While Ophelia appreciates that he’s willing to stick up for her, she would rather him not say anything to her parents. It’ll just make things worse in the long run. Honestly, she doesn’t even want him to have to interact with them. They’re terrible people and she doesn’t want him to have to deal with their stuck up attitudes. “Just don’t interact with them unless you just. Save yourself the headache,” She says with a small laugh, trying to keep the mood light.
She tucks herself against him, resting her head on his chest as she relaxes a little. She’s desperately missed being in his arms. It never fails to soothe her when she’s feeling stressed out. With everything that’s going on right now, she’s going to want to be with him as much as possible. Unfortunately, she’s certain that their time will be rather limited since he’ll need to be dragged away to strategy meetings.
Hearing him speak, she turns her head a little more to look at him. The comment about not wanting children until all of this is settled is logical. She understands completely and she agrees. Still, a part of her hurts at this announcement. “I agree,” She whispers back, knowing that it’s for the best. She needs to remind herself that they aren’t ready for children anyways. They haven’t even been married for a year.
She nuzzles his neck lightly, closing her eyes. It’s so nice to be back in his arms. She wishes that they could just stay like this forever.
Kaillas didn't smile. He saw what she was doing. Deflecting. She was trying not to make the situation look as bad as it did. He understood and he wouldn't push her. But he would do anything to protect his wife, even from her parents. They were horrible people. Horrible parents. They had neglected her. He would never do that. He would cherish her until the end of their days.
Something about her weight in his lap was soothing. He didn't know how but it just was. And while the day after tomorrow was going to be filled with meetings apin meetings, he planned to spend every available moment with her. He wasn't going ti exclude her from his meetings. Most of then, anyhow. Battle strategy was no place for someone with such a soft heart. But others, he could use her attendance. If his councilmen had permanently scared her away.
He tried not to sigh. It wasn't as if he didn't want children with her. He did. But…she was so young. She needed time to be herself and live. They had years before her clock ran out. Years that they could just be together without the restraint of a child. And he wanted to make sure his kingdom was as safe as possible. He wouldn't risk his child's life by allowing assassins to be running around. "One day," he murmured, placing a hand on her belly, "One day."
He kissed her again then, with a little more passion and heat than their first. He had missed this, missed her. And he was going to drink up every second of it while he could. Soak up every sound, every movement.
Ophelia bites back a sigh when she notices the expression on his face. It seems like her attempt to lighten the conversation failed. She can’t say she’s surprised by that but she’s a little disappointed that it didn’t work. While her parents weren’t very involved with raising her, they’re still her parents and she doesn’t want to fully cut them out of her life. Not yet at least.
The council hasn’t scared her off and they won’t. They may not respect her but she’s sure as hell not scared of them. She fully plans on attending every meeting she’s allowed to. She may be able to help if they would just give her a chance instead of dismissing everything that she’s saying. They really irked her over these last few weeks and quite frankly they should be happy she isn’t vengeful.
She doesn’t want children right away so that isn’t a problem. She wants to have been married for at least a couple of years, preferably five years. She wants them to enjoy each other’s presence for awhile before they have a little one running around. Feeling his hands grazing her belly, she smiles a tad. Though she wants to wait, she has to admit that she’s excited at the idea of carrying his baby.
With a hum, she kisses him back with just as much passion. Their time together is going to be fairly limited so she fully plans on enjoying every second of it. She cups his face and leans into his touch, just needing him.
Kaillas would admit the thought of children had never truly excited him. Not until Ophelia had come into his life and he had seen the way she had handled those children. The way she had cradled that baby to her chest, he imagined her own belly swelling with their child inside. Holding his baby girl to his naked chest while his wife rested from her labors.
He swore that he would not be like his parents, shipping off their children to fight in wars. He would not be like hers, neglectful just because the child wasn't a boy. He would love their children no matter what they were. No matter if they had disabilities. If he had a litter of all girls he would be a happy father. He'd might prefer that, except one day boys would be preening to take his little girls away. That he didn't like.
But that was a long time from now. And right now, ge had his lively wife in his arms and her lips on his and that was all that mattered. His hand slipped from her cheek to her neck, cradling it. He kissed her deeper, his desire for her growing. It had been three long weeks without her. He craved her.
With a swift motion, he went from sitting on the couch with her in his lap, to laying her down on the couch while he hovered over her. He decided then that there were much too many clothes on their body and it was about time to remove them all.
(Ima let you decide when you wanna be pregnant and the gender. I'll let you know a secret, I like pregnancy tropes as long as they're done well XD)
Ophelia has always wanted children. There’s never been a doubt about that in her mind. She doesn’t want a full litter worth. Three at the max is it for her. She grew up deprived of love and attention. She wants to make sure that any children she has gets enough individual attention and love. Anymore than three or four and she feels like she wouldn’t be able to accomplish that.
Though she knows she doesn’t have a say in the matter, she would love to have girls. She can just see Kaillas as the perfect girl dad. Boys would be nice since it would be like having a tiny version of her husband roaming around but she does hope for at least one girl. These are dreams for the future. They won’t have any children for awhile so there’s no need to try and plan anything out.
As the kiss deepens, she presses herself against his chest. She doesn’t want to let him go for even a second. It’s felt wrong being without him for three weeks. Everyday that passed without him was painful. She’s so relieved to have him back. She’s not going to be happy when it’s time for him to be dragged off to meetings.
She startles a little when she’s suddenly moved and flipped onto her back. With a breathless laugh, she relaxes and looks up at him. She’s not sure if she’ll ever get used to how strong he is. She runs her fingers through his hairs, excited to have him so close to her once again.
(Are you sure you want to give me that power? XD Cause now I get to decide if I want to traumatize them or give them a fairytale family sort of deal lol)
(I might regret this decision but the choice is yours. Try not to traumatized them too much haha)
Kaillas had been gone for far too long. He had been been without her touch for too long. He had spent countless nights, looking at the stars as he imagined this, touching his wife, kissing her, feeling her skin on his. He never wanted to go another night without sliding in behind beside her and holding her to his chest. Something that wouldn't be possible to do. Yet he would try.
In a quick motion, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the side. Their lips were parted for the quickest moment before he was descending on her again. He was pulling at the sleeves of her gown, tugging them down to show more skin. More. He wanted more more more.
His lips finally left her but only to kiss across her skin. That beautiful, Sotheby's skin. Unmarked like he. Not an inch of her was scarred. He would keep it that way. No one woukd harm her. No one would make a mark upon her skin unless it was he. And unless she asked for it.
He kissed the skin at the base of her throat, his eyes flicking up to hers for a brief moment to watch her. He loved watching her. He loved to see how she reacted him. How she quieted her eyes shut and the part of her lips as she made the most delicious sounds. "Bed, now." They'd have to go now or they would never make it there.
(Fantastic! I’ll traumatize them just enough before I actually chill out and let them live lol)
Every night, Ophelia has laid in bed, lonely and wishing for him to have her in his arms. It’s been awful being in that big bed by herself. She’s been so used to doing to bed with him each night that it’s been torture trying to sleep without them. That and the worry that kept piling on as she tried to guess if he was alive or dead. It was terrifying and stressful.
She immediately moves her hands to his chest, dragging her nails roughly down his skin. The frustration and lack of touch over these last few weeks has her not wanting to hold back. She wants to let go and just enjoy herself, all of her worries be damned. She shifts a little to help him tug her dress down, craving his touch.
Little gasps and noises of contentment and pleasure tumble from her mouth as she relishes the feeling of his lips on her skin. Everything he does elicits a response from her. Her body is perfectly in tune with him and what he’s doing. Her hands wander lower, lightly gripping the rim of his pants.
The demand to go to bed sends a shiver running down her spine. “Yes, sir,• She breathes out, her voice trembling with anticipation. She’s desperate for more. It feels like an addiction. Though she’s reluctant to move out from under him, it’s now or never. One more minute of this and they’ll be staying on the couch.
(Ah lovely. Gotta make them work for happily ever after haha)
Kaillas immediately flexed his chest into her waiting palms. He shivered as her nails bit his skin and suppressed a groan. He had forgotten how wonderful this felt, the pleasure on the edge of pain. He didn't know where it came from, the liking of such pain. Perhaps it came from his years serving on a battlefield. But he loved it, craved it. And when Ophelua did it, it was torturous.
He craved her, and he knew she craved him just as much. She responded so well and ger little gasps and noises only ended him on. He was at the very edge of cliff and he was so close to falling right over. If they didn't move now, they would be stuck here until morning.
Her noises only encouraged him further. He nipped and bit at her skin. He didn't leave any marks. At least nothing that wouldn't fade within a few minutes. Where he wanted to leave his mark, he didn't want anyone to see.
He was up and off her in a flash, holding out a hand to help her up. He turned her and nudged her towards the bedroom. At her words, a noise grumbled deep inside his chest that sounded almost like a growl. He was prowling after her and all but tacked her to the bed, putting his hands on her to take most of the impact. Not that the bed wouldn't be something soft to fall on.
(Do you wanna take the next reaping to pm?)
(Oh hell yeah. They’ve gotta work hard for it lol Of course, I’m gonna want your opinion on a few things regarding their future linage lol)
(And yep! Posting there now)
Kaillas had been awoken by a scream. The sun was nowhere near rising, as the moon still shone through the curtains. It couldn't have been later than two in the morning.
His blood ran cold and he had gotten up faster than should have been humanly possible. He knew that scream, knew who it belonged too. Katya. His sword was in his hand, as he was far from it. He looked back at Ophelia, barking at her, "Stay here." Then he was running out if their suite.
Guards were already swarming the hall to the youngest princesses rooms. When no one brought out a bleeding girl or assassin, he relaxed, eveb if slightly. One look from the guards and he knew it was nothing but a nightmare. Nightmares that had been gone for years and suddenly resurfaced. He knew why they were coming back.
He handed his sword off to a guard so not to further traumatize his sister and walked quickly into the room. There she was, sobbing on the bed. He coukd see the tears streaming down her cheeks by the candle light. He rushed to her, sitting on the bed beside her and pulling her into a hug. Most of the guards backed out of the room. Some leaving to tell the princess and queen everything was alright, the rest wanting to give them their privacy.
Elora appeared in the room quite quickly, her guard on her heels behind her. Perhaps if the king hadn't been so preoccupied with the sister in his arms, he would have noticed how is other one was clinging to the young guard.
Ophelia jolts and sits straight up, having been startled out of her deep sleep by the sounds of terrified screams. She watches as Kailas rushes out of their suite, leaving her behind, worried half to death. Something is obviously very wrong. Getting out of bed, she hurries over to the wardrobe and pulls on something more appreciate to wear in case she needs to leave the room in a hurry.
She can't shake off the feeling of unease that lingers in the air. The unknown and the silence following the scream has her worried. So much has happened lately and she fears that this may be another attack. Time seems to pass slowly as Ophelia paces back and forth in the silent room, her mind filled with worry and unanswered questions.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Ophelia hears footsteps approaching the suite. She quickly turns, her eyes fixed on the door, hoping that it's her husband. Much to her disappointment, it's only one of the guards. She's filled in on what's going on and assured that everything is okay.
Wanting to see for herself, she pulls on a robe and leaves the room. It only takes her a minute to arrive at Katya's bedroom. She cautiously pokes her head into the room, her heart hurting for the girl when she hears the sobbing.
Kaillas raised his head to look at his wife and Elora, who had long since let go of her guard who lingered behind her. He sighed silently, rocking Katya. His hand was placed on the back of her head and the other rubbing her back soothingly. He gestured for Elora to come over to join them and she folded right into the hug.
This was how they had slept for months. After the aftermath of the annihilation of half their family, they would crawl into bed with each other and just cling to one another. They would go back to hating each other in the morning, clashing their heads whenever they could. But nights were neutral ground when they would just be.
He looked at Ophelia again, an apology in his eyes. He didn't think he was leaving this bedroom anytime soon. "Go back to bed," he mouthed to her. She shouldn't have to wait up for him when he likely wouldn't come until daylight.
Ophelia's heart aches as she watches the intimate moment between Kaillas, Katya, and Elora, lingering uncertainly in the doorway. She can't even begin to understand the depth of their shared pain, the scars that still haunt them. At least they still have each other and they are able to find solace in each other's arms during the darkest of nights.
Reluctantly, she nods in response to Kaillas's unspoken message. She knows he was right. This is a battle he has to face within the confines of that room, a battle against nightmares and memories that she couldn't fully comprehend. As much as she wishes to support him and the girls, she understands and respects that this is a family matter.
With a heavy sigh, she turns away from the scene and retraces her steps back to their suite. She slips into bed, the emptiness of the room amplifying the hollowness in her chest. Though the night is still young, sleep eludes her as her mind wanders to the struggles her husband and his family faced.
Kaillas eventually laid down his two sisters, one on each side and clinging to him as if he was the only thing keeping them together. They said nothing to one another. The only thing that filled the room where Katya's fading cries and sniffles. He didn't know how long they lay awake until both his sisters finally faded into a restless sleep. He didn't know when he finally fell asleep. Only when he woke, the sun had just begun to rise on the horizon.
He untangled himself from Katya and gently shook Elora awake. "Get dressed, we're going hunting," he murmured quietly to her so as not to disturb their sleeping sister. She merely nodded and slipped off the bed and slinked out the door. He kissed Katya's head before slipping out of bed himself.
He crept back to his room, his bare feet cold on the wood floor. He immediately went to his wife's side, kneeling next to the bed and brushing her hair out of her face. "My darling," he murmured, kissing her head.
What feels like hours pass as Ophelia lays in the dark, staring up at the ceiling. She struggles to get any rest. It feels wrong being here, alone, in their bed while Kaillas is just a few rooms down. She tosses and turns, doing whatever she can to get herself comfortable. Eventually, sleep overtakes her and she falls into a restless sleep.
The sun soon begins inching its way into the sky. The light streams through the window, starting to illuminate the room. Yet, she doesn't wake. The exhaustion of everything that has been happening lately has finally caught up to her. Both her body and mind are desperate for sleep, forcing her to not wake at her usual time.
It's not until Kaillas enters the room and kneels next to the bed that Ophelia stirs from her sleep. The first thing she is aware of is the gentle touch and the tender words of her husband. Blinking her eyes open, she meets his gaze with a mixture of sleepiness and concern. His presence at her side brings a sense of warmth and comfort, despite the heaviness that still lingers in the air.
"Kaillas," She whispers, her voice soft and filled with affection. She reaches out to touch his cheek, her fingertips brushing against his skin. "Is everything alright? How are Katya and Elora?"
Kaillas tilted his head into her palm, his eyes closing briefly. "No," he said truthfully. Buried trauma was resurfacing after years of having been dealt with. it was hard. All he could see was his parent's bodies in their coffins, his brother's. The crown that he wore on his head was never supposed to be his. It didn't belong to him. He was an imposter wearing clothes that never belonged to him.
"They're dealing." Or at least trying to. "Katya is still in bed. Elora and I are going out hunting for a while. Will you stay with Katya for me? I don't want her to be alone." He didn't want to leave his youngest sister but he knew Elora needed this, needed to be with him. And they needed to talk. A long talk. Their little hunting trip would not be a lot of hunting.
He got up from his kneeling position and went for the closet. He dawned on his riding clothes and strapped his sword to his side. he freshened up in the bathroom before returning to Ophelia's side. "I'll be back later. Likely after lunch."
Ophelia watches Kaillas with deep concern as he admits to his troubles. She can sense the weight of his burden, the resurfacing trauma, and the overwhelming sense of displacement he feels. It pains her to see him in such distress. She wishes that she could take this pain away from him.
Nodding softly, she gently removes her hand from Kaillas' head, allowing him to rise and prepare for his outing with Elora. Hopefully this outting will prove to be good for the both of them. She knows that they need some time to talk about everything that has been going on.
"I'll stay with her," She assures him, having no problem with that. "She won't be alone. Take the time you need with Elora.”
As Kaillas returns to her side after freshening up, she reaches out to place a comforting hand on his arm. Her touch is gentle, offering support and reassurance. “I’ll see you after lunch. Good luck with your talk.”
Kaillas gripped her hand in his own and leaned forward to kiss her gently. He had a hard time trying to pull away. He had wanted to spend the night with her. He had wanted to finally fall asleep with her body on his. Bit his sisters needed to be first right now.
"Go back to sleep," he said as he finally pulled away from the kiss. "You need your rest." The look in his eye told her exactly why she needed her rest. "I'll see you in a few hours." Then he was gone.
He met Elora in the hall, wearing her riding leathers and that guard from last night by her side. Two more guards fell in line behind then as they began to walk down the hall. They were Kaillas' guards, as much as he hated it. He had butt heads with the captain a few times about it. It did nothing to change anything.
As they reached the stables, their horses were already saddled and their bows and quivers already attached to the saddle. Some provisions were in the saddle bag to get them through the afternoon. He looked at his sister, nodding before mounting his horse. She did the same along with their guards. Then they were off.
Ophelia sighs softly as he reluctantly pulls away from their kiss. She can sense the conflict in his eyes, torn between his desire to stay and his responsibility towards his sisters. She understands the weight of his obligations and the love he has for his family.
As he reassured her, telling her to go back to sleep and emphasizing the importance of her rest, she feels a mix of emotions. She had wanted to spend the night with him, to hold him close and feel his warmth next to her. But she also respects his dedication to his sisters and admires his sense of responsibility.
With a soft smile, she nodded. "I’ll be here when you return." Her voice carries a hint of longing, but she wants to reassure him that she’s fine with his priorities.
As he vanishes from the room, she settles back into her pillow, her mind fills with thoughts of Kaillas. She knows the wait will be worth it, and the anticipation only deepens her affection for him. She closes her eyes, hoping that the hours would pass quickly until they could be together again.
Kaillas wanted nothing more than to return to bed and hold Ophelia. He had been dreaming of it for weeks. Everyday since he had been gone, really. It had been torture to be away from her so long. But he had done it for three weeks, what was one more night. Though he knew with her nightmares resurfacing, there woukd likely be more nights just like this, for all of them.
He took Elora into the woods behind the palace. They wouldn't go to far as they needed to return by around midday. They spoke more than they actually hunted. They stopped by a small stream where they sat and let it all out. There were a few tears and a hug that lasted forever. Then they were back on their hunt. They needed to catch at least something so they were empty handed. They managed to come across a boar and that was that. It was time to head home.
When Katya had woken to an empty bed early in the morning, she had slipped out of it and padded down the hall until she had reached her brother's rooms. She noticed he wasn't inside but Ophelua was and she felt safe enough with her. As quiet as she could, she climbed into the other side of the bed, almost smiling as she smelled Kaillas on the sheets. Then she went back to sleep.
She didn't wake until midmorning. Breakfast had already come and gone but she didn't find that she was very hungry. At least not after last night. Blood and gore didn't really leave her with much of an appetite. She really didn't want to do anything except tend to her garden. So that's what she did.
Eventually sleep returns and Ophelia is able to drift off for a few hours more. She doesn’t notice the dip in the mattress as Katys crawls into bed. She returns curled up on her side of the bed, sleeping soundly as the sun rises higher and higher in the sky.
By the time she does wake up, it’s mid morning. The time for breakfast has passed but she imagines that lunch will be served sooner rather than later. Yawning, she climbs out of bed and shuffles over to the wardrobe to get changed into something. She knows that she shouldn’t have left this long but she hadn’t meant to. She’s just been so exhausted lately.
She pulls on a simple and comfortable gown, knowing that she doesn’t want anything of importance to do today. It’s not until she turns around to face the bed that she realizes she’s had a visitor. She’s not sure how long the girl has been here. She’s not even entirely sure how long she’s been asleep for.
Katya had begun to stir as she felt Opehlia moving around in the bed. She didn't open her eyes until the weight on the otherside of the bed had disappeared. She blinked her eyes, yawning, and sat up. She rubbed at her eyes, trying to get the sleep out of them. She knew better than to mess with her hair. She already knew it was a tangled mess down her back. It was every morning.
Blood rushed to her cheeks as Ophelia finally noticed her. She looked down at her hands sheepishly. "Sorry," she muttered under her breath. She probably should have asked if she could sleep in there with her.
She cleared her throat, climbing out of the bed. "I'll um, I'll just go back to my room." She wanted to garden. She didn't want to do anything else. Gardening helped cleared her mind. It gave her the time she needed to be alone and in solitude.
“It’s fine, Katya,” Ophelia assures her quickly, not wanting her to feel bad. She really doesn’t mind that the girl decided to join her. Last night was rough and she probably just didn’t want to be alone. There’s nothing wrong with that. Besides, the bed is huge so there was plenty of room for the both of them.
As Katya exits the bed, she notices the state that her hair is in. It’s in pretty rough shape. “Why don’t you stay with me for a few minutes? I could do your hair for you?” She offers, happy to help if she can.
She may have other people doing her hair a lot but she learned to do a lot of hairstyles when she was younger and she’s actually really good at it. She can do anything that Katya wants, not problem.
Katya paused, looming down at her bare feet. She hadn't even bothered to put on slippers or socks. She should have, her feet were cold. Her head lifted at the Queen's offer, a small smile slipping on her face. She nodded her head.
She didn't know what she did in her sleep but she always woke up with a rats nest in her hair. It was always tangled and took a while to brush out and style. She wanted to cut it all off but Catalina had looked about ready to faint when she mentioned that. So she kept her hair long, eveb though she didn't like it. Or at least the work that went into it.
She had tried sleeping in braids before to keep her hair under control but the ties always seemed to come out in the middle of the night and end up worse than when she didn't braid it. She had no idea how she accomplished that either.
