forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Ophelia blushes furiously at the teasing. Really, she ought to be used to it by now but it still flusters her. Somehow Elora is always able to embarrass her work that teasing of hers. Granted, she made it quite easy for her this time. Stumbling into her own birthday lunch all dischelved and out of breath….this is her own fault and she knows it. “You are enjoying this entirely too much,” She informs her sister-in-law, shaking her head in amusement.

“All afternoon?” She asks, raising her brows. She had been planning on taking an hour at the most to get ready. What on earth could she be doing that would take all afternoon. The pointed look quiets her down but she still has her suspicions. “Kindly refrain from interacting with my parents unless you absolutely must. I would never ask you to do something so unpleasant.”

Her eyes widened as the staff bring out the decadent cheesecake before her. It is a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat. The handpicked strawberries and the drizzled puree….it looks heavenly. “You have truly outdone yourselves. This is wonderful!” She’s utterly delighted by the prospect of digging into the delicious dessert.

(I guess Kiwi decided to be merciful today XD But damn it must have been annoying to have the fire alarm go off again!)

(He's had better days XD Yeah, someone keeps smoking pot or something and setting it off. Front office is pissed about it)

Elora just gave her an answering smirk. She was having fun with this. She finally had a sister she could tease like this. If Katya ever showed up looking all disheveled like that, she would beat her ass. Not literally but Katya would certainly get an earful. But Ophelia, well, she wasn't used to Elora's humor and thus and easy target. It was all in good fun. She did know when to draw the line. And as long as Ophelia was receptive to it, it was alright.

"You have nothing to worry about, Ophelia. Just enjoy your afternoon. You are going to be properly pampered." Elora grinned at her. She would enjoy it. Unless she tickled easily. Then perhaps not as much. "We'll have an earlier dinner. Around four this afternoon. It will be a small dinner. Your parents, Kaillas's closest advisors, and us of course. And then afterward we get dressed and go to the ball."

A ball where Kaillas didn't intend to stay longer than an hour or two. He supposed it truly depended on how long Ophelia wished to dance. Then he had a surprise for her afterward. One that all of them were excited about. Except perhaps Ophelia but only because she was in the dark.

He chuckled at her excitement and kissed the side of her head. "Remember, this is all for you. Don't be pressured to try and eat it all now. Save some for breakfast tomorrow. And lunch. And dinner. And whenever else you want it."

(I would be SO pissed if I had to shove a cranky animal into a carry two days in a row cause some idiot is smoking pot in the hallway lol)

Ophelia can't help but crack a small smile at Elora's teasing. She is still getting used to the dynamics of having a sister, especially one as spirited as Elora. It's a refreshing change from her usual quiet life. She appreciates having her around even if it involves a bit of gentle ribbing. Having no siblings growing up means that this is her first time experiencing such teasing. It’s all in good fun so she can’t compIain.

"I'll do my best to enjoy the pampering," She replies with a soft laugh. Though she isn’t the biggest fan of surprises, she does trust Elora's taste and knows the afternoon will be delightful.

As Elora mentions the upcoming dinner and ball, Ophelia's dread grows. While she doesn’t doubt the the actual ball and dinner will be amazing, she doesn’t want her parents to ruin it. She’s going to be stressing until they leave. These last few months without them have been the best of her life. Having them around, even temporarily, puts her on edge. It’s always something with them. The last thing she wants is for them to ruin things with her new family.

Kaillas's kiss on her head is a reassuring gesture, and she feels a brief sense of relief spread through her. She knows he and his sisters are doing all of this for her, and she can't be more grateful. "Thank you, all of you, for making this day so special," she says sincerely.

(Oh we are. The fire alarm is stressing out everyone.)

The request had come from Kaillas, naturally. He wanted her to relax this afternoon before she had to be in close proximity to her parents. He had gone to Elora and asked to arrange it. As a man, and one not so inclined to the luxurious life of self care, he thought it better in her hands. His sister did like to have frequent pampering. He'd never truly notice the difference of what a milk bath did to one's skin but as long as his girls were happy he could care less what they did.

Just for today, and then her parents would be gone from this palace and he'd never incite then back. They weren't actually incited here at all. They incited themselves. Which he wouldn't have minded if they were actual decent parents. As it was, they were not. And so he did in fact mind that they were here. They were causing his wife distress and he did not like that.

"Your welcome, my love. You deserve all this and more." And there was definitely more to come. His last surprise, minus her presents, was the one making him most anxious. He wanted it to be perfect and he worried it wouldn't be. There were so many things that could go wrong that made him stress. And his sisters reassurances hadn't been all that reassuring.

"Now, eat up." He cut her a slice of the cake and set it on her plate. He wouldn't take a bite until she took her first bite.

(Yeah, I bet!)

Ophelia smiles warmly at Kaillas, her eyes filled with gratitude. She truly appreciates his efforts to make this day special for her, especially considering the challenging situation with her parents. His understanding and care means the world to her. With how much effort everyone has put into making her happy, she needs to at least try to relax and enjoy herself.

With the gentle clink of her fork against the plate, she breaks the serene ambiance and dives into the slice. The fork slides through the velvety layers as though cutting through a cloud, revealing the luscious filling beneath. Her lips curl into an anticipatory smile as she lifts a delicate forkful to her lips.

As the first taste touches her tongue, a symphony of flavors envelopes her senses. The rich, creamy cheesecake is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy, each bite an exquisite balance. The crust crumbles beneath the pressure of her fork, adding a satisfying contrast to the velvety filling. The strawberry sauce burst forth in bursts of fruity delight, adding a vibrant burst of color and taste to every mouthful.

She closes her eyes, savoring the moment. For a brief instant, she is transported from the worries of her world into a realm of pure culinary delight. Each bite is a testament to the skill of the palace's chef, and she appreciates their dedication to creating such a masterpiece.

(Balls have been officially removed. Kiwi is not happy with anyone and refuses to move from his spot on the carpet he's lying on.)

Kaillas swept her hair aside so he could stroke the delicate skin on the back of her exposed neck. Had they been alone, he would have kissed her deep and showed her how much he cared for her, rather than tell her. Words were complicated and messy but actions always showed one's true intentions in the end, if only one knew where to look. But alas, there was only so much he was willing to traumatize his sisters with.

He watched as she took her first bit of her cheesecake and became suddenly very jealous of it. he didn't think she had ever looked at him that way. It was entirely unfair and something he would need to rectify as soon as humanly possible. Because he was well, Kaillas, and he must be better than a slice of cake.

His sisters had begun on their own slices of cake while Kaillas was lost in his own little world. Ophelia filled his senses and he saw nothing but her. There was no one in this room but the two of them. At least until the moment was broken by Katya's giggling. Then he was pulled back to the present. He picked up his own fork and took a bite of the cheesecake. Well, it was delicious. So he supposed her look of pleasure was appropriate.

(Congratulations, Kiwi! He must be so pissed. All of mine were when they got the big chop lol)

Ophelia's heart races as Kaillas's gentle touch sends shivers through her body. The tender caress on the back of her neck ignites a longing within her, and she can't help but steal a clandestine glance in his direction. If only they were alone, she thinks, her cheeks flushed.

Taking another delicate bite of her cheesecake, her senses are overwhelmed, not just by the dessert's sweetness, but by the intensity of her thoughts right now. Watching Kaillas, she sees a mixture of desire and jealousy in his eyes and is instantly amused. It seems as though her darling husband is jealous of her cake. The thought nearly makes her giggle but she manages to hold back so she doesn't have to explain herself.

Lost in her thoughts, she realizes that everyone else seems to have started on their own slices of cake. Then, Katya's giggling bursts her bubble of thought, and she is reluctantly pulled back into the present. She takes a moment to figure out what exactly is going on and what she missed while she was trapped in her own brain.

(Oh yeah, he is not happy. But he's also in a lot of pain. He's still got blood on him from he incision but I can't get it wet until it's healed so I can't really clean him.)

With one hand on her neck, Kaillas uses his nondominate hand to lift the fork to his mouth with each new bite of cheesecake. One by one, the slice slowly begins to disappear. He wasn't hungry enough for a second slice. Between their wine and cheese for the early afternoon, he hadn't had much of an appetite to begin with. Not with the nerves that were currently plaguing his system. His stomach was rolling and churning in his belly the later the time got. And the nerves had nothing to do with her parents.

He gave his sister a look that only caused her to giggle more. He rolled his eyes, though his lips were pulled in a smile. There wasn't anything his girls could do that would anger him. He loved them all too dearly for that.

"My darling, if you are done, I will escort you to our chambers." Where he would then have to leave her to check on a few last-minute details. Everything needed to be perfect. He needed to make sure that it was perfect. And to do that, he needed to see it fully set up. He didn't trust anyone's word. Not with this.

(Aww, poor little baby! Hopefully he heals quickly! I remember how sad and pitiful mine were afterwards. But here's hoping that this will solve his other problems!)

Ophelia watches Kaillas as he delicately savors each bite of the cheesecake, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She has always admired his ability to focus on the little things, even in the midst of such an important event. Their early afternoon indulgence in wine and cheese has indeed taken the edge off her own appetite, and she finds herself content to enjoy the moment. However, it is evident that Kaillas is wrestling with something deep, his nerves palpable in the air.

Knowing nothing of what he has planned, she assumes that it's just because her parents are here. She can't blame him for being nervous. She knows what they're capable of and it's nothing pleasant. At least they'll be gone some time tomorrow. Just one day. She just has to get through one day of them being here and then hopefully she won't have to see them again for a very long time.

"I'm ready," She confirms, offering a smile to her husband as she shakes those thoughts out of her head. She knows that she has some pampering to look forward to so that perks her up a little. Standing up, she smooths out her dress and reaches over to take his hand. "Shall we?"

(It should as he heals. Right now he just looks so sad. He keeps giving me the side eye XD)

Kaillas smiled as he took her hand and stood. He walked over to both his sisters. He kissed Katya on the top of her head first and then Elora. "Behave yourselves. I'll see you both at dinner." He attempted to give them a stern look but it just wasn't something he could do. Not to them, anyways. With Ophelia in hand, he led her out of their dining room and down the hall to their chambers. Maids were already drawing a bath for Ophelia and finishing gathering everything they would need.

Pressing the quickest of kisses, he dipped his head down to hers. He placed his hand on her cheek, practically covering the entire side of her face with his hand. "I have a few things I need to take care of but I'll be back before dinner. You enjoy yourself and if you need anything, send for me. I'll come straight away." He hoped that didn't sound too suspicious. He didn't think it did. As long as she didn't question anything it would be alright.

"They'll take good care of you." He placed one last kiss on her forehead before turning her towards the bathroom where the maids were all ready for her. "I'll see you in a bit, my darling." He waited to leave the room until she was out of sight. It was so tempting to join her in the tub. Where she would be bare and open to him. But he had other things to take care of first. he had thought their tumble in the closet would have sated him until tonight but then again, he could never get enough of her.

(You better sleep with one eye open. Little dude seems murderous XD)

Ophelia feels her heart flutter as Kaillas takes her hand and kissed his sisters goodbye. It's moments like these, witnessing his tenderness toward his family, that makes her love him even more. Oh. She blinks as the realization hits her. She loves Kaillas. Quite a lot. It isn't a gradual realization, nor is it something she had contemplated for days or weeks. It just happened, a sudden and unexpected epiphany that is leaving her breathless. A smile creeps across her face, and she feels a warm, giddy sensation in her chest. How had she not seen it before? It is so obvious now, as clear as day. She is in love with him, and there is no turning back. It is a beautiful, unexpected revelation that fills her heart with happiness and anticipation for the moments to come

As Kaillas leads her out of the dining room and down the hall to their chambers, she can't help but feel a mixture of excitement and curiosity. She knows that he is keeping certain details of the evening's plans a secret, but she trusts him implicitly and is content to let the surprises unfold. His soft kisses and the warmth of his hand on her cheek sends a comforting shiver down her spine. "I'll be just fine, darling," she reassures him with a tender smile. "You take care of what needs to be done, and I'll be here, eagerly awaiting your return."

Turning towards the maids who were preparing her bath, she acknowledges their presence with a gracious nod. She appreciates their attentiveness and the care they take in making her feel comfortable. As she enters the bathroom, she cast one last glance at Kaillas, her eyes filled with love and longing. The thought of their night together fills her with excitement, and she can't wait to see what surprises Kaillas has in store. With a final, lingering look, she disappears into the bathroom, leaving him to attend to his duties, her heart brimming with love for the man who has captured her heart so completely.

(Honestly, he can't really move rn. He's in alot of pain. But once he starts feeling better, I better watch out.) (And awwww, she finally figured it out)

Kaillas was completely unaware of the revelation Ophelia was having. One that had mirrored his own only a week ago. His love for her. God he loved her. Possibly more than anything else in this world, other than oerhaos his sisters. He loved them all equally, albeit differently. And he would do anything for them. There was nothing that was too far if it kept them safe.

He hated to leave Ophelia behind. He would have loved nothing more than to curl up in that tub with her. But if he had stayed, she wouldn't have gotten much pampering. She would have recieved a different kind of attention. And not the one he was going for at this time. He needed her to relax and enjoy herself. Engaging in rigorous activities was not relaxing. It was better than he stayed away from her until it was necessary for him to ready himself for dinner. Even if he hadn't other engaments, he would have left her to her own devices.

He checked over the preparations and made sure everything was perfect and to his standards. Well, really what he thought his wife's standards would be. Decorating was beyond him but with his sisters help, he was able to ensure perfection. And when there was just a half an hour before going for dinner, he finally slipped back into their chambers to dress himself.

(Didn't they give the poor little guy some meds for the pain? He sounds pitiful right now) (And yeah! Now they can both be adorable little love sick puppies lol)

Ophelia reclines in the deep, fragrant bath, the warm water enveloping her like a comforting embrace. Soft candlelight flickers around the opulent bathroom, casting a gentle, golden glow on the marble surfaces. She watches the flickering flames, feeling utterly relaxed and indulged.

The maids, skilled in their art, attend to her every need. They move around her gracefully, their hands as gentle as a summer breeze. With soft, scented sponges, they cleanse her skin, their touch sending tingles of pleasure up her spine. The warm water soothes her muscles, and she lets out a contented sigh, closing her eyes for a moment. Delicate hands massage fragrant oils into her hair, leaving it soft and lustrous. The scent of lavender and roses fills the air, creating a serene ambiance that heightens her relaxation. They pamper her with meticulous care, from her shoulders down to her toes, as if she were a precious jewel.

As they work, they exchange hushed whispers, their voices like distant echoes in the tranquil room. Ophelia's mind drifts, carried away by the sensation of being pampered and the subtle, melodic hum of their voices. She feels like a queen in her own sanctuary, the worries and cares of the world fading into the background. The maids finish their ministrations, and Ophelia opens her eyes, feeling rejuvenated and pampered. Her skin is soft, her hair gleams, and her body is relaxed, ready for the evening's festivities. With a gracious smile, she thanks the maids for their exquisite care, knowing that this moment of luxury is a gift she'll treasure for a long time.

All too soon, it comes to an end. She knows that it's time for her to get out of the tub and actually get ready for the evening.

(They did, but it's starting to wear off. We gave him some more but it can only help so much. We just gotta get passed these three days then he should start feeling better. But until then, he looks so sad)

The maids flitted around Kaillas but he paid them no heed. He made his way to the bathroom and leaned agaisnt the frame, watching Ophelia with a gentle smile. She hadn't noticed him yet and he took the moment to watch her when she hadn't realized she had been watched. His head was agaisnt the wood, his arms and ankles crossed as he watched her. She was so beautiful. Her skin was smooth like silk. Her hair, while drenched, luscious and full. How had such a soft created captured his heart? He hadn't known. But he never wanted another life than this. However long he had to love, whatever pain he had suffered, it had all been worth it for this.

Dinner was a simple evening gathering. Ophelia would be dressed in an evening gown and Kaillas in evening attire. Of which they would have to promptly change out of and into their ballroom clothing after dinner was over. Hence why it was such an early dinner. It would give then time to change for later that evening. Her gown for the ball he had chosen, and he wasn't going to take no for answer. Not for this. But he would let her dressed as she pleased for dinner. Something that would likely please her parents and hide away her skin from him. Such tragedy.

He wasn't entirely thrilled about constantly having to change his attire. He thought it a waste but customs were customs, and they had visitors that highly respected these sorts of values. And he had promises to play nice. Or at least try to. So clothing after clothing he would go through today. Something he would have never done in all his life until now. Oh, the things he did for love.

(That’s rough. I know you must be worried about him. It always hurts to see a pet in pain when you can’t do anything to help)

Ophelia rises from the fragrant bathwater with the help of her maids, her skin glistening with moisture under the soft, ambient light. Droplets cling to her, like morning dew on petals. She reaches for the fluffy towel nearby, its warmth enveloping her as she steps onto the floor. Wrapping the towel around her body, she takes a few moment to dry herself off properly.

It’s only when she turns to exit the bathroom that she notices her visitor. “You’re back!” She comments with a smile, pleased to see him. “How did all of your secretive planning go?” Though she’s desperate to know some of the details of what he’s planning, she knows that he won’t tell her. Especially not when she’s so close to actually finding out. She just needs to make it through dinner and the ball. After that….she hasn’t the slight clue what awaits her. If she weren’t already so nervous about everything else, she would be much more excited for the surprises that he has in store.

She steps over and presses a gentle kiss to his cheek. Normally she would go out of her way to tease him but not now. Not only are the maids still in the room but they’re also on a time crunch. She needs to get ready so they won’t be late for dinner. Luckily, her gown as already been picked out.

The maids flutter around her, like graceful birds tending to their queen. In their skilled hands, the evening gown waits, an elegant masterpiece of silk and lace. She stands at the center of the room, staying still as they work.

One maid gently slips the gown's straps over her shoulders, the silk caressing her skin. Another cinches the corset, accentuating her slender waist. The delicate lace cascades down her figure, a waterfall of intricate patterns. They work in silence, their movements synchronized and precise. Her eyes meet her reflection in the mirror, a moment of shared anticipation. The room is alive with the soft rustling of fabric and the occasional murmur between the maids.

With the gown on properly, the maids make quick work of her hair and makeup. With a few short minutes to spare, she’s ready.

Kaillas could have melted into a puddle as she turned to face him. The look of excitement on her face had him raising his head from the doorframe and unrolling his arms. He waited until she came to him to wrap her in a loose hug. He bent his neck slightly so she was able to kiss his cheek without having to rise on the tips of her toes. He huffed a laugh at her question. "Everything is fine. It's all in place and ready for tonight." And it had better stay that way. If one thing was out if olave it woukd ruin it all. But they still had a few more hours to go, and a grueling dinner with her parent. He could only imagine all the ways this could go wrong.

Despite needing to get dressed himself, he found himself perched on the bed as he watched her change. There was the absence of last in his eyes and in its place only love and devotion. Thankfully, getting dressed as a male certianly took less work and time than it did as a woman. Something he was eternally grateful for. The corest and petticoats and layers were all too much for him. He thought he would drown in all the layers should he try to wear them. And this was coming from experience. Not one he would talk about Katya certainly would. They used to have teaparties in which Kaillas was required to dress the part. Something he would never mention to this day.

As soon as she was ready, he signaled for the staff to leave them be. They only had a few minutes left before they needed to leave and Kaillas stoll desperately needed to change. But, his wife was his first priority. "You are a goddess, my darling," he murmured as he approached her. He kissed her softly once, not wanting to disrupt any if the maid's hardwork.

He stepped unto the chest and changed into the clothing already set out for him. He kept on his trousers, not needing to change those. And he kept his white, peasant undershirt on. He buttoned up his vest to the neck and slipped on his jacket over, again, buttoning the front and the cuffs. He made a face of displeasure, hating the feeling of something so tight around his neck. He liked being able to feel like he could breathe and move feeling. And he couldn't in this.

He tried hiding his displeasure as he joined Ophelia back in their bedroom. He was mostly successful. He just wasn't accustomed to formal clothing. "Ready, my darling?" He offered her his arm.

Ophelia meets Kaillas's gaze with a radiant smile as he wraps his arms around her in a loose hug. His laughter at her question eases her nerves. "I'm so relieved to hear that," she replies, her voice filled with genuine relief. While she may not know what it is that he’s planning, she knows that he’s already stressed enough so she wants all of the preparations to go smoothly for him. Despite her parents being here, today is supposed to be fun. She wants him to enjoy himself too.

As he watches her change, she can feel his adoring gaze, and it warms her heart. The absence of lust in his eyes makes her giddy. Although she certainly enjoys how much he appreciates her in bed, she adores the way he seems to worship her as a person rather than just a play thing. It makes her feel seen and loved.

Once she is ready, and the staff has left, Kaillas's compliment makes her blush. She returns his soft kiss, savoring the affectionate moment. “You never cease to make me blush,” She murmurs, appreciating how sweet and sincere his words are.

Ophelia's eyes light up as she takes in Kaillas's appearance in his formal attire. She can't help but admire how handsome he looks. The tailored jacket and vest accentuate his broad shoulders, and the crisp white shirt beneath adds a touch of sophistication.

Her gaze lingers on him as he adjusts his collar, and she appreciates the effort he's put into dressing up for the occasion. His tousled hair, a stark contrast to the polished ensemble, only adds to his rugged charm.

"You look absolutely dashing, Kaillas," she remarks with genuine admiration, her voice filled with affection. She reaches out to straighten his tie, her fingers brushing lightly against his neck. Her heart swells with pride and love for the man who stands before her, a vision of timeless allure.

She smiles as he returns to her side, his discomfort somewhat hidden but she can see past that facade. “Yes, my darling, I'm ready," she answers, taking his offered arm.

Kaillas raised his hand to brush his thumb across her cheeks. He would never tire of seeing her blush like so. It reminded him that it was only he that was truly able to cause such a reaction. There had been no other man in her life that had caused this. There had never been another man in her life. Something that ignited something most primal in him. He would have never cared if she had come to him otherwise, but the fact that had been pure before him, it did things to him.

At least one of them could appreciate his attire. He sure didn't. It was itchy against his skin and tight along his shoulders and chest. It was a clear of indicator of how long this had sat in his closet, and how long it had been since he had worn it. Never. He had never worn it before. He had been told that it was supposed to be this tight around him but he didn't like it. It made him uncomfortable. But for his wife, he would sit through dinner in this grueling outfit.

However, his look of displeasure faded as she came to him and whispered those sweet words. As she reached out and straightened his tie. As her fingers brushed along his neck. He melted right into her touch. His eyes fluttered closed and he dropped his head against hers for a brief moment. "Thank you, my darling."

The words were on the tip of his tongue, I love you. It would have been so easy for them to slip out. But he had a plan and he wouldn't ruin it before then. So this was what he had to stick with.

As she took his arm, he placed his opposite hand over hers. "Remember, I'm with you every step of the way." He would be by her side through it all. He would defend her honor and stand up for her against her parents should it come to that. He promised to play nice but if they crossed the line, he wouldn't apologize for his actions. He only prayed that she would understand why he had taken those actions.

His sisters fell in step behind them as they reached the end of the hall. He paused for a moment to look back at the both of them. "You both look beautiful." They beamed up at him. But before Elora could say something smart about his own outfit, he gave her a look that silenced her. Not now. Later if she wished. They needed to be a unified front as they walked into that dining room.

Ophelia feels a tender rush of emotions as Kaillas brushes his thumb against her cheek, igniting that familiar blush that is his alone to evoke. Her heart swells with affection, knowing that she has given her purity to him willingly, and it fills him with a primal desire she can sense in his touch. As she straightens his tie and her fingers brush against his neck, she relishes the sensation of his closeness. Their silent exchange speaks volumes, the unspoken "I love you" hanging in the air like a secret promise. Ophelia can't help but smile at his gratitude, her heart fluttering with the depth of their connection.

"Thank you for being here, my darling," she whispers in return, her words a silent affirmation of her own love for him, held back for now. She'll tell him how she feels but now isn't the time. She doesn't want the moment to be tainted by her parents and the stress. His hand over hers on his arm, his words of unwavering support, fill her with confidence, even though the feeling is fleeting. As they approach the dining room, her heart swells with a mixture of anticipation and determination. Her eyes meet his sisters', and she gives them a warm, reassuring smile. With Kaillas by her side, they are a formidable team, ready to face whatever the evening has in store for them.

She stands at the entrance to the grand palace dining hall for a few moments to collect herself, her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. She knows that this evening's dinner with her estranged parents is a significant moment—one that could reshape the dynamics of her family forever. The doors to the dining hall swing open, and she steps inside, her hand firmly clasped in Kaillas's. The room is opulent, with glistening chandeliers, polished marble floors, and a long, elaborately set dining table. The atmosphere is formal and imposing, a stark contrast to the usual cozy and intimate gatherings that she has grown accustomed to.

As they make their way towards the table, where her parents sit, Ophelia can feel the weight of their gaze on her. Her mother's expression is stoic, her father's unreadable. They are perfect strangers to her now, and the years of estrangement have left a cavernous gap between them. Kaillas's presence beside her is a reassuring anchor. She draws strength from his unwavering support, his hand on her arm a constant source of comfort. She knows that he is there to defend her honor and stand by her side, no matter what transpires during this dinner.

Ophelia takes a deep breath, her steps steady as she approaches her parents. She greets them with a polite smile and a slight nod, her voice composed as she says, "Mother, Father……" She greets, trying to be as civil as possible. The tension in the room is palpable as they take their seats. Her heart remains unsettled, but she is determined to face this pivotal moment with grace and resilience.

Those few little words, Kaillas was desperate to blurt them out. He wanted to tell her, god, he wanted to. But it was more than just one reason why he couldn't just yet. It was only by a miracle that he had memorized the speech he had written early this week. The second miracle would be for him to actually speak it once the time arrived. Love was tricky for him. Yes, he loved his sisters and he told them semi-regularly. But love, he had been shown none in the army. The few times he was home, while his mother had doted on him, his father had treated him more like a soldier than his son. He never truly understood why his father treated him so. Why his father decided to ship him off to the army at such a young age. And where he would have stayed had it not been for his family's slaughter.

I'll always be with you were the words he told her through his eyes. Through thick and thin, he was here for her. Even if it meant dealing with her parents, something he was not looking forward to. He would rather brave it out on the battlefield than be here with them. No, that wasn't quite true. His wife couldn't be with him on the battlefield. But she could be here with him. So he supposed he would brave her parents if it meant he got to spend another moment with her.

All of his small council were already seated in the dining room as they arrived. The moment the king and queen were announced, they got to their feet and bowed to their monarch, sitting only as Kaillas gestured for them too. They would sit by her parent's side. Ambrose would occupy the open seat next to him, needing his Hand for more than just political reasons. His friend had always had a knack for calming things down as they escalated. He trusted that tonight was no different. The rest of his council had sat in the same order they always did. It was one of the few things he was grateful for. He liked the order it presented to him.

He held Ophelia's hand tight in his, offering her as much comfort as he was taking himself. He wasn't sure there was anything that had prepared him for this moment. Soldiers were much easier to handle than this. At least the former he was able to order around and all he needed to make sure was that their pants stayed on and they didn't stick it in the wrong girl. Or accidentally kill someone. That had happened more than a few times.

"Good evening," he greeted her parents, mustering up the smallest of smiles. It looked almost forced, which it was, and it didn't meet his eyes. But he would try, he promised he would try.

In this tense moment, Ophelia feels Kaillas' hand in hers, appreciating the warmth and reassurance it offers. She knows how challenging this evening will be for him, but she's grateful for his presence as they face her judgmental and demanding parents. She gently squeezes his hand, silently conveying her gratitude and understanding.

As Kaillas greets her parents, she can't help but feel a touch of anxiety. There is so much that could go wrong with this. She knows her parents' expectations can be high, and offically introducing them to Kaillas is stressful. For her, there is quite a lot riding on this evening. While she and her parents don’t have the best relationship, she still tries her best to make things work.

"Good evening," She adds to her original greeting, offering a warm smile that contrasts with Kaillas' somewhat forced one. She hopes her parents will see the love between them and eventually come to be happy for her. Will that actually happen? No, of course not. But she can always hope

The king and queen exchange a brief glance, their expressions revealing a hint of skepticism. “Good evening,” King William greets, his tone devoid of all warmth. Queen Charlotte merely offers a slight nod of her head in greeting.

The pleasantries, however, cannot fully mask the subtle undercurrent of displeasure. They expected the young couple to arrive promptly, especially given the importance of this occasion. Yet, the slight tardiness conveys a sense of disregard for their time and effort in their eyes. Despite the regal veneer of politeness, the disappointment lingers, evident in the restrained tone of their voices and the slight creases in their brows.

(This little shit keeps jumping over everything. I came home from work and he's laying in one of his boxes in his cat tree. Like mf you're going to tear your stitches!)

Kaillas had never met the parents of any of his previous lovers. At least, not formally. There had been a couple whose parents worked for him at the palace, so of course he had known them, but it had never been like this. While some of his anxiety was directed at this specific situation, plenty of his turmoil was pointed in other directions. The largest of them was how angry their treatment of his wife made him feel. The second of it was his plans for the rest of this evening, along with a few others. The actual meeting of them was at the very bottom of his list.

He could barely refrain from scowling at their hateful manner towards them. Sure, they were a few minutes late but how could he not take the time to kiss his wife when she looked as radiant as she did? And if it meant running a few minutes behind, then so be it. His wife deserved to be loved rather than sacrificed for the sake of time.

Kaillas pulled out Ophelia's chair, helping her sit into the seat and pushing it into the table. Then he took the seat next to him. Ambrose gave him a look that said "play nice." He really didn't want to and it was only for the sake of Ophelia that he would.

"I do hope that you have found your chambers accommodating," he said as he finally sat. He took a sip of his goblet of wine. He had a feeling he was going to need a few of those to get through this dinner.

He placed his hand on Ophelia's knee under the table, giving it a squeeze. The contact, however small, gave him some clarity. "Have you had a chance to tour the castle yet? My sister, Katya, is dying to show you her garden. We don't get many visitors, and when we do, she likes to show everyone her work. She's very proud of it, as am I."

(What a little jerk! He needs to chill out before he rips his stitches!)

Ophelia feels the tension in the room, thick and suffocating, as she sits beside Kaillas at the formal dining table. The atmosphere is heavy with disapproval, and it takes all of her strength to maintain her composure. She knows that this dinner is crucial, not just for her but for Kaillas as well, and she doesn't want to give her parents any more reason to criticize her choices. Kaillas's presence next to her is a soothing balm to her nerves. His touch on her knee beneath the table is a reassuring reminder that they are in this together, that she is not alone in facing her estranged parents' scrutiny.

She takes a sip of her wine, her eyes briefly meeting Kaillas's before she turns her attention to her parents. She knows that she'll be drinking a bit more than usual tonight to cope with this stress. Their cold demeanor does nothing to ease the tension in the room, and Ophelia wishes she could bridge the gap that has formed between them over the years. When Kaillas addresses her parents, she offers a polite smile, grateful for his efforts to maintain civility. "

King William and Queen Charlotte sit at the grand dining table, their expressions unyielding and cold. Their eyes, once filled with warmth for their daughter, now hold an icy detachment. The tension in the room is palpable, and they have little interest in concealing their disapproval. Queen Charlotte sips her wine delicately, her gaze never leaving Ophelia. Her voice, when she finally speaks, is laced with thinly veiled disdain. "The chambers are quite suitable, thank you," she replies curtly, her words devoid of any genuine warmth.

King William, sitting beside her, merely nods in agreement, his attention fixed on his meal. He cuts his food with precision, his silence a stark reminder of his displeasure. As Kaillas mentions Katya's garden, Queen Charlotte's expression remains unchanged, her indifference evident. "Ah, the garden," she says with a forced smile. "I'm sure it's charming, dear. But I'm afraid we won't have time for such trivialities during our stay." The chill in the air deepens as the dinner progresses, leaving Ophelia to navigate the icy waters of her family's disapproval with grace and poise.

(Also, I finally figured out what exactly I want this conflict to be about hehe But I'm not telling you)

Kaillas honestly couldn't see what her parents were upset about. They were the ones who had arranged this marriage. They had chosen him to give their daughter away to. He knew for a fact that there were plenty of other men that she could have been married to or otherwise engaged to. And yet chose him, despite all the others. And now they had the audacity to be upset that they actually liked each other? Did they want their daughter to be miserable for the rest of her life? Just because they were didn't mean she had to be.

Katya looked like she wanted to introduce Ophelia's parents to a nice spot of poison ivy. Just a little trip and a little tumble and the two of them would be itching for weeks. And this was not because they didn't want to see her garden. She'd rather them not. She didn't want that energy in her safe place. Though it was all to tempting to clip off one of her more poisonous flowers and slip it into their food. She didn't but she wanted to.

"Next time, then," she said with a smile that could only mean the opposite. She believed that everyone knew at this table that her parents were not coming back here again. Not unless they learned how to be human beings and treat others correctly. And even then, Kaillas might never let them back for how they have treated Ophelia.

Speaking of which, said king was taking another sip of his wine. If the food wasn't brought out soon he might just have an aneurysm at this table. He felt like his head was going to explode. Thankfully, Ambrose saved him from having to speak again. "How are your affairs in Luminar, Your Majesties?"

(Well I’m definitely curious XD Care to give a hint?)

Ophelia shakes her head, frustration and disbelief swirling within her. It's baffling how her parents, who have orchestrated this marriage, can now be so opposed to her happiness. She can't fathom why they'd want her to be miserable when they have the power to choose someone she genuinely likes. She hasn’t the faintest idea as to what she could have possibly done to make them hate her so much. She tried her best to be the perfect daughter but apparently her best just wasn’t good enough.

It’s strange, really. Usually the withering looks and murmurs of disapproval stab and twist at her heart, yet, now she feels nothing. The usual sadness and desperation for approval are missing. Despite that she still loves them, she could care less about their approval. That realization is liberating. She feels light and free. It doesn’t matter what her parents think of her, she lives with people who love her and who she loves. That’s all that matters now.

King William, still sipping his wine, nods in acknowledgment to Ambrose, but remains guarded in his response. “Our affairs in Luminar continue to progress steadily. Trade relations have seen improvement, and cultural exchanges are under discussion." Thee responses is polite at best, but there is an undeniable distance, reflecting the tension in the room. They are attempting to navigate a delicate balance between acknowledging the current discord and keeping the conversation on more neutral ground.

Truthfully, the two have no interest in discussing anything with anyone. They’re only here to confirm that their daughter is with child like the rumors claim and then they’ll be on their way. Everyone will be rid of them until they return for the birth of their grandson. If a girl is born….well, they have no interest there.