forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

(Yeah…it's not going too well. I was up from 1 am to 7 am last night bc he was yelling for 6 hours.)

The palace was flittering around, preparing the palace for the arrival of the Queen's parents and the birthday ball. The staff paused and curtsied for them as they passed. Many congratulated her on her birthday. Despite some members of the court still being unsure of her, the staff and common folk all had come to love her. More than Kaillas, thoigh it was obvious most just tolerated him. Though more than his sisters? That remained to be seen.

He was certainly looking forward to their night together but he was also looking forward to the rest of their day. He had things planned for the two of them. Nothing would ruin this for them. Not even her parents. He would shut that shit down before they could even start. Nothing would ruin his wife's day.

They finally made it out into the gardens. It had been cleared of everyone but the guards stationed outside on their rotations. His surprise for her was further back, I to the maze. And no he wasn't taking her back there to fondle her. Though that could be an added bonus. He stopped right at the entrance of the maze, moving behind her and covering her eyes. "Are you ready?"

(I am so sorry. That’s so scary and stressful. Is the vet able to offer any advice to make things a little bit easier?)

Ophelia feels a sense of nervousness coursing through her veins as the palace bustles around her, preparing for the impending arrival of her parents and the grand birthday ball. It will only be a few hours until her parents arrives and she dreads it. The genuine curtsies and well-wishes from the staff warm her heart, serving as a reminder of the support she has gained, even if some members of the court still harbor doubts. She does her best to be kind towards everyone she meets, making sure to remember all of the names and little bits of details she knows about them.

Amid the vibrant gardens, she finds herself guided by Kaillas, his hands gently covering her eyes as they approach the maze. The breeze carries a hint of excitement, and her heart flutters with intrigue as she hears his voice. His words create a shiver of excitement down her spine. "Are you ready?" she hears him ask, her curiosity piqued and her anticipation building. As her fingers reach up to briefly touch his hands covering her eyes, she can't help but smile a bit. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” She says with a nervous laugh.

Though everything he’s done so far has been wonderful, she doesn’t do well with surprises. They put her on edge. Seeing as this is a special occasion and her husband is very excited by his efforts, she’s trying her best to stay relaxed. She wants to ask a million questions but she refrains from doing so, knowing that Kaillas won’t answer them and risk ruining the surprise.

(The current vet we have doesn't know how to help. We're going to try a new one and see if anyone has more experience with urinary issues there.)

Kaillas couldn't help but lean down to kiss her cheek. He let his lips linger agaisnt her skin. He could tell she was nervous. Her little laugh was a dead giveaway. But he would never do something so outlandish. He just wanted to take care of her and show her how much she was appreciated. "I've got you darling. Keep your eyes closed and I'll guide you in."

The surprise was at the center of the maze. With careful steps, he led her through the hedge maze until they were in the middle of it. There was a small opening, allowing enough room for a small fountain, a pebble walkway, a couple benches, and garden boxes lined agaisnt the edges. It was there that he had his surprise all lined up. Katya had to help him so he wouldn't mess anything up.

As he moved his hands away from her eyes, he revealed a small picnic. There was a blanket laid out in a patch of grass, a banner handing from a hedge wishing happy birthday. On top of the blanket was a bottle of wine, two glasses, some cheese, because cheese always went with wine, and a few books laid out. There was also a surgery treat hidden within the basket as well. It was her birthday of course.

(Hopefully you’ll be able to find someone who can help!)

Ophelia's heart races as Kaillas' lips brushes against her cheek, a tender gesture that sends a shiver down her spine. Her nervousness melted into a soft laugh, a mix of surprise and delight. Each step they take is a blend of anticipation and curiosity, her imagination dancing with possibilities.

Finally, they arrive at the heart of the maze, and her eyes flutter open to reveal the enchanting scene before her. Her gaze sweeps over the intricate details: the small fountain glistening in the sunlight, the pebble walkway inviting her further, and the benches tucked off to the side. She can’t help but smile at the charming garden boxes that line the edges, a burst of color against the lush green backdrop.

As her eyes settle on the meticulously arranged picnic, a gasp escapes her lips. The blanket spread out on the grass and the perfectly set up basket looks like something out of a fairytale. The banner fluttering above whispers "happy birthday," and her heart swelled with emotion. The bottle of wine and the carefully selected cheese are certainly inviting. And the books are just the cherry on top.

"Kaillas, you've outdone yourself," She breathes, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and love. She knows that Katya certainly had her part in this and she’ll have to thank her for it later.

(the new vet seems promising. Hopefully we'll be bale to figure it out without breaking the bank. Kiwi is back on his meds so we're sleeping at least.)

Kaillas wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, holding her close and nuzzling her cheek. He knew they had just eaten breakfast not to long ago. And it technically was still morning. But it was never too early for wine and the cheese that was paired with it complimented the wine perfectly. It was the perfect place to get away from everyone else. Guards were lined outside the entrances to prevent anyone from coming in. And other than the occasional patrol, they were utterly alone. Something they both needed after the weeks they have had.

"I thought we could use the morning away from the palace." Or as much away from it all as they could. And this way, the staff could finish preparing the ball and everything else without interruption. "We can stay out here as long as you would like. My other surprises can wait."

He tugged her to the blankets that he been laid out. After quickly arranging the pillows, he gestured for her to sit down and he took the spot next to her. "What would you like to read first, darling?" There was a mix of books, ranging from romance to mystery to history. Along with a few of own books that he had annotated during his free time.

(I'm glad that things are going well with the new vet!)

Ophelia leans back into Kaillas' embrace, feeling the warmth of his body against hers. The morning sun filters through the leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the blankets beneath them. The setting is serene, a much-needed escape from the pressures of palace life. She smiles at his thoughtful gesture, the idea of wine and cheese in the morning seeming decadent and delightful. She turns her head slightly, her cheek brushing against his as she speaks, "You always find the most wonderful ways to whisk me away from everything."

As they settle onto the blankets, surrounded by the carefully arranged pillows, her eyes sweep over the collection of books he has prepared. The variety intrigues her, reflecting the depth of his consideration for her preferences. She leans forward slightly, her fingers lightly tracing over the spines of the books. "You brought so many. I don't know which one to pick," she muses, pretending to ponder her choice.

Finally, her fingers stop at a copy of a romance novel. She picks it up, running her fingers over the pages lightly. She's a sucker for romance novels, there's no denying that. Leaning back into his embrace once more, she opens the book to the first page, letting the world around her fade as she delves into the world of words and imagination. The occasional breeze rustles the leaves overhead, and the distant sounds of the palace are replaced with the gentle turning of pages. "This really is wonderful, Kaillas," She murmurs.

(You make me so jealous with the way you write. I wish I could describe things like that.)

Kaillas leaned back on his hands, his legs straightened and crossed in front of him. His hair had fallen forward and onto his face. He hadn't bothered with styling the strands back from his face this morning. He hadn't needed to. Sure, her parents were coming to visit them within the next few hours, but it was nothing that couldn't be fixed.

He watched as she looked over the book, smirking to himself as she took her time. They both knew which ones she would choose. The variety was purely so he didn't make assumptions. But he knew her love of romance books and the filthy things that were included in them. Perhaps one might spark an idea she'd like to try.

He chose his own book, one his many mystery books that had sat on his shelf for far too long. It was clearly worn, the spine cracked and the paper aged. But it was one of his favorites. It could be easily told by the annotations he had made in it. There were pen markings all over the pages. He shifted his body so his head lay in Ophelia's lap, smiling up at her before returning to his book. "I did tell you to trust me, my darling."

(Some times I just get a random burst of interesting words. Usually I'm too tired for that though lol Besides, your writing is amazing!)

Ophelia's fingers dance over the spine of the novel, her gaze occasionally lifting to steal glances at Kaillas. She can't help but smile at his knowing smirk, her eyes twinkling with a mix of fondness and playfulness. While the array of books might have been a diverse collection, she knows him well enough to sense the underlying intention. His understanding of her tastes, both literary and otherwise, never fails to amuse and delight her.

With a soft chuckle, she turns her attention back to the book, enjoying the story. His words bring a hint of a blush to her cheeks, and she tilts her head to meet his gaze. "You do have a way of surprising me, my devious king," she teases, her tone affectionate. As Kaillas shifts and lays his head in her lap, she gently brushes his hair away from his face, her fingers lingering for a moment against his skin.

Now that she's properly distracted, she takes a moment to see what book he's selected. "What is your book about?" She asks curiously. She's enjoying her own book but she'll need a recommendation once she finishes reading it.

(Aww thanks XD)

Kaillas sighed contently as he felt her fingers in his hair and his eyes closed longer than he had meant to. Her nails against his scalp felt too good not to revel in the feeling. Though, of course, everything was too good to be true. As he had opened his eyes to continue his book, she was speaking again, and asking what he was reading. He chuckled softly to himself, setting the book down in his lap.

He looked up at Ophelia, giving her a soft look. "A classic murder mystery. Someone has killed the mother of the beautiful, single girl in town. and the mysterious, brooding, handsome detective helps her find her mother's killer. All while trying to deny their feelings of each other that eventually unravel in a very passionate night."

He could enjoy romances as well. Kaillas just preferred more to the book than the romance. He liked the plot more, and wouldn't read it without. "I'll let you borrow my copy when you finish with your book." His copy of a book that had annotations in it from several years ago. He would have to read through them all now and make sure he hadn't written anything too embarrassing then. And strike them out if he had.

(Of course XD)

Ophelia smiles softly as she listens to Kaillas' description of the murder mystery book he's reading. The way he speaks, his voice carrying the nuances of both the story and his own thoughts, is endearing. She finds herself drawn to his words, even as her fingers continue their absentminded dance through his hair.

"It sounds like quite the interesting plot," she remarks, her gaze meeting his. As he mentions letting her borrow his copy when she finishes her own book, a warm feeling of appreciation washes over her. She tilts her head, a playful glint in her eyes. The little notes and observations that he's scribbled in the book havent been lost on her and she wouldn't dare miss an opportunity to tease. "Are you sure you're ready to part with your annotated masterpiece? Who knows what scandalous revelations from years past might be hidden in those margins?"

Leaning in a little closer, she places a gentle kiss on his forehead. Today would be the perfect day if her parents weren't arriving in just a few short hours. She's able to to lose herself in this moment with him but eventually she'll have to return to reality.

Kaillas let the book fall open against his stomach, his attention having shifted to wholly her. Nothing could ever keep his attentions away from her for ling, even if he was resistant at first. And her wonderful touch in his hair was doing nothing to help keep his focus on his book. There was no way he could go back to reading now.

His lips pulled up in a grin. "Likely scandalous enough to make you blush. So I wouldn't recommend reading in front of others." Well, other than himself. He loved to see her little reactions. He prided himself on the ones he caused. It would be strange to let someone else read his annotated book. He'd never let anyone read any of then, for this wasn't the only one. Each book in his personal collection were annotated. And he would let her read them all if she wished to.

He reached up and grabbed the back of her head, drawing her back down to kiss her lips deliciously slow. Then he released her head. "Cheese me, darling," he smiled up at her. He thought about opening their wine as well but he didn't want to move. And he couldnt very well open it like this.

Ophelia's heart flutters as she feels the weight of Kaillas' book falling aside, his attention now fully on her. The gentle touch of her fingers running through his hair seems to cast a spell on him, drawing him away from the text he's initially engrossed in. She would be lying if she said she didn’t find great delight in being able to have his complete and total attention.

The thought of reading his annotated books, glimpsing his personal thoughts and reactions, makes her feel special. His lips curved into a mischievous grin that sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. His words, laden with the promise of scandalous content, ignited a delightful blush on her cheeks. The idea that he had secrets inked within the pages intrigued her, and she found herself yearning to uncover each hidden emotion, to understand the thoughts that danced through his mind. His desire to elicit her reactions made her heart swell with a mixture of amusement and tenderness.

Her lips curve into a fond smile as she leans in to share a lingering kiss with Kaillas, her eyes sparkling with adoration. At his request, she can’t help but laugh a little. She leans forward and picks up a piece of cheese, carefully feeding it to him. “Shall I open the wine?” Since she’s sitting up, she’s able to do it without any problems.

Kaillas felt his grin widen as a blush spread over her cheeks. With his book somewhat secured on his chest, he reached one hand up to touch her cheek, running his knuckles down the smooth skin of her cheek. Smooth skin. Something his own cheek didn't have. Not with the scar running down it, just narrowly missing his eye and stopping just above his lips. Something he would always feel insecure about at times of his life.

He parted his lips as she brought a slice of cheese to them, biting the slice and sucking on her delicate fingers. He gave her a wicked smile before pulling his head back, lips parted and ready for the next slice. He didn't often divulge himself in delicacies such as cheese, but this moment made him believe he should more often.

"I think that's an excellent idea," he said. He laid back in her lap, settling in as she went to open the wine. He knew he woukd have to sit up in order to drink it but he found he was quite content where he was.

Ophelia's cheeks grow warmer as Kaillas's touch sends a shiver down her spine. She can't help but notice the contrast between his touch and his scarred cheek, a reminder of his past experiences. While many may find it frightening, she has never minded it. She sees no reason as to why he should feel embarrassed or ashamed of his scar when it’s a reminder that he survived.

As she playfully offers him a slice of cheese, their exchange feels like an intimate dance. His wicked smile ignites a playful spark within her. What catches her off guard is when she feels his lips wrapping around her fingers, sucking on them. Instantly, she’s flustered. It takes her a moment to recover enough to grab another piece of cheese for him, placing it into his mouth.

Leaning forward a little, she hovers over his face as she grabs the bottle of wine and the corkscrew. As she opens the wine, she can't help but admire the view of him under her like this. She shakes her head a little, amused at her own thoughts as she pours them each a glass.

For a moment there, his scar felt tight on his face, reminding him of the wound when it had first been made. It had been tight and hard to move his face without causing pain. Everyday had been miserable back then. And in a flash, the pain was gone and Kaillas was thrust back until the moment with his wife. A wife that looked positively radiating with the blush warming her cheeks and a glow around her head.

He grabbed Ophelia's wrist as she fed him the second slice of cheese, taking the food in his mouth before kissing the inside of her wrist. His eyes didn't leave hers for a second. He finally released her hand and settled back on her lap as she reached for the wine. He had very filthy thoughts as she leaned over him and arched her chest into his face. But he was a good little king and kept his hands- and mouth- to himself. This time, that was. Because he did have plans and wouldn't let her distract him with seduction. He had to remain strong.

He only moved to sit up after the wine had been open and the glasses poured. He took a glass from her, kissing her cheek as he did so. "Thank you, darling." He raised the glass to her. "To a happy birthday." He clicked his glass agsisnt hers before taking a sip.

Ophelia hums softly at his affectionate gesture, feeling a flutter of warmth in her chest. She meets his intense gaze with a mixture of cheekiness and delight, the moment between them charged with an electric energy. The simple act of feeding him cheese had taken an unexpectedly intimate turn, and the sensation of his lips brushing against her skin ignites a flutter of emotions within her. Unfortunately, they have to behave. As much as she would love to distract him, she knows that he has too many plans for her to try and get him off course.

As he settles back on her lap, she cant help but smile, her fingers instinctively tracing light patterns on his arm as she finishes pouring the wine. She hands one of the glasses over to him, glad to have this to distract them from their thoughts. His lips pressing against her cheek sends a rush of warmth through her. She meets his eyes with a tender smile, her heart swelling with affection.

“Thank you, Kaillas.” The delicate sound of glass touching glass rings like a harmonious melody. She brings the glass to her lips, taking a sip. The sweet wine caresses her palate with a symphony of luscious flavors. “This is absolutely delicious.”

Kaillas caught the look on her face and knew exactly what she was thinking. He had similar thoughts himself. But unfortunately it was not the time for such things. He brought her out here to relax and get away from the palace, not to woe and get between her legs. And he highly doubted she wanted to go for a romp before her parents were supposed to arrive. "Tonight, my darling, and I'm all yours." In whatever way you want me.

He smiled warmly at her enthusiasm about the wine. "You'll have to thank Catalina. She's the one that chose the wine. Said it would pair well with the cheese and I trust her judgment." Because such things were lost on him. As much as he enjoyed wine, he would never quite understand what tastes best with what.

He took another sip of her glass before setting it to the side and gathering Ophelia. He pulled her back against his chest, his hands caressing her stomach. "Will you read to me, my darling?" He just wanted to hear her voice. He could listen to it all day.

“I look forward to having you all to myself tonight,” She murmurs as she presses a light kiss to his cheek. Her gaze shifts back to the wine, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "Catalina has an impeccable taste," she replies, her fingers absently tracing the rim of the glass. "I'm grateful for her choice." Much like her husband, she doesn’t understand the ins and outs of pairing wine with cheese so she appreciates what Catalina put together for them.

As he sets his glass aside and envelopes her in his embrace, Ophelia leans back against him, a contented sigh escaping her lips as his hands brush her stomach. When he requests her to read to him, a soft, affectionate smile curves her lips. "Of course, my darling," she replies, her voice a gentle melody as she begins to read from her book. It’s moments like these that she truly cherishes.

With each passing moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in a cocoon of affection and shared intimacy. Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end. The arrival of her parents can put an end to even the best moment. She lifts her head as she hears the sounds of carriage wheels crunching the pebbles in the front courtyard. The muscles in her shoulders tense and she swears that she feels the air getting cold around her. They’re here.

A dark look glazed over his eyes for a sparing moment before it flitted away from his face. Kaillas was more than looking forward to their night. But he was also looking forward to the rest of their day, even with the impending arrival of her parents. Ophelia might be a pushover when it came to them, but Kaillas was not. And he knew very well that he was on a short string with them already and he hadn't even met them.

He placed his chin on her shoulder as she had settled back and opened her book, beginning to read. His eyes closed, opening his ears and letting the medolic sound of her voice flood them. Now and then, he would raise a slice of cheese to her lips or offer her wine. With his wife between his legs and cooling breeze as autumn came, he found solace in this hedge maze. He never wanted to leave. But all good things must come to an end and much too soon, he heard the arriving of the carriage that held her parents.

He kept his sigh of displeasure to himself. Of course they arrived with terrible timing. Right when his wife was relaxing against him and they were reaching the climax of her boom. He found he was enjoying himself with her reading material, though it may be just because she was the one reading it to him. He untangled their limbs and stood, offering a hand out to her. He supposed they should be there to greet her parents, even if he wanted to jeep her hidden away here. "It will be alright, darling, I'll be here every step of the way."

The taste of cheese on her lips and the occasional sip of wine makes her feel utterly spoiled. She doesn’t have to lift a finger if she wants for anything right now. The touch of his hands, the autumn breeze rustling leaves, and the tranquility of the hedge maze envelop them in a bubble of serenity. That bubble is popped by the arrival of her parents. She knows that they need to go out and greet them. If they don’t, she’s certain that she’ll get an earful. While Kaillas may have surpressed his sigh, she doesn’t. This will be dreadful.

She appreciates Kaillas's calming presence, her fingers gently grazing his hand as she reluctantly closes the book and shifts to sit up. The afternoon had been a serene escape, one she cherished deeply. Now it’s over and she has to face harsh reality. As the sound of the carriage coming to a stop reaches her ears, a mix of anticipation and anxiety flutters in her chest. She turns her head to meet Kaillas's gaze, finding comfort in his support.

She rises gracefully with his assistance, her heart warmed by his words. With a soft smile, she leans in and presses a brief kiss to his lips before stepping away. Straightening her dress, she takes a deep breath and looks back at Kaillas, taking a moment to compose herself. “Please behave yourself. I know that they can be….a bit much but I want this to go well.” She worries that her parents will say the wrong thing and Kaillas will jump to defend her and things will get out of hand. Whatever verbal lashing they’ve got for her, she can take.

Kaillas planned to make more of these little adventures more often. They both needed the escape from palace life and the people within it. The work piled up each day, and no matter how far he got through it, more paperwork always passed through his desk. It was exhausting. Not to mention the war he might be planning. Alone time with his wife was becoming scarce and despised that. He was king. If he wanted to spend the afternoon with his wife he should be able to do so.

He didn't let Ophelia get very far, grabbing her cheeks and pulling her back in for another kiss. He kissed her hard and passionately. "I make no promises," he said. "You are my wife. You belong to me and our country. And I will not tolerate disrespect. If they can remain civil, then so can I." But the moment they stepped out of line, he wouldn't hesitate to put then back in their place.

He fixed the crowns that rested on top if both their heads, straightened out his jacket, then offered her his arm. "Come, my wife, the sooner we welcome them the sooner they can leave." Where Ophelia wanted to play nice, Kaillas wanted the opposite. He was in no mood to put up with her parents, even with the week of knowing of their arrival.

Ophelia feels a mix of emotions as Kaillas's lips capture hers once again. His passion is palpable, and his words carry both possessiveness and determination. She can't deny the complexity of their roles and the expectations they carry, especially as the king and queen. Her heart flutters at his declaration of their bond, but she knows that navigating the upcoming encounter with her parents will require a delicate balance.

She returns his intense kiss with equal fervor, her fingers gently caressing his cheeks as their lips part. His energy is infectious, and she finds herself embracing his stance even as a part of her wishes for a more peaceful resolution. As he straightens their crowns and offers his arm, she takes a deep breath, her resolve strengthened by his side.

With a calm yet determined expression, she loops her arm through his, showing her readiness to face whatever lies ahead. Their steps are measured, leading them towards the carriage. While she understands Kaillas's firm approach, but she can't help hoping for a glimmer of understanding from her parents. As they step into the diplomatic dance that awaits them, she can't help but whisper softly to him, “Let’s get this over with.”

If it had been plausible, Kaillas would have whisked her far away by now, somewhere the court fiends and her untolerbale parents couldn't touch her. Somewhere they could be just Kaillas and just Ophelia. Where they could walk in the town without an armed escort. As it was, life always had other plans for him, and it was never the direction he wished to go.

While he offered her no other words, he nodded at Ophelia. She was strong and powerful and confident. She coukd do this. They both could. So long as her parents behaved themselves. This was a monarch they were visiting, not their little girl. They should treat her as such, even if he doubted they would. He planned on sticking by her side at all times now that her parents were, in hopes of deterring them from saying anything in a negative light. And if he couldn't be there for whatever reason, one of his sisters or Catalina would be there for her.

He couldn't help but smile down at Ophelia as she spoke to him. "They'll be gone before you know it." And he had a few things up his sleeves to distract her as well. He pressed a gentle kiss to her brow, uncaring of who saw him. While he wasn't generally affectionate in public, it was a gentle reminder to all those who watched that Opehlia belonged to him now, and he to her.

Captivated by Kaillas's unwavering support, Ophelia feels the tumultuous sea of courtly politics and the weight of parental expectations become slightly more bearable. His presence by her side infuses her with a renewed determination to stand her ground. While she yearns for the fantasy of escaping to a world free from judgment and constraints, the reality of their circumstances remains, and they face it together as a source of strength.

Meeting Kaillas's nod with a faint smile, she experiences a surge of confidence rippling within her. His belief in her power and resilience bolsters her strength. The thought of her parents' potential behavior gnaws at her, yet she's resolute in showcasing the woman she's become. This visit provides an opportunity for them to witness her unwavering strength and graceful demeanor, a stark contrast to the "little girl" they once controlled.

The air is tense as the carriage's doors swing open, revealing the figures of the king and queen. Their regal attire glimmers in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere that seems to linger around them.

The Queen steps out of the carriage, a commanding figure with an aura of authority. Her tall frame is elegantly draped in a gown of rich, deep hues that complement her regal bearing. Every movement she makes is deliberate, each step purposeful. Her posture is impeccable, shoulders squared and back straight, giving an impression of unwavering resolve. Silver streaks thread through her dark hair, a testament to the passage of time and the burdens she's borne. Her features are refined and chiseled, each line and contour telling a story of responsibility and sacrifice. Her eyes, a cool shade of blue, hold a piercing intensity that seems to dissect the world around her.

The King emerges from the carriage, a formidable presence that demands attention. His stature is commanding, his broad shoulders and upright posture exuding an imposing authority. He wears a cloak of deep, somber colors that seem to mirror the weight of his demeanor. Lines etched on his weathered face speak of a life filled with responsibilities and perhaps a hint of the severity that defines him. His hair, once dark and now salt-and-peppered, falls in controlled disarray across his forehead, a stark contrast to the meticulous grooming of his appearance. His eyes, cold and calculating, survey the scene before him with an intensity that borders on scrutiny. A deep frown often mars his brow, revealing a tendency towards severity and firmness. As he approaches his daughter, his lips press into a thin line, conveying a restrained and unspoken disapproval.

Kaillas had dealt with more than his fair share of authoritative personnel. In the army, there was always someone bigger and higher ranked than he was. There was always someone yelling at him, telling him he wasn't good enough. That being a prince would get him nowhere in the real world. If he wanted something, he would have to be man enough to take it. This was no different. Just another person thinking they could sweep in and take over his life. He was king. It didn't matter his age or experience. This was his land, his palace they were stepping onto. They had no power here.

He made no move as the royals stepped out of the carriage. He hid his mood shift well. His muscles tensed under Ophelia's arm. He didn't dare glance at her. They needed to appear as a uniform front. As if they weren't already but he also wasn't going to dangle anything that could be perceived as a weakness in front of her parents. She wanted him to be civil and he would do his best to remain as such. However, should they start it, he wasn't afraid to end it. He never backed down from a fight. And he wouldn't tolerate anyone disrespecting his family.

He subtly tucked Ophelia closer to his side as her parents fully exited the carriage. He didn't bow to them. He didn't so much as incline his head. He merely spoke in a voice that suggested there better things he could be doing with his time, "Welcome to Vaeril. I hope your journey was uneventful."