precaution that had come in handy more than once. She approached the gates to the castle gardens but stopped with a feeling of hesitance in her gut. She’d heard so many rumours about this woman, and had she told Aria she was attending she could be sure she wouldn’t be going alone. But she had to give her the benefit of the doubt; she’d never seen any of her actions first hand. All she knew about Severine were rumours and stories. For all Lilith knew, she could be a very nice woman who had been misread to be someone awful. Lilith desperately hoped that was the case.

With a big breath, she stepped into the gardens and approached the set up to find Severine sitting there, waiting for her. Lilith cleared her throat lightly, announcing her arrival. Upon having her gaze, she would curtsey respectively, her head bowed low causing her hair to fall forward a bit, over her shoulder. She would stand, moving it back behind her, a small delicate smile on her clearly nervous face. Good morning Lady Zoe. It’s a pleasure and an honour to be invited here with you. She had practiced that line 50 plus times that morning. She needed to be sure she could say it confidently, despite the feeling of pure nerves she felt bubbling in her stomach. She could do this. Her tone had been light, and she’d concealed the shaking, and as usual her voice was soft and airy, like a soft feather in the breeze. Her eyes scanned the lay out; beautiful desserts set out before her, but her eyes were on Severine longer. The weather had started to heat up again, she wearing such heavy clothing must be so warm, Lilith couldn’t help but wonder why.

[severine]

Severine’s gaze lifted as the young woman appeared in the garden, a pleasant smile crossing her face. She nodded, gesturing to the plush chair across from her with an all too light tilt of her head. “The pleasure is all mine, Miss Lillith.” the woman’s gaze dipped from her head to her booted feet, her smile not wavering in the slightest. She can feel the sear of heat from her neck straight to her brain however, hot and red from fury, but it only serves to fuel her politeness. “Please, sit. Help yourself, I can promise that everything here is quite delicious.”

Severine’s hands fall to her teacup, lifting it up to drink. “You look quite lovely this morning, Miss Lillith, I must say. I’ve heard rumors of your beauty but they don’t do you justice.” the woman smiles, placing her cup back down on her saucer. “Far too lovely to be a simple healer, I must say. But please, do eat and drink. The tea I’ve been told is a lovely mix of wildflowers and I’m sure it will be wonderfully familiar to you. I’ve been told it’s a favorite of the Second District.”

[Noky]

He liked roaming the gardens when it was warm. His person was off doing whatever she had to do, and he wasn’t typically allowed to roam inside the big building, so spending time in the walled in gardens was a good second. He was following the scent of food closely, and the sound of voices wasn’t far off.

He marched towards the smell… but wait…. Sniff sniff….. He stopped dead in his tracks…. Cat. Luckily it was in the same direction, so perhaps he would get the cat and the food! He took off, his wings flapping lightly against his back. Turning the corner, he spotted the cat right next to a tree. Completely focused on that, he didn’t notice right away, the table and two women off to the left of it. He stalked the cat slowly, pouncing when he was close enough, rolling into the tree with it. Hissing and growling could easily be heard, and there was no doubt that the ruckus would cause the women to glance over.

[Deleted]

Lilith smiled shyly at Severine’s greeting walking over to the chair she’d been directed to. She felt her eyes scope her out as she did so, suddenly feeling self conscious about her worn out boots. Normally she would have worn black flats, or some type of heel to such an event, however with the weather fluctuating as it had been with spring approaching, the boots seemed more practical. Holding on the back of the chair tightly, she pulled it out as quietly as she could, sitting down and pulling herself back in to a respectable distance from the table.

Her eyes looked around the table, not sure where to start, but settled with a soft looking cake. She picked it up and moved it to her platter, not taking a bite just yet. Upon hearing Severine’s compliment her face flushed darkly, the tips of her ears turning pink. Oh goodness… I highly doubt such rumours exist, I mean, I’m no different from anyone else who works here. Lilith fidgeted slightly, her fingers pulling at the skirt of her dress from under the table. She watched carefully as she set the teacup back down, trying to calm her own nerves. It smells wonderful, I must say. I’m not sure I’ve tried it before, but I love tea, so it must be lovely! Lilith smiled openly, her elven features shining on her pale face. 

She picked up the teacup carefully, careful to monitor her shaking so as not to give it away should the tea shake with her. She brought it up to her lips preparing to sip lightly, when a figure caught her attention to her right. She glanced over, lowering the cup for a moment, and spotted Noky, Aria’s new pet, slowly walking towards something, like he was hunting. With a quick glance to the other direction, she saw the cat and quickly put two and two together. Before she could react, Noky pounced on the poor creature, causing Lilith to put the teacup down immediately, a clatter against the plate, and stand from her chair. Oh my goodness!! That poor creature! Excuse me for a moment Lady Zoe! She pushed away from the table and sprinted over to the creatures. ARIA!!! She called, stopping two or so feet away from Noky and the cat, which was clearly mangled by now. She hoped her voice would reach her, wherever she was, because she didn’t know how to deal with a drake. Lilith called on her magic or a moment, trying to connect with the animal like she could with woodland creatures. Stop. Let him go… Please… She pleaded in her mind, hoping to connect with his. She wanted to try and save that cat if she could, but she had a sinking feeling she would be too late. 

[Deleted]

Aria was in the gardens that morning going over a checklist of supplies she would need for an upcoming event within the castle. She had taken Noky out to roam the gardens; he had been behaving himself lately so she let him tag along. Her hair was gathered in a low pony tail tied with a seafoam green bow. Her outfit was a simple dress; a tight fitted bodice with a scoop neckline. Her sleeves were quarter length and fitted, her skirts loose a flowing stopping just a bit above her ankles. Its material was seafoam green with a pretty flower pattern along the bottom hem of her skirt. She wore simple matching flats to compliment the dress which in itself was rather simple. Around her neck she wore two necklaces, one a silver locket with a moonstone set in the middle, and a glass locket hung from a gold chain just a bit lower filled with bits of elemental gems and lucky plants. All and all she looked quite nice which made the large scar that blazed across her face that much more off putting. However the young red head didn’t seem to mind the feature.

Aria was so engrossed in making sure she had everything planned out that before she knew it, her little shadow had slipped away from her. It wasn’t until a shout of a familiar voice did she look up…It was Lilith and she sounded quite panicked. Aria rolled up her list and placed it in a small brown satchel she carried on her shoulder as she took off at a trot. The trot turned into a run as she heard the ruckus; she soon skidded into view looking quite annoyed. ”AGAIN! REALLY!” Aria stomped up to the drake dark red scales forming on her hands which transformed into dragon like claws as she gripped the young drake’s mouth and pulled him back with a strong yank. Her other hand grabbing the mauled cat careful to hold it away from her clothes as to not get them bloodied. She turned to Lilith …and to her surprised Severine. ”Good day Lady Zoe, Lilith….my apologies for this one’s behavior he’s still a pup.” She managed an awkward bow while still holding the drake by the mouth and the bleeding cat in the other.

Her eyes turned towards Noky, clearly annoyed. ”You’re the chasing target tonight for practice; I’ll let the older ones know to have a good go at you this evening ya little brat” Aria let the dragons snout go and turned her attention to the cat. Letting her magic flow into the cat as she began to heal what she could. While she did so she looked over at Lilith ”You didn’t get hurt did you?” She had been standing fairly close.

[severine]

“Oh, of course such rumors exist about any woman his Majesty is growing fond of. But you must be aware of that by now.” Severine’s smile doesn’t quite broaden into teeth but it does tug further at the corners of her mouth, fingertips brushing against the saucer. “But it is charmingly bohemian of you to insist on wearing such practical footwear with such a fine dress.”

She watches with practiced dark eyes as the girl’s fingers trembled with the cup, waiting, until the girl bolts upright. Severine’s brows pinch as the girl gets up and runs, not getting up from her chair and turning to watch the ruckus. A caring soul for animals. How…. charming. A true healer at heart, so like her daughter. Her fingers turn and crunch into a fist, gloved fingertips digging into her palm. His Majesty did like delicate things, didn’t he? Delicate, simple things. Like a girl from a children’s story, a low born girl of few prospects and nothing but beauty and caring in her heart to win over a grand King. There was no strategy behind his choice, she thought as she watched her, only strategy for bedding. Such pale skin would show his Majesty’s marks easily though, possibly underneath the gold of her dress.

Severine’s brows pinch further at the sight of Aria, tilting her head again. This would be more difficult with this bastard of a lady around, but she could make do. Two birds with one stone, if she played it correctly. “Good morning, Lady Wurud.” Severine’s voice spilled from her lips in a low drawl, leaning casually against the side of her chair. “I take it this is your usual morning constitution?”

[Noky]

There was a bit of yelling, but it didn’t phase him. The cat was in his jaw now, and it tasted so good. He rolled onto his back for a moment, thrilled with his catch. He was so distracted by it, he didn’t smell his person coming until it was too late. Her voice snapped him out of his joyful haze, and he rolled off his back just in time for her to grab him, pulling his snack out of his mouth. He could feel the waves of anger coming from his person, causing him to cower and whimper.

When her eyes turned onto him, his ears flattened down on his head like a stricken puppy. He understood part of her words, knowing for fact it wasn’t going to be good. He whimpered lightly as she let his snout go, laying down, his eyes up staring at his person, begging for forgiveness.

[Deleted]

Lilith was stunned into silence, her lilac eyes wide staring at Severine with shocked innocence. I-I… I’m sorry? Lilith spoke softly. She and His Majesty had had recent discussions, and although she felt fond of him, she wasn’t quite sure where they sat. They’d talked and admitted some things, but she hadn’t been aware it was common knowledge within the castle. If her face was flushed before, it was even more so now. Her pink lips were open slightly, still stunned. I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean. She knew enough from Aria that personal knowledge was meant to stay personal, especial when it concerned the King. She highly doubted he wanted this information out. Oh.. my shoes.. well, the weather is still cool, and it’s a decent walk from my home to the castle… really it was just a practical choice… She said softly, her voice like a small feather.

Having called Arias name moments ago, she was surprised how quickly her read head friend arrived. Thankfully, she dealt with her pet quickly, pulling the two animals apart with ease. Though her heart was pounding in her chest, she nodding her greeting to Aria in a stunned silence. Her eyes were glued to the cat, which she saw Aria trying to heal. It seemed as though it would live, though it would be awhile before it could run, or really walk anytime soon. May I? She put her hands out, wanting to take the cat from Aria if she would let her. She had nothing to wrap the poor creature with to keep the blood from staining her gown, but frankly, she didn’t care. She wanted to shelter it while it healed.

When Aria asked her a question, she looked up, stunned. She felt her tone was heavy than it needed to be, but quickly remembered why she was in the gardens in the first place. With a quick glance over her shoulder at Severine, she nodded her head. No, no… I’m alright. She smiled at Aria, her eyes pleading her to stay, just in case. She could feel Lady Zoe’s eyes burning a hole in her back, but she didn’t let it bother her yet.

Oh, Aria. I was just having tea with Lady Zoe… Would you like to join us? She offered cautiously, looking to Severine for confirmation. She wanted Aria to stay, she really did, but she was completely unsure as to what Severine’s reaction would be to it.

[Deleted]

Aria looked down at her little dragon…which wasn’t so little, he was the size of a large dog now. He knew he did something wrong judging by his reaction. Seeing how the situation was diffused she allowed her hands to return to their humanoid form. She allowed her mind to connect to his imprinting the idea to not eat the castle cats. ’I don’t want to see more of this; as for now you stick by where I can see you unless I tell you otherwise’ Aria looked back up at Lilith who was asking to see the cat she was currently mending with her magic. She nodded and offered the cat over to the young elf. ”It’s internal injuries are mending its mostly muscle and bone right now. I can’t do a thing about the shock with magic. It should be wrapped in something warm and kept in a quiet place. I don’t think Noky severed its spine; if it had I would have put the thing out of its misery.” There was still a good chance that the cat would die once shock set in. But she would at least let the elf try. Aria glanced at her bloodied hands and sighed. The red mess striking out against her pale skin tone. Aria flipped open her satchel and pulled out a handkerchief which she used to wipe most of the blood away from her hands. Apparently she usually came prepared for incidents such as these.

Aria once again nodded when Lilith said she was alright; she did find it odd that Lilith was having tea with Severine. Severine didn’t seem the type to associate herself with non-nobles. She was curious as to why she was having tea with Lilith…None the less Aria placed a smile upon her face when Severine asked if this was her usual morning constitution. ”I wouldn’t call it usual; my usual is the unusual. It just happened to be a nice day to stroll in the gardens.” Aria did make it a habit not to form habits; hell she didn’t even go to sleep on a normal schedule. Only thing remotely routine was morning and afternoon practice with the drakes that were on loan from Palico. It made it so it was fairly difficult to track her down unless at those specific times. Aria turned her attention back to Lilith when she asked if she’d be willing to stay. ”Of course” Lilith’s invitation sent up red flags. She would stay for the girl’s sake; despite the company. She wasn’t all too fond of Severine; they obviously didn’t start off on the right foot after all. In Severine’s words she was just vermin. Judging by the pleading look Lilith had on her face Aria couldn’t say no. The plan for the party could wait until this was over.

[severine]

Severine’s smile didn’t leave as Lillith tried to explain how she knew nothing of these rumors. Either the girl was completely stupid or she was playing the part of an innocent maiden. It was an excellent impression, but Severine favored stupidity as the option. Really, what was his Majesty thinking? Perhaps he wasn’t, only with his cock.

It was quite rude, however, for the girl to invite Aria to join them but Severine’s smile did not waver. “Naturally. Please, make yourself comfortable. Eat to your heart’s content, Lady Wurud. Drink the tea, I was simply wanting to know Miss Lillith better.” Severine gestured her gloved hand lightly over the overladen table before returning her delicate fingers to the edge of the tea saucer. “We are all bosom friends of his Majesty here, after all.”

Severine laces her fingers together, smiling despite the sting of the scrapes on her hands underneath the silk of her dark gloves. “Tell me, how does his Majesty strike you, Miss Lillith? I have been at his side since he was a young man and while I am well aware of how the people adore him, I’m curious to hear your opinion of him. I have known him long enough to think of him as a son, if I might be so bold, but I know he can come across as cold despite his depths of wisdom and kindness. Please, be honest and unafraid. The same to you, Lady Wurud.” she smiles over to Aria, still not broadly enough to show teeth. “I’ve heard you’ve grown quite close to him.”

[Mysteria]

Yul had been winding his way through the gardens for the better part of an hour, seeking lord Noku in an exhaustive game of hide and seek, when, rounding a freshly manicured hedge of roses, he happened upon a young drake! His stride froze as he beheld the slender reptile poised and slinking toward a lazy feline of the rotund kind often affiliated with their political counterparts. His eyes gaped wide, breath halting in his throat, his own heartbeat willfully suppressed as he admired the fantastic creature, exhilarated and anxious about what he knew was going to happen next. The cat would be sorely missed. His servant’s blood prevailing on his faculties, a nearby conversation bearing the marks of practiced civility fell upon his ear and wrenched him momentarily from the spell of the Drake and its miserable target.

He espied lady Severine and the elf he had been sent to fetch a few days earlier having tea- or rather, making an effort of it-and, assuming the daunting challenge, Yul crept stealthily behind and away from the drake’s line of sight, making use of the decorative shrubbage to enhance his efforts, and arrived nearby the table on which the two ladies were conducting their matters of biscuits. From this perch, he observed both the Drake and damsels. The Drake struck first.

The shrieking that ensued, first, from the unfortunate morsel, second, from the timid elf, and thirdly, from the drake’s fiery master, drew about the unpleasant scene a generous quantity of bedlam, scattering all within earshot from their intended posts to the gorey spectacle. Yul seized upon the moment and followed suit, feigning surprise and presenting an over dramatized expression of shock as he clasped his hands and recoiled in horror. Equally convincingly, he added his dutiful portion of “Oooooohh’s” and “Aaaaaaah’s” as both the elf and the Crimson mistress set their healing talents upon the pitiful carcass, clutching it most literally out of the jaws of death.

Amidst the suppressed murmuring shared among his fellow caste as they resumed their stated function, he slunk to the nearby table and began to busy himself in that leisurely sort of way a servant is known to adopt when hoping to glean a scrap of gossip from his superiors. He observed intently the varying attitudes of the ladies in question: the stern brusqueness of Ms. Wurud, the calculated politic of the Lady Severine, and the contained reservation of the elf Lilith, reflecting on each the tone it cast on the information shared...On the subject of his majesty, the Lord Noku, Of all things! A rare glimpse into the minds of those trusted with his service.

Shuffling about in a servantly manner, Yul maneuvered inconspicuously adjacent the table and presented the appearance of tidying. His ears burned from the compiled exhilaration of the Drake, the nervousness of potentially being found out and scolded, and the candid exchange not fashioned for a servant’s knowledge. Severine was the obvious oficiator of this meeting; she had performed the predominance of the conversing heretofore. She seemed to be wanting to draw in the confidence of the other ladies present, appealing to their relationships with the king for their opinions of the same. She, herself, held the highest claim to that, being in such close accord with his majesty as was only warranted maternity.

“Wow,” reflected Yul, “no wonder Noku is the king. He even has more moms than other people! I thought lady Mysteria was the only one, since she's raised a lot of Noru’s, but even Severine wants to be one too! He's so lucky; I wish I could have a mom, too-hopefully Mysteria, but even if it was just Severine, I would be OK with that…”

At this point, he had begun to prattle on in that careless boyish fashion that often keeps its thoughts confined to mostly- audible reiterations of their silent form. He had also begun to realize he had been standing very close to the tea party. Close enough to hear them clearly. Close enough…to hear him clearly…

[Deleted]

Lilith took the cat into her arms, having no regards for her own dress and pumped her magic into it. She heard what Aria was saying, and was glad there was a chance it would live. Killing it would be just awful for her, Aria would have to do it if it came to that.

Thankfully, both Aria and Severine agreed to let Aria stay with them. Something just felt off about the entire thing, and having her there felt better. Though Lilith had a feeling Severine wasn’t exactly happy about it.

Taking the cat, Lilith sat back in her chair, careful not to get any blood on it, having the cat wrapped in the skirts of her dress, still healing it. The bleeding had stopped for now. On to the muscle tissue. It was playing in the back of her mind as she socialized. The question Severine asked, caused Lilith to blink a few times before answering.

Well. In all honesty, I believe him to be a fair and true ruler. Like his father before him, he has done an amazing job. One example being, he fought on the front lines during that attack, which some rulers would never dream of doing, but he protected us all with his bare hands. If that’s not admirable, I don’t know what is. And if I have permission to be so bold, I don’t see him as cold in the slightest. He has to be detached to do his job sometimes, but I very much believe he has a kind heart. Lilith spoke softly but determined, she wouldn’t let Severine twist her words into something else if she could help it.

Lilith blinked, her ears catching something around them. It got louder, and she realized it was another voice talking, though not to them. She turned her head, cocking an eyebrow curiously as she listened. Someone was listening to them talk? How rude! She glanced at Severine nervously, wondering how she would react.

[Deleted]

Aria moved to pull out a chair motioning for Noky to come sit by her side. ”Thank you, Lady Zoe, your offers most kind” Aria sat and began to stroke her vicious little drakes head. Really they would need to kick the habit of him eating cats…one of these days when he was bigger he might go after Serai. Aria nodded when Severine said she wished to know Lilith better, it wasn’t too farfetched. After all she was in the room when Lilith was helping Mysteria. Her lips pursing ever so slightly as Severine went on to make a bold statement of them all being bosom friends…”I believe it would be too forward of me too agree with you; I shall call myself a friend when such a word, in regards to me, leaves his majesties mouth.” A look of trained meekness crossing Arias features; however she wondered how Noku would take such a statement. They honestly didn’t look close from the last time she saw Severine in a room with him. Though she seemed that she was so close that she would claim him as a son…a pretty large claim …and a disturbing one….the thought sent a shiver up her spine.

Aria listened quietly to Lilith as she answered Severine bold question. As she listened she poured herself some tea; taking in its aroma...her eyebrows scrunched up as she looked down something being off…. The mint in the tea was certainly doing a good job masking whatever it was. As Lilith was talking Aria placed the cup down and reached for the sugar putting a little in before stirring. As she stirred she allowed a little of her magic to seep into the drink. A purifying spell…just to be on the safe side. She then took a sip of the tea, curious to taste what was in it. Aria looked up from her tea when the question was then turned to her. ”I believe you have come across false rumors Lady Zoe. His majesty and I are not what I call close. We do not confide in one another; when you’re close you know each other’s past, likes, dislikes, ect. I know very little about his Majesty, other than that he may have a sweet tooth like myself and he has an amusing sense of humor when he decides to show it…however I will agree with Lilith. He’s very kind is his own way. The chances that I do spend in his company are quite enjoyable.”

The muttering of a semi familiar voice took her attention away from Severine, along with pausing her attempts to identify what was in the tea. Aria looked in the direction of the muttering clearly amused…Aria looked back towards Severine with a large smile on her face ”See not close at all, I hadn’t been aware Lady Mysteria had stepped in on raising Noku, and the young boy did!

[severine]

Severine tilted her head back to the boy, arching her eyebrow at him before turning her head to the archway where two men stood. One, a beautifully dressed young man with wavy vivid red hair that was bound in a low ponytail, nodded in return and crossed the gardens to Yul. He put a solid hand on the boy’s shoulder, grinning down at him, his incredibly light green eyes shining.

“Come with me, Yul. We’ll talk, Lady Severine will see you later.” he steers Yul away, marching the boy further into the gardens with a gentle hand. “You admire Lady Severine right? I do too. She’s heard good things about you, how dedicated you are to his Majesty.” the young man smiles again. “My name is Aerric, by the way. Would you like to do a special job for me? You’ll be provided new shoes and extra food if you succeed and are very discreet.”



Severine turns her attention back to Lilith, expertly hiding her boredom at the girl’s plain answer. A fair and just ruler. Where was the spark that caught the king? It must have been her body alone that caught his majesty’s attention. There were enough birds in the court that were this stupid. But her appearance was nothing special either, Severine noted as she took another measured sip of her tea, nodding blandly like she was still listening. Unless the king was narcissistic enough to bed someone that shared his snow-white hair and skin. Like bedding your identical twin. Their bastards would be translucent. “I’m glad you see that, Miss Lilith. It’s rare that women do.”

Severine turns her gaze to Aria next, narrowing her eyes at the meekness that crosses her face. Now that, she didn’t buy for an instant. The fated girl with a face like that was not born to be meek and stand in a corner. “I must disagree with your assessment that you are not close, Lady Wurud.” Severine smiles, tilting her head to a little to her. “The simple fact that you can claim to share his Majesty’s company means you are close.”

Severine turns her head back to Lilith, smiling still. “Will you be present at the trial, Miss Lilith?”