To Court a King (Closed)

[poohlive]

This story is for DemureDryad and myself. It is a closed thread, but opinions and feedback are welcome. Just PM DD or myself. Enjoy our fun little romp of sex, seduction and a Game-of-Thrones like atmosphere in this fantasy setting of swords and witchcraft.



Eric sat in the cold throne room, sitting with one leg draped over the other. He pretended not to be bored, but it kept getting harder to stifle his yawns. Instead he opted to brush his hand across his nose whenever the urge came to him.

“There is still the matter of Madame Kael.”

Tettra spoke with his usual husky voice, each word almost forcing its way out of his throat. He sat across from Eric in a tense way. His large frame looked ridiculous as he slouched slightly back. Tettra had lived a hard life and it showed on his face. Tettra was supposed to be in his 30’s, but gray already appeared across his temples and the lines across his face were getting deep.

Tettra had brought up Madame Kael three times this week. It was obviously important to this man, and Eric knew why. Tettra ran the newly founded church, praise be to everything divine. The one mantra of this church was the absolute banishment of all people with arcane abilities. Tettra had turned himself into personal executioner for this cause. Eric never felt himself to be a particularly smart person, but he knew the gleam of power in the man’s eye whenever he killed someone for public spectacle. It was a lust. Tettra wanted to kill this woman, and he needed someone to give him approval.

“There is a court date set next week,” Heofar spoke the way one might to a child, slowly and methodically to make sure they got the point. Eric tried not to smile at the old man. Heofar sat to Eric’s right, holding a ledger filled with the notes from their meeting. He licked a slender finger and began leafing through
several pages of parchment.

“Yes… since you brought it up yesterday we will see her case on the 23rd.”

The council surrounding them had heard this particular conversation three times now. There were a few generals who already disapproved of their time being wasted, and Mea who normally enjoyed watching such power plays had already dismissed it and turned herself to other things, namely sneaking glances Eric’s way. He enjoyed how obvious and subtle she was with her desires.

“She was seen practicing witchcraft,” Tettra left the sentence hanging as if he had more to say, but he didn’t continue. There wasn’t anything left to say, the law was very clear on the matter. Eric should know, he helped write it himself.

“She is also part of the Caena’s to the East. They are a noble family with much influence,” Mea said in a tired voice. She had explained this numerous times, so much so that even Eric himself knew that Caena was a large influential house in his domain. They had showed a tentative loyalty when he took the crown, but Mea had confided in private just how tentative that loyalty was.

Now he was days away from executing Caena’s daughter.

During one of their many nights together Mea had explained to him just what this might mean. The one truly sad part of having a tryst with a council member is they feel policy should get in the way of perfectly good sex. Eric tried to keep her mouth occupied as much as possible during these times.

“Influence? The law is the law.” Tettra’s near feral voice brought Eric’s attention away from his devious thoughts and back to the boring council meeting at present.

“We would do well to treat this sensitive matter with some…” Heofar began to ramble an explanation he seemed to have practiced numerous times by himself, but was cut off.

“You listening to this, my king? What do we do if we start setting trials for every witch sighting? Anyone accused will be asked for the same treatment.”

Eric nodded. It would become a nightmare to have magistrates get dragged down seeing each and every accusation of witchcraft. He would not have it under his watch. He had finally united the country under his fist proclaiming it a civic duty to rid the country of such power. Now he would give them fair process under his thumb? Would this all unravel before it even began?

“We don’t need a political…”

“If she is a witch she could tamper with the trial, alter it in her favor.”

Heofar paused at this sentiment. He opened his mouth to say something, but instead closed it again. Eric found himself quite impressed. It wasn’t every day Tettra got the better of anyone. Even Tettra gave a bit of a smug smile at that, but it looked more like a grimace to Eric. Still, couldn’t fault an old man for enjoying a proud moment.

Heofar brushed aside a strand of long hair and collected himself. He took one small look down to his notes, as if to adjust his thoughts before he continued. When he spoke it was through nearly gritted teeth.

“Her father owns one of the largest mines in the country. This would divide our already fragile stability at a desperate time we need to unite them.”

Tettra made a sound in his throat that was almost a growl, “We united them under my preaching of the devil worshiping cult. If we go back on our own word now, we’re no better off than those damned spell casters.”

“And if Caena decides to close his mine?” Mea had lost her sing song voice and spoke now with the authority of a pack leader nipping at a young pup for getting out of line “ If we get no more money to fund your damned witch hunts? If we need to go to war… again, simply because some old rich man with an army wants his daughter back? What then.”

Tettra turned red in the face, like he was about to burst something. He gripped the arms of his chair looking ready to stand up. Eric could see this would already go somewhere he didn’t want it to go. He enjoyed the sparring of these two normally, but now it had turned annoying. And annoying was one step closer to boring.

“Enough…” He said softly, raising his hand. Tettra threw a wild stare at the king, but then lowered his head. The tenseness left his body and he kept in his seat. Heofar once more returned to his normally reserved self, looking up with interest at what the king’s words might be. Mea only half glanced at him, uncomfortable with what had taken place.

Eric enjoyed that far too much, stopping their conversation with a mere word. He felt a kingly tug of power, the weight of armies and loyalties behind him. He felt the adoration of women, the jealousy of men and the surge of invincibility that often came after a good night’s drinking, or a great night of sex.

“There is a court date set. I will hear the Lady’s case then. There is no more need to argue.”

Heofar nodded, as if he had heard sage advice. Tettra had a look about his eyes that made Eric curious if the preacher would actually try to argue against him, but Tettra thought better of it. He made a small wave of his hand as if to say he was dropping it.

“I am done with this. We will meet again tomorrow, for now I wish to be alone.”

The council ended and people began to flock out. Eric himself stood up from his throne and walked back to his private chamber. He didn’t even close the door when he heard Heofar’s soft knuckles wrapping against it. He let the old man in without a second thought.

“We’re going to have to do something about him,” Heofar said, walking passed Eric and sitting down on a well worn wooden chair. He set the ledger down with a loud smack on the table. It was as close to a tantrum as Eric had ever seen the old man before. For some reason he enjoyed the thought that something could get under his skin. It made him look almost human.

Eric made sure to close the door before he said anything.

“Like what exactly? You’re the one who is afraid to go after anyone with power or influence… you don’t think going after the head cleric for the one church allied with us is a bad thing.”

Heofar’s mouth twisted like he had just bitten into a sour apple, “Yes, but that power is becoming a problem. “

Eric couldn’t deny that. Since he had taken the crown Tettra had been trying to be a bigger influence in the kingdom. It was only a matter of time before something had to give. Eric wouldn’t enjoy when that time came.

“Has Caena answered our letter yet?”

“No,” Heofar said, but he leafed through some parchment, “But we did get a letter from Alteara. It is addressed to you.”

“Alteara?” Eric thought that sounded familiar. He wasn’t quite sure though. Since he had become King a lot of names and places have been thrown at him, and he didn’t have the best of memories. That’s why Eric prided himself on having such knowledgeable advisers.

“Southern country, small but wealthy. I hear they have a decent naval fleet.”

Eric nodded, biting his lower lip as he took the parchment. He took out a small knife and broke the waxed seal, unfolding the paper out. He read it carefully:

To his Majesty Eric sur Darryn, King of Neohym, Ruler of the North Lands,

Greetings from me, as well as the King of my homeland, Alteara. Your rise to the throne has certainly caught many off guard, even in lands as far away as ours. Word has reached my father that you have sent for ambassadors, to ease the burden of distance that communication puts on many countries. I am also quite eager to meet you myself. I have heard many things about you, your Majesty, and I cannot help but believe that there may be rumors peppered amongst fact.

My country would look very favorably upon a budding friendship between our nations. Though no one can know their destiny, I would hope it leads to an alliance. I pray to whichever god pleases you that you feel the same. We have much to share, I firmly believe. There is no doubt that a union between our parties would be most beneficial to both of us.

I will keep this letter brief, your Highness, for I know that the duties of a new reign are plentiful. I hold your accomplishments in the highest esteem, contrary to many of my other diplomatic brethren. I leave you with the assurance that I should arrive no later than the eve of the 22nd of March. I look forward to your honored company.

-The Lady Vanessa sur Damodred

Eric had a bright smile on his face by the time he had finished reading the letter. Since he had placed the crown upon his head there hadn’t been much good news in his kingdom. He spent most of his time stomping out small rebellious militias and uprisings. The transition from cold blooded killer to respected royalty had been much faster than Eric thought.

“The Damodred? What do you know about them?”

“They are Alteara. They have one of the largest and most influential houses in the whole country. If I’m not mistake they are responsible for quite a bit of trade. What did they send you?”

Eric handed the parchment over to Heofar. He went to go sit down. This room had a smaller and more comfortable chair, the back lined with a wonderful fur. The throne, while impressive in its size and decor, was a pain to sit in. He couldn’t do it for more than an hour or two a day.

Heofar read it several times. Eric thought he would. There were enough tender morsels in that letter to read it over and over, to be happy with nearly every word.

“This arrived far too late. She will be here in only a few days.”

Eric nodded, “We should get a room prepared for her. Perhaps one of the chambers near my own?”

“Chambers” Mea stepped into the room the moment she opened the door, a swift action which Eric assumed she practiced several times.

"So when your king asks to be alone does anyone listen?"

Mea shook her head with no more thought in his sentence than if he had asked her if she was thirsty.

“It seems as if this Vanessa of Alteara wishes to find out more about our king here,” Heofar couldn't help himself, handing the letter over to her. Mea drank it in, something pooling around her eyes as she read it. When she finished she placed the parchment on the table before them and shook her head.

“Your majesty, I would advise caution. I do not like this boldness, especially from some foreigner so far away. She is eager to meet you?”

Eric almost thought he could see jealousy spread across her face. He found it both appealing and tiring at the same time. The last time two girls fought over him they were sisters from two farms over. He had kissed them both on some summer harvest festival and they nearly pulled each other’s hair out to have him as their own. Eric enjoyed the fight far too much to stop it.

Heofar sighed, “ She represents the biggest ally we would have and make our reign legitimate in the eyes of the entire continent. Even the academy would recognize us with such allies to the South.”

“If she is even here under the circumstances she says. She could easily be a spy, sent in to see just how weak your leadership is right now.”

Her tone may have a hint of jealousy, but the words rang true. Eric had to consider she might be some sort of trick on her part. But for what reason? He had only taken a single step into this political game and he already felt overwhelmed.

Eric grabbed the parchment from the table, moving his fingers passed one line on the note, “Rumors? Spread by the academy no doubt. Do we know what they are saying about me?”

“Nothing confirmed,” Heofar said with a sluggish tone that made Eric think he knew more than he claimed, “But I can look into it.”

Mea nodded, “As well as this woman. I want to know as much as I can before she arrives. She has some other motive to come here.”

“It’s simple if you think about it,” Heofar said as he stood up, grabbing hold of his ledger, “We have an army. Alteara is rich, but not influential. They need the power that only comes with strong numbers. My guess is, this Vanessa is coming to woo you.”

Eric beamed at the possibility. He has pursued many a woman, laid conquest to numerous beds across Neohym, but he couldn’t honestly say anyone has pursued him before. He wondered what that might entail. The thought delighted him to no end.

“No surprises. Find out what you can about her, the rumors spreading around. And prepare her room. I want everything to be waiting for her.”

Heofar nodded as he went to the door, his hand on it before he turned back, “I would be careful my lord. If this Vanessa comes from the Damodred family she will be a worthy foe in whatever game of wits you two play.”

“I’m hoping so,” Eric said. He waited until Heofar closed the door behind him before he looked over Mea. She had slipped down to the floor on her knees, crawling over to him.

“Do you really expect to humor some Noble’s daughter from the South?”

Eric loosened his belt, “I plan to be cordial.”

In fact, he planned to be a lot more than that.

Mea stared at him with confusion for a moment, before lust washed over her and she helped him out of his clothing.

 

[DemureDryad]

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af180/Taliah32/Berelain.jpg​

There was little that could be done about the fear settling into the Lady Vanessa's heart. It seemed, in idle moments such as this, to conquer her thoughts and drown out her confidence. How many years have I trained for this moment? She noticed her feminine hand nervously smoothing her burgundy skirts over her hip, and stopped herself. He is young, and overconfident from recent successes. He will suspect nothing. She couldn't avoid the fact that, in fact, the man was three years her senior. But she had the element of surprise. Hopefully.

The clop-clopping of the horses and the gentle rasp of paper against paper as her maidservant read her stories was a soothing background noise for her observations. The chill of this country was unbearable, however. Vanessa's toes felt frozen, and she curled them in her fine suede boots in an effort to restore feeling. Shivering, she pulled the fur-lined cloak tighter about her neck. The dress she wore was certainly impractical in such weather, though its daringly low neckline may prove useful in other endeavors.

Snow lazily flitted past the small window of the carriage, briefly obscuring the tough, hardworking people of White Heart as they went about their day. Though she could not know for sure, they seemed assured, and without fear. The aftermath of the disaster that threw Neohym into chaos seemed to be firmly in the past. That Eric could seize power and quell dissent so quickly was to be commended. He was yet to make a grave mistake. Well, more than one mistake. One could not ignore that the had provoked the ire of the Arcane Academy. An action that had ensured her presence. She came proclaiming herself to be a suitor of his. But their was no question of whom she answered to. The Academy, and more importantly, the Arch Mage, wanted Neohym within their claws. They played at their games of power with a subtle hand. Vanessa was to enter into his midst, and weaken those who would ban the Academy's influence.

It was said that he had no shortage of charm. Or women, for that matter. The academy was counting on that being his weakness. Vanessa knew she was perfect for the job. She had no illusions about the effect she had on men. Cunning, wealth, and beauty were a potent combination of traits, and she had each of them in spades. Manipulating men had never been a problem for the lovely politician, however that period of time only encompassed four years. She was a young woman, and this was the first time she had undertaken anything like this. The stern face of the Arch Mage loomed in her memory, as she recalled her summons to the Academy.

Vanessa overheard only snippets of conversation through the door. His office was appropriately warded against eavesdropping. This room was not. It was a fact that would certainly have disturbed him, had he known. Any stateswoman worth her salt would be intently listening to every word. And Vanessa, with her wit and pedigree, was.

"...Eric and his dog are right, of course. We just can't have them broadcasting it throughout the civilized world."

An unknown voice responded to the Arch Mages dignified voice, but his did not carry so well. "Our assets... deployed."

"Thats why I brought someone else in. Get the door."

Vanessa did her best to look nonchalant and inconspicuous. it was something that was well practiced for her. Promptly, the door opened, and the man gestured for her to enter. Almost as soon as she walked in, the Arch Mage spoke with his typical authority.

"Vanessa. Always a pleasure. Your being activated. You leave in a week."

All her preparation had culminated suddenly into her, her guard, and her maidservant Emily being shoved hurriedly onto one of her fathers trading vessels. A month passed since she saw land again. They had stayed the night at an upscale inn within Neohym's only port city to the far west. So long at sea was bad for a person, Vanessa thought. She could hardly stand being inside this carriage any longer. Thank the light the trip was almost over.

As the cityscape passed her small window, the buildings slowly became more extravagant, the stores more expensive. It was not long before they passed the gates to the castle, after a brief confirmation of identity from the guards.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~​

Her heels clicked sharply on the cold stone as she walked the halls, her sensuous hips swaying gracefully with movement. . The guards and staff had wasted no time in showing her and her companions to her luxurious rooms. If this was the hospitality she was to receive during her visit, then perhaps things would go much more smoothly than she imagined. It was best, she decided, to not get her hopes up.

Everything about this all important first impression had been planned. From her demeanor upon the sight of him, to the color and cut of her clothing. Red, to ignite his passion. Clinging, to draw his eyes to her generous curves. The dress was beautiful, with its fine silk and delicate black lace trim. The hem hung only to mid-calf, in the southern style, though her boots were of far sturdier make, to better withstand the bitter winters of this mountainous land. She had been informed that the King would be in his throne room, conversing with his advisors. He had been told that she had arrived.

The room, that had so recently belonged to a deposed king, was expansive and beautifully carved. The arched ceiling and impressive stone pillars left little doubt that the man who sat upon Neohym's throne was powerful indeed. But these things did not hold her attention. Before her, sitting upon the throne, was King Eric Darryn. He was just as striking as the rumors said, perhaps more so. He was nothing like the lovers she had taken before. Aristocraticly handsome, all. No, he was... Dashing. Yes, that was it. He held a roguish appeal that could not be faked.

Coyly, she let her deep blue eyes flash just a hint of sultry promise, staring right into his eyes. Vanessa was a girl who knew how to make an impression. Wasting no time, she dropped into a deep, respectful curtsy as the herald announced her.

"The Lady Vanessa sur Damodred, of Alteara!"

As she rose, she noted the barely hidden disdain upon the pretty northern woman at his side. Well, she thought, I should have expected competition. The smile that graced her full lips was lazy and slow as she spoke in her musical, southern accented voice. "Your Majesty. I am glad to finally meet you. Father sends his regards." Now, they would see just what kind of king this man was.

"I trust I am not disturbing anything?" Though she was here in a deceitful manner, the sparkle in her eyes denoted true playfulness. Let us play our dangerous games, King Eric...

 

[poohlive]

Heofar hadn't come up with much more in the next few days. There had been more on the kingdom itself, Alteara's main imports and exports, where its alliances lay. Since it was relatively small and uninfluential though, there wasn't a lot to go on.

Eric had only learned two things about Vanessa sur Damodred. She was beautiful and she was an official ambassador for both her father's house as well as Alteara.

Three days later, Eric got to see her bow before him seated on the throne.

One look at the ambassador and Eric realized he was somehow out of his league. Just to look at her caused a physical reaction, one of pride, wanting, desire that ran through him and refused to let go. He would never be able to have a conversation without thinking of fucking her. How had that happened? She had just walked into the room and already gotten the upper hand.

Eric shook his head, remained sitting. He had worn his best clothes, a fine fur lined cape with an intricate rose and gold pattern, adorning the sides. He had a buttoned shirt tailored for him only hours before this meeting, an earthy brown that Mea said brought out the green in his eyes. He had simple leggings, but they too had only been made the day before.

Someone had pointed out that since Eric had taken over a kingdom his wardrobe hadn't changed much. He still believed he was a man out in the field taking over provinces, and not a king to be adorned with the best of fabric. Eric would need to learn of these things if he wished to speak with the Vanessa sur Damodred's of this world.

Heofar sat to his left, in new white robes as well. The old man gave a small nod of approval when looking at Vanessa. Even in his old age, apparently he could still appreciate art when it comes gliding into the room, swaying from hip to hip. Mea on his right looked visibly taken back. Vanessa was playing into every horror Mea ever imagined when she first heard about this letter, and her entire body tensed up.

Eric felt a part of his own body tense. It was not entirely unpleasent.

The herald announced his guest. Eric stayed motionless on his throne, drinking her in. The red washed over her, the dress somehow an extension of her body, fitting where it needed, not so much concealing her form as accenting it. Eric knew without any doubt that even the way she had done her hair would have been meticulously thought out for his benefit.

Even her eyes teased at him.

“How delighted it is to meet you, Vanessa sur Damodred,” Eric hoped he gave nothing away. He found himself concentrating on the ond hand at his though, making sure it did not move. He had not even adjusted himself since she walked in, simply sitting and staring at such beauty. He had seen several predators in the wild stalk their prey in a similar manner.

“I was just explaining to my advisers here that I was hoping you would arrive soon. We have much to discuss.”

“Surely the lady wishes to put on some clothes before we begin,” Mea curt voice rang out as soon as Eric finished speaking. He raised a single eyebrow in surprise, as he looked down at her. Mea had her hands folded in her lap, wringing them with the effort one gave very tough stains from the wash. Apparently the games would begin even sooner than Eric realized.

“Poor thing must be half frozen.”

The long throne room actually looked more like a banquet hall than anything else. Aged wooden tables and well worn chairs adorned the center aisle, while the ancient stone masonry reached high up to the arched ceiling. Four furnaces in the corners of the room kept the place near toasty, even for this climate. Eric had never heard complaints of being too cold in this room, but tales of the southern heat were legendary, especially on cold Neohym nights when it seemed as if the sun would never return.

“Eddyard, make sure the furnaces are stoked and refueled. The lady to the South might not be used to such cold. I do want her every need to be taken care of.”

He made sure that, her ever need, was emphasized, looking right at the Lady as he spoke.

A pudgy man with balding blond hair responded, “Yes my king.” He began barking orders at some of the young servants waiting in the room.

There were over a dozen people altogether now in the throne room, along with Vanessa and her entourage. Eric looked around to see just how crowded it was. Guards posted to the sides, with all eyes on the young woman who had somehow found her way into that red dress. There were servants waiting for orders. Two generals in the back were merely making appearances to see the ambassador to the south, and his own advisers next to him… one mildly amused and the other near bursting.

Eric glanced around the room, before having his eyes drawn once more to Vanessa.

“I am very excited to hear what you have to say, Lady Vanessa. Your letter spoke of rumors? Some true and some not. I assume the Academy has a few wild stories running around about me. I have been very curious to know just what is being said to the South.”

Heofar wanted that questions asked first. He felt it the smartest thing to do, find out what they know, rumors being spread, how bad things are against them outside of Neohym. Eric did not care as much honestly. He would rather take her into his private chamber so he could ask some other types of questions. Unfortunately that would have to wait.

Eric hoped for his own sake the wait wouldn’t be too long.