Lords and Ladies (OPEN)

[Ausus_girl13]

(OOC: sorry all, midterms! I didn't see it coming!)


Antar heard the Lady Protector shout for her armor with displeasure and it gave him a tiny thrill. He would, however, not be distracted by a whining woman.

"Stable boy! I require my steed and be quick about it!" He shouted as he waited for his horse to be brought out to him. Where was Lady Aveline he wondered. Not that her disappearance would halt his nighttime ride. he looked forward to it with much glee.

"Lady protector I expect you to keep up with me!" he shouted playfully at his companion.

*****************************************************

Princess Arabelle linked her arm into her host, and walked with him through his castle. Lord Simon was a foreboding man yes, but she liked his forthright manner and simple elocution. She had been warned by her mother that he could be quite, charming, at times.

"My dear lord, what do you do here to occupy your time?" she asked mischievously.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara

Delara was clearly impressed, while she had heard of his skills; seeing them first hand was another matter altogether. It was a blur of movement to her, the strength he possessed awed her and his ability with a sword was incredible.

"The rumours don't do you justice Sir." Delara murmured, her voice practically breathless.

Delara held the bow limp at her side, the daring look in his eyes was almost challenging her but she had never fired an arrow at someone before for fear of what it could do and she wasn't about to do it now. She gave Xavier a slight curtsy in respect of his abilities however, her adrenaline pumping faster now and she quickly looked around to be sure they were still alone. When she was satisfied that they were indeed alone; her gaze returned to Xavier.

"How are things different here? Obviously the women here have more freedom, I mean Lady Aveline certainly seems to, a woman of her age should at the very least be engaged by now and yet she is not. And what of you Sir? No Lady on your arm as of yet? Women are surely knocking down doors to be your wife, not to mention His Lordship's and yet neither of you have taken a bride."

Delara was clearly puzzled by all this, their personal lives were less formal than she was accustomed to and she could not understand why this country was so unlike her home.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Lady Marotte stretched her neck somewhat arrogantly, looking down her nose at the prince. "You will find I have not honed my riding skills in gentle paths and calm parks, your highness."

The Lady Protector quickly took the clothes and armor the soldier gave her, and took them behind a shed. There, she took off her skirt. The jacket she wore was part of the uniform, the skirt was a part that added to the jacket made for a dress uniform for solemn ocassions. She put on a pair of riding pants the same colour as her jacket, which fit her in a snug manner, the better for complex movements. The fabric hugged her lower body very closely, and her jacket was actually rather breezy compared to her pants. Upon looking down at the armour, Lady Marotte thought better about putting it on for a ride. She was a bit tired after the long march to Lord Simons' castle, and she figured anyone stupid enough to try to kill the Crown Princes would be bringing an army along, which tended not to be easy to hide.

She did replace the ceremonial sword with one more plain. A longsword as light and easy to handle as such a weapon could be made. When Lady Marotte reappeared from behind the shed, the rest of her things being taken away by the same soldier who brought them, she looked livelier, and even a bit pleased. The skirt had felt heavier than the pants and her sword. The longsword's white sheath tapped gently against her riding pants and tall, black boots. The Lady Protector immediately hopped onto her horse quickly, with an agile grace the likes of which could only be expected from a young but experienced rider. She took the reins on hand, and relaxed, looking at the prince with a smug smile.

"Ready to go, Lord Antar."

 

[Bsquad]

Lord Simons

As Simons walked along with Princess Arabelle on his arm, he led her through the passages, up through one of the stair cases towards his private levels. He looked down at the young princess and smiled at her question. There were many things that he did to keep occupied, though he wondered what Princess Arabelle was interested in specifically.

"Oh, there are many entertaining pass-times in my Fortress, Princess. I spend some time honing my skills, though a much greater amount of time is spent in study and reading. I have so many things to keep track of, your Father and Mother need me to be poised and ready to respond to their emergencies." Simons said as he walked along, his pace leasurely, but with a very clear aim, the highest level that held his private Study, sitting room and bed-chamber.

"But I am certain that you are more interested in entertainment and pleasureable activities." He said in a conspiratorial whisper, looking down at her as they reached the top floor and emerged on his private level. He steered her past his bed-chamber and study, leading her to his sitting room. Opening the door he led her inside. The room was...cozy. Though there were some book-cases and scroll stands, a large, soft chair that looked large enough for three people was set beneath several lit candle stands and before a large roaring fire. Several animal skins laid on the floor as rugs, while tapestries covered the stone walls. All in all it seemed a very private space, secluded and ideal for thinking and relaxing. None entered her without his permission, and he rarely allowed guests.

"So Crown Princess, just what has really brought you to my Manor...something more than simply experiancing your Empire's lands?" Lord Simons said, his eyes looking down at the young woman, parellel thoughts of what pleasures migh be had, and what might be gained from this evening.

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier walked back towards Delara, a curious smile on his face as he walked. She was a mystery, but her questions were unusual. He knew that she was more than she seemed, but this line of questioning was curious to him. Why was she so interested in why he was not married...or why Lord Simons wasn't?

"In this Empire, I'm not just some swordsman, I'm an exotic and dangerous forgiener, somethign to be examined from a distance but not to be touched. The noble women in these lands have their sutors and arranged marriges. They do not go out of their way to pursue a bodyguard." He said, his voice not showing a trace of sadness, just the simple explanation of the way things were.

"As for Lord Simons? Well, his concerns are more for the Empire than for an heir. He is a general, and he takes his duty to the Empire very seriously. A wife would give him issues to concern himself at home, that is a complication for him. A wife...well, she would have to be useful in her own way, not a mere toy for his pleasure. He's a calculating man, and he has the hungers of any other man. He's enjoyed the bodies of many a conqured princess..." Xavier said darkly, while the lord was not a sadist or rapist, most of the noblewomen of the kingdoms and lands he'd conqured would not enjoy fair treatment at the hands of an invading army. Even the disciplined soldiers of the Empire couldn't be expected to refrain from enjoying the fruits of their battles, Xavier had seen more than one noblewoman being ravaged by soldiers. Princesses and noblewomen were more than willing to present themselves to the commanding general of the army for mercy.

"Lord Simons enjoyed victory, and the princesses and high born women could rest asured that they would be spared the attentions of the average soldier. Perhaps it might seem...distasteful, but they lived...with some shame, but they were spared rape and murder." Xavier said simply, looking back at the highest level of the castle and Lord Simons' private level.

"But why do you care, Delara? Certainly you're not interested in becoming Lord Simon's wife? Or mine?" Xavier asked with a smile.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara shook her head grinning "certainly not Sir, I'm simply trying to figure this country out not to mention Lord Simons."

She followed Xavier's gaze to Lord Simons' chambers and guessed that either Arabelle or Aveline would be joining his Lordship there this evening.

"He's certainly not lacking in attention from women so it adds to my curiousity as to why he decided to buy me. We both know there are better maids than I."

Delara's grin was suppressed between her lips as she made subtle mention of her Nobility to Xavier and her gaze returned to settle on him. His mention of what His Lordship did to the women of the countries he invaded forced her to remember her own home and wondered what would happen to her if war broke out now. She was obviously an enemy but already a slave so she didn't imagine she'd warrent much concern, Lord Simons' glinting eyes reminded her of her precarious position however. If she were discovered as a Noble after war had broken out; the brothel would be the least of her problems.

That glint in Lord Simons' eyes when he looked at Delara held the reason he bought her, she knew that but it seemed Lord Simons knew how to keep a secret as well! Others could only speculate, Delara included; she would have to wait for him to tell her himself it seemed. However Delara wondered if Xavier knew, he seemed to know His Lordship better than anyone that she'd met so far and the two were friends most likely or as close to friends as the pair could become as soldiers...thoughts tumbled through her mind, her curiousity was aching to be satisfied but it only had breadcrumbs and scraps to feed on.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

Arabelle sat herself down in one of the comfortable chairs and glanced at the room around them. She heard Lord Simons ask after her intentions in a manner that left little to the imagination as to what he was referring to. Well, actually, that was a lie. She was certain that there was much that she could imagine doing with his Lord, but she wasn't one to kiss or tell. So she grinned enigmatically at him as she smoothed her skirts beneath her hands. The fire felt warm on her skin and she was very comfortable.

"My Lord whatever would make you think that my intentions were anything but honorable? Simply put I find your holdings intriguing and it was most important that I learn about the man they have been awarded to." She explained. She saw that he didn't buy it, but then he didn't have to, she would simply distract him with her other, more interesting gifts. "I would love to discuss any concerns that you might have with the kingdom so that I can see that my dearest parents can rectify them."

After gesturing that he should sit next to her, she folded her hands demurely on her lap and crossing her legs caused her to lean forward closer to him. When he sat she looked up at him through her eyelashes.

***************************************************************

At the Lady protector's words about riding in gentle parks, Antar laughed at her. It was a booming, deep laugh that filled the courtyard. He could tell that she was rattled as she settled herself onto her horse.

His horse was brought to him, ready to run and already pawing at the ground. He jumped up, the battle training that he had received showing through as he settled himself on the horse. At her word, he kicked the horse and took off out of the keep. His horse was thundering over the moonlit road, tearing up chunks of dirt and sending them into the darkness. He could sense the Lady slightly behind him. He leaned into the horse pushing him to go faster, the feel of the horse under him and it was exhilarating. He looked up to see a hill above them and veered off the path to the top. He slowed slightly to a quick canter so as to not injure his horse on an unseen ditch. When he reached the top he slowed the horse to a walk so that he could survey the land that had been washed in a blue haze. It was breathtakingly beautiful and even his companion looked sultry in the moonlight.

"Why did my father send you to babysit my sister and I, when you obviously loathe us? He asked her quietly and honestly.

He looked at her, then looked out at the scene before them. Even in the quiet he could sense the danger emanating from her.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Lady Marotte´s horse was a warhorse, not a leisure one. It was not meant to be impressively fast... it was not meant to look impressive at all. It was a huge creature that had been trained to respond quickly to its master´s orders, be they trotting, galloping, or smashing someone´s head in. It certainly was bigger than the prince´s, and therefore, it was slower.

Although the Lady Protector managed to keep pace with the prince, it was good that he decided to stop his horse. She did not know how much endurance it had, perhaps it was used to fast races that made it capable of spending hours after hours on fast movement. And it was not just that, she also feared that riding in the night could present unexpected dangers, like the prince actually riding out of her sight. And that was a genuine fear that abated quickly when she watched him stop at the top of the hill.

Marotte let her horse relax a distance behind the prince´s, and looked all around herself. The landscape was marvelous, covered in a dark blanket that tinted the Lady Protector´s own red uniform into a shade of brown.

"Why did my father send you to babysit my sister and I, when you obviously loathe us?"

Marotte felt both uncomfortable, and surprised by his question. All she had to show for it, though, was a funny tightening of her lips as the upper one closed a bit onto the lower one, very softly. She thought about the question, and about the way Lord Antar had addressed her. Perhaps she should speak the truth and say that it was because they were the subject of legend among the peasants, and their escapades presaged no good for the time when the crown would reach them. But it was a fact that she was a soldier, and not a courtier, and if the Imperial Couple had wanted her to stop them from making a mess around Lord Simons, they would have sent someone more versed in the case of intrigues.

"I do not loathe you, your majesty. It is my duty to obey the Emperor´s orders, whatever they may be, disregarding my own feelings about it. You know your father better than I, so surely you can answer your question without resorting to a poor informant such as me."

Lady Marotte reclined on her saddle, one hand in front, and one behind herself as she looked at the prince. Under the moonlight, he certainly looked like the stuff of amorous legends. However, the rumours warned that the prince was no chivalrous contestant. As for herself, she was attractive in that knightly lady kind of way, with a slim figure, a body disciplined through training and hardships. And a severe but very pleasing visage. A good proportion of Berlionesse nobles had that kind of look about them. It was normal, since nearly all of them went through military service, and this produced some of the best officers in the Imperial Army. But only the noblewomen completely dedicated to military life got as far as Lady de Guinne had...

 

[Bsquad]

Lord Simons

Lord Simons watched Princess Arabelle sit down on the wide seat and look at him in what might have been a seductive gaze. He wasn't sure wheither she was intent on manipulating him or just experiancing him for her own enjoyment, but he was certain that no matter what she was planning, she had misread her quarry. He was not some fool for her to twist, nor was he some toy for her to play with. His face didn't drop into one of the usual smiles he wore when dealing with nobility and their court, instead one of serious contemplation was on it.

"You are interested in my concerns princess? I'm suprised...there are rumors that you are more interested in the bodies of capable nobles, rather than their minds." Simons asked, sitting down next to her.

"Perhaps my greatest concern is about you and your brother." Simons said, his words blunt and to the point, not sheathed in the usual flowery and sycophantic terms and words that one usually adopted when speaking to the noblility.

"Both of you are more interested in the pleasures of your station than in the duties of it. You could do with more...experiance, and more attention to the rigors of your position. I belive that I could, assist you with that." He said, smiling again at last. He leaned forward on the couch, examining the young princes's eyes with his own.

"Or if you would prefer to continue with your usual...interests...I cannot stop you."

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier looked away from Delara, not wanting to meet her eyes when his thoughts drifted to why she was here. He knew that the Lord Commander did not purchase slaves on his own unless he had good reason. He had never brought back any slaves from his campaigns either. Xavier had seen some of the women that the Lord Commander could have brought back for his own pleasure, all of them were incredibly desirable...and yet all of them had been left behind. Delara had been purchased for a different reason, possibly from the Lord's curiosity...perhaps he had seen what Delara might be and decided to explore it. Of course he had the gold to by slaves on a whim, so she may have simply been an impulse purchase.

"Delara, I do not know why you were bought." Xavier said finally, then turned back to her.

"Perhaps the Lord Commander had some inkling that you are more than a maid...perhaps he wanted the challenge of learning it. But he did not purchase you for his physical pleasure. That I am sure of." Xavier said softly, his eyes studying her face, looking at her long silky hair. He desired her, he couldn't deny that, and were he to force himself on her, nothing would be done against him...he wouldn't be punished for raping a slave. He sighed slightly, wheither or not he would be punished was irrelevant, he couldn't. He was an honorable warrior, not a thug.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara smiled demurely "I am glad of that however the look in his eyes tells me he has secrets of his own. I may be a puzzle to him but I do not have all the pieces..."

Delara referred to his secrets as puzzle pieces, subtly was a delicate art and she was a master as was most nobility, to be able to throw an insult and make it seem like a compliment was nothing short of artistic. Delara watched Xavier's studious eyes; trying to gauge what thoughts were going on behind them but...he was elusive. Warriors...they give nothing away....

"Would you care to tell me what you're thinking when you look upon me so Sir?" Delara asked; her tone was silky and bordered on flirtacious, a tone she used often when she wanted an answer to a difficult question but didn't want to offend.

His sigh was a telltale sign that he had thought of something that didn't agree with him, Delara was surprised he would let such a thing slip but then even soldiers have their bad days. A slight smile strayed across Delara's lips for a brief moment but did not linger.

Delara turned from Xavier and picked another arrow, she waited for his answer as she strung her bow again and placed the arrow between her thumb and fingers, she shot straight and true; the arrow struck directly in the heart of the bullseye, the three previous arrows clustered around it. Once again Delara sighed, how she missed this?! How she would miss it after today...she couldn't let anyone but Xavier see her shoot so well and risking it again was one risk too many for her. She lowered the bow to her side again, Xavier standing a step or two behind her right shoulder as to be out of her way when she shot.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier watched Delara's shot and looked over her stance with an eye somewhere between apraisal of martial skill and an examination of an intriguing woman. He hadn't answered her, no matter the tone, she was asking a difficult question. The answer didn't show itself to him just yet, wheither it was desire, attraction, lust or love...but it was something. He stepped forward, reaching up to touch her arm, brushing the long silky hair.

"What am I thinking? Many things..." Xavier whispered.

"I see a mystery. I think to myself what you might be, where you might be from, and what you might want. It is a curious thing to consider. But I also think about what you might want...knowledge, perhaps. Freedom? Certainly. Control? I do not know. I know tha I desire you, though for what reasons I cannot tell you." He said finally.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

Antar looked at the profile of the severe young lady near him. He sighed loudly.

"My Lady, I did not ask if your opinion was a poor one, I merely asked for your opinion. I know well why my father sent you. Your haughtiness does little for me, you'd do well to set it aside in my presence. You also may need to remind yourself that it is upon my whim that your future lies." Antar said this with no rancor in his tone.

He was impressed by her stubborn refusal to bow to him as the many who pandered to his hand. It was, refreshing. His horse pawed at the ground, and raised his ears, noting that someone was near by, most likely listening. Antar saw this and decided that it was time to return to the castle for the evening.

"Keep close!" he shouted as he took off back into the night and down the hill. He hoped that the sturdy warhorse that Lady Marotte rode could keep ahead of whomever was following them.

********************************************************************
Anabelle heard his suggestions and could not stop the small smile that leapt easily to her red lips. Another lord that thought little of her tactics, that did not recognize the strength that she commanded, nor the fact that she and her brother had been prepared to take the throne since they were born.

She reached out her hand and rubbed the grizzled cheek of Lord Simons. He was a strong man, one that could easily make a good consort, for no man she married would be king.

She whispered softly, " And how, My Lord, could you help me to lead our country? I know that you dismiss my 'pursuits' but how else am I to be distracted best? Even my lover's weight upon me does not nearly match that of the weight of my crown."

 

[monique_minx]

Delara felt his hand upon her arm, he brushed her hair very slightly but still she felt it. The bow hanging from her hand dropped to the ground with a clatter at his whispered words. He was blunt, so forward, it interested her immensely for she had never come across a man like him; one that played no games and held his passion so close like no one she'd ever known.

"What I want is of little consequence for surely I cannot have it, not here and perhaps not even in Valstonia where I was free. Knowledge is a wonderous thing but you must think poorly of me if you judge that I seek to obtain knowledge of this household Sir. Freedom? And where would a woman such as myself be free? I have never been free Sir. Do you find me wanting as I find myself? Or perhaps...perhaps you find me wanton and as you say desirable." Delara finished in softer tones; her interest sparked and something unknown rearing within.

Her left hand reached up and gently grabbed his from her arm, she spun around gracefully and with purpose as she moved closer to him; her body almost pressing his and her eyes held some demure haze that was unplaceable.

"You cannot tell me because you do not know? Or you cannot tell me because you do not want me to know Sir?" Delara whispered, her voice seemed practically breathless as she played this out to an unknown purpose.

 

[Katamari Roller]

"My Lady, I did not ask if your opinion was a poor one, I merely asked for your opinion. I know well why my father sent you. Your haughtiness does little for me, you'd do well to set it aside in my presence. You also may need to remind yourself that it is upon my whim that your future lies."

Lady Marotte rose an eyebrow at that, intrigued. It seemed the prince was even less a knight than she thought, resorting to petty threats over a mere question answered with all due vagueness, given its nature. This told her that he was capricious, or spoiled... or both. Used to have his way clear, obstacles perturbed him. Or at least, that was what it looked like to her. Even if she was used to the stooping behaviour of the nobility, it would be foolish to assume the prince was stupid. Perhaps he had a nasty string in him that made him far more dangerous than a childish fool in fur.

"Keep close!"

Watching him take off in such a hurry, the Lady Protector sighed about as loudly as he had. How typical, forcing things on with impatience. She straightened up, turned her horse around with a strong pull of the reins, and rode off after the prince, wondering at the meaning of such extravagant actions. His words, while not lacking in truth, showed that he ignored what position he was in. Even Crown Princes had limits to their powers, as he might find out sooner than later...

 

[Bsquad]

Lord Simons

He didn't give away the shock of her words. To admit so openly, so bluntly why she dallied with men...it was suprising enough. Though he wondered what she was trying to gain. Clearly she knew that there was some advantage to be gained from her admission, but he had miscalculated, though he didn't dare admit to it. His eyes studied her face, and decided that if he had to perhaps he would be best to be honest rather than spin a tale of intrigue.

"I do not suppose to claim that I could assist you in ruling the Empire. I merely belive that I could help you learn skills that perhaps some might consider not...worthy of you, or not necessary." Lord Simons said with a smile on his face. He didn't speak to her statment of lovers, but he knew that she was interested in more than simple learning. He could sense something in her eyes that was one of appraisal.

"But if you want another distraction...I am at the Crown Princess's command." Lord Simons said warmly.

Sergeant Xavier

Delara was close enough to him that he could feel her warmth through her clothing. The touch on his arm was delicate, a simple caress through his robes that drew his attention as firmly as a blow might. He looked down at her hand and he reached to palce his on top of hers. His gaze shifted back to Delara's eyes and he wondered just what her subtle words might be asking. He reached up with his hand and pressed his fingers to the side of her face, his caloused hand brushing across her soft skin.

"I do not know because even I cannot understand the mind of the Lord Commander. Were I able to, I would still be in our homelands. But then I would not be here to help you." He said softly, looking into her eyes with a stoic sort of dignity that restrained his writhing heart. He knew he wanted her, but he did not know for what.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara smiled and watched his hand shift to cover her's before her gaze returned to meet his, as he spoke her smile became one of understanding - it was a question he did not want to answer.

His hand felt rough against her cheek but at the same time she found it comforting and closed her eyes for the briefest of moments, she opened them again to respond to him.

"And for that I am glad Sir, friends are hard to find at the best of times and friends like you are even more difficult to find. However I feel that I take some advantage of you for what do you have to gain by protecting me? Your honour for your homeland aside, you live here now and fight for The Empire, I should no longer have meaning. If your loyalties are split; what will you do if war breaks out?"

While Delara had no desire to press him, she needed to know if he would turn her in when the war began as each day it looked more and more likely. She could not take any chances; if Xavier was going to turn her in she wanted to know at the very least so she could prepare for while she had no chance of escape there were many options open to her - lying through her teeth.

Delara's eyes searched his, she had no idea how a man could make her feel things that she had never felt before; not even her fiance had made her feel so...lustful. But then that was a marriage based on financial purpose and station, not love, lust or any emotion.

"What of your own mind Sir? When you say you cannot tell me..." Delara let this question linger, she didn't know where she was taking this but she allowed it to lead her for her own curiousity yearned to know.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier looked into Delara's eyes and could tell that she was yearning to understand just where she stood with him. He didn't know just what might be going on with his own emotions. He wanted her, but he was not fool enough to think that everything she felt was real. There would be some intent to get him onto her side, but he'd already decided to help her however he could. But this wasn't about a slave, it wasn't about her freedom, it wasn't about his loyalty...it was about what he wanted.

"Delara...I want you, and I think you know that. " Xavier said, leaning close to her again, looking down at her as his hand remained on her face, his other reached around and settled on the small of her back, pulling her body against his finally. It was a confident motion, a man who knew what he wanted. He didn't bring his lips to hers, but he hesitated.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara was surprised by his actions but no more than she had been before, the shock in her eyes was gone as quickly as it had appeared. She placed her other hand on his shoulder to keep herself steady as she felt his chest pressed against her own, a deep heat rising from within her as confusing as her current situation.

"Delara...I want you, and I think you know that."

Delara watched his hesitation with fascination, he had come so close and yet he stopped? She didn't know why but she felt a sudden compulsion and acted on it by reaching up to pull Xavier down to her, her lips pressed against his and the deep heat inside turned into a roaring fire. His lips felt warm and surprisingly soft, so unlike his rough calloused hands. She opened her mouth more and more, allowing her tongue to slide between his lips and into the unknown.

When at last she broke the kiss off, she answered him "I think I do Sir." Her words were breathless, the kiss had raised some questionable fire inside her belly and it was something that drove her crazy with curiousity.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

As Delara kissed him, wantonly and feverishly, he allowed the pleasure to build from the kiss. His hands reached down to caress her back and behind, pulling at the dress's fabric and pulling it slowly. Even though she still called him 'sir' he knew that he wanted her, right then and there on the practice field. He pressed against her, his growing manhood clearly felt through his robes and her simple dress. His lips didn't press to words, instead they pressed against her neck, sucking on the flesh as his teeth brushed the pristine skin.

She had opened a door and what resided behind it would not be contained, his lust...his desire demaned to be saited. His hands were pulling at her dress, inching it up her legs.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara gasped as his lips moved to her neck, the sheer sensation sent waves of heat throughout her body all concentrating on her sweet spot between her legs. Her head tilted sideways to allow him better access to her neck and her thought process was completely askew.

She felt his manhood growing through her thin material, the dress did little but hug her tight as an everlasting temptation. She had never been this way with her fiance, she had lain with him; he had not wanted to wait once he had her. Lord Parlasus took her the night their engagement was announced but there was no fire curling inside her then as there was now, no desire, no eager anticipation and certainly no open area.

Her hands reached around and gripped his upper back, she clawed tighter and tighter as his hands travelled over her skin and her dress. Delara felt his length still growing and she was sure now that he was larger than her fiance, although she was unsure about this fire inside; her only sexual partner had been Lord Parlasus and she wondered if that was about to change.

She moaned softly, her mind racing with a million thoughts and not a single one made any sense to her. Her fingernails dug into his back, giving him the encouragement he would need; she did not want him to stop and her actions proved it.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

As Delara moaned and clawed his back, Xavier smiled and nipped at her skin a little harder, his hands finally reaching the hem of her skirt and sliding it up the back of her bare thighs, his hands caressing her behind. His weight shifted and his manhood shifted once more, pressing firmly against her. His mind thought about where they were, there were several bound bales of hay sitting nearby to give soldiers something to shoot at, and a place to rest.

Grasping Delara's behind, lifting her off the ground for the few steps it took to reach the bale and he laid her down on it, firmly enough that she bounced slightly on the surface. His hands shifted her skirt again, and pressed her knees apart, then reached down and undid his robes enough so that his erect manhood sprung free and into the air, the look on his face one of lust, his eyes searching Delara's face. Instead of penetrating her, his hand reached down, pulling up the last bit of her skirt and exposing her to his eyes at last.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

Arabelle smiled warmly at Lord Simons offer. She reached out and touched his arm, feeling the strength beneath the fabric. Princess Arabelle took in the open countenance of the man before her, and she knew that whatever may beset the kingdom, she could trust this man to carry out his word, though she was curious if he was as honorable when his desires were heightened, she doubted it.

" These skills that you mention, what are they? And why do you think they might be "beneath me"? Come now my Lord, you know that I have often been gossiped about by dallying with that which might be considered below me." Arabelle said playfully as she toyed with the fabric of Lord Simons over-shirt.

*********************************************

Antar went tearing through the fields back towards the castle, he glanced over his shoulder to see a very chagrined Lady Marotte and another shadow on a horse, following them quickly. He leaned into his stallions mane, pushing him to increase his stride, while the castle ahead grew closer. He thundered through the small town just outside the castle walls, and quickly into the castle keep.

Antar leapt off his horse, before Lady Marotte had even entered the grounds. He strode away from her and her damnable pride, which he would deal with later. The shadow which had been following them gave the signal to the tower that he was a messenger and he was ushered into the keep, where he hailed Antar.

"My Prince, a message from your humble servant Lord Venteice!" the messenger said quickly handing a worn parchment to Antar.

Opening it, and scanning through the message Antar nodded and said "Give this man rest and food, for he rides back to the south with a fresh horse in the morning." The man nodded gratefully and was escorted away by some of the stable boys.

"Follow me" Antar said over his shoulder to the hovering Lady Marotte. He walked into the keep and around a few corners where there were no servants. Quickly he turned and hauled Lady Marotte up against a wall, pressing her slender hands above her head and his hip into her legs. With the air knocked out of her, she struggled but was pinned.

"I know that your hard core stubbornness is part of that accursed Berlionesse pride. And for this situation I apologize, know this; I am appointing you not only as my guard but as an advisor. There may be trouble afoot, and I know that you are loyal. That messenger informed me that there is raiding party in the south right now. They seem to be looking for a woman. You may talk to him yourself to see what information that you can get, then report back to me."

He leaned in very close to her face, turning his head slightly, and looking her directly in the eyes. He would like to kiss her, but he knew if he did she would hate him even more. He smiled at her and let her go. He took a step back and walked away from her. He knew that if he showed the slightest bit of fear she would kill him. She had already suffered the indignity of his touch, it was going to be difficult, but interesting- taming her enough so that she could be loyal.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara's breathing deepened and increased as he lifted her, exposing both of them. Her eyes found his manhood and she knew herself to be correct; he was larger than her fiance. A crimson flushed her cheeks, she had never been exposed to a man in such a way nor had a man been exposed to her like this. Lord Parlasus had been hurried and unskilled in his lovemaking, Delara thought she would expect this from all men but Xavier now had her thinking very differently.

At the thought of her fiance, her face creased with concentration and conflict. Was she really able to be unfaithful and with a man she had met that day? The deep fire screamed yes! But inside Delara was tormented by this, to be unmarried and with child was not a goal of her's but a mutually feared situation among all women of the age.

She took this into consideration and the fire started to die, she had to come to her senses although it caused her great angst. Delara sat up and she tugged her skirt down to cover her front; just barely.

"Sir...I cannot. For reasons better left unsaid....I cannot. We are not married and if I was to fall pregnant with child.....we both know what that would do to my reputation, it would eliminate all chance of....ever returning to any....standing..." Delara left out Nobility again, her fears that anyone would hear were too great and to even say it just to Xavier would make it all too real and she very much needed to keep herself together.

A pained expression was streaked over Delara's face; showing that she was clearly conflicted and confused. Her ears perked to the sound of horses entering the court yard, Antar must be back. They were in another part of the grounds however so there was little to no chance that they would be seen unless the crowned prince came their way. The torchlight danced across Xavier's face and she wondered what he would think of her for denying him.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier's breath became ragged, his body went as rigid as his manhood while he looked down at Delara, pulling her dress down to cover herself. It would have been so easy for him to take her, but just as before, he could not...his damnedable sense of honor stopped him with as much force as the immense stone walls of the citadel might have. He could feel his blood pounding through his temples, his manood twitching with each beat of his heart. Finally he took a deep breath, and looked down at her, his eyes traveling back up from her legs and settling on her face.

Reluctantly he pulled at his robes, hiding himself from view, his face one of pain and resignation.

"You would do well to be cautious Delara...other men in these walls would not consider their honor worth preserving at a moment like this." He said, his voice low and rough. He ran his caloused hand against the soft and pale skin of her thigh one more time, then slowly forced himself to stand, reaching down and pulling her to her sandaled feet, her body against his again.

"Your betrothed must be quite a...satisfying man..." Xavier said, bitterness lacing his words.

 

[monique_minx]

"You would do well to be cautious Delara...other men in these walls would not consider their honor worth preserving at a moment like this."

Delara knew what he was saying was true, she was a slave and therefore fair game to any of these men's lecherous desires. Xavier himself could have taken her if he so wanted...which begged the question; why didn't he?

"Your betrothed must be quite a...satisfying man..."

She felt that familiar fire unfurling again at being so closely pressed to Xavier, she knew she was immensely attracted to this man. The shock pulled her away from the fire inside and she looked up at Xavier unable to hide her surprise that he knew such a thing.

"You are gracious Sir...you could take me though I deny you and you would be well within your rights; yet you do not...why? And how could you know such a thing? That I am betrothed?" She made no secret of this now, he had spoken with clarity and lying to Xavier would be like pretending she hadn't been lying on that hay bale a minute ago prepared to give herself to him.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

Xavier felt his emotions coming back to some semblance of control as he watched her. The shock written on her face as she asked how he knew she was betrothed was nothing next to the slight gap that came between their bodies as she recoiled in suprise. He finally managed to bring a smile onto his face as he saw her shock. His arm, which had been resting slightly along hers...droped down to his side and hooked onto the sash at his waist.

"There's something in your eyes. I won't call it love...more like loyalty." He said simply. He glanced across the darkened courtyard, catching a glimpse of the Crown Prince, and felt a sudden spark of concern...he might be willing to treat Delara with honor...but the Crown prince was not filled with such an over-riding sense of honor. Hopefuly he would find another woman to warm his bed this evening. But it was always possible that he would go looking for something exotic...he finally turned back to Delara who had also watched the prince as well.

"You're loyal to your betrothed...even though you were painfully close to ignoring that duty....you kept yourself for him. But I do not see love in those eyes of yours Delara." Xavier said, remebering that he hadn't seen love...but lust in them, and that lust had been for him. He vaguely wondered what kind of man her betrothed was, a noble warrior, a decadent noble, a rich merchant perhaps? But such thoughts were folly to purusue.

"I think that you may need to be hidden until the crown prince and princess leave this castle, they may wish to keep you as a toy." Xavier said quietly, looking back down to Delara.

Lord Simons
Looking at the Crown Princess as her hand toyed with his over-shirt, he considered what she was playing at. It was hard to tell if her actions were a game or a serious manipulation...she seemed to be trying to entice his body, and yet demand an answer at the same time to his offer of training. She was shrewd. He did his best at ignoring her hand and focused on her with as much professional pride as he could elicit.

"Queens and crown princesses are not taught the fundamentals of strategy and waging war. I'm sure that your brother was well provided with these skills. It limits you, should you need to know that a General is making the best decisions on the battlefield and not out-classed or out-manuvered by a foe. Losing an army can be dangerous with our enemies. And I could perhaps assist you with more...subtle techniques to manipulate your...lessers." Lord Simons said, and his hand reached up to gently gasp hers, pulling it away from his shirt.

"For instance, you do well to manipulate me now...toying with the physical and the intellectual at the same time. Making me cloud my judegment with thoughts of plying your young body and taking pleasure from you. It is useful...but then you make all men think that you are merely a woman seeking physical pleasure...and not a serious foe to be treated with respect." Simons said with a smile.