Consort to the empress (open)

[silvertongue217]

Marcus Cane watched the hall doing another sweep and making sure every thing was secure before reluctantly letting the palace guards take control of security in the palace. The empress had just gotten done doing her court duties for the day and was getting ready to retire to bed for the evening. Her handmaidens and entourage had already bade her a good night to her and she was waiting for him in the corridor that led to the tower for him to escort, which housed her secure sleeping quarters. Marcus looked and seeing nothing out of place or cause for alarm he nodded at the watch captain that the floor was all his and went off to find the Empress.

The man nodded and the guards began to fan out taking their required position as he had drilled into them over and over again. Marcus heard some of them complaining about having to guard the hall but he knew they wouldn’t dare mention it to him un;less they were trying to catch his wrath. Marcus was a intimidating person he was tall around 6 foot and towered over most people including even his beloved empress. He was handsome to with deep tan skin from the Egyptian sun and amethyst eyes, he had a very muscular physique form his training, and his long black hair fell down to his chin when it wasn’t tied behind his head in a simply lather thong.

He bade them all good night and walked towards the empress who was waiting for him to escort her to bed. He loved these private moments with the empress when they talked about her day and he tried to help her with any problems she was facing in the castle. He loved being with her and could even say he loved her she was breath taking and smart two things that almost never went together. But he was a body guard and she an empress and they must never ever be romantic with each other it may upset her position and Marcus would never do any thing to hurt her.

“Every thing is secure empress” Marcus said walking in and bowing at her making sure to close the door behind them and seal it with the oak bar he had built into the door. He stepped forward and sunk down in a regal bow befitting her stature.

 

[silvertongue217]

giving this one a bump

 

[slut_in_white]

Power could be quite lonely.

Empress Celestine knew it only too well. She was a powerful woman who commanded respect - respect that was hard-earned, given the way some men grumbled about having a female leader. When she'd taken the throne at the tender age of 17, everyone had expected that she'd be married within a year, and that her new husband, the Emperor, would take over as leader. Instead, she held power for herself and had proven herself to be a remarkably competent leader. Her country was flourishing under her rule, her people healthy and happy. She was known, affectionately, as Mother Empress, since many of her people looked on her as a kind and caring mother figure - despite her currently being only in her mid-twenties.

She was sharp, witty, and a brilliant strategist. And, beyond that, she was beautiful - skin the colour of warm caramel, with wavy, shining hair so black that it matched the colour of the night sky. And her eyes were a pale, cool shade of blue, striking and bright like stars. Perhaps most interesting was the fact that she was quite small - fine-boned, petite and barely over five feet in height, which made her command of any room she stepped into all the more impressive.

She could have any man she wanted, and yet, she spent her nights alone. It was because she knew that any man who joined her would be there either out of fear of rejecting her or out of desire for her wealth and power. None of them cared for her...

Except Marcus. He was her constant companion, and he knew her like no one else. He cared for her safety and happiness in a way she had never encountered before or since. And yet, because he was her bodyguard, because of the impropriety of such a relationship, she could never have him. Besides, he had never once, in all his years of service to her, given any indication that he had any romantic interest in her. She could not bear the thought of ordering him into bed with her, if he did not desire her. But of course, she could not ask, because she suspected he would never refuse her, even if he wanted to, and that was as good as an order. And so, she kept her desires to herself.

She turned around after stepping into her bedroom, hearing the door close behind her, and smiled when she saw Marcus bowing deeply in front of her. She reached forward, cool fingers touching the warm skin of his cheek, and lifted his gaze to hers. "Stand up, Marcus. There is no one in here you need to impress," she informed him, her tone lightly teasing.

 

[silvertongue217]

He gave an involuntary shudder at her touch trying not to let it show how much it effected him. Even after all these years together she still had such a way of making his desires plain as day. He liked to think he was a much better master of his emotions but that sort of pretense went out the window whenever she was involved. It was even harder given the fact she had never married content to be single for the rest of her life. She always said it never bothered her but it bothered him it bothered him more than he cared to admit.

“You know I have to obey protocol” Marcus murmured rising from his bow and trying to ignore the desire to kiss her fingers “as the late Lord Precint would have said we are nothing without our rules and guidelines”

Oh how he hated those words! But they were ones drilled into his skull time and time again by the previous royal protector and his mentor. They were given the highest tasks the kingdom had he would remind Marcus and with it came the importance to follow the rules including the most important one.

Never fall in love wit your charge

Marcus had tried to be fair but it was impossible the entire kingdom loved her! How could he not? How could he not with every fiber of his being.

“I most follow the rules” He said to her softly even if it was evident in his voice that he didn’t much care for them “and that means always deferring to you my Empress” He said looking at her with troubled eyes before going over to pour her her usual drink.

“How was court?” He asked desperate to change the subject as he turned and handed her her drink

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine had to smile as Marcus explained why he had bowed. It was a familiar dance - they had this conversation nearly every night. He was the closest thing she had to a friend, and she was certainly comfortable enough with him that she wanted to drop the pretense of protocol when they were alone. But he had never permitted it, much to her chagrin. And so, every night, she asked that he not bow, and every night he responded that he must. It was a never-ending circle.

I most follow the rules, and that means always deferring to you my Empress.

A playful smile passed across her lips and she nodded, watching him walk over to the small cupboard full of the finest brandy and cognac to pour her customary drink. "That's right, you're supposed to defer to me, Marcus," she answered, "which is why I've never properly understood why you refuse this one, simple order that you not follow protocol when we're in private like this." She was teasing him, mostly, wondering how he would react. He rarely refused an order, but he had, once or twice, when he truly believed it was in her best interest that he do so. It was part of the reason why she cared for him so much - he was the only person in the world who cared enough about her to tell her "no" when she needed to hear it most.

Still, she allowed the change of subject when he asked about court, and sighed heavily. "Incredibly dull," she answered honestly. "Most of it involved my having to sort out the petty rivalry between Lords Yamin and Tevere. They've been at each others' throats for too long, and they'll use any excuse to attempt to tear each other down, especially in front of me. I'm not sure how they don't realize that their pettiness doesn't make me look fondly on either of them."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Such is the life of the nobles” Marcus replied deciding to ignore her little remark about referring to him. He did however favor him with one of his rare smiles flashing her one as he handed her the drink and stepped back. He maintained his formal at rest position legs slightly spread his hands clasped behind his back and standing straight.

“Nothing but complaining and grumbling about some thing or the other” he reminded her speaking frank “those two have been at it since your father was king Lord Prentice was always complaining about it kept telling your father to put them both in exile and be done with it if I recall”

He watched her drink and looked out the window “you know you have been quite busy as of late” He told her turning “perhaps it is time to take a small vacation to the villa that you love after all its spring time I seem to recall you loving it there around this time”

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine sighed heavily at the suggestion she should just exile them. "Oh, I wish it were only that easy! But if I exile them, the squabbling that will result over their appointed successors would be infinitely worse."

And then he mentioned the possibility of going to the villa. She collapsed onto the bed, sitting on the side, gasping. "Oh yes! What a wonderful idea." She looked up at him, her eyes sparking. "I knew I kept you around for a reason," she teased, chuckling. "I could certainly use a rest. I'll have the staff informed tomorrow, and we'll leave the following day. Gods above, a break is exactly what I need right now." She finished the rest of her drink and then stood, coming to Marcus' side by the window.

She lifted a hand to his cheek again, smiling softly. "Thank you. There are few people in this world I can say that I truly trust and can count on. You are, without a doubt, a gift from the gods themselves."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Your to kind empress” He remarked glancing out and trying not to get to lost in her scent. She even smelled good a unique combination of flowers that he could never quite place. Whatever it was it drew him in and left him hungry for some thing that he didn’t want to admit out loud.

“You are my most trusted friend as well… well my only friend” he reminded her smirking slightly “there isn’t any thing I wouldn’t give for you o do for you even if it meant laying down my life” He told her turning and giving her his most serious look.

He reached out and gently touched her hand before moving back “you have a busy day tomorrow Empress” He told her formally walking back into the room “I will watch over you as you sleep as always” He reminded her taking his usual place right next to the door.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine smiled when he responded by telling her that she was his only friend. Her expression turned vulnerable and she tilted her head, her expression uncertain - it was an unusual look for her.

"If you consider yourself my friend..." she whispered, "why won't you treat me as a friend instead of an Empress? Only when we're alone. I just... it's lonely, Marcus. Even when we're together, I feel alone."

She followed him into her bedroom and shed her dress, leaving her in her slip, then looked up at him as he stood by the door. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I've made you uncomfortable, haven't I?" She sounded upset. And she was - she didn't want to lose the closest thing she had to a friend thanks to her own selfishness.

 

[silvertongue217]

He shook his head giving her a soft smile

“You could never upset me Empress” Marcus said softly glancing at her and shaking his head “Celestine you are my best friend and you always will be that’s never going to change…. I understand I feel it to some times as well I can try try to loosen up a bit if it would please you”

He opened his mouth as if to say some thing more before claring his throat “I love pleasing you” He finally admitted coming over he leaned down kissing the top of her head like he used to do when they were kids before stepping back to his usual place.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine smiled at Marcus' promise that he try to relax a little, but her heart jumped into her throat when he said he loved pleasing her. Surely he hadn't meant... But, more importantly, surely she didn't want him to mean it that way!

Did she? If the warmth crawling across her skin, outwards from where he kissed her, was an indication, it seemed she had deeply buried feelings for him that she was only just beginning to discover. She blushed, chewing her bottom lip. Yes, she very much needed a vacation if her current feelings were any indication.

"Thank you, Marcus," she breathed softly. Then, taking comfort in the knowledge that he was watching over her as she slept, she crawled under her blankets and fell fast asleep.

 

[silvertongue217]

And so he watched her sleep trying his best not to chastise himself for kissing her. It was some thing his old mentor would have frowned upon and insisted was crossing the line. Of course his mentor had it luckily to deal with a man he could be a good friend to instead of a empress he could have fallen in love with. Who was he to judge? Marcus once again argued scowling in the night. Celestine was hi best friend his most trusted confidant even if she didn’t think it was true. They knew each other since they were children and grew up together.

“I love you” He whispered to he sleeping form as he did every night. He walked over and tucked her in adjusting her blanket as needed before returning to his post and silent watch.

The next day

“The empress should be waking shortly” Marcus said coming out and nodding at the attendants “she shall be waiting for her usual breakfast on her balcony fix a second plate and leave them” He said ignoring their confused looks before stepping back into the room. He walked over and drew the blinds back before opening the balcony doors and coming over to her

“Celestine” He said gently stroking her cheek.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine woke to the wonderfully pleasant warmth of a gentle touch against her cheek. Someone was saying her name, and oh, how she loved the way the words sounded on his lips...

Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Marcus looking down at her. Her whole face lit up into a smile. He was never this affectionate with her! The change was more than welcome. "Mmm, good morning!" she greeted, sounding happy, if a little bit sleepy.

She pushed herself up, looking curiously at him. "What's the occasion?" she asked. Surely he wouldn't be behaving so unusually if there wasn't something special about today, right?

 

[silvertongue217]

“You wished for me to be more looser in private did you not?” Marcus asked raising an eyebrow an helping her lean up “your attendants are waiting for you in your washroom then you and I will have breakfast together” He told her giving her another smile before bowing and tuning on his heel. He walked out and breathed in the fresh mountain air before going and sitting in the chair across from her.

Seconds later the attendants came out with two dishes for breakfast. He thanked them and took the plates placing them down on the glass counter before pulling the dishes out and preparing her plate. He finished and turned grabbing her chair and pulling it out waiting for her.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine couldn't help but grin. She hadn't expected him to go to this length to give her the kind of closer relationship she'd been asking for. It was a pleasure to find he'd taken her request this seriously.

She was in a lovely mood, smiling and greeting at her handmaidens as they helped her wash up and get ready for the day. She dressed for the day, her clothing reflecting her good mood - bright, fresh spring colours and a pretty, feminine line. She came out onto the balcony where Marcus was waiting for her and smiling brightly at him.

She took a seat. "This is lovely, Marcus. Thank you." She meant it. She couldn't remember the last time she'd woken up in this good of a mood.

 

[silvertongue217]

“It was my pleasure empress” Marcus said pulling her chair out for her and letting her sit before he slid it back in place. He went over to his chair and sat down sliding it back and taking his own seat. He gave her a small smile at her compliment and glanced at he outfit.

“Don’t you look stunning today” Marcus said giving her another smile as he took a sip of is drink “its no wonder that all the other princes clamor for you attention whenever we have any foreign diplomats here” He told her waiting for her to tuck in as custom before he ate himself.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine blushed faintly at his compliment, laughing. "Ah, well, I think we both know they seek my attention for the throne, rather than for me."

She smiled and dug into the breakfast, humming softly. "This is delicious." She couldn't stop smiling. It had been a long time since she and Marcus had gotten a chance to relax together in private for any kind of extended amount of time like this. Normally, it was a few minutes here and there, stolen away from court. This was so much nicer.

 

[silvertongue217]

"that is not true and you know it" Marcus reminded her as he dug into his own food with careful precise bites "their are many who feel that way i am sure but there are also many who felt they had a connection with you" He said trying not to let the bit of jealousy in his voice come out.

Dealing with the empress possibly marrying was a pet peeve of Marcus's. He wanted the empress to be happy but feared teh day she might find he self in the arms of another. Marcus knew it was selfish of him but he couldnt stand the thought not when his feelings were still so powerful for her.

Not when he still loved her

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine scoffed gently, looking sad. "I'm not certain how they could have felt any sort of connection to me when they insist on treating me as a distant Empress instead of as a woman."

Still, she managed to catch the note of jealousy in his voice and grinned a little. "Oh, Marcus, I know you don't think any man could be good enough for me." She laughed. "It's like having an elder brother!" she joked, suppressing the sense that she wished it could be more. Her heart hammered in her chest - it seemed the notion of having a closer relationship with Marcus sent a shiver of pleasure and desire up her spine, leaving her blushing faintly.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I very much doubt any one would be able to match up to my high expectations” Marcus said matter of factly as he took another bite of his eggs. He noticed her distant expression and frowned taking it the wrong way. Who was he to let his jealousy get in the way of her finding some happiness? It wasn’t like they could ever BE after all which meant he either had to get over her or accept his burning love and try to let her be happy.

“Still” He said trying his best not to let his disdain at the idea creep into his voice “I know how lonely you must be Celestine perhaps some sort of companionship would do you good besides your crotchety old friend” he reminded her smiling as he attempted a joke to ease the tension.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine chuckled when he called himself crotchety and took a bite of her eggs, thinking. "Actually, I'm much less lonely now that you're allowing yourself to be my friend instead of just my bodyguard," she answered honestly. And it was true. She was overjoyed at the idea of having a real friend again, and the fact that it was Marcus made it all the better. She was actually finding herself feeling eager for her vacation, not only for the chance to relax, but because it meant spending more private time with him to rekindle their friendship once again.

She reached across the table and took his hand, smiling. "I missed you, old friend."

 

[silvertongue217]

He gave her a small smile and took her own hand giving it a small squeeze. There were so many things he wanted to say to her so many things that went beyond their friendships. Promises of love and devotion inner feelings he wanted to lay bare.

But he couldn’t

“I feel the same way” He said pushing it all away and instead stroking her hand with his thumb “I have missed you as well more than even I care to admit this vacation will be good for the both of us I think”

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine returned his squeeze with one of her own, her heart twisting painfully in her chest at the awareness that she was walking a thin, dangerous line. She knew what would happen if she crossed it - if she told him what she felt, she was certain he would inform her that they couldn't be more than friends, and that this looser, friendlier relationship between them had clearly been a foolish idea. And she would lose him all over again. He would still be near, of course, still protecting her, but she was sure that he would go back to honoring their rules and protocols to protect himself from her affections. And she hated to think of it, so she kept quiet, refusing to risk her friendship with him.

"I think so too," she answered, smiling, trying to hide the sadness in her voice.

 

[silvertongue217]

“You seem sad” Marcus said unable to help himself from seeing it and bringing it to up “Did you not wish to continue with this route?” He asked shifting nervously his hand moving way from her own as he looked at her.

“I didn’t mean to tease you about the marriage stuff” Marcus spoke up wondering if that was the issue “It just your such a lovely person beautiful and…. Well you deserve to be with some one” He said rising up collecting both of their plates “some one who loves you like I love you” He said coming over and kissing the top of her head before disappearing to take the plates to the attendants leaving her alone on the balcony.

 

[slut_in_white]

Celestine shut her eyes, holding very still once Marcus left. There was warmth blooming in her chest at his words, and she wasn't entirely certain whether she wanted to laugh or cry, but either way, neither of those reactions were becoming of an empress.

And more, she didn't know what he meant. Was this his way of suggesting that he cared for her the way she did him? Or was it simply the love of a brother, since they'd practically been raised together?

------

The villa was down by the river, in a lush, green oasis. It was a stunning building, as beautiful as the palace, if a bit smaller. And more, because of the smaller size, it was difficult for Celestine to host guests. That, combined with the fact that the villa was well outside of any city limits, meant that it was a very private escape. No one was permitted on the grounds but Celestine, her most trustworthy handmaidens and her most trusted guards. And, of course, Marcus.

They arrived late at night the following day, and the moment they were inside, out of earshot of the servants, Celestine turned to Marcus, a smile playing across her lips. "I've been considering the land's marriage laws. Specifically, the laws concerning consorting with members of other social classes. It seems an archaic requirement, and I believe the people will be happier if I do away with it entirely," she informed him, wondering if he would recognize the subtext of her words - because doing away with the law meant that, legally, Celestine and Marcus could be together. The only question now was whether he wanted her in that way.