forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

(No worries! That sounds like it was stressful)

Ophelia follows after Cassandra, getting a good look around as they make their way to the bedrooms. The orphanage is clearly doing it’s best to create a warm and loving environment for these children. There are several small details throughout the building that show how much the adults who work here care for the children. It’s a great relief. They all deserve someone who loves and cares for them.

As they approach the bedroom, she glances over to Kaillas and offers a reassuring smile. She doesn’t doubt that everything will go well. The kids will get over his appearance if they’re ever scared of it. She could see some younger kids maybe getting frightened but the older ones shouldn’t be an issue. Or at least she hopes not.

She enters the room and takes a second to observe the children. Two dozen. That’s more than she thought. She’s certain she’ll be able to remember all of their names at least. It’ll be a bit challenging but she’s determined to do it. It’s something small but meaningful.

“Hello,” She greets the children warmly, putting a smile on her face. She can tell that a few of them are nervous to meet her and Kaillas so she’s hoping to soothe those nerves. Showering them with a bunch of toys should help.

(I know I said I've got some conflict coming up but if you ever have anything you wanna do don't be scared to throw it in!)

Cassandra and the previous caretaker had done everything they could to make this orphanage a warm and loving home. They weren't poor but they weren't well off by any means. A lot of the townsfolk donated what they could or offered services of repair. But even she knew there was only so much that could be done to give them a nice home until they got their forever home. If they ever got their forever home. Very few children had been adopted from the orphanage. Most of them stayed until they aged out and went into the world as working men.

She cleared her throat, "What do we say, children?" She understood they were a little starstruck seeing the royalty. It took Cassandra speaking to get them to respond. Voices of young children to teenagers blurred together as they spoke as one, "Hello Your Majesties."

Kaillas was hiding in the shadows. He knew how to conceal himself and he kept his head turned just slightly so they couldn't see his face. With a simple motion of his head, The guards took all the bags, even the ones from his hands, and placed them in the center of the room. Then he nudged Ophelia forward after staging the coin purse he had given her.

"I'll deal with this. Go enjoy yourself," he murmured in her ear before gesturing to Cassandra to follow him out of the bedroom and to her office. Well, office/bedroom. They only had so much space in the orphanage and her bedroom doubled as her office. There wasn't extra space to put up a desk.

(I’ve definitely got a few ideas! Most are for after the honeymoon but I’ve got one I might do on the last/one of the last days)

Ophelia takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for this as she steps forward into the room filled with children. She makes her way further in after the children have greeted them, positioning herself near the center of the room where the bags of toys have been placed. The children's eyes widen with anticipation, their gazes fixed on the bags.

"Hello, everyone!" She says with a warm smile, keeping her tone one of excitement. She can tell that a few of the kids are wary so she’s hoping to put them to ease. "We have a special surprise for all of you today." She gestures a little towards the bags, keeping their attention to the center of the room.

"Now, who wants to see what's inside?" she asks, her voice filled with playful enthusiasm. The younger children erupt into a chorus of excited cheers and nods, their curiosity piqued. Ophelia smiles and waves all of the kids over so they can get a proper look at the contents of the bag.

Once a little crowd has gathered, she opens up the bag and has the children sort through the contents to pick out whatever toys they want. As long as they don’t fight over who gets what, she lets them have their freedom to pick and choose. There is certainly more than enough toys to go around so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Her husband’s absence is disappointing but she knows that he has a few things to deal with regarding their donation. She only hopes that he’ll actually join her when he’s done. Right now she’s playing a game of dolls with a couple of little girls. She’s be happy for him to join in.

Kaillas followed Cassandra back to her office. She sat behind it and he sat down on the other side. He placed the pouch of coins on the table and watched as she pulled out a ledger to document the donation. He was quiet as she counted it and then wrote down the number in the books.

"Thank you," she said, "We could use this for more than a few things. The kids are always growing and constantly in need of new clothes and shoes. The paint is chipping. The beds are old and breaking." She shook her head. "It feels like everything has started falling apart now that I've taken over as caretaker."

Kaillas understood that feeling. He felt that way for more than a couple years after he took the throne. Sometimes, he still felt that way. The kingdom would be running a lot smoother if his father were still alive. If his elder brother was still here to take the throne, as he had been rained and prepped for it. And while he had a great many good advisors, he never felt fully prepared for anything he faced. It was frustrating.

"If you need more, you can just ask. The crown will provide you with whatever you need." Because Kaillas understood the importance of the youth. These children were one day going to grow to be governors and advisors and teachers and all kind of important people. They needed to be educated and taken care of properly.

"Thank you but I can't ask that of you. We make it on our own fairly well here. But things do add up and it can be overwhelming." Cassandra gave him a small smile. "But I will reach out if we need help." She hoped that would satisfy him instead of outright denying him.

He nodded his head, taking that as an answer. This time. If he returned and things had not changed or even worsened, he would step in and provide a flow of funds until they were firmly back on their feet. He got to his feet, Cassandra standing as well. They walked back to the bedroom where the children and Ophelia were. He leaned against the doorframe, his face hidden in the shadows, and he watched her quietly as she played with the children.

After a few minutes of just letting the kids go crazy with the toy, she decides to organize a bit. While she wants them to have fun, she doesn’t want their games to become too chaotic. That would only create trouble later on for those who work at the orphanage and she would rather avoid that.

Ophelia begins by setting up different stations, each dedicated to a unique activity. In one corner, she creates a reading nook, with neat piles overflowing with colorful storybooks and soft cushions laid out to snuggle into. She watches as a few of the children come over, encouraging them to pick their favorite tales. Even the little ones can enjoy the picture books.

In another corner, she set up an arts and crafts stations. She brings out paints, markers, glue, and various craft supplies that were purchased at the toy shop. Smiling, she watches as the children's eyes widen with excitement as they dive into their creative projects. She’ll be sure to help clean up after them before it’s time to leave. This station will likely get messy.

At the center of the room, she arranges a play area with building blocks, puzzles, and educational games. It’s wonderful to see them construct towering structures and engage in friendly competition during board games. Luckily, they don’t seem to be getting too competitive or aggressive when someone loses a game.

She does a few laps around the room to ensure that everything is going smoothly. Once certain that nothing disasterous will happen, she goes back to joining in on the different activities so she can improperly interact with everyone.

She settles into a game of dolls once again with two girls, Mia and Ava. After both girls pick out the doll they like best, it’s time to get them all dressed up for their tea party. “That pink dress looks so pretty, Mia. And Ava, I think that those shoes are adorable,” She says lightly, making sure to compliment both girls.

Despite enjoying herself with the kids, she grows worried with her husband’s absence. She eventually realizes that he’s returned and turns her head to glance at him, silently inviting him to come into the room properly and join in some games.

Kaillas had a small smile as he watched Ophelia. He saw how she had organized everything into little "stations" so to speak. It had eliminated some chaos, though there was only so much of it that could be controlled. Children were chaotic and messy. There was no getting around that. But he was sure that all the workers would appreciate it anyways. Organized chaos was better than just chaos.

She would make a wonderful mother. The thought hit him so hard that he shifted on his feet. He realized at that moment that one day he wanted to give her children. He wanted to have kids with her. That had never been a thing he had wanted. he knew that he would need an heir but he had sisters and could always make one of their children his heir. He didn't necessarily need his own. And yet, seeing her with the children, how well she did with them, made him want to have his own with her.

He could see it. Ophelia, holding their little daughter, because they would have one. Kaillas, with his arms around his wife and gazing down with love-filled eyes at their little baby. Her belly still round from only recently giving birth. It could be a nice life. But not yet. Not while both of them were still so young. They had plenty of years before they needed to think of having their own children. And there were some things he had to do before he would even be ready to settle down with children.

He caught her subtle look for him to join her and he shook his head. He was content from where he was standing int he doorway. He didn't think he was ready to brave the children. He wasn't ready for their looks of unease and terror. Because they were always frightened of him. it was okay. He looked different than anyone they had ever come across. The scar was ugly and mean. He would be scared to look at him too if he were a child.

Seeing the shake of his head, she returns her attention back to the children. Though she does hope that he'll change his mind later on, she won't pressure him to do so. It wouldn't be right of her to try and force him into doing something that he isn't comfortable with. Besides, at least he's made it this far. They could have just donated the money and left. At least now she's got some time to be able to spend with the kids. That's better than nothing.

Seeing another child wanting to play the game, she hands over her own doll and stands up. Once she's certain that the kids are still playing nicely, she decides to go check on everyone else. She makes sure to spend time with every single child, briefly getting involved with whatever they're playing or asking a few questions about the stories they're reading. It's admittedly difficult since there are twenty-four children and only one of her. Of course, the workers are playing with the children as well so that does help but she still wants to ensure that she's being fair.

Part of that is cleaning and helping pass out food when it's time for a small snack. It's nothing fancy, just bread and some nuts, but it's filling and will keep everyone tided over until there is a main meal. While the kids are temporarily distracted by the food, she gets to work on cleaning up some of the bigger messes that have been made. It's best to stay on top of things so it doesn't become overwhelming when it's time for the toys to be put up. As fun as all of this is, it certainly is a lot of work. Her respect for the orphanage workers grows by the second.

She blinks in surprise but doesn't protest when handed a baby to give him a bottle. The chubby cheeked little cherub appears to only be a few months old. No more than five or six if she had to guess. She takes the bottle she's also been given and happily feeds the precious little boy. It doesn't hurt that the baby has no problem latching onto the bottle and eating. Unable to help herself, she steps over to Kaillas so he can take a little at the baby. "Look at how cute he is," She coos softly, gently brushing the baby's cheek with her thumb. The baby is half asleep while eating so she isn't worried about Kaillas startling him.

Kaillas pushed off the wall as soon as he saw Ophelua moving towards him. He knew he was done for as soon as the baby was handed to her. They would be having a bay in the future. He wouldn't be able to deny her when she was finally ready. Not with the way she looked as she cradled that baby and fed him.

He placed his hand on the small of her back as soon as she stepped next to him. He pressed a gentle kiss to the side if her head. "He is, darling." Ours will be cuter, was what he wanted to say. Kaillas believed he would be rather handsome if it weren't for the scar. And luckily, that wasn't genetic. And his wife was a beautiful woman. It was the perfect equation for beautiful children.

He wrapped his arm around her, cradling her arms from behind. Everyone was distracted at the moment offering them a moment of privacy. One he wanted to spend with his wife in his arms. "You're enjoying yourself." It was a statement, not a question. Anyone with eyes could see she was in her element. A blind man could see she was in her element.

Ophelia leans against him lightly, cradling the baby in her arms with the utmost care. She goes that this experience will warm him up to the idea of having a baby. It seems like he isn’t sure of what he wants in that area. She doesn’t want one for a little while but she desperately wants to have at least one sometime in the future.

“I am.” She has no problem admitting that she’s loving every second of this. Being around children always makes her happy. There’s never been any doubt in her mind that she wants a few of her own. Her only hesitation is the actual pregnancy and then childbirth. It can go very wrong very fast and that terrifies her.

Looking up at Kaillas, she puts on a perfectly sweet and innocent expression. “Do you want to hold him?” She asks, fluttering her lashes and giving him puppy dog eyes. She won’t push it if he says no but she really hopes that he’ll agree to it.

Kaillas saw what she was doing, with that sweet smile and innocent voice. Perhaps one day he woukd be ready to hold and coddle after his own child bug for right now, he was content to watch. He shook his head, squeezing her arms. "Not today, darling." Not for a while.

It had more to do with just his insecurities about his appreance. He worried he might drop the baby or he would hold him wrong and hurt him. He was worried the baby might choke on the milk he was drinking and it would all be his fault. So no, not today. Not for a little while. But maybe one day. And certainly when he had his own.

He glanced at the clock on the wall. "We've got about fifteen minutes before we have to leave," he murmured, "It's time to start saying your goodbyes." Oh how the time flew. He hadn't even realized how much time had passed. He had been so focused on watching Ophelia. Watching the way her face lit up around all the children. And ge had been a little busy fantasizing his own family one day.

Ophelia doesn’t argue, she merely nods her head a little. One day she’s certain that she’ll manage to convince him to hold a baby. It’s alright that today isn’t that day. Besides, she quite enjoys holding the little one and feeding him so she doesn’t mind not having to give him up just yet.

Unfortunately, that’s when Kaillas informs her of how much time they have left. “Only fifteen minutes? That’s it?” She asks with a frown, not haven’t realized that they’ve been here for so long. She must’ve gotten wrapped up in playing with all of the children. The time fly by without her noticing.

She sighs and looks down at the little boy tucked in her arms, holding him a little closer now. She hates that they have to leave already but she knows they have other plans. Hopefully they’ll be able to come back sometime. Their lives will be busy when they return but perhaps they’ll get the chance sooner rather than later.

Kaillas saw the disappointment on her face. He only kissed the side of her head once more to try and soothe her. "Yes, my darling," he said, pulling her back further into him. "And we have to leave the baby. We're too young to adopt one just yet."

He wasn't sure how well that would go at court. Bringing home a baby that certianly wasn't theirs. It probably wouldn't go well. But as long as the babe wasn't declared his heir, it should smooth over. And that was, of course, if that was what Ophelia wanted. He had no intentions of adopting a child but if she ever decided that she wanted to, well how could he say no?

He suweezed her one last time before backing away from her. "Go say goodbye. I'll wait here for you." They had a theater to get to. Their box was already prepared for them and guards were already in the building sweeping and inspecting everyone that came in. Just one of the many joys of being royalty.

Ophelia laughs quietly and shakes her head at Kaillas. “I know that we have to leave him.” She thinks that the baby is an absolute doll but the thought of just taking him home hadnt even crossed her mind. They certainly do not need a baby in their lives right now. Besides, she can only imagine how poorly that would go over at court.

With a soft sigh, she pulls away from him and goes to hand the baby over to one of the workers so they can finish up giving him his meal. She then goes to bid farewell to the children. It breaks her heart to have to say goodbye already but knowing that they’ve got more money and supplies now does make her feel better.

It takes her the full fifteen minutes to say goodbye to everyone. She does eventually pull herself away and head back outside to meet up with her husband. She steps over to him, taking his hand and giving it a light squeeze. “Shall we go then?” She asks, wanting to get to the theatre to take her mind off of things.

Kaillas stepped outside the room and waited in the hall for Ophelia to finish saying her goodbye. He pushed off the wall as he saw her exit and reached out his hand for her to take. He noticed she was off since she exited. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Are you alright, darling?" The theater could wait if there was anything he was able to fix.

Their guards had already fallen behind them, taking up position. There was a couple more than there had been to begin with, five total now. It was irritating but nothing he could change. Having once been an army man, he knew that it was necessary. The king needed to be protected. More so than anyone else.

Cassandra came out into the hall to greet them once more before they left. She dipped into a small curtsy. "Thank you so much for coming, Your Majesties. I know you have helped raised the children's spirits. And thank you so much for the donations."

Kaillas nodded his head. "Remember, all you need to do is send a raven if you ever need anything. We'll send you whatever you need." He knew she likely wouldn't take him up on it unless it was an emergency but the offer was always there should they need it.

“I’m perfectly alright,” Ophelia assures him, not wanting him to worry. She’s just a little sad about having to leave. The visit was a lot of fun and she really enjoyed spending time with the kids. However it’s not as though they could stay forever so it’s something she just needs to make terms with. The theater production they’re about to go see will help distract her.

She sighs when she notices that there are more guards now than there were earlier. It’s irritating but necessary. She appreciates that the guards do try to stay out of the way so their presence doesn’t affect her and Kaillas’ time together but she still wishes that they didn’t have to follow them at all. That’s the downside to being royalty, though.

Turning to Cassandra, she smiles warmly. “Thank you for letting us visit. The children are delightful and you and the others are doing such a wonderful job with them,” She says sincerely. It’s clear that the workers genuinely care for the children which is amazing. It’s good to know that they’ll grow up being loved, even if it isn’t in the traditional sense.

Her smile grows a little when she hears Kaillas. She finds it very sweet that he’s making that offer. Many people prefer to make their donations and then just wash their hands of it for good. It’s nice to see her husband is invested.

Kaillas wast sure how much he believed that answer. He could tell she was down about having to leave the children. When they returned to the palace, he wouks show her the few orphanages in the city she coukd visit, provided she had a heavy guard. There were thousands of people in the capital. People going in and out. It coukd be dangerous for a queen to travel without the right guard.

Cassandra's smile grew at the Queen's words. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I do hope you'll visit again in the future. I know they would love to see you again." Though she couldn't be quite sure if they woukd be happy to see the queen or the toys she brought. She was assuming it woukd be the latter. Children did seem to be on a one track mind.

"Have a wonderful evening and enjoy the theater," she bowed her head to them, moving aside so the couple would be able to leave. She smiled as they went and shut the door firmly as they left.

Kaillas repeated the words back to Cassandra before leading Ophelia out of the orphanage and on to the side walk. The theater would be a short walk as it was only a block down from the town hall.

Ophelia has yet to even step foot in the capital. Upon her arrival in the kingdom, she was taken straight to the palace, the carriage avoiding all busy roads. It’s the one place where she wouldn’t even think about complaining about being accompanied by guards. Places with such large populations can be very dangerous.

She thanks Cassandra once more before bidding her farewell. She watches as the woman returns to the building. Then, she turns to look at Kaillas. She knows that they’ve stayed here a little longer than they planned so she’s a tad worried they may be late to the theater, especially since she doesn’t know how far away it is.

Following after him, she lets her mind wander. She doesn’t mind the silence between them right now. There are a lot of thoughts running through her head that she needs to sort through. There have been a lot of major changes in her life recently and it feels as though the realization is starting to catch up to her.

Luckily, the theater is only a mere block away so they arrive on time. “What’s the name of the play we’re seeing?” She asks, pulling herself out of her own head. She’s been looking forward to this performance so she wants to be aware enough to actually enjoy it.

Kaillas looked down at her as she spoke. He let out a small laugh. "The kids version of Romeo and Juliette." He expected nothing less than chaos and awkwardness as they tried to make such a story kid friendly. At least it would be entertaining to watch, whether it was a good play or not.

The theater was straight ahead. A guard came up to them and gestured for then to follow. They would go in through a back door to avoid the mess of the front. Less people around them, the safer it was. They could avoid people flocking to them trying to talk to and touch them. And this way no one would accidently get hurt.

They slipped in through the back door and were quickly guided up the stairs and into their box. It was on the right side of the stage. It was a good view and comfortable enough for this small town. There was only so much enjoyment in a smaller town so entertainment such as the theater were prioritized.