Escaping Emstallach (closed for KingCorto)

[Evayla]

Victoria Iliana Amarene Nadine of Emstallach, fifth daughter of the self proclaimed king of Emstallach, an almost independant state in the area of Serbia.
Almost, yes.
They pretended very well.
Her father knew how to work his title, working on old superstitions that were still very much alive in the area. With the amount of coin he managed to gather throughout the years through cons and deals he also gathered a following of faithful people, willing to do his every bidding.
Or maybe that was just because of said coin.
Either way he commanded utter respect. Many a foreign dignitary would look his way to win the heart of one of his daughters to get a foot in the door.

Emstallach, a name to be associated with.
A name that spelled riches.
A name that spelled fear.
All depending on how well they played the game.

All that and more.
And Vicki was bored.
Out of her mind.
Around her people were fussing with the so maniest wardrobe change of her oldest sister. Gods, how she loathed that perfect girl. Vicki's brown eyes surveyed the scene. Her sister was the prototype, no the archetype for the perfect princess, ready and groomed to be married off. And of course she would live happily ever after, have a zillion kids and still manage to work her thousand charities on the side while raising every kid single handedly into another perfect copy of herself.

Ugh.
Puking material.

Vicki had her suspicions about the reasons for their journey here. Undoubtedly it had something to do with yet another suitor for her sister, ye holy Mariana.

She sighed, her brown curls falling over her shoulder. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad if her father would finally start seeing her as a person instead of another coin to trade of. But the man did not seem to be interested in her. He was obviously working on cementing better associations through his other daughters.
The daughters who would fawn on him.
The good daughters.

No.
No, no, no. She was not going to sit here and wait until all her other sisters were married off before finally being noticed.

A bold plan started to spark up. What if she could get out of this hopelessly luxureous hotel? What if she could just...get out there? See something of the actual world instead of the air castles her father spun?
What if she could make a name for herself! She was smart enough to make a living, no doubt. She could...well, okay, she could start with the funds she brought with her, but surely there was a way to work her way up and make a life for herself?
Then she'd no longer depend on her insipid family! Brilliant!

Her heart skipped a beat. Bold plan!Totally doable! Nothing stopping her!

Except those infernal bodyguards.

Her head moved around to survey the two goons at the door. Stepping through that door meant she'd need a good excuse.

Hmm.
Toilet?
No, that one was adjacent to the suite.
Maybeeee swimming pool! No, then she'd be forced to change here and not have the belongings she needed to take with her.
Ah! Gambling! The poker table! Perfect. She could loose them in the crowd and have a good excuse to take money with her.

See?
She had a brain. She could do this.

Quickly the young woman packed some essentials in her shared bedroom. Big handbags for the win. She made a grab at the pocket money her father always had lying around. Should be enough to tie her over until she could pave her own way.

Back at the door she put on her most imperious face. Hard to do when she was about half their size, but at least it made her feel taller. "Ahem. I intend on going down for a game or two." And she tried to just walk past them. Never can tell!

 

[KingCorto]

Alexandr stood by the door thinking. His mind was in a loop, and he was bored. Ideally, he’d want to think about something else, but somehow, he just couldn’t shake it. It was his uncle’s goats. Alexandr did not know anything more tedious than listening to his uncle go on and on and on about his goat business, and somehow, every time Alexandr got bored, his mind strayed to those meaningless recitals. It was a curse. He’d been born with it, he thought. Or, at least, he’d gotten socialized into it from birth, on his uncle’s farm, bored to death for years that seemed like centuries.

It was good that he’d gotten out, and not too soon. It had been hard at first, that’s granted, but anything was better than the Emstallacian countryside. Absolutely anything. It was a good place to go nowhere. Then he’d landed this gig for the King. It had been that, or crime, really, those had been his prospects. While it’d been better money in the crime, this was comfortable too, he thought. It got him travelling, this job, going places, and that had seemed like a great perk at first, given his curious nature.

But then, there was a catch. He was never off, it seemed! The hours demanded by the royal entourage seemed never ending, there were so many of them, the daughter, the whole set of dignitaries, the kind himself, not to forget. While the gig got Alexandr out and about, it seemed to be entirely standing along walls in corridors or banquet halls, then eating with the servants.

Alexandr certainly hoped one of those trips could get him some personal experience one of these days. Outside this boring maze of corridors and formality, to see real people in a real world that wasn’t exactly like his own all the time.

Alexandr turned to Dimitry standing across the corridor.

“Nothing going on here” he said.

Dimitry didn’t respond, just looked back.

“I mean, nothings going on here” Alexandr repeated, then continued “It’s like, two big guys to guard the fifth born? It’s not like anyone will be interested. Hell, I’d say most of the world had lost count long before the fifth one. It’s mostly about Mariana, maybe Paulina, sometimes Anastasia, but Victoria? Hell no. I can’t even remember the name of the fourth one. I only know Victoria’s because, well, my job is to stand here.”

Dimitry raised and eyebrow, “Yeah?” he said, “But she’s hot though.”

They stood silent for a minute, then Alexandr continued, “Yeah, maybe she is, but it doesn’t help, does it, I mean, she’d be a huge step up for someone like me, but she’s unattainable, and I can’t even see her behind that door.”

Dimitry just shrugged.

Alexandr was getting into it, “No, I wasn’t talking about her, you know, she has her own prison. I was thinking about mine.”

He looked thoughtful, then “Listen, you can cover her, right? Nothing going on, anyway. Would you mind if I popped down to the casino for a minute, had a look at life down there?”

Dimitry rolled his eyes, the shook his head, “No way, friend, you’re charged with standing here just like me, and if you head out, and I don’t tell, then my ass is on the line. You’re staying put.”

It was at that moment Vicky appeared from the door, "Ahem. I intend on going down for a game or two.", she said, and resolutely started marching past them.

“Hey, wait!” Dimitry said, turning after her, “We’ve heard nothing about this, to the casino, you mean? We need to check with your father!”

Alexandr, on the other hand, had another thought. “Wait,” he said, looking at Dimitry, “It’s only the casino, it’s in the hotel!” He looked at Vicky, “That’s right isn’t it, my lady?”, then back at Dimitri, “We’re still doing our job as long as we tag along!”, again back at Vicky, “If that would suite my lady’s needs?”

 

[Evayla]

Yep, there they stood, biiig and unmoving. Vicki tried very hard to remember their names. No one ever introduced them. Why would they? Her father had hired them to be shadows and shadows they were.
Big menacing shadows to anyone who tried to get closer to her. How many times had they not intervened when she was just about to have an actual conversation with a live person instead of one of those puppets her father liked to surround himself with?

Nope, royalty was not all it was cracked up to be.

The young woman tried her best haughty stare to convince them. "My father is in the middle of an urgent negotiation, but by all means, interrupt him for something as mundane as his daughter wanting to play a safe game in a perfectly controlled and save environment..." She left the unspoken threat hanging, unaware of her body language, her hands smoothing down the elegant summer's dress she was wearing. A sure sign of nerves. The girl knew she looked the part. With the bordeaux folds of the dress mimicking her cascading hair she could usually get her way, be it some extra desert from the waiter or a stolen cigaret from the bellboy.

Nothing much more to do than smile, making her eyes a little wider than usual. And if that did not work, the cold approach like she was trying now. Imperious! She had watched her father enough to echo his mannerisms.
Hey, it might work.

But then...the smarter looking one actually took her side! Vicki tried to hide her surprise with a few quick blinks. Good thing she didn't sport those impossible fake eyelashes Mariana preferred. Make up was not in her vocabulary, thank you very much. Too much time and too little use for it.

Change of mood then! She lost some of the pretense cool and shot the man a look of praise. You had to make sure to keep the underlings happy, after all. And much like faithful watch dogs they seemed to do well on praise. Their pay probably helped with that too.

"Indeed. Quite safe. Inside the hotel." She repeated, realizing she did not sound very confident right now. The girl scraped her throat. "It would suit my needs very well..." Alright, insert name here.
Damn! What was it again!
Deme..no wait, that was the other guy.
Something with an A...

"...Alexei." She filled in, hoping he had not noticed her hesitance. Now to hope she had the right name!

 

[KingCorto]

So, she’d just called him Alexei. Alexandr bit in a frown, and avoided correcting her, he’d happily be Alexei, or the King of Sweden for that matter, as long as he could get out of this hallway and find some action. He looked at Dimitry, “That can’t hurt,” Alexandr said, “it’s all inside the hotel,” he continued, “what could possible go wrong?”.

Dimitry thought, then shrugged, then nodded, “Ok,” he said, “ok, we’ll go downstairs, but if this gets me into trouble, your uncle’s goats will have it, mark my words.”

And so it was that Alexandr turned to Victoria, “It’s seems we’re set, my lady, we’ll follow where you take us.”

“Inside the hotel” Dimitry added.

Yeah, Alexandr thought, inside the hotel. A pity really, he’d really most want to go outside it. Maybe it was possible? Dimitry had a weakness, he thought, a weakness for charming ladies, and Victoria was certainly one of those. Alexandr looked at her again, concealing that he suddenly found her attractive too, as he was sure Dimitry also did. If only Dimitry got a feeling that he could get somewhere with her, the princess, that something... Exciting... would happen, then they were on a new path, Alexandr thought. He was hoping he’d find an angle to play it that way, to make Dimitry slightly more daring.

For now he looked at Victoria, nodded politely, extended his palm before him indicating the way down the hall to the elevators. “You lead the way, my lady”.

 

[Evayla]

Uh oh, little frown.
Better than a big frown, but...had she just overshot her chances?
It did not even occur to her that she might have used a wrong name.

"Inside the hotel it will be." Victoria nodded in her best royal ways. Having outgrown her teens she had the advantage of knowing how to make her father's habits her own.

Inside she was cheering! She had them wrapped around her finger! This was going to be easy, hah!

Of course she could not show her excitement, so instead she inclined her head and moved towards the elevator. Oh, she would lead the way, alright! All the way back to chase their tail!

Once inside the elevator she suppressed a grin and put on her airs again. "Ground floor." Okay, she was not her father just yet. "Please." She added quickly. She needed to keep these guys friendly, wanting to let down their guard.

While the elevator buzzed she eyed the two gorilla's. Why her father had this preoccupation with hiring people who were about twice her size? No clue. Was it to keep unwanted visitors away or was it to keep her cowed?

Well, he was going to find out pronto she was not cowed at all! The bigger the man, the smaller the brain, was her experience, although that one time she had ended up in the hospital because she had climbed out of her window the girl had been more than relieved the chauffeur of the limo had actually had the wits to make up a story for her father.

Now, how to ensure they would take their eyes from her? Looking down her outfit the girl realized she might have wanted to change in something black instead. Less obvious. Damn.
She shifts the too heavy bag on her shoulder, trying to make it seem effortless. Can't let on about the contents!

Now hoping they would just stay silent until they reached their destination. Alexei or whatever his name was, seemed uncharacteristically talkative tonight!

 

[KingCorto]

Size had been a thing alongside posture at the academy. Luckily for Alexandr, after having chosen this career option, he had it in abundance. Back at the farm, he’d been lifting rocks, mostly. Stacking them endlessly to clear up somewhat fertile soil. And after finished a nice pile, the goats would tip it all over for him, in most cases at least. It would have been his life had he not been bright enough to see the way out. And from all that rock piling and cursing, something good had come at least. Alexandr was huger than most. And at the academy, when graduation came, and the posts were assigned, he’d pulled the long straw and gotten the royal guard. It came with a bit of money, a certain status, at least in his circles. But somehow it disappointed on the action and adventure side. And the hours were long, it didn’t leave much spare time for those things on his own time.

They stood in silence behind her, each on a shoulder, arms crossed in front of their black suit jackets, as bodyguards should. Looming high over her, Dimitry all as much huge as Alexandr was ever. Alexandr was monitoring the situation, seemingly looking straight ahead at the doors as was he instructed, to keenly observe and analyse what would be waiting for her when they opened, and to escort her outside, but in reality considering his angle of moving out into the unknown. He observed Victoria, and also Dimitry, and as he noticed Dimitry’s looking over at him a split second, he took the opportunity to glance down Victoria’s frame before them, leading Dimity’s gaze along to the curve of her hips under the folds of her lower dress. It worked. As Alexandr’s eyes rose back up, Dimitris remained. Alexandr was certain Dimitry had noticed Victoria’s delightful features and shape before, but now he’d reminded him of them too, and as expected, Dimity was getting ideas. Dimitry would be a little less professional and more prone to insubordination by now, a step in the right direction.

She’d said ‘please’, Alexandr thought. Did that mean anything? No one in the royal family had ever come close to saying ‘please’ to him before. What was her angle? She seemed awfully keen on getting down to the casino. And his eye, trained for spotting concealed threats, had instantaneously noticed the unnatural size of her bag, was she bringing a toolbox in there? Probably a lot of cash in there for sure, she always had that, but he was most used to seeing her with delicate lady’s purses, still more than large enough for several wads of money.

That was as far as his train of thoughts got his, before the distinct pling of the elevator bell, they came to a stop, and the large metal doors unfolded right onto the huge casino floor. The unknowing couple that was waiting for the elevator going back up jumped back in startlement at the looming, ominous shapes of the two men engulfing the one of the petite woman. This was all as planned by the king, of course, and as the path opened, they stepped out. There were black jacks, roulettes, slot machines and card tables, the hum of wheels and deals and voices was supressing at first. A small step behind her, Alexandr bent down to Victoria’s ear, “Where to from here, my lady?”

 

[Evayla]

Excitement as she heard the murmurs of the crowd! Victoria stepped out of the elevator, into the game room. It was much bigger than she had anticipated, which, in all honesty, suited her well today!

I am actually going to do this! I'm getting out! She had to keep herself from bouncing into the room, out of sight. Step by step. She'd have to take her time for this one. It would be worth it!

Putting on her haughty face the girl turned to Alex, only to find his face right next to her ear! She almost jumped! Damn that man! For such a goon he was surprisingly smooth in his moves. Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly tucked a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear.

"Ahm, the...." A quick look around. Where were the nice and crowded games? "The poker table!" She decided. At least it was a game she knew from endless rounds in her room, playing either against a sister or against herself.

"I will be at the poker table." Implicit meaning: you don't have to be. Question was if they'd pick up on it. Either way the young woman moved towards said table. "Pick me up a..." Yaiks, drinks. She didn't really know anything about drinks. Her father was surprisingly stern where it came to the use of alcohol or cigarettes. It was a wonder she got away with the latter at all.
If she was honest, the girl didn't even like to smoke. It just gave her an excuse to be out somewhere and look cool.

"Gin and tonic..?" She sure hoped she had remembered that correctly or there would be lots of mocking behind her back.

 

[KingCorto]

Alexandr and Dimitry quickly exchanged glances, while scanning the area as they had been trained. Had it only been that simple, Alexandr thought, her comment that she’d be at the poker tables wasn’t lost on him. He’d be happy to let her, to be honest, but then there was Dimitry, and moreover, it was they’re job, and responsibility, to keep her safe. And Alexandr certainly dreaded the consequences of slipping up there, so, no, he thought, better to stay close, and bank on her cooperation once he saw the way out of here, bank on the fact that her purse was more of a bag packed for a night of adventure.

He could get them a short breather from Dimitry, though, which he might find good use of. She’d asked for a gin and tonic, and now Alexandr spoke. “You get my lady’s drink, while I see her safe to the table.” Dimitry didn’t have time to object, since, luckily for Alexandr, Victoria was already on her way to a table, sliding into a vacant seat. Alexandr rushed after her and stood by her back while Dimitry hesitantly made for the bar.

It was an exclusive table, of course, in the most exclusive casino hotel on the stirp. The dealer nodded politely, “Victoria Iliana Amarene Nadine of Emstallach, it’s an honour to welcome you to the table”. Alexandr scanned the other players. Four of them, two women and two men. Most interesting was one of the men. Lavishly clad in some sort of velvet cape and a tophat. Alexandr couldn’t see his face, the man was angled away from them, talking to a woman who leant down and listened to him, nodding, taking notes on her phone. Some sort of secretary or servant, Alexandr reasoned. Then the man turned back, and in one of very, very rare occasions, Alexandr’s eyebrows rose.

It was actor of fame, Bob Roxon, AKA Bob Rox, recent star of blockbuster Rocket Liner, where he co-starred diva Viloria Velour for the first time. It was the second time they’d ran into Bob Rox that day. He’d also been at the cultural gala earlier that afternoon. Alexandr had overheard him inviting Victoria and her sister Paulina to his masquerade at his luxury hotel penthouse down the street. The women had politely declined.

Bob Rox’s face lit up when he noticed Victoria opposite him. “Ah!” he exclaimed, “Princess Victoria of Emstallach!” His wide lips from ear to ear, trademark intense eyes in hers. “Have you come to reconsider? The entourage leaves for the party at my bidding!”

The opening, Alexandr thought, looking over his shoulder towards the bar. There was a long line, bartenders sweating to mix up complicated drinks choices while not stopping to take new orders, Dimitry was in the back. For being his size, Dimitry was always so modest, he’d be stuck there for a while.

Alexandr leant in towards Victoria’s ear again “My lady,” he whispered, “If you go, I go, because that would be my job.” He paused and cleared his throat. “As far as I’m concerned, My Lady had a headache and retreated without waiting for her second guard.”

 

[Evayla]

Well now! A vacant seat, such luck.

Vicki sat down, smoothing her dress once again. Her palms were sweaty as she looked to see where her guards were holding up.

A little slump once she noticed how fast Alex had made it back to her side. Should have guessed. He is so...obnoxiously observant!

Even more obnoxious though...was the discovery of Bob Rox. Now her face showed very honest exasperation. What were the odds! How unfair! Her big night of escape and she ran into this creep? She knew his reputation very well and nothing would convince her to add to his growing list of victories.

She grit her teeth and smiled politely, even if her eyes said something else. "Mister Rox. Such an....unexpected discovery to find you here." It would not do to offend him in public unless he insisted.

A quick look to her bodyguard. Any chance of him coming to the rescue here? She could not turn the man down again because the excuse she used earlier -being occupied with another visitor- obviously ran out with her appearing at the table!

Alex did not disappoint. The girl bowed her head, listening to his suggestion. He proposed to get her out of there? Just like that? Oh, wonderful! Yes, headache! Smart!

Vicki raised her hand to rub her temple. "Alexei, I believe I made a mistake coming downstairs so soon after my migraine. Please escort me for some fresh air."

So obviously a ploy, but if Bob knew what was good for him he'd not object. If he did, her first gin and tonic might end up in his face.
Well, if that drink ever got here. What was taking Dmitri so long?

 

[KingCorto]

With trained lightning reflexes, Alex already had hold of the back of her seat, pulling it out as she rose, providing him her arm, one of the rare occurrences where he was instructed to touch the royalties were if they were dizzy or sick. They then moved towards the exit, aiming for the fresh air outside.

As they so did, Bob Rox’s voice thundered behind them, “Entourage, retreat!” he bellowed, “Lady Princess of Emstallach needs her subjects, and we will stand loyal at attention!”. And at those loud words, dozens of people rose around them, nodding, chatting, bussing, as they got their things and swarmed Vicky and Alex, followed them outside.

Rox was at the lead by then, waving them to him, “Come, come, Lady Victoria! We will go to my masquerade, you will chill, and you will be fine, here is thy charriot!”, a long black windowed limo pulled up beside them, and the door opened to Vicky and Alex.

Rox really is an idiot, Alex thought. Bet this was still it. Angling his arm to lead her inside, Alex looked at Vicky, “I believe this is just the sort of vessel you were looking for, My Lady, and I may have been too. Shall we go?”

 

[Evayla]

Brilliant reflexes indeed. Need to remind father to give him a raise. She thought to herself. This guy was actually worth something!

Rox, however...Vicki resisted the urge to roll her eyes. What was he thinking? Was he really that daft or that desperate? A good thing she was not alone. A funny thing to realize that just half an hour ago she had felt trapped by the bodyguards and right now Alex actually made her feel safe.

Her arm slipped through his, pretending to need his support.
In a way she did, thanks to Rox' amazingly annoying announcement. Obviously she was not going to get her secret getaway just yet.

Yet Alex surprised her yet again. He was looking for a way out too? What was going on here?
Oh yes, nerves were on full blast now. If he needed the night off and she could just slip away from the party...perfect! Just perfect!

And nervewrecking.

Slowly she nodded.
No way back now.
Father was going to be furious.
Good! She thought vengefully.

 

[KingCorto]

From there on, it was like fast forward, before they knew it, they were in the limo, and Rox’ assistant was fixing them drinks. Gin and tonic, as requested, only that Alex got one too. Rox, of course, rode with them. Luckily it wasn’t far to his hotel, but by the time they got there, he’d still managed to tell some secrets about Viloria Velour’s private life, somehow insinuating that they were having an affair, he’d gossiped about his nemesis Gordon Crock, who hadn’t been doing so well lately, it seemed, he’d talked about his plane, and told them how he could actually also have been a professional poker player, making Alex ponder whether Rox thought that was even better than international actor super-star.

Alex didn’t have time to think at all, and he suspected Victoria had it the same way. The limo rolled up at the side entrance to the hotel, every bit as luxurious as that which the royal family had chosen, and he barely kept protocol as they were ushered inside. “Take care of them!” Rox proclaimed to his secretary with a pompous gesture, before he rolled on his heel away from them, “I have business to attend, we will meet at the masquerade!”.

He took his leave, and it was like time passed back to normal speed, Alex cherished the silence. Then the assistant spoke to Victoria, “My lady... Princess... Your royalness...” The secretary swallowed and bowed awkwardly. “If you will...” the secretary pointed down the corridor. “The wardrobe, where we have costumes, it’s down there. Just ask the stylist in there, she can find anything you want. He name is Susanna.”

“What do you say, My Lady?” Alex asked beside her, “Do you think it would be proper conduct for us to find our costumes now?”

 

[Evayla]

Was this a smart move?
Probably not. Rox might feel she was into him after all. But, worst case scenario she always had Alexei to deal with that. He looked like he was quite able to break someone's hand or more.

The talks in the limo...were almost as bad as having to listen to her sisters rambling about their intended lovers. Vicki managed to keep from rolling her eyes and kept a neutral face, a well placed 'm-hm' here and there to make it seem like she was still listening.

She was going to take the first opportunity to escape this creep!

At least the assistent knew how to behave near royalty.
Small blessings.

"Yes, I will." She replied haughtily to the offer to go to the wardrobe. Maybe they actually had something that would help her blend in once she got outside!

Alex, again, made her feel supported. Funny. He was definitely growing in her esteem. "Yes, that would probably be the best move right now, Alexei. Come."

Come, hah.
Now that was a joke.
She wanted someone else to move down these corridors first! But perhaps it was just as well the big man was covering her back.

She moved, hoping to find the wardrobe without troubles. It would look so stupid if royalty had to ask for the way!

 

[KingCorto]

Alex’ whole frame shivered with excitement. This evening was proceeding beyond his wildest imagination, he’d wanted to get out for sure, but deep inside, he’d never thought it’d be possible to get to something like this. Listening to her tone of voice now, her choice of words, it was almost like they were adventuring partners now, Victoria and himself, not so much princess and servant. ‘... Alexie. Come.’ She’d finished, and somehow a warmth spread inside him. She was already gliding down the hallway, it was something about her royal moves, second nature to her, that was very appealing, in a quite tangible and physical manner. She could call him Alexei all she wanted, he thought.

And he followed, in complete agreeance, this was the best move for sure. Her skirt swung around her legs as she hurried into the shadows, the lights were turned off here, a door towards the end barely visible on the wall as the approached, but the sign was still readable when they got close, ‘Wardrobe’, it said. As they stopped if front of it, Alex leant in over her, and gave the door a firm knock. Then they waited, and it was nothing, so he turned the knob, it was open, and they stepped inside.

The door slid shut behind them. The space, which was much more like a warehouse than a room, was dim lit, and clad with industrial size rows of clothing lines, costumes of all types, forms, styles, shapes, and colours lining them tightly. At first it seemed quiet, but then Alex picked up on a squeaking sound. Sharp and rhythmical. He saw that Victoria heard it too, because their heads turned in synchrony, their eyes gliding to and fixing on the same spot. And as their sights adjusted they saw them.

A slender lady lay bent at her hips over a huge pile of clothes before her, long arms out before her, holding onto some crates as she was pressing herself backward, her long, silky evening dress lay rolled over her hips, naked and pushed up. And between her parted thighs, hands firmly around her waist, hoisting her up and onto him, stood a man in a red uniform, his red jacket unbuttoned, and his red pants rolled to below his crotch. He was deep inside the woman. The squeaking sound stopped abruptly as he came to a halt, froze, both the man and the woman fixing eyes on Vicky and Alex.

The woman’s lower lip dropped in a startled smile. Her gaze on Vicky, the Alex, then Vicky again. “Well, heeeelloooo there,” she panted, “My oh my,” she carried on, “An unexpected visit!” She proclaimed. She looked at Alex again, the tip of her tongue visible on her upper lip. Then she wiggled her hips back onto the man, who was still standing in suspended animation, dumbfounded. The woman looked over her shoulder at him giving him a stern eye, “Don’s stop, Paulo, I was just getting there.” And as Paulo slowly started to wiggle back and forth again, the woman looked back at Vicky, biting in a small sigh, eyelids heavy on her dazed eyes, “Quite a specimen you have there, sister,” she started, her gaze shifting to Alex, tongue on her lip again, then she looked back at Vicky, “How bout we swap for a minute? I’ll share!” She looked back at Paulo, then at Vicky. “I’m sure they have different qualities, great ones, both of them.” The woman’s lips parted in a wide grin as she sighed again, a bit louder, pushing more firmly back on Paulo, who was now looking down at her, “What do say, sister? The more the merrier, right?”

 

[Evayla]

Again it was Alex making the first move.
Good.
Vicki had never been a fan of being stifled, but somehow in these strange surroundings it felt good to have him around. She almost regretted having to dump him somewhere in order to make an actual get away.

Maybe she should ask him...no, that would not be good. He got paid by her father. No doubt he'd report back. If she really wanted to experience the world, the big man would have to be 'lost'.

In any case, right now he was useful. And very safe.
And very much surprised like she was at the insane scene they walked into.

Vicki's eyes moved over the busy pair. Her mind registered the open uniform, the ridden up dress, the movements...of course she'd been instructed on how life worked with birds and bees and actual human beings, but...this?

Her brown eyes grew.
The woman spoke to her.
Sister?
Share?
What??

Victoria's sense of self returned and she huffed, actually standing in front of Alex. She was not about to ...share...her bodyguard! And with this greedy woman too? No! Just no!

Completely forgetful of the fact that she had just now thought of getting rid of Alex -and this might have been perfect if he was interested in the loose woman and her uniformed friend- the girl wanted nothing more than the man just staying very close and taking her out of here right now!

She pushed herself against the big man behind her. Her rock in the chaos. He felt warm, safe. The girl had never really thought about the bodyguard as a human being before this. He was just... a toon. Only right now...he was not.

Even if there was a strange warmth spreading through her at surveying this completely unexpected lesson in reproduction, this situation did not exactly appeal to her!
For god's sake, she'd never even gone further than a good kissing and some fondling in high school!

Helplessly she looked up at Alex, then back at the woman. "Um...no..thank you?" She blinked. Sure, she had her dreams as any healthy young woman would, but loosing her virginity in a dark wardrobe due to some strangers was definitely not in there! Then she'd rather get lost together with the bodyguard!

And damn her body for reminding her of a certain curiosity that had been growing for quite some time now! Why was she suddenly curious about Alex? Because that woman wanted him?

 

[KingCorto]

They say good things come in pairs, and just now Victoria had touched him for the first time, pushed back onto him, even, revealed, somehow, that she needed him. Never had Alex ever felt so on equal terms with one of the royals, and he wouldn’t abandon her. And as she looked at him, seemingly about to rush out, it was his turn, in an unprecedented move, the bodyguard gripped around her wrists, held her still and looked into her face.

“Listen, princess,” He started, looked over her shoulder at the woman, who was looking annoyed back at Paulo, who in turn had seemed to completely loose his rhythm. “Look,” he carried on, eyes back on Vicky, “I think I know what you’re after here, Victoria,” The first time he’d spoken to her like that, none of the ‘My Lady’ now, “And believe me, princess, I’m so on board with that. Really!” He drew a breath, “And this is our chance, Victoria, this masquerade is our way, and we need each other to get where we want.” He looked at her, angled his head, trying to see if she were getting it, “I mean,” he carried on, “for me, if I lose you out here, I’d have to go back, wouldn’t I, I’d have to tell, tell them to search, or your father will have my ass on a stick.” Pausing again, “So, for you, that wouldn’t be good, would it? It would all be much harder that way, the King’s men would be all over town!” His grip on her wrists didn’t loosen, though he also took care not to hurt her in any way, “But I don’t wanna go back, do I? No, I wanna stay, I wanna run, I wanna experience life, at least tonight, and for that effort, rushing out of Bob Rox’ party at this time would be a grave mistake!”

Behind them, the woman was getting audibly annoyed with Paulo. “Enough!” They heard her shout in frustration, “Get out of here, you no good piccolo, get back to work and what we pay you for, scram!” Alex looked up to see Paulo rushing out the side door, scrambling to get his pants on before falling into some hallway. The woman was looking at them. At him, she smiled as their eyes met. She really was sexy, Alex thought, no denying that.

But not focusing on the woman no more, or at least yet, he looked back at Vicky’s startled face, “So, do you get it? We stay here, don the costumes, visit the party, then get out even further, it’s the way, do you see?” He looked back over Vicky’s shoulder to the woman again, she was coming closer to them. Alex leant in towards Vicky’s ear again, like he’d already done a lot this evening, “So, My Lady,” he whispered, “I’m the loyal servant, and I also want a more fun life. So, in case you do wanna stay, do wanna take this shot, well, then command me, My Lady, because then I’ll take one for the team.”

 

[Evayla]

Oh my god... He was onto her! He had seen through her scheme! Vicki's heart was racing as he grabbed her wrists. The man even had the audacity to drop the honorifics!

The young woman tried to wrestle her way out of his grip. To no avail. With the amount of training Alex had? Not a chance to break free unless he'd allow her. "How..." She started, but the man quickly broke down his own reasons for going along with this.

He wanted out too.
The brunette gasped. Now that was a twist...He had a point too: if he lost her, the search would be on. How stupid she had not thought of that! Right now this place was as much a dungeon as the palace was, with the exception that she had someone on her side.

They needed each other.
Interesting.

"Looks to me like you need me as much as I need you then." She met his eyes boldly, despite his firm grip. It was a chance. Right now he could do just about anything he wanted now that he'd confessed to not being too interested in this night being one of the regular ones, but...something told her this party was not his end goal.
And that made her all the more curious.

She looked over her shoulder at the very forward woman in the room with them. Vicki bit her lip, the nodded. "Very well, costumes it is. And then...escape."

Her stomach was twirling. Did she actually do this? Did she make a deal with Alex? "Help me through this, Alex. Help me out and I will make sure you get rewarded, not punished."

In her mind the wildest solutions were already playing around about her telling her father she had been brutally abducted and how brave Alex had saved her.

With the grip he had? She suddenly felt very childish for that instant daydream where he did indeed get her out of a dire situation, those arms around her instead of just her wrists.

She blinked.
Where'd that come from?
It had to be that infernal woman here! She scraped her throat. "Costumes. And then the party. And then..." She looked at Alex one more time, not finishing her sentence. The look in her eyes was clear enough. Adventure!

 

[KingCorto]

"Costumes. And then the party. And then ...", Victoria trailed, but if there was one thing Alex was trained for it was spotting intent. And the look in here eyes told his instincts to hold on and protect her now. All the opportunity in the world, literally, hang in the balance of him keeping her content and on a straight path forward.

She didn’t pause a second too soon, either, because now the slender, tall woman was upon them. Alex remembered Rox’ secretary mentioning a Susanna. This must be Susanna, he thought. And as that had passed his mind, the woman confirmed, “Welcome,” she said, “I’m Susanna, it’s a pleasure to meet you both, I expect this is about costumes?”. Susanna extended her hand and shook that of Vicky first, the Alex. She held both somewhat prolonged, and there was a hint of a finger caress, her index on the sensitive skin of their lower wrists. Alex looked Susanna up and down, there was no need to be shy or to conceal anything at this point, he thought, the lady had been fucking when they entered, and as he had gotten it, she’d clearly stated her desire for him to fuck her too, Alex figured it was quite alright to inspect the proposition a little.

And, heck, sure, this was a lot for Victoria he did this, but it was about him too. He hoped the princess understood that. If he was yet again to be reduced to the working hand, then screw it, he thought, then might as well return to the hotel, and read something in the hallway. They had to be together about this, he’d have to be conscious about that, and push the limits in accordance with his needs too. If I want to fuck Susanna now, he thought, I’d better well make sure to do that. It’ll be a nice acid test of Vicky of Emstallach.

Susanna looked at Vicky first, evaluating her figure and shape, then she did the same with Alex, taking a bit longer whit him, then spoke “There are many options for you both, many, many options. Angel and Demon, perhaps, or Butterfly and Elf? We have all of that.” She swung her arm out to indicate all the rows of costumes, like a warehouse, extending all the way into deep shadows. She took a step closer to them, angling in closer to Alex, definitely inside his intimate zone now, too close for a fully professional meeting. The slender woman rotated her wrist, and slid her hand forward, not much, but just far enough to lay a feather weight palm on Alex’ upper thigh, very slowly angling it in towards his crotch. While doing so, she looked over at Vicky. “Angel or butterfly, honey?” She winked, “the angle costumes are just there,” she pointed to a rack just beside them, “You can have a look at that collection.” Then she pointed down the corridor into the shadows, “Down there, on the far end are the butterflies, you’ll find it for sure.” Then Susanna focused back on Alex, his big frame was shivering lightly, Susanna could feel that for sure, but he was wondering if Vicky could see it at all. Susanna’s nimble fingers just reached his crotch, lay along his shaft under his black suit pants, and stroked ever so slowly upwards. It had an effect on him, he looked away to the side for Vicky to not notice the twitch of his lips, his small swallow, the woman’s caress on his penis released a small whimpering moan of a breath, and Alex wondered if Vicky heard it.

“You take your pick, girl,” Susanna said, without looking away from Alex, “and feel free to take your time, because we’ve got things to do here, don’t we, bull?” She continued, as her grasp locked onto his crotch firmly. Alex only nodded, then stuttered, “Y-yes, we do. Yes, yes, we do.” Biting his lower lip, eying Susanna with passion now.

 

[Evayla]

Susanna.
Of course.
Of course she would have a beautiful name, something flowy and mysterious and cool for a woman who obviously knew how to enchant men.
No doubt Susanna could just do whatever she wanted.
She probably wanted a lot of men, from the looks of it.

Vicki hated her already.
The woman was hitting on her man!
Well, bodyguard.
STILL!

It was obvious Alex didn't mind. Naturally she herself was not on the menu. How could she? Princess of Emstallach, shielded daughter, good girl.
Vicki was just about ready to puke on her own behalf when Susanna all but shoved her out of the way.

The princess' eyes moved over Alexei. He was definitely entranced by this vixen. A lost cause then.
With a strange feeling of disappointment Vicki grumbled something under her breath as she made for the angel costumes. What if she had wanted to be the devil? Did anyone ever think of that, huh?

She knew exactly what those other two were planning. That hand on his crotch? Very non subtle. Inwardly the young princess wondered what kind of a pointy prop she could find to accidentally stab that woman!

"Bull, hah! Butterfly, ugh. Take my time, suuure. Not." Just like that she turned back, shielding herself by another rack of clothes. Fuelled by vengeance? Or perhaps curiosity?

Oh fine, maybe she wanted to see Alex in action...That strange warmth spread through her body again.

 

[KingCorto]

Alex’ receptor apparatus was on the verge of melt down, there were simply so many different emotions to process, ran away with the princess, did you? Ditched her other, and possible more sensible guard? Then left her alone in some form of purgatory while fucking a very apparent slut before her eyes? And then what do you have planned? It was all good and settled, Alexandr, you had made it out, but, no, you had to go out... Further?! Welcome to life in the labour camps, little boy, I bet you’re gonna miss the goats.

He could hear his uncle yelling at him. But then, also, as Victoria turned and walked over to the angle-rack, there was also the sensation of Susanna’s delicate hand folding over his penis under his pants, grabbing over it and pulling back while she grinned up to his face and started to rub herself catlike up against his massive frame. Alex might always be a boy in his uncle’s eyes, but here, in this wardrobe with Victoria and the dragon woman, he was a man, he was very sure about that.

As she started to massage up against his groin, the strop of her dress slid over and rolled down her upper arm. Alex looked back down at her, and grinned, seeing as the very loose fabric glid down from her breast, revealing one of her small, pointy tits. The nipple was small, pink, and stood stiffly erect. Out of the corner of his eye, he still saw Victoria, he was still on guard, his training ran deep, but it was already difficult to concentrate on his professional sense, given the distracting weak spot he had when long-legged ladies with exposed pointy tits held firm around his throbbing cock. Alex moaned and bit his lip, and in response, Susanna gave him a firm squeeze that made him whimper and twitch. His big hand found her now, stroked up her slim hip and curved tummy, to that tit. He could easily engulf it, and now, it was his turn to squeeze, and her turn to whimper and moan.

Skilled fingers now undid his belt and fly, and before he knew it, the lady’s hand was in his pants, inside his boxers, clasping around his root, which made a throbbing bulge, and continued to grow. “Oooooh,” Susanna exclaimed excitedly, “This is sooooooo much better than puny-Paulo,” she purred, then pulled it up and out, “Let me have a look at that!”

“With pleasure,” Alex responded, his mind more focused now, more single minded, blocking out most of the world around. “And, please, let me have a closer look, too” he said, as he bent down to her, kissed her neck, shoulder, then her tit and nipple, sucked it in between his lips while she giggled and started to pull back on his huge cock.

He rose back up, found her frame with his other hand, too, and held her firmly while watching down his own strong body, to her hand on him, rubbing back and forth now. It wasn’t only his muscles that were big, he was equally proportioned, also equipped with what the few women he’d had had expressed to be a monster cock. “Can I try it, pleeeeeaaaaase?” Susanna said teasingly beggingly, and by now, Alex was not hard to ask. He took her by the hips and lifted her up like a feather, turned her around, and bent her down on the same pile of clothes that she’d been leaning over as Victoria and himself had entered, only form the other side. Impatiently, she pulled her dress back up, revealing her glistering wet, cleanly shaven vagina to him, buttocks breathing up and down, “Pleeeeaaaase, bear-man, pleeeeeaaaase, push it into me, now, and whatever you do, don’t be gentle!”

And so it was, with a hard forward thrust, that Alex showed his huge cock into Susanna’s oyster tight pussy, and she let out a scream, “Oh God, oh God, OOOH GOOOOD! YESS! Fuck me hard, now!”

 

[Evayla]

If Vicki was afraid she might not get to see anything, she sure got that wrong. Right before her eyes, even if she was supposedly seeking out costumes, the two were going at it as if the world was going to end and they were each other's last salvation!

Her mouth dropped at seeing Alexei in full glory. Of course she had heard enough gossip to know men liked to brag but...this seemed something to actually brag about. The woman clapped a hand in front of her mouth to prevent any unexpected sounds from escaping.

Susanna was playing him like a tight strung fiddle and he responded in kind. A tiny pang of jealousy flowed through Victoria, seeing how easy that woman handled the big bodyguard. Cheeks warmed up rapidly at the scene unfolding in front of her eyes the girl found her own hand moving to her nipple as Alex played with Susanna.

She swallowed, mouth dry at the excitement growing inside of here. Bear man? Well, whatever she called Alex, the man surely listened because he followed her orders to the letter.
It was not fair! Vicki was supposed to behave. Anything she did would have repercussions for her family. She'd read enough cheap stories to know that this altercation probably did not mean anything for either, but she wanted to know that feeling too!
Just not...here! Not...with that trollop around! She wanted to know what it felt like to be with a real man, not those simpering wussies that came to court her in hopes of getting in her father's good graces!

Her other hand moved to her groin, softly rubbing. Oh god, this was ridiculous. She was getting turned on by the idea of Alex turning that attention on her instead of Susanna!

 

[KingCorto]

It’s unsure, and will probably never be known, whether Susanna knew what she got herself into with Alex. Even if she knew he was huge, she certainly didn’t know that he’d been carrying rocks and kicking away goats for his entire youth, that he’d gone to military academy and landed the most prestigious job in the secret service after that, nor had she any inkling that, between his uncle and the king, it’d probably never occurred to Alex that it was ever possible to not do what he was told.

She panted and yelped and screamed and twitched as he hammered into her hard and fast, she’d asked him not to be gentle, and he wasn’t, that was for sure. His big cock slammed to the root into her tight pussy, he had to hold her hard around her elbows and pull her back and up on him for her not to topple and collapse into the stacks of clothes. She was like a ragdoll in his grasp, and loud, wet slapping sounds filled the silence between her yikes and moans as he pounded her, harder and harder, it seemed Alex was only getting started.

More alert again, now, more in control, Alex’ eyes rolled to the side discreetly, like bodyguards eyes do, not attracting any attention. He found Victoria at the corner of his eye. She was touching herself through her dress. That was interesting, he thought. He’d seen this as a way out, her as company, and never had he seriously considered the notion of fucking her. Well, it slipped through his mind now. An angel-clad princess wouldn’t be a bad catch for a country boy in a demon suit, not bad at all. Then he focused back on Susanna, who was shivering and shaking hard beneath him.

Susanna didn’t last long. She let out a long, rolling yell that probably carried to the street outside, and then he felt her contracting around him, her pussy pressing in hard around his cock deep in her. Red dots flashed before his eyes, wow, the girl had muscles too, he though, as he held still to let her pump out, then slowly started to pull back, while laying her down in the now topped heap of clothes beneath them. She lay there panting hard, body shaking, gurgling and giggling all at the same time.

Alex straightened up slowly, stretched, then pulled his pants up, zipped up and tightened his belt. He straightened his jacket and tucked the shirt in neatly, then shook loose for a second, arms and legs, before turning to Vicki. “Finding anything suitable?” he asked.

 

[Evayla]

It was quite the show they were putting up in that dressing room, even if unintended. Victoria could not help but dream away, eyes on the scene, getting aroused by the situation. What if she was the one in Alexei's grip? What if it wasn't some dire situation he rescued her from but just him wanting her? Okay, the dire situation had a nice romantic touch to it, but...her eyes moved over his muscular body. That man was just brutally attractive!

Of course she had never noticed before.
He was her bodyguard, emphasis on guard, not body.
He was supposed to be invisible.
Well, he just managed to get himself very visible indeed.

What would it be like? Her dreams moved on, as did her hands. Would she be turned on because he'd give her no choice but to come? Or...would he be withholding pleasure? God, she was such a child! Food for a penny-book: the princess and the guard.
Still she groaned softly, getting caught up in her dreams, combined with the sounds coming from the other side of the clothes rack.

And just like that...it was over. Susanna all but collapsed and Alex actually talked to her! A huge jolt of embarassment shot through her as her hands quickly moved from her body to the costumes in the rack right in front of her. Vicki needed an excuse and she needed it now, even if her body was aching with the loss of possible release.

How utterly annoying!

Still flushing fiercely she grabbed the first costume her hands encountered. Brushing her hair back she showed herself, all back to her princessy self, even if her heart was racing. "Maybe this will do."

And maybe it wouldn't. In her hurry she had picked something akin to a bodice with the most flimsy skirt she had ever seen. The feathery wings were not too heavy, luckily, but neither did they do much to obscure the very open back of the outfit. An unhealthy dose of glitter made the outfit light up under the lighting as if a toddler had spilled half the contents of their crafts box!

If she ever wanted to escape the party, this was not the outfit to manage that. Her blush just deepened. What was he going to think of her now?
Well, not that it mattered! He had just gotten off in a dressing room of all places! He had no right to talk!

Silently the young woman was grateful for the fabric hiding her erect nipples. Nope, she was not going to give him the pleasure of knowing what she had been thinking.
Of course, the princess had no idea he had spotted her.

"Hurry up now. Pick a costume. I do not want to be here all evening." She tried to sound haughty, her eyes ignoring the done for woman on the ground. Plebs.

 

[KingCorto]

Thumb in belt, Alexandr raised an eyebrow and smiled, suppressed a surprised laugh. Odd choice, he thought, looking at her decided costume, there were many others in plain sight that were much more divine and majestic than that one. In fact, most of them were, royal angels, bridal angels, modest angels, well covered angels, angels from heaven, basically, the one that Victoria had picked didn’t look like it came from there at all. He nodded, “Yeah, My Lady, I think you’ve chosen... well!”, thinking to himself that she maybe did it on purpose, that it was a clever choice, because no one would be looking at anyone in that as potentially royal. Her family, their country, even, wasn’t that well known in the world, and most people at this masquerade would likely only see a fun girl in a costume leaning to the vulgar, yet very desirable, side of the spectrum.

A costume for himself, yes. Demon, Susanna had suggested, he looked around. He supposed he didn’t need to follow that, supposed that he could pick anything, he saw a mobster suit, but then he looked down his current clothes, and got disturbed by his lack of imagination. Jeez, Alex thought, he could just as well go as royal bodyguard, then, which was probably already valid, but incredibly boring. Demon it would be, it was admittedly really fitting, no denying that. Problem was, he didn’t see any around. Alex looked down at Susanna, now rolled onto her back with a smirk smile on her lips, her dress nothing but a ribbon around her waist, exposed tits heaving, legs parted wide, glistering from her juices, still running. “Demon suits?” he asked. She pointed down to behind where Vicky stood, then she winked, “Down there... And, please, don’t hesitate to come back later, ok? Maybe just give me and hour or three?”.

It didn’t take long to find one, it was great. Tight fit thick leather, blackish deep red, he didn’t need the upholstered muscles ones, he already had those down. This one had spiked boots, a short cape and a tight helmet-like horned hood, spiking down his forehead to between his eyebrows, face otherwise uncovered. He picked up a golden trident for good measure, and maybe self-defence, then looked around the room. There was the matter of Vicky’s already stuffed handbag, and both their sets of ordinary clothes, it wasn’t sure they’d be back through here, and the angel and demon set up might be slightly more conspicuous should they, say, jump on a train sometime before morning. His keen eyes spotted backpacks. One was black, and mean looking, with spikes, too, and it was big, not big on his back, but big enough for all their stuff.

He picked the backpack up, and showed their clothes inside, then, taking the handbag from Viktoria, “I’ll take that for you, divine princess!” he said, and put it in after, tightened the straps and donned it comfortably. It was a good fit for his costume. Then he looked at her, “So,” he said, “this has been quite the start,” smiling, “I’ll continue taking care of you, don’t worry.” He looked to the door, “I suppose this is no staying place, you’re right, My Lady, so, where too? Are we going to find the party?”

 

[Evayla]

That hesitation in his voice. Victoria eyed Alexei suspiciously. Was he mocking her? Yet his attitude was nothing but respectful otherwise. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Not that she could really afford to do otherwise...

Only then did the princess have a good look at her outfit and all but gasped. The universe was playing some really nasty tricks on her today! Yet she had already shown it and approved of it. No way to turn back now.

The downfalls of supposedly knowing what you're doing.

Alex himself picked something that suited him well. Very impressive indeed. It made his physique stand out all the more. Vicki tried very hard not to stare, having changed into the silly angel costume. She was glad the flimsy part wasn't too short and that it was a bodice instead of a corset, but other than that? A scarf had more fabric to it than this skirt!

Just as she was wondering where to leave her own clothes, the man beat her to it again. Backpack! Wonderful!
Asking for her handback!
Less wonderful!

A quick glance from her bag back to the big man. She had no choice, really. This bag looked ridiculous on an angel. If she wanted to blend into the party, it had to go. And no way she was leaving it down here with that Susanna!

I guess I'll have to trust him. She resigned herself. It made her restless, handing over her survival bag. Yet unless she explained what was in there and what the original plan was, she'd have to go for it.

His choice of words though...Vicki looked up at him. Soothing and yet...some kind of undertone she could not quite place.

Well, now was not the time for a psychological analysis. She squared her shoulders to bring those wings up and threw her curls back. "As ready as I will ever be." She mumbled. "By all means, escort me to the party."

At least he was back to honorifics.
It helped appease her sense of unease.