(I'm loving their relationship. It's so interesting.)
With a quick snap, a slow steady song started to play out of thin air. "Will this do?" She walked back out into the bedroom and waited for him to join. "So, your saying if I can keep up with you, you'll allow me to crush one of your servants? What a great and caring king you are." Though that should have been sarcastic it wasn't, she was truly satisfied that he would give her permission to do so. Though Nora hated to admit it, Fiero wasn't as bad as he seemed, sure he was rude, forceful and a bit stubborn, but he didn't do anything truly evil and he was all that mean to her all the time. No Nora, don't start getting soft. She looked up at him and studied his face, he was extremely handsome, she wondered why he didn't have more women fell at his feet, but it could be because he didn't want that. Still he was very attractive.
"I'm known for many things, birdy." He followed her, taking her by the hand and spinning her through the doorway as they passed into the bedroom. "My compassion is not one of them. I know what they call me outside these walls." The viper king. The prince of poisoned tears. People didn't like him this time around, the way they hadn't liked him the last one. Reinventing himself was always so tiring when it had the same results in the end. People were so sensitive about his secrets, he'd never been able to wrap his head around it. Fortunately, dissenters were easily taken care of which, considering, may have been part of the reason people got so opposed to hi Violate free speech a few times and suddenly everyone acts like you're the villain. He laughed softly, brushing away the thoughts and striding up to Nora with a confident smile on his face. "You know the basic positions, yes? My hand on your hip and yours on my shoulder?"
"Yes," was all she answered with as she moved her hands to the right position. Nora hoped that she was a natural at dancing as she was in walking in heels. All the sudden nerves bubbled up, dancing was stressful and they haven't even started yet. Men were supposed to lead, she remembered her mother telling her that when she spoke of dancing. She waited till Fiero began to lead so that she could follow. Nora also knew you weren't supposed to look at your feet, so with confidence she looked Fiero in the eyes, ready for whatever was going to happen.
(It won't always be this short. I just wasn't sure of what to write.)
(I totally get it.)
Fi smiled back at her and then they were off. He had a firm hand, never losing control as he spun her this way and that. He moved with the kind of ease that only came with practice and the kind of rigid formality that proved he'd never done it outside of an official gala, but there was some sort of smile on his face as he dipped and tossed her. It was nice to leave Nora on such uncertain ground here, where he was the only one who knew what he was doing. There was something almost comforting about it. "You're good at being tossed around, but now I think it's time to let you lead, darling." He shifted, smoothing his hands up her sides before they came to rest on her shoulders. "Hands on my waist so you can spin me."
"Me lead? I thought the guys always led?" Nora now panicking moved her hands slowly down. It was clear on her face that she was nervous, she didn't know what his reaction would be if she messed up, but also if she didn't Fiero would probably get mad. So firmly she took his waist and did her best to spin him, he was much larger than her though, so it was difficult. After she was done she looked up at him, stone faced. She didn't want to show emotion until she saw his reaction. "Well… how was it?" The thought of having to dance with other people now had her head spinning with questions, what if she wasn't hood enough? What if she embarrassed herself? No, get a hold of yourself. gaining her confidence back she stood tall and smiled. Even if she did mess up, no one would dare go against the Kings black witch.
(Sorry, I got super busy with wedding stuff.)
(No problem, weddings come before everything else!!)
Fiero was graceful despite the clumsiness of Nora's hands and spun with ease. He was fairly light for a man, slender and tall instead of bulky, and while he certainly had more heft to his figure than his witch he was by no means well muscled. Such was the burden of devoting your time to study instead of training. Nora was giving him the most peculiar glare when he looked down at her so he smirked and brushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek. All that confidence had drained away when he pushed her out of her comfort zone. Good to know, so he noted it: not good with uncertainty, though she did her best to hide it. "The powerful lead, birdy. Gender has little to do with it, though I suppose explaining that to someone so out of touch as you is a lost cause. You're terrible, by the way. We have lots to practice if we want to get you where you need to be by tonight."
Nora placed her hand on her chin and looked to the floor. "Interesting, I guess those books I read were wrong." She took a mental note and looked back up. "How much practice do I need?" She wanted to be 100% ready for the party tonight. She didn't want to embarrass Fiero, because embarrassing him meant embarrassing herself. She was to act as a lover, so she didn't want anyone to look down on her… well, even if they did, she would probably do something about it, with the collar though it will be difficult. "How much time do I have?" She stepped away, sat on the bed, dancing was a lot harder than she thought. Nora was curious on how so many nobles could do parties like this often. Plus, even though she could easily walk in heels didn't mean they didn't hurt.
"Very." His country had always been rather atypical when it came to the structure of things. The firstborn child ruled the household, regardless of gender, and that tended to reshuffle the social structure. "You'll need… two hours, I should think. You can follow just fine, it's the leading where you lag behind." He grinned over at her, amused. "Fitting, I suppose, but you're not representing yourself anymore, so it will have to be trained out of you." As funny as it would be to watch her stumble around aimlessly, it would only serve to make him look like a fool. He needed the respect of the nobility if he was to finish this war—respect that would be hard to gain with the first consort any king had taken in centuries flopping around the dancefloor like a chicken with its head cut off. His revenge was so nearly complete, he only needed a few more years and then that wretched country would be eliminated and he could finally rest. Gods how he wanted to rest. "And we have that time. Hands on my waist again, birdy. Spin me slowly, toss me out and then reel me back in."
(Should we time skip to the party? Because I'm not sure what to write.)
(Should I start or should you?)
(I'm kinda busy all the time, but I can get one up if you'd like)
(That's okay. I've been busy as well. We'll just respond when we can :)
(sounds good, thanks for understanding)
The party was in full swing by the time Fiero arrived, slinking over to his throne so he could sit and survey the nobles. They dressed garishly, bright blues and purples and reds to show off the extravagance of these outfits that they'd never wear again once the night was through. Wasteful. Tasteless. One woman had sewn precious jewels into her flaring skirt so that they jolted out when she spun, reflecting shards of colored light across everyone's faces. She was laughing.
Fiero despised the entire wretched display. There was no fun in this, no matter how important it was to keep everyone happy and dancing. There was no joy in maneuvering around these people who sat like fat little lapdogs and nipped at his heels for scraps of attention. Parties drew out the worst his kingdom had to offer, with few of the people with whom it was a pleasure to go toe to toe. In the entire room, there may have been 5 people he respected, and that included himself and Nora. And speaking of his little witch…
"Birdy, darling, are you quite sure you're ready to dance? Last time you led you threw me into a wall."
Nora stood next to his throne and watched the people below her. She felt so powerful up here, but if she was in the Queens throne it would feel so much better. But it would be rude to sit there when she wasn't the Queen. Nora scanned the crowd for her victim, that was until Fiero interrupted her search. With a smile she turned to him, "Of course." Many people, Men and Women eyed her. The black dress showed off her slim figure, but she also had curves in the right places. Her long black hair was curled and pinned to one side. It could be because they have never seen the black witch in person or because of her beauty, either way, Nora didn't care.. she had most eyes on her, and she loved it. Though she did see a few jealous glares from women who wished to be in her place. Rolling her eyes she smiled, those girls wouldn't last an hour with the King, he would break them easily. "All these people trying to gain your favor, it must be tiring." As she talked to Fiero, there was one guy that caught her eye. Black hair that hung low in his eyes, a nice tux and the same unsatisfying look as the King. If she didn't know better, Nora would mistake him for the kings brother. One ear was pierced with a diamond stud. He was quite handsome. When he looked up they locked eyes, though Nora felt she should look away she didn't want to back down either. Who is that man?
Fiero smirked when he saw her eyeing the queen's throne. So she was ambitious, that was… new. That was leverage. If she wanted to be powerful he could give her power aplenty, and more besides. Witches yearned for magic, for it was just as much a part of them as flesh or blood. He could give her so many spells lost to time and terror, so many things no other person could.
He shook off his thoughts when he saw who she was looking at. A rival of his, one of the few men he'd ever fallen in with. He was a snake, of course, and a terrible person beyond that, but there was something so perfectly horribly clever about him. Fiero couldn't help but keep him around, if only because he was the only person Fi had ever met who provided him with a genuinely enjoyable challenge. He had dressed in grey tonight, close enough to black that it drew eyes. A bold move especially when combined with the way he was eyeing up the witch.
"It is, but I am king." He smirked, taking her hand and leading her down to the dance floor. "These things are all part of my duties." He spun her. "As is keeping my consort in line. Tell me, what about that man draws you in? I can guarantee that he's bad news." Bad news of the best sort, but if Nora knew that she'd never stay away from him.
Nora wasn't even sure herself why she was so captivated by him. Was it his mysterious aura, his handsomeness? When Fiero grabbed her hand, that's when Nora snapped out of her thoughts. "I'm not sure myself." As he led her off to the dance floor, the man smiled and watched her every move. Finally Nora looked away trying to just focus on Fiero. The dance floor cleared, it was amazing how Fiero can clear a room and make people silent just by walking by. He had a certain air about him, and Nora was in awe. "Are we going to show these people how it's done." Nora smirked. When the dance was over, she was going to hunt for her first prey. That's the whole reason she came to this party, well, that and for Fiero to show her off. "I'm getting some jealous glares. You must be popular among the ladies," a slight laugh escaped her lips. Fiero didn't seem like the type girls would list over, but what did she know.
Fiero prided himself on his ability to clear or fill a room at a whim but right now it was something of a nuisance. He was on bad terms with quite a few of his nobles, something about the nation needing a queen in this time of war. He'd snapped back harshly enough that half the people in the room wouldn't even approach him, fearing that he would lash out again. The reaction pleased him, even though he knew he would have to mend the divide somehow. What was a good king if not someone to be loved and feared in equal measure? "Birdy, we're already showing them how it's done." He smirked at her, leading her in one of the simpler dances they'd practiced. It was graceful, requiring more trust that skill from the non-leading partner. "And I suppose some of the women of the kingdom may find me attractive, but I'm afraid the only one I have use for is you. The other ladies are like fat little peacocks and you, my darling, are a hawk."
The analogy he used felt off to her, Nora felt more like a beautiful snake, beautiful but deadly; If you got to close you would get bitten, and Fiero was the sneak charmer. Nora moved gracefully across the floor, her hair and dress flowing behind her. Girls wanted him while guys couldn't keep their eyes off of her.
The man from earlier closely watched the two. He and Fiero weren't close, but Fiero was the only one who stood at the same level as him. Sweeping his hair from his face he put on his fake party smile and walked up to the two. "Your highness." Ky bowed before the King showing his respect, "May I dance with your lady?" Ky heard that the King had actually somewhat tamed the wild black witch, and he wanted to see more. Now, if Fiero refused he would look even worse to everyone than he already did and his little witch would question, which Fiero probably didn't want.
Fiero had been raised in his mother's tradition, in the highland tradition. The people there were famous for their mastery of all feathered creatures, from the frailest pigeon to the darkest vulture. He knew birds. He had been an accomplished falconer since his teenage years and though the days of fame and falconry had been left behind with his youth, he still kept a few in a private aviary. He'd looked so many different ones in the eye and he knew that Nora was a peregrine, deceptively small and graceful, with enough power to take down even the cruelest of condors
Ky, on the other hand, was an eagle. Strong, solitary, and confident. Noble in a way not many others were. Openly predatory. Closing in for a kill, if his smile were to be believed. He wanted to scope out Nora, that much was obvious, but Nora was entirely too interested for him to allow the two to meet. Instead, he let go of Nora's, gestured vaguely towards a gaggle of royal fools ripe for the breaking, and took Ky's hand himself. "Perhaps, if you'll grant me the honor of dancing with you first." It neatly dodged the problems with saying no, and allowed him time to see what Ky really wanted out of this little interaction. "Will you refuse?" All eyes were on them.
"Why of course not, how can anyone refuse a dance with the King." Ky walked out the middle of the dance floor with Fiero and pit his hands in the right position. Ky, unlike Nora, grew up noble and knew exactly what he was doing. Though he wasn't entirely thrilled to be dancing with the King, turning him down wasn't an option. If this would lead to him dancing with Nora he would do it. With a smile he took the lead.
Nora watch in awe, two beautiful men dancing together, it seemed odd to her, but it was mesmerizing nonetheless. Girls watched with a certain look in their eyes, almost like their imagination was running wild. Rolling her eyes Nora left the crowd and went to get something to drink. "You must be the black witch?" A group of men, not much older than her walked up. With one look she could tell that they weren't worth her time, so.. she turned away. "Hey, can't you see we are talking to you?!" With a sigh she turned to them but was met with wine to the face. The people around them gasped, and for a moment everything was still. With the sweetest smile, Nora flicked a bit of wet hair from her face. "I do apologize for my rude behavior. You were just so handsome I became shy." This was her moment. The man froze unsure of what to say, one he was shocked by her reaction and two, he was hypnotized by her beauty. He had made a fool out of himself and the rest of the guests glared at him. Gracefully she walked over and whispered in his ear. "Do that again, and I'll cut your throat." Shivers ran up his spine as he fell to the ground. Nora terrified him, but at the same time he wanted more. She gracefully walked away and the men watched every move.
Ky watched it all go down and he chuckled. "It seems your witch has a way with men." Seeing her make that man fall to his knees with just a few words, made Ky want to see her in really action. He knew of course the King could sense that, he wasn't stupid. Ky went back to focusing on the dance as he tried to have a conversation with Fiero.
Fiero let Ky lead, amused by the awe in the other noble's eyes. He should be in the lead. He ranked far higher than Ky did in any measure of wealth or standing, it should be him spinning the other, and yet he let his favorite enemy spin him this way and that. A favor to Ky's family, people might think, or a sign that he was growing weak. Either would work for Fi. The worse people thought of him the better.
Besides, it wasn't like he was paying attention to the dance. Nora was far more important, already making her rounds and putting the men she came across in their place. He would have been proud if he cared more. "That she does," he replied. "But then again, what consort isn't? I'm sure you've seen her type before Ky, what interests you so much about this one? I can assure you that she's really nothing special, not once you've got a collar around her neck." A lie, and a big one, but important. Ky would never stop going after Nora if he thought she was valuable to him.
"Oh please, you don't think I'll believe that." Ky slightly chuckled, Fiero should know better. "You don't think me or any others have noticed." Removing his hand from Fiero's side he tapped his neck, "The cracks. She's the Black Witch, she's not that weak, so of course I'd be interested," but her power wasn't the only thing he was interested in, he looked over and eyed her for a second before returning to the dance. "She's quite beautiful, nothing like all the other boring ladies here."
Nora walked over to the wall and stood, trying to dry herself off. The wine stunk, and was sticky, Nora could change but this was her favorite dress. Anyone could see the frustration on her face, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. "Hello." Rolling her eyes she made it clear she wasn't in the mood to talk. "So," A blonde open her fan to hide some of her face before continuing "How did you seduce the King?" Of course they would ask that, they were just jealous. "Nothing. Believe it or not," She smiled and looked the blonde straight in eyes, "He came looking for me." The blonde unfazed by this took a step forward and quickly grabbed Nora's face. "You have nothing, no status, no money, what could you possibly offer him." Do they not know who I am? This is going to be fun. "Hm… Looks."She shrugged, Nora knew she was eye catching, unlike the horse faced girls in front of her. "Please, of course he would would choose me. I mean, look at me." A smirk crossed her face. The girl swing her hand so fast Nora couldn't dodge. The sting on her face left her in shock. Did she really just hit me? Nora's blood began to boil. The people close to the gasped, horrified, they knew who she was and they pitied the girl who just hit Nora. "You don't want to mess with me." The purple in her eyes glowed brighter. Now, Nora had no intention to cause a commotion at the King's party, but if they insisted to continue, she wouldn't be able to hold back.
With a smile Ky tilted his head in Nora's direction. "It seems those poor ladies are in trouble." He wanted to see if the King cared, not about the random girls, but cared for Nora even a bit. He could use that to his advantage whether he cares or not.
Fi grimaced internally and spread his lips in an inviting smile. "I'm sure you can see it's a work in progress. Anyone can crack a collar like that, it's a question of determination, not skill." His attention had been flitting across the room, from Nora to the nobles to the man he was dancing with but now his attention was all on Ky, a rather nasty smile on his face. "I'm sure even you could manage it." Ky came from a family of well-regarded warlocks, one of the few sanctioned by the crown to practice magic, and yet Ky had come out without a drop of talent for it. Fiero supposed that was why he spent so much time at court, sharpening his wits and his tongue because they were the only weapons he'd been given.
He smirked when he watched the girl slap Nora, interested in her reaction. Would she cause a scene? Or would she bend to what he wanted and keep herself composed? Or, perhaps best of all, would she nod now, pretend like everything was fine and good, and get the woman back the second her back was turned?
"Yes, it does seem that way." He made no move to break away from their little dance. "But you know the ladies of my court. All so very cruel. I'm sure they can work out this little spat on their own, no need for the king to interfere."
Already the nobles were pressing in around Nora, watching and waiting for a reaction until finally a new contender stepped into the ring. A pretty girl, with eyes like steel and a smile like ice. Her dress was a muted blue that complimented her porcelain skin. Her hair was coal-black, pinned in perfect ringlets behind her head. She was flawless, utterly flawless, and Fiero smirked to see her here. The finest lady of all his courts, the one who may one day become his wife if her family had their way. Madame Mirabella. "My lady." She bowed to Nora, effortlessly sliding between the blonde woman and the angered witch. "Forgive my sister. She merely wished to learn your secret. No consort has been chosen for over a hundred years and even the most beautiful have been turned away."
"I don't care. Keep her under control." For some reason, Nora hated this girl more. Was it because she was beautiful or maybe because she actually had class, whatever the reason, Nora had no intention to lose to her. Taking a deep breath her eyes went back to their original purple. "Hm.. I'm sorry for my rudeness. It's been a long night." With a smile, she grabbed her dress and bowed. This women was of higher status, so it was appropriate for her to bow first. "I am Norabella The Black Witch." When the blonde heard this she stepped back a bit.
Ky hummed as he watched what went down. The more he watched the more he was interested. The song slowly faded and Ky bowed before stepping away and towards Nora. Now he knew Mirabella well, the two had grown up together, their families were close. Ky and her were engaged, that was until Ky and his family realized that he had no warlock talent. "Mira, it's good to see you." Ky had been keeping in the dark for awhile, studying and doing other things to make himself valuable.
Nora heard the voice and was immediately captivated. There was something there, something she couldn't explain. It was a different connection than what she had with the King. He seemed to not care for her though since he went and talked with, Mirabella.. was it. Still, this party was turning out to be a shitty night.
