forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Kaillas pulled out her chair for her as he always did and dropped a kiss to the top of her head as she sat. He helped her push the chair in closer to the table before taking his own seat opposite of her. He reached for his glass of water and took a sip. He was parched. He hadn't had any water since their meal yesterday. He had been too wrapped up in his head earlier to take care of his basic needs. Now he was realizing he was more tired than he'd realized.

He he waited for Ophelis to take the first bite before starting to eat off of his own plate. He was also quite hungry. They had burned off a lit of calories over the past few hours and he needed to replenish his strength. They both did. He would make sure she ate enough.

"Try not to let them bother you," he said in a quiet voice. "They're just busy bodies. It'll be better when we return to the palace. Only a select few staff are allowed in our in wing. And while the rooms aren't soundproof," for obvious reasons, "It'll be a lot quieter. The staff won't talk or look at you different."

They might need to watch their volume a little bit because his sisters were only a few doors down from them. But seeing as his bedroom was in the back of his suite, sounds didn't often reach their rooms. He learned the limit of how loud he could be the hard way. And in a few years, his sisters would be married and moved out and they would have it to themselves until they finally had children.

Ophelia thanks him when he pulls out the chair and kisses the top of her head. She always appreciates the simple sweet things that he does for her. She reaches forward and takes her cup, downing about half the glass of water in one go. She’s parched and hungry. They really worked up a sweat these last several hours.

Once Kaillas has sat down, she digs into her food. It tastes wonderful. Even more so since she hasn’t eaten in forever after burning off so many calories. For a few minutes she focuses on eating, neglecting to come up with a conversation topic. After a few minutes, she’s got some food on her stomach and is feeling a bit better.

“I just don’t like that they’re staring at us like we’ve done something wrong.” It makes her feel dirty. She knows that since they’re married and on their honeymoon, they should be able to fool around without anyone being surprised. She just wasn’t expecting the reactions from the staff.

She hopes that he’s right about the palace. It’ll be nice to have some more privacy and more understanding staff. She’s just starting to feel comfortable and confident with herself and with him, she doesn’t want anyone to make her feel dirty or shameful for it.

Their glasses of water were refilled almost immediately and Kaillas instructed for her to leave the pitcher on the table and she could go inside. They could take care of themselves. He didn't need someone to pour him water. And he wanted to get away from their scrutiny.

He reached across the table and took her hand, holding it tightly in his hand. "Hey, look at me," he said gently. "Nothing that we have done is wrong or dirty or shameful. People see sex and marriage for people like us as a duty. They expect for us to treat sex as a duty and nothing that we should enjoy, because we're royals. If we weren't meant to enjoy it, we would not have been made for it to be pleasurable. We've done nothing wrong, don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

He squeezed her hand before retreating back to his side of the table and grabbing his fork, starting to eat again. He finished up his plate and grabbed a roll in the basket of the center of the table, tearing it and munching on it. "I let very few people staff into our wing and even fewer into my suite. Other than moving your things into my rooms, we should be primarily left alone. A couple maids and maybe Catalina will help you dress for the day. Other than, there will be a couple guards posted out the door and the maid's will clean the room after we've left."

Glad that the maid has gone inside, she sighs quietly and leans against the back of her chair. It’s nice to not have anyone hovering. It’s just too much to deal with. She sips at her water before setting the cup off to the side and looking back to Kaillas.

She squeezes his hand lightly in return. “I know that you’re right but it’s hard to handle all of the stares and judgement. It’s not fair that just because of our status we aren’t allowed to enjoy ourselves. They only view me as a vessel to carry your heir. They don’t see me as a person with thoughts and feelings.” It irks her. Compared to most people their struggles are petty but she feels like they should still be allowed to vent and feel frustrated.

Turning her attention to her food, she goes back to eating. She’s still hungry so she’ll have no problem polishing off her plate. “I don’t really need help unless the dress is complicated.” Though she appreciates the effort of the maids, she’d like to be more independent. She knows how to dress and bathe herself. She sees no need to have a couple of people fussing over her for such mundane tasks.

"I know, darling, I know." Kaillas knew as well as anyone what it was like to be placed on a pedestal. It had been a big adjustment for him and he fought it more than once. Going from the army where he was just one of the many to suddenly being king was vastly different. He struggled and fought against the role they were trying to shove at him for so long before he learned how to make it work for him.

"It will get better with time, I promise. Once the court gets more familiar with you or some other scandal happens, it it will calm down. They'll leave you alone more. And if you ever need to get away, just come to me. I'll get you out of the palace for a little while." While he'd might not always get to go with her, he could send his sisters or Catalina so she wouldn't be alone.

He refilled his water glass as he drained it again. He sat back in his seat, munching slowly on the piece of bread in his hand. His hunger was mostly satisfied now. He smiled at her. "You can talk to Catalina about that."

Ophelia sighs quietly and finishes eating. She appreciates that Kaillas is trying to make her feel better but she’s just going to have to learn on how to adjust on her own. Though she’s been in the spotlight her whole life, most people haven’t really cared about her. They were always much more interested in her brother and then when he died the focus turned to who would take his place.

That’s something she’s still incredibly bitter about. It’s not fair that she’s not able to take the throne. Though she’s very happy with how things turned out with her marriage, a part of her is always going to wonder what would have happened if she had been able to become queen of her home kingdom.

She waits for Kaillas to finish eating so they can properly start their day. Everything got so delayed and out of sorts this morning. It was a lot of fun but it really threw any sort of schedule right out the window. And then she crashed for another few hours which shaved off a chunk of their day.

Kaillas pushed out his chair and beckoned for her to come over to him. He saw rhat look in her face and could guess what she was thinking about. Her birthright, her position, that pedestal they were put on. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head. He wanted to soothe those thoughts.

Once she was close enough, he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her to sit across his lap. He wrapped his arms around, hugging her to his chest. He kissed her forehead. "You would have been a wonderful Queen for your home. But now my kingdom gets to have you as their Queen. I promise you will have more than figure roll. I don't expect you spend your days planning teaparties and balls."

While his sisters had enjoyed doing it, they were also young and unbothered by most things. Elora was beginning to become more aware of the things around in their kingdom and had her own opinions about them. And he always listened, and sometimes he took her up on it. "We will work together. You will have an office next to me and we'll make decisions about pur kingdom together."

Ophelia gets up and goes over to him when beckoned to do so. She sits down on his lap with a soft huff, leaning into his touch. "They can bite me," She mutters, displeased with even the thought of her birth kingdom right now. Her parents haven't even bothered to send her a letter to ask how she's doing. The second she left, she's certain that she became dead to them. "Do you really mean that?" She asks, looking up at his face. She would love to have actual responsibilities. Granted, she would still love to through balls for the kingdom and teaparties for the court but she wants to do more.

She's surprised and very excited to hear that he's actually going to be giving her an office and including her in all of the decisions. All she was hoping for was for some tasks with actual meaning but she's more than happy to take more. She has a good amount of knowledge on politics and how to run a kingdom so she knows that she could be an asset. She just needs to be given a proper chance.

The bonus is that it would royally piss her parents off to know that she's an a position of actual power. They raised her to be quiet and obedient. She smiles a bit at the thought. Perhaps it's petty but she wants to do something rebellious. Or, rebellious in their eyes.

Kaillas chuckled at her words, kissing her cheek. He knew she meant them. Her family had not been kind to her. They neglected her and pushed her aside all because she was born a woman and not a man. As if that had anything to do with her ability to lead a country. He decided right then that no matter what gender their first child was, they would be named his heir. A boy or girl, it didn't matter. The only reason the crown woukd pass on to the second born would be because of death or they weren't fit to rule for whatever reason that may be.

"I do mean it," he promised. "You can still plan your balls and teaparties, but anything important and we decide together." He didn't think he would be able to get her into his council meetings but he would discuss the contents of it with her. "You are my wife and my Queen. You are equal to me in all ways. And I'll let you handle any correspondence with your parents as a personal 'fuck you.'"

He wanted to shoved it in her parents face how well of a ruler she was going to be. He believed she would do wonderful. With a little bit of guidance and knowledge, he had every faith that she would be able to run his country. He was going to be there every step of the way and show her.

Ophelia leans into his touch, appreciating that he's willing to put some faith in her. She attended all of her brother's lessons and then paid a tutor in secret to continue her education after he died. She knows that she can be a good ruler. It means the world to her that Kaillas is willing give her a chance. "Thank you," She says sincerely. It's a wild feeling to know that someone actually believes in her. "I promise that I won't let you down." It's important for her to let him know that she will actually be successful. There's a lot that she's certain she can help out with.

The smile on her face grows as he mentions her being in charge of any correspondence to her parents. She can only imagine the looks on their faces as they realize that she's in a position of power and can make actual decisions. It would absolutely drive them insane. All they see her as is a baby maker. She can't wait to prove them wrong and rub her success in their faces.

She kisses his cheek lightly, feeling much better now that he's assured her that she'll be able to make some decisions. With a very happy hum, she hops off of his lap and takes his hand. "Come on, I want to go take a walk with you. Or we could go on that swim?"

Kaillas gave her a soft look. "You could never let me down." He didn't expect her to always make the right decisions. He didn't. He dealt with the consequences everyday for his actions, even when they were the right ones. It was going to be hard for her but he would show her the right way to do it. He would offer guidance and help when she asked for it. And he would approve everything before it went into effect. It wasn't that he would second guess it or change anything about her policy. He might offer a suggestion but really he just wanted to know what it was before it became official.

He knew she would get excited about dealing with her parents. He felt like it was the right sort of justice and karma for then ignoring her all these years. He could only imagine the horror and anger as they watched their daughter excel in life even when they tried to prevent her. She was more than just her womb. She had a beautiful mind and the world deserved to see it.

Kaillas made to stand when the back door burst open. He looked at the door, startled and anger rising at being interrupted until he saw the messenger in riding clothes. "Someone better be dying," he practically growled, though he knew someone very well would be if a palace messenger was here.

He let go of Ophelia and walked to the man, taking the letter from his hands. He read the contents once, twice, then swore. He burst into the house, almost running to the office and finding a pen and paper. He was shouting at the staff to ready a horse for him. He would need to leave as soon as possible.

(Hehe don't hate me :D )

Ophelia may be excited about the idea of being in a position of power but she won’t do anything rash. Any and all final decisions are up to Kaillas. She’ll accept his guidance and ask questions and get advice when she needs to. She knows that she can’t just step into the role and be perfect at it. There’s a lot that she still has to learn and she’ll never be done learning. There’s always something new. She wants to be the best that she can be and that means accepting help and continuing to grow as a person.

What she’s most excited for, however, is undoubtedly the fact that her parents will be well aware of her status. With their old fashioned views and their short tempers she just knows they they’ll throw a tantrum when they finally find out. She would love nothing more than to be a fly on the wall in that moment.

She nearly jumps out of her skin when a messengers comes barreling through the door. The chaos and panic that follows instantly overwhelms her. It takes her a moment to realize what’s happening. Her heart sinks as she has to come to terms that Kaillas is leaving. Though she knows that it must be for a good reason, the pain doesn’t dull. They’re barely three days into their honeymoon and now it’s over.

Despite the whirlwind of emotions bubbling up inside of her, she knows that she needs to stay calm. “What’s going on?” She asks the messenger, worried about how serious this is.

(You just murdered their honeymoon in cold blood. Vicious XD)

(I did. I did do that. It's been planned the whole time mwahaha)

Kaillas found the paper in one drawer and a pen in the other. He tried to still his hand as he wrote on the page. He needed it to be legible so Ambrose would understand his instructions. He folded the letter and grabbed some wax, heating enough with a match to melt on the paper. He placed his seal, the royal seal on the letter. Then he took a moment, gripping the oak desk and finding his breath. He was angry. Angry this was happening, angry this was ruining his honeymoon. But it needed his immediate response and it would work better if he were there himself.

The messenger gave Ophelia a sympathetic look. "I think it's best if you talk to the king, Your Majesty." Then he stepped back into the house. He was expected to take a letter back to Ambrose who was acting regent. He would want to know the king's response.

Kaillas strode out of the office. He had written a second letter. One was for Ophelia, the other for Ambrose. The letter returning to the palace merely said that he, the king, was personally going to take care of this problem and to send five hundred of their men with him. It should be enough to deal with the problem and enough of a military force to make a statement. The other one was for Ophelia only.

(You’re evil! haha)

Ophelia isn’t happy with that answer but she won’t take her frustrations out on the messenger. It’s not his fault after all. She quickly heads inside and goes to find Kaillas, hoping that he can shed some light on the situation before he has to leave. She knows without a shadow of a doubt that he’s leaving. There’s no point in trying to convince herself otherwise.

Spotting him leaving the office, she hesitate. She’s never seen him so angry before. Admittedly, she’s not so sure that she wants to approach him whilst he’s in this state. It takes her a minute to convince herself before she cautiously approaches him.

“What’s going on?” She asks lightly, keeping a few feet between them just in case. She doesn’t think that he’ll be violent or unreasonable but she wants to give him his space. It’s clear that whatever is going on is something terrible. She just doesn’t know the extent of it. She’s also isn’t sure what she’s supposed to do. Since no one has explained what’s going on, she doesn’t know if she’s meant to stay here or go with him.

Kiallas spotted Ophelia in the hall and his mood instantly lightened. No matter how angry he was, being in her presence improved his mood significantly. He sighed softly, closing the gap between then and taking her hand in his. "I have to go."

He didn't want to leave but he had to. He wasn't sure how long he would be gone. It would take at least two days to reach the village from their beach house and perhaps even longer from the village back to the palace. And that wasn't accounting how long it woudk take to settle the matter and reestablish order. He was expecting to be gone for two weeks, maybe longer.

"There's something going on along the border. I can't sat for sure. It might be a skirmish between villages or nobles. Or it might be outsiders crossing to ensue havoc. Whatever it is, I need to go sort it out. I'm sorry." He was sorry their honeymoon was being cut short. He was sorry he was going ti be away from her for so ling. "I promise to write to you everyday once I get there. I'll send a raven."

The he handed her a letter with her name written on it. "This grants you the role Queen regent if you wish to take it. You will have full control over my kingdom and my backing on any decisions you make while I am gone. This gives you the power to rule as you see fit." He placed it firmly in her hand. "If you wish to rule as regent, hand this to Ambrose when you return. If you don't want to, burn it."

He cupped her cheeks and kissed her fiercely then, not caring who saw them. "Stay here and finish the honeymoon if you want to. I can send for the girls or Catalina to keep you company. I want you to enjoy yourself before returning home."

Ophelia squeezes his hand lightly, deeply concerned when she sees the look on his face. This is going to be much worse than she thought, she just knows it. Actually hearing him say that he needs to leave is crushing. As much as she wants to beg him to stay she knows that it’s no use. The kingdom needs him. He has no choice but to go.

Weeks. He’s going to be gone for weeks. With each bit of information he offers, she grows more and more distraught. Their relationship has barely begun and now he’s being dragged away for god knows how long. Despite her internal dismay, she’s careful not to show it on her face. She doesn’t want to stress him out right now he has something big and important to do. “I understand,” She says lightly, offering a weak smile. “I look forward to your letters.”

Glancing down at the letter, she blinks in surprise. She certainly wasn’t expecting this. “Thank you.” She has no idea what she’s going to do with this letter. Will the people even trust her if she decides to take over for Kaillas. There’s a lot she’s going to need to think about, that’s for certain. She cups his face and kisses him back just as fiercely, knowing that this will be the last time they see each other for awhile.

There isn’t a chance that she’s staying. She doesn’t want to be here without him. She’ll return to the palace, mope for a day, and then pull herself together and figure out what to do. “Please be safe, Kaillas.” She doesn’t want anything to happen to him.

(Mawhaha)

Kaillas didn't want to leave. Not yet. It broke his heart that he has to go. They had only a couple of weeks together. And they were wonderful but he wanted more. Their relationship had only just began to progress and now he had to leave. He had half a mind to send someone else to deal with it so he could remain here with his wife. What sort of message would it send if the king couldn't bother to care for his own people?

He wrapped his arms around her as they kissed. For once, he did not care that there were staff around them. That the palace messenger was standing further back in the hall. It was only him and his wife in that moment. He burned this moment to memory. The feeling if her lips on his, the soft touch of her palm as it brushed against his scar. The curve of her lithe body as it fit perfectly against his.

"Do not worry about me, darling." He finally pulled away, leaning his forehead against her. "I will be fine. I'll return to you in a couple weeks. The girls will keep you company in my absence. You probably won't even notice I'm gone." He gave her a weak attempt at a smile. "Stay in my rooms at home. What's mine is yours."

Ophelia leans against his chest, wrapping her arms around his neck. She doesn’t want to let go. She can’t. Not yet. They’ve barely had any time together and now that they’re making real progress, they’re being ripped away from each other. She knows that he has to go. There’s no getting out of that. The people need their king. She just wishes that they didn’t have to part so soon.

When he pulls away, her heart constricts in her chest. She manages a weak smile at his joke, not wanting to make him feel any worse for leaving. “I look forward to your return already,” She says softly. It’s going to be a miserable couple of weeks. She’s going to have to find a way to keep herself busy.

The idea of sleeping in their bed without him is just wrong but she doesn’t want to return to her own room. Everything is a mess and she hates that this is happening. She hopes that whatever is going on is actually much simpler than they thought and he’ll be home within a day or two.

"I know," Kaillas murmured in her ear as he hugged her tight. "I know." He wasn't ready to leave her but he had to. He squeezed her one last time, perhaps a little too hard, then released her. The faster he was on the road the faster he would be able to come back home.

"I'll come back as soon as I can. I'll be thinking of you." He kissed her forehead one last time. "Goodbye, darling." He had to force himself to walk away from her. It was hell to put one foot in front another, guiding him away from her and outside where a horse was prepared for him. He would switch off in horses during the trip for his war horse and his armor. He would need it.

He didn't look back. He couldn't. He knew if he did he would run to her arms and he wouldn't be able to leave. He handed the messenger the letter and together they walked out of the house. Two guards were already mounted and prepared to escort him. The rest would be staying with Ophelia. He mounted the horse, the messenger doing the same. With a kick, the king and the messenger parted ways, the king going south and the messenger north to the palace.

Kaillas didn't look back. Not until the house had faded from view and he wasn't risking seeing her standing outside watching him leave.

A maid aporached the Queen, curtsying to her. "Milady, what you like to do?" Ophelia was in charge now with the king gone. They were at her mercy.

Ophelia holds onto him, scared for the moment she knows she’ll have to let him go. There are so many thoughts running rampage through her head right now. What if something terrible happens and he never comes back? The king will be the most protected man there but that doesn’t mean something can’t happen. The idea is terrifying. She doesn’t want to lose him.

When it’s time for them to finally pull apart, she has to force herself to do so. The longer they delay this, the harder it’ll be. “Goodbye, Kaillas,” She says softly, struggling to stay in place. She watches as he leaves the house, mounts his horse, and rides off. Standing there, she’s fixed in place for longer after he’s disappeared from view.

Looking over to the maid, she takes a breath to compose herself. “I wish to go home.” She can’t bare the idea of staying here, in their honeymoon house, without him. It’s best that she return to the palace. She needs to make a decision on what to do with this letter. Is she ready to take control?