Ophelia nearly suffocates from the thick tension in the air, her grip on Kaillas's arm tightening instinctively. She knows that this encounter is crucial, and she's determined to make it work. As her parents step out of the carriage, she holds her head high, mirroring Kaillas's steely resolve. She can practically feel his restrained energy beside her, and she leans slightly into him, seeking strength in his presence. The weight of her parents' expectations is heavy, but she refuses to let it break her composure.
She glances at Kaillas briefly, her eyes conveying both support and a silent plea for unity. She's fully aware of his reluctance to bow or yield and she supports it. As her father opens his mouth to speak, she interjects with a warm smile, addressing her parents, "We're honored to have you here. Allow me to formally introduce you to my husband, King Kaillas of Vaeril." Her voice is calm and inviting, hoping to set a tone of diplomacy from the outset.
The king's gaze narrows slightly at Kaillas's lack of traditional deference, a thinly veiled disapproval flickering across his features. His stern countenance remains unbroken as he observes the couple before him, his silence pregnant with a weighty expectation for proper protocol. He responds in measured tones, addressing Ophelia with a formality that barely conceals his reservations. "Thank you for your welcome. We trust this visit will yield fruitful discussions."
Beside him, the queen maintains an air of dignified poise, her eyes keenly observant. Her lips curve into a polite smile, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. Her voice holds a chilly edge as she addresses Ophelia, her tone making it clear that her scrutiny is far from over. "A pleasure. We hope this union you've entered into proves to be as beneficial as we all anticipate." Her words, laden with layers of implication, hang in the air, a reminder of the expectations and consequences entwined within this union.
Kaillas was not a diplomatic man, not by any means. His crucial years of development had been spent in the army, not exactly the right place to learn how to sucker up to royals. Ambrose, his Hand, was diplomatic for the both of them. Having been stationed together in the army, he wasn't sure where his friend had learned such things. But then again, Ambrose had also spent more time at court than even Kaillas had. He'd only been there for a couple of years before the prince had been made king and asked his friend to follow him. However, in the presence of other monarchs, he at least attempted some sort of diplomacy. Today was not the case. He promised to be civil, and that was as far as he would get.
Thankfully, it seemed his lovely wife had more than enough practice in diplomacy. Unfortunately, she was wasting it on her so-called parents. Now that they were standing in front of him, he wished he had declined their no-so invitation to come visit his wife and himself.
He could barely hide his disdain as he heard the way they spoke of his wife. They were only here to see if she was with child. She had only just turned twenty today. She wasn't a broodmare Ophelia was allowed to live her life before introducing children to the fold. He felt his eye twitch and fought hard to contain his rage. "The festivities will not begin until later this evening. A room has been prepared for your arrival should you wish to freshen up. Lunch will be served soon in the gardens."
Ophelia's heart clenches at how coldly she’s greeted. While she expected it, it still hurts. She's acutely aware of the lack of warmth in her parents' words, their condescension toward her and her marriage. Suppressing a sigh, she takes a deep breath, reminding herself of the careful balance she needs to maintain. Even as her parents' attitudes irk her, she knows that her role demands grace and diplomacy.
She glances briefly at Kaillas, seeing the struggle he's going through to maintain composure. She reaches for his hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze, hoping to offer a silent reminder that they are in this together. Turning her attention back to her parents, she replies in a measured tone, "We do appreciate your presence here. If you require anything before the festivities, please don't hesitate to let us know. We hope you find your stay in Vaeril comfortable." Her words carry a mix of formality and underlying warmth, a subtle acknowledgment of their roles and her intention to navigate this encounter as smoothly as possible.
King William's gaze remains stern and detached, his demeanor exuding a sense of entitlement that sends a chill through the air. His words come off as perfunctory, lacking any genuine warmth. "We are here as a formality, Ophelia. Let's not forget that," he remarks, his tone dripping with a blend of authority and disinterest. His eyes barely linger on her before returning to survey the surroundings.
Queen Charlotte's smile is painted on, her lips curving upward in a way that doesn't quite reach her eyes. Her gaze is calculating, her words a thin veil over her true intentions. "Of course, dear. We trust you've been handling your duties accordingly." Her emphasis on "duties" carries a weight that Ophelia can't help but feel as a subtle reproach. The palpable lack of warmth and genuine care leaves Ophelia feeling as though she's standing on a precipice, trying to bridge an unbridgeable gap.
Luckily, a few of the servants arrive to show her parents to their room, saving her from getting her feelings hurt further.
Kaillas had always prided himself on his control. Through the toughest of conflicts, he had always remained in control and as calm and collected as possible. He had to be able to put his foot down and make the tough decisions when no one else could. And it happened more often than not. But one interaction with her parents and he felt that control slipping away faster than ever. The ever growing urge to ball his fist and lay it into her father was tempting. Her mother wasn't much better either.
Formality my ass, he thought. They hadn't even come to their wedding, why should they come now? They weren't even here to celebrate Ophelia's birthday. They just wanted to check and see if the couple were to have an heir. While his father had been a hard man, what he did remember of them had been good memories. His mother would have loved Ophelia and accepted her with open arms. She would have doted on her and showed her what it truly meant to have a mother. He wished they could have met.
Thankfully, the staff saved him from laying it out right then and there and directing her parents back to the carriage and back on their way home. It was still an option. He was one wrong word from ordering them out of his home.
It wasn't until they were out of view that he felt like he could breathe. He exhaled loudly before turning to Ophelia and pressing his lips to her forehead. "Say the word and they're gone, darling." He didn't like the way they were speaking to her but they were her parents. She should decide what to do with them.
Ophelia feels the weight of the situation bearing down on her, her worry growing, especially forbKaillas as he grapples with his emotions. She knows him well enough to recognize the battle he's waging within himself. She knows his temper, his strong-willed nature, and she sees the struggle he is enduring to maintain his composure. As much as his words are curt and his gaze holds disdain, she senses the restraint, the tight control he is exerting over his emotions. It is a reminder of how deeply he cares for her, even in the midst of this strained encounter.
As her parents depart, a bittersweet mixture of emotions washes over her. Relief mingles with disappointment, and she finds herself seeking solace in Kaillas's eyes. His kiss on her forehead is a simple yet profound reassurance, a touch that speaks volumes of his unwavering support. Her gratitude is palpable as she reaches up to touch his cheek, conveying a depth of emotion that words can't fully capture.
"Thank you, my darling. Your support means the world to me." The words hold a weight, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they're facing together. The exhaustion of the day is evident in her admission, the sigh escaping her lips laden with the weight of their strained interactions.
With a steadying breath, she meets his gaze once more, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and weariness. "Let's remember that they're still my parents, no matter how difficult they may be. We'll navigate this with grace, for the sake of diplomacy if nothing else." Her choice of words conveys her commitment to facing the situation head-on, even as her emotions remain tangled and complex. Leaning into him, she seeks refuge in his comforting presence, a silent reminder that they're in this together, no matter the challenges they encounter.
Kaillas had to fight the ever-growing temptation to grab Ophelia and whisk her far away where her parents couldn't touch her. This was supposed to be a safe place. This was supposed to be her home. And now her parents have come and invaded her space. He would make sure to speak with Cataline about restricting where her parents could visit in the palace.
He kissed her head once more. He folded her tight into his chest, his hands splaying across her back. His thumbs stroked her skin through the layers of fabric. He doubted she could feel it through the dress but it was more of a comfort to him than it was her necessarily.
Parents was a very strong word and not a word he would use, not that he would tell her that. Parents were two individuals who loved and took care of their children. Not throw them to maids and nannies and tutors and leave them to their own devices. They weren't parents, they were just the people that had given her life. It was the only thing he was grateful of them, that they had given birth to her and that they had forced this marriage. Because if they hadn't, he wouldn't have met the love of his life.
"I'll answer diplomacy with diplomacy. But I promise you this, the moment either of them crosses the line, they will be back in that carriage and on their way home." He was a tolerant man but there was only so much that even he could put up with.
Ophelia's heart races as Kaillas holds her close, his protective embrace providing a shield against the chaos her parents have brought. She can sense his internal struggle, the mix of anger and concern that mirrors her own emotions. The touch of his thumbs on her skin, even through the layers of her dress, soothes her frayed nerves, reminding her that she's not alone in this turmoil.
Listening to his whispered words, she lifts her head slightly, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and determination. She knows how far he's willing to go for her, how he's ready to defend their space, their love. As his promise hangs in the air, she finds herself drawn even closer to him, the strength of their connection grounding her amidst the storm of emotions.
With a small, rueful smile, she gives a nod of her head. Her fingers curl against his chest, a silent affirmation of her commitment not only to their relationship but also to the strength they find in each other.
As they stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, she can't help but wonder at the twists of fate that led her to him. “Can we go inside now?” She asks softly. She wants to spend what little time they have before the party doing something she actually doesn’t hate.
Kaillas cupped the back of her neck as she lifted her head from his chest. He met her gaze with ynwavering support, eveb if there was a hint if anger underneath. He was trying his best to hide it from her. These were her parents and she still loved then despite everything they had done to her. He was trying to be good for her. The problem was, while he had good control over his anger, once it rose to the surface, it was hard to keep it contained. The fate of her parents rested on them and their behavior. He would apologize for his actions if they took it too far.
With a firm grip on her neck, he bent his his head to give her a soft kiss on her lips, a high contrast from the own tension he was feeling within himself. He needed her gentleness to calm and ground him. The last thing he wanted to do was anger his wife but he would do what was necessary, despite her feelings.
"Of course," he was reluctant to let her go but did so anyways. He offered his arm to escort her back inside their home. "You know, if you need a distraction, I think I can squeeze some time in for us to disappear into a broom closet," he said, trying to make her smile more than he truly meant it. Though he most definitely would if she was down to.
Ophelia's heart races as Kaillas cups the back of her neck, his touch both reassuring and tinged with an underlying intensity. She knows that he's struggling to control his anger, yet he's making an effort for her sake. She appreciates his support, even if it comes with the knowledge of his inner turmoil. As she meets his gaze, her eyes convey a mixture of gratitude and understanding. His lips brush against hers, and for a fleeting moment, the tension seems to melt away. She kisses him back softly, her lips a gentle reassurance that she's by his side. As he releases her, she feels a pang of reluctance to let go, but she also knows that they have to face the situation with her parents together.
These are her parents, and the complexity of her feelings toward them weighs heavily on her heart. She knows they had hurt her deeply, yet there is still a lingering love that time hasn't fully erased. Kaillas understands that, and his attempt to be the rock she needs is evident.
"Thank you," she whispers, her voice carrying a depth of emotion that words can't fully convey. Taking his offered arm, she leans into him as they walk back towards their home. His attempt at humor brings a small, genuine smile to her lips, a rare moment of levity in the midst of the storm that is her family. "Perhaps a broom closet escapade might be just the distraction I need," she replies with a playful glint in her eyes, her smile widening.
Kaillas's genuine and dark desire was to take her and lock her in their bedroom and have his way with her all day and night. Show her exactly what her birthday was worth in terms of the bedroom, or wherever else they might fornicate. Alas, the side of him that she had turned sappy wanted to shower her with gifts and surprises and go all out for her birthday. So here he was, worrying himself to biting his fingernails like when he was a child, trying to ensure he was doing everything right for her. Even with her parents here.
"I'm sure there's room in the schedule. I did build in extra time in case of an emergency. I think this counts as an emergency." It certainly was not an emergency but he could think of no better way to spend such extra time, even if he had promised himself to wait until that night. Tonight, he had it all planned out. He went to the nines for it all. He only hoped it was something she would enjoy.
"The girls have something special planned for lunch. It'll be just them, you, and me. It's a private event." He looked down at her. "I know we've just kind of grazed but I think you can find room in your stomach for this." He didn't think, he knew she would.
In the midst of Kaillas's inner tug-of-war between his primal desires to whisk Ophelia away and his heartfelt wish to drench her day in gifts and surprises, a tender smile curves Ophelia's lips. His anxious nail-biting, which is something relatively new that she’s discovered about him, brings a wave of affection for his vulnerability.
When Kaillas humorously labels their clandestine rendezvous as an "emergency," her laughter dances through the air, intermingling with the still tense atmosphere. Perhaps it isn’t truly an emergency but she’s eager to make her escape. Her parents haven’t even been here an hour and she can already feel her hair prematurely graying from the stress. Her husband’s endearing nature is both soothing and exhilarating, a dynamic that has her heart racing with excitement. There is never a dull moment with him.
As he unveils the girls' special arrangement for lunch, a private affair exclusively for them, her eyes shimmer with curiosity. His confident assertion that she'll find room for this culinary delight is met with a teasing glint in her eyes. “That sounds wonderful. I’m sure that I’ll find room to eat whatever delicious food that they’ve put together.” She feels absolutely spoiled right now and for a brief second she thinks it’s a feeling she wants to get used to.
(Promise ima respond today. But update, kiwi has balls that never dropped and that's why we're having this problem.)
(Take your time! And holy shit that’s wild. Is he going to have to have surgery for that?)
(Yeah, we're gonna schedule the surgery soon. Of all the things we thought it might be, it wasn't this.)
(It’s definitely bizarre. I’m glad it’s nothing fatal, though! Hopefully his problems will be over after his surgery)
(Yeah, the condition is why he behaves the way he does and is likely causing him some discomfort hence the random peeing and spraying. So hopefully once he recovers, he'll be fine. Also, would have responded sooner but I took a nap and then the fire alarm went off and I couldn't get the cat in the carrier to carry him to safety so I was like "If we die, we're dying together" cause no way i was gonna leave him there.)
Her laugh was like music to his ears, and if he could bottle it up for only him to hear, he would have. It was a delicious melody that sang through the air. He was jealous that just anyone could hear it so long as they were in close vicinity. While Kaillas was generally good at sharing, he found he didn't want to share her with anyone. No one other than his family.
Oh, he knew she would find room for what they had planned. It was none other than her favorite food. Of course, she had to have room for it. But, a little detour along the way wouldn't hurt anyone. They were a little bit ahead of schedule anyway.
True to his word, he did find an actual broom closet. He waited until the two maids scurrying down the hall turned the corner and they were alone for a split second. Then he wrenched open the closet door and shoved Ophelia inside before closing it behind himself. "Well, isn't this cozy?" Cozy was an understatement. There was barely any room to breathe, much less move. But so long as he was pressed up against his wife he didn't mind so much.
(Here's hoping that that the surgery is successful!! And damn, it sounds like you've had a crazy day! Glad that both you and Kiwi got out of there. Too bad he was determined to be a pain about it lol I'm right there with ya though. Either we all live or no one does is what I tell my pets)
As Kaillas leads her, Ophelia's steps were light, each one filled with anticipation. She knows he has something up his sleeve, something that will make this day even more special. His company alone is enough, but his thoughtful surprises never fail to warm her heart. The way his eyes sparkle with that hint of possessiveness always delights her, and she finds herself pulled even closer to him as they walk.
The anticipation of what's planned for lunch is almost too much to handle, especially with all of the hinting and teasing from Kaillas. She's sure that whatever has been planned is going to amazing. Nothing has disappointed her so far.
When they reach the broom closet, her eyes widen in slight surprise. She had mostly amused that he was joking about the closet but apparently not. This is scandalous but exciting. She let's out a quiet nervous laugh as he playfully ushered her inside. The confined space is comically small, and she can't help but giggle as she finds herself almost nose to nose with her husband. "Cozy is one way to put it," she quips, her voice laced with amusement. Her hands find their way to his sides, her fingers playfully tracing patterns on the fabric of his shirt.
(Oh, I didn't get him out of the apartment. I gave up. The alarm eventually went off and it turns out someone was just smoking in the halls)
Kaillas grinned down at Ophelia, looking very much like a boy, despite the crown on top of his head. His hands gripped either side of her cheeks, still looking very proud of himself. "Hey, we both fit in here. We can make it work." Did they really fit in there? Not very well. Did he care? Absolutely not. He bent his head to nuzzle her nose.
He had thought about whether or not to truly drag her in here. While pitching the idea had gotten her to laugh, which he very much enjoyed. He hadn't been sure if it had been truly enough to distract her for more than a fleeting moment. And while he had truly planned to wait until tonight, when had he ever had good self-control when it came to her?
He kissed her lightly. "I mean, if you're not up for the challenge, we can just be on our way." His eyes were glinting with mischief. He was hoping the challenge would spur her to act on it.
(I was just planning on time skipping this time if your down)
(At least it was just someone smoking. What a stubborn little cat though)
Enveloped in Kaillas's infectious grin, Ophelia feels the vibrancy of his carefree spirit reaching out to her, like a lively melody filling the air. She allows his hands to cradle her cheeks, the warmth of his touch and the pride in his expression making her heart flutter. Her laughter bubbles up in response to his nuzzling, her playfulness harmonizing with his. The weight of the world seems to lighten whenever he's around, and she revels in the simplicity of this stolen moment.
Their lips meet in a fleeting kiss, and she finds herself echoing his smile against his mouth. His sense of adventure stirs something within her, a mixture of excitement and fondness that she's come to associate with him. "You're challenging me?" Her voice takes on a playful lilt, her eyes narrowing in mock contemplation. Her fingers reach up to gently trace the line of his jaw, her touch light yet deliberate. "But if you think I'll so easily accept defeat, my dear king, you're mistaken." Her lips curl into a mischievous grin to mirror his. "Challenge accepted."
(Yeah, I'm good with that!)
(Yeah. To be fair, I took him to the vet early today and he got molested. They had to check his pp to confirm that he has balls. They had to like, grab it and force it out XD)
Kaillas had most definitely challenged her. And he was more than happy to see her up to it.
By the time they stumbled out of the closet, only ten minutes had passed. He was surprised he had managed to do everything to her he wanted to in that span, but it had worked out in the end. They were running late of course, but not as late as they could have been so he was doing alright in his book. He looked more than a little rumpled as he stepped out of the broom closet and his crown was crooked on his head. But the grin was unmatched.
"Well, my darling, I don't know about you but I've worked up quite an appetite. I'm absolutely starving." He took her hand, pulling her to him, leaving the broom closet open. He smoothed out her hair as best as possible. He had tugged on it a little too much. He adjusted her crown until it was straight then kissed her forehead.
(Not the kitty molestation XD Poor little guy has to be so traumatized after that level of violation lol)
Ophelia's heart races, caught in a swirl of emotions as she steps out of the closet with Kaillas. The mere ten minutes had felt like an eternity of shared intensity, and her flushed cheeks betray the excitement that still pulses through her veins. Her hair, a little disheveled, frames her face in a charmingly undone way. As Kaillas adjusted her crown, her gaze lockea onto his, a mixture of fondness and playful challenge dancing in her eyes.
A soft chuckle escapes her lips at his words, her hunger paralleling his. She allows herself to be pulled closer, her fingers instinctively entwining with his. His touch is reassuring, a connection she cherished after their escapade.
With a gentle twirl of a loose strand of her hair, she grins right back at him. "Let’s head to lunch then," she agrees, her excitement undiminished. The world outside the closet beckons, and she is ready to embrace it, unburdened by the ticking of the clock or the crookedness of crowns.
(Oh yeah. He was not a happy kitty. He was giving me the side eye all day XD)
Kaillas's skin was flushed and he had beads of sweat on his temple. With the swipe of the back of his hand, he wiped it off his skin. There really wasn't a way his sisters weren't going to know what they were doing. It was quite obvious, given their appearance and sudden lateness. He didn't really care, however. His wife was grinning beside him, her spirits having been risen. That was all that mattered to him.
Taking her arm, he led her back up to the royal wing, where his sisters were waiting for them in their private dinning room. There were a couple of staff that hurried around then as they continued tonprepare for the ball but they were relatively alone.
Elora looked up at them as they entered, smirking. She already had a feeling what they had been up to. "Took you long enough. We were about to send the guard to go find you two." Katya was less subtle than Elora was, a full on smirk and glint in her eyes. Well, that was fourteen year olds.
(Poor little baby had a rough day XD)
Ophelia's cheeks hold a rosy hue as she follows Kaillas out of their hidden rendezvous, her own exhilaration mirrored in the playful glint of her eyes. The warmth of his arm wrapped around hers sends a thrill through her, a silent promise of more adventures to come. The cloak of their shared secret, while not entirely concealed, adds an exciting element to the day.
Entering the royal wing, she is met with the knowing looks of Kaillas's sisters. Their smirks are unmistakable, and the mischievous glimmers in their eyes leaves no room for doubt. Elora's subtle smirk and Katya's more direct approach amuse her. "Oh, please," she responds, her tone light. "We got a bit sidetracked, that's all."
She goes over to the table and takes a seat. It's embarrassing that they've been caught but she can't be surprised. They were late to lunch and she knows that they both look rather disheveled.
Elora snorted. "Sidetracked my ass." She shook her head, taking a sip of her water. Kataya was giggling in front of her at her choice of words. And Kaillas was giving her a look that could be considered scolding. And maybe she would have listened to it if he hadn't been the one to teach her those words. He was the reason she had such a mouth on her anyway.
"It's alright. It just means we'll have to eat a little quicker then. You have to get ready for the ball after this. And yes, it is necessary for it to take all afternoon." Elora gave Ophelia a pointed look. Her maids had already been debriefed on just exactly how they were pampering her. "I will entertain your parents should they leave their room until it's time for the ball." Elora could be civil and diplomatic in ways Kaillas was unable to.
Kaillas took his seat next to Ophelia after pushing her chair to the table. He made a small hand gesture for the staff to go ahead and bring out their lunch for them. He placed his hand on the back of her chair, his fingers grazing her neck. A moment later, the staff brought out a large plate. And on that plate sat the most magnificent cheesecake. Strawberries, which had been handpicked that morning, were placed on top. There were no imperfections, as each one had been carefully chosen. There was a puree drizzled on top of it and dollops of whipped cream in perfect spirals. And of course, candles that had been lit for their birthday girl.
(Someone set off the fire alarm again 🤦♀️ at least I got kiwi in the carrier this time)
