forum Royal Affairs (O/O Closed)

Started May 08, 2023 by @LolaBug

tune

Catalina took a step back. She would wait until the pair took off on their horses before she went about her business. Elora knew when to get them both back and she would be there to greet them as they entered the stables.

Elora beamed. "Yes he is. I picked Apollo out when he was a baby. We've been together ever since. I even helped train him." She put her foot in the stirrup and mounted her stallion. She waited for Ophelia to do the same before urging her horse forward and towards a familiar trail. They would travel through the woods right outside the palace. This trail was just over a mile and a half long and made a loop.

She waited until the had made it off the palace grounds and unto the woods, where the only ears around were their guards and the wildlife. "So, you wanted to know about the wedding night," she said. "Lucky for you, I have a vulgar brother and know way too much about the subject. I can't imagine anyone told you anything very detailed. What questions do you have."

Ophelia adjusts herself in the saddle, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as they venture into the secluded woods. She's looking forward to looking around and getting to know the area. Everything she has seen so far has been beautiful. "It's wonderful that they let you help train him. You two must have a strong bond."

It surprises her when they immediately dive into such a personal subject. She supposes that it's better than putting it off. They can get it out of the way now and clear the air so the rest of the ride is pleasant and not awkward. She glances at Elora, appreciating her friendly demeanor and willingness to share information despite how uncomfortable this conversation is going to be.

"Well, to be honest, I haven't been given much information about the wedding night at all. It's all been quite vague and filled with euphemisms," Ophelia admits, blushing slightly as she recalls the rather painfully awkward conversation she had with Catalina earlier. It was helpful but only gave her part of an idea. "I suppose my main question is… what should I expect? What happens on the wedding night? Is there anything I should do or prepare for?"

Elora grinned, looking forward and trying not to look so excited. She remembered the first time she had heard such things from her brother. She had been just shy of thirteen when she had walked in on her bother in a compromised position. She had made the mistake of asking what they were doing and she recieved an explanation she had not been looking for. A detailed explanation. Ever since then, she had done her own ahem research of the subject. She thought herself well versed even if she was a virgin.

She cleared her throat. "Well, let's call it by the names that it is. Sex can be done at anytime with anyone, however, a respectable lady only does it with her husband." She grumbled the next part, "yet a man can do it with anyone." She shook her head. "For sex to work, a man puts his penis in your vagina and he'll thrust in you as many times as it takes to finish. That's the stuff that can get you pregnant."

She turned her head to look at the princess, a smirk on her face. "There's a lot of different ways to do this. Most common is the woman on her back and the man on her. Missionary. But it can be done a lot of different ways. I'll make you som drawings." Apollo knocked against Cheesecake for a moment on a rough patch of dirt.

"Now of course, there are other ways to have sex than just with his penis. There's oral sex, where he puts his mouth on you or you put your mouth around his penis. Or he can put his fingers inside you. And your breasts might feel good if he plays with that too."

Elora stroked the side of Apollo's mane. "I think that covers the basics. Any other questions?"

The excitement on Elora's face admittedly has her concerned. She doesn't understand why she seems to be so giddy to discuss this. Everyone around her has always avoided the topic as much as possible so this different reaction to the conversation is unnerving. Someone definitely should have explained all of this to her quite awhile ago. Having to hear it from someone younger than her is embarrassing.

The first part of the conversation, she had learned briefly about from Catalina. So while she nods her head along to what's being said, it isn't too shocking. However, she nearly dies when Elora starts going into more details. Her entire face turns a brilliant shade of red as she looks away, unable to maintain eye contact. Drawings? She's not so sure that she wants to see those. They would be helpful so she doesn't want to fully nix the idea but it's not something she's overly eager to do.

She pats Cheesecake's side lightly when the other stallion lightly bumps into him. At least the horses are doing alright and the ride is going smoothly. "No. Absolutely not." Her eyes are wide with horror as she imagines what that would be like. She's just barely wrapped her head around the basics so thinking about doing anything orally is overwhelming. Nothing about that seems pleasant. It seems strange and terrifying.

"How do you even know all of this?" She asks, shocked that Elora would have this much information on the topic to begin with. No one in her kingdom would have told her even half of that had she even attempted to ask.

Elora was giggling to herself as she watched Ophelia's reaction. She had a wonderful grin on her face that just didn't seem to go away. "Now, of course, we can call these things by other names if it makes you more comfortable. Like cock and cunt." That was probably even worse but she was just saying it to get a reaction at this point.

She dared to glance back at their guards who hadn't made even a noise at the things she was saying. She looked back at Ophelia. "I know you're wondering how these things coukd possibly feel good. Trust me, they do. Well, I know at least some of them do." Her eyes widened as she realized what she just said. "Don't tell my brother that, please. He'll never let me put of his sight." She had done a little more than kissing the scribes behind curtains. She was becoming a woman and wanted to explore the things she had learned.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Kaillas didn't know how to handle girls when he came back from the army. He had spent most of life surrounded by men and whores. Raising sisters was an entirely different thing for him." She looked forward. Her smile fell as she thought about those first initial years. They had been very rocky. "I caught him in a compromised act with another woman and asked some questions I didn't want the answer to. That led to another thing and here we are."

She let that smile slide back onto her face. "Anyways, if I haven't thoroughly traumatized you, I am here if you have any questions. Not that I want to talk about my brother that way but I think all women should be educated."

Ophelia is about to fall off of her horse. She’s utterly shocked to hear such filthy words come out of Elora’s mouth so casually. Not once in her entire life has she ever heard anything like that. It’s bizarre. The terms are completely new to her and she can’t decide if she hates them or if they’re just slightly better than the others. She knows that the expression on her face must be a humorous one since she’s not even trying to hide what she’s thinking.

All of this talk about sex and the different ways to do it has her brain all scrambled. A brief image of Kaillas shirtless flashes through her head and she nearly shuts down. She felt strangely when she saw him like that. It’s not something she wants on her mind right now. It’s too much at once.

“Elora!” She exclaims with a laugh upon that the other woman has tried a few things they just spoke of. She won’t be rude to her for it. It may not be what she was raised to believe but she isn’t one to judge. “I won’t breath a word of that to your brother. I’m certain it would give him a heart attack,” She comments, admittedly amused as she pictures the look that would be on his face. Of course she would never betray Elora and tell him any of that.

The thought of Kallias with another woman is not exactly something she wants in her head. She knows that they aren’t even married and that he can do what he wants. Still, she can’t help but feel….quite frankly she’s not sure what that feeling is.

“The women in your kingdom are much more open to discussing this than it thought,” She admits. “I do appreciate you explaining more of this to me. Though, I think you may have enjoyed it a little more than you should have.” This last part is merely a tease.

Elora slide that teasing grin back on her face. It came to her naturally, faking it. She had gotten so used to it living at court. She had been there her whole life. She knew how to put on a brave face in front of the people. But it wasn't long untim that smile became real. Jt was just easy around Ophelia. It was nice to have someone closer to her age and someone who was real. Realer than Aurora and Esmeralda.

"Discussing it stretching that. It's not really discussed. Whatever Catalina told you is usually what mother's tell their daughters the day of their wedding. Not much more than that." She looked over at her. "No one will tell you what I'm telling you. And no one will tell anyone what I'm telling you."

No, mothers just let their daughters go unaware of what their wedding night would truly look like. The pain that was waiting for them if they didn't know what to do. She wouldn't let that happen to Ophelia. Kaillas wouldn't let that happen to her.

"Kaillas knows what he's doing. He won't hurt you. Nor will he force you to do anything. He'll take it slow. Try not to worry too much about it." Elora looked at the sun as it was setting. They woukd have enough time for them to get back and get dressed for the activities for dinner.

“Still, that is more than what my own mother taught me. I wasn’t allowed to question it at all. The one time I did, I think she was planning on having me banished.” Her mother screamed at her so much for asking that question that she didn’t dare mention it around her again. It had been a terrifying experience for her and one that she will never forget.

It’s strange to think that in just a few short days, this will be expected of her. While Kaillas may not pressure her into doing anything, she knows that she’s supposed to. That was the one conversation she did have with her mother. She has certain duties expected from her as a wife and she isn’t to say no to it. Though that’s what she’s been told, she has a feeling that Kaillas would respect her if she did say no.

“It is hard not to worry. I meet with the ladies of the court today and already they are bringing up a royal baby. There’s a lot of pressure for me to give Kaillas an heir.” She hates that if it doesn’t happen, she’ll be the one blamed. It’s frustrating.

Realizing how late it’s getting, she carefully nudges Cheesecake’s side to pick the pace up a little. They don’t want to be late to dinner and all of the activities.

Elora made a face. Of course the ladies were already pressuring her. It had been fourteen years since there had been a royal baby. The remaining family was unmarried and without children. The court had been waiting for far too long. And Kaillas was the only one old enough to be married. Well, Elora was but Kaillas wouldn't let her until she was older.

"They might be pressuring you but Kaillas isn't and we aren't. He has us, his sisters. One day we will have children whether he does or not. This line will continue one way or another. Take your time. Enjoy yourselves and your honeymoon. Don't worry about what you have to and what you don't."

Elora could see the end of the trail coming. There time was coming to an end and so was this conversation. "I know it's alot right now but it gets easier. Just have faith in us and in Kaillas."

They finally rode out of the woods and trotted into open land. It wasn't far from the palace grounds now. "I hope this talk has been enlightening."

It isn’t just the ladies of the court. She knows that her parents expect the same. Luckily for her, they are several hours away so she can do whatever she wants without having to worry about displeasing them. The freedom is wonderful. She has never been able to experience before now.

“I do have faith in you and Kaillas,” Ophelia assures him. Her soon to be husband has made it apparent that children aren’t a priority so she won’t have to worry about him making demands. For that, she is truly thankful. She knows that she got very lucky in the husband department. It could have been much much worse. She’s grateful to have to marry someone who seems to respect her.

“This talk was very helpful, thank you.” It’s certainly given her a lot to think about. She learned quite a lot, including a few new vocabulary words. Words that she’ll likely never speak but she supposes that they could be helpful at some point.

Upon arriving back at the stable, she dismounts and hands the reins over to the stand hands. She does, however, take a minute to love on Cheesecake and thank him for being so perfect during their ride.

Elora walked her horse into the stables where she finally dismounted. She gave Apollo some much needed loving and a few kisses on his nose before backing away from him. Catalina was waiting for them as they arrived and she stayed near the entrance, letting the two girls finish up their time together.

Elora looked at Ophelia, debating for a moment before walking towards her and pulling her in a hug. "Thank you," she said softly in her ear. "For being my friend." She didn't really have any friends. At least none she was supposed to have. It was nice to have someone.

She pulled out of the hug, bid her goodbyes, and strode out if the stables. She had much to do to get ready and so little time.

Catalina waited for Ophelia to aporach her, mostly because she didn't want to walk through the stables with her shoes. "I hope you two had a wonderful time together. I hope it was insightful." She had a feeling of what they had talked about but she wouldn't voice it out loud. "Let's get you ready for tonight."

Ophelia's heart warms at Elora's embrace, and she holds onto the hug for a moment, cherishing the connection they have formed. The gratitude in Elora's voice touches her deeply, and she whispers in return, "Thank you too, Elora. I treasure our friendship." She truly couldn’t be happier to have met her.

Reluctantly, she releases the hug and watches as Elora bid her goodbyes. At least they’ll see each other again tonight. This is but a brief pause so they can get ready for everything.

"Yes, we had a wonderful time," Ophelia replies, her voice laced with gratitude and excitement. "I learned quite a lot. Perhaps with more details than necessary,” She says with a weak laugh.

Ophelia follows Catalina's lead, stepping away from the stables and toward the path that leads back to the palace. As they approach her chambers, she takes a breath. Hopefully tonight will be calmer and less exhausting. She’s settled in well and has met a few people so at least she won’t feel nearly as alone this time around.

She enters the room and just gives up to the maids. There’s no use in protesting anything. Not right now at least. Perhaps later she’ll have a talk with them and negotiate so she can bathe and dress herself for the most part.

Catalina couldn't help but give a small laugh. Yes, that sounded like Elora. She remembered the first time she scolded the princess for her vulgar mouth. It had been interesting to say the least. And not in a good way.

"That sounds like the princess," she said. "Sometimes she overshares. Thankfully only with family now days. It didn't always used to be that way." She remembered the day the princess learned the word fuck. Elora didn't stop saying it all day, despite the many talking tos. The princess has always been outspoken.

The maids had a bath drawn for the princess and ushered her into it as soon as she stepped through the doors. She had been riding through the woods and therefore needed to bathe in their eyes. Cat stood outside the bathroom as she was given a quick bath and rinse, then dried with a towel. Her hair had been pinned out if the water. It didn't need to be washed again today.

The evening gown laid out was a lilac purple. It was unlike most evening gowns but they're dinner woukd be held out in the courtyard. Something dark colored didn't seem suitable. There were a few layers but it was rather flowy and offered a range of movement. It was technically a day gown they were using for the evening. But it was better suited than any of the evening gowns they had on hand.

Catalina offered the princess a smile as she was dressed. "I have one last thing for you. A request from the king." She opened a large box that had been placed on her vanity. A beautiful necklace that complemented the dress. An amethyst gem accented by diamonds. Just one of the many in the family's jewelry.

Ophelia listens, her cheeks flushing slightly as she recalls everything that was said to her during the ride. It certainly was interesting. The memory of Elora's mischievous spirit does bring a smile to her face, despite the hint of embarrassment.

"She definitely has a way with words," She replies, chuckling softly. "But it's part of what makes her so unique. I appreciate her honesty, even if it can be a bit… colorful at times." It was refreshing to have someone speak to her so openly.

As she enters the bath, she allows the warm water to envelop her, washing away the remnants of her ride through the woods. The maids work efficiently, ensuring she is clean and refreshed. Once she emerges from the bath, she feels rejuvenated and ready to embrace the evening.

Her eyes sparkle with curiosity as she beholds the lilac purple gown laid out for her. It is different from what she had expected, but she finds herself drawn to its flowing silhouette and soft color. It seems perfect for this evening despite it being unconventional. It’ll be nice to wear something that grants her a little more freedom to move.

Her eyes widen when the lid of the box is lifted, revealing the stunning necklace nestled within. The amethyst gem, surrounded by diamonds, shines with a captivating beauty. It’s absolutely gorgeous and will tie her outfit together perfectly.

"It's breathtaking," Ophelia murmurs, her voice filled with shock. She greatly appreciates Kaillas for doing this for her. The king has done so much for her in the two short days that they’ve known each other.

Catalina let the princess admire the necklace before allowing the maids to take it and clasp it around her neck. She shut the box and set it aside. The necklace woukd have to go back jn there at the end of the evening. "It is but one of many of the royal jewels. At the end of the week you will have full access to them. You will be able to wear whatever you want in there. Several items have been in there for decades."

Kaillas had another request for the princess to wear at the wedding but Cat had promised to keep that a secret. She was good at keeping her mouth shut. Especially on something like this.

"Come now, the festivities should be all ready for us to join them outside." Catalina stepped aside so that the princess may walk in front. "There's a few games set in the courtyard such as croquet. A bard and his musicians are set up outside to provide the entertainment for the night. Food will be set up as more of a buffet style like breakfast was. Tonight is about fun and relaxation. Enjoy yourself, make friends of the court. More than just the ladies you met this afternoon."

Ophelia smiles as the necklace is clasped around her neck, feeling the weight of the exquisite jewels against her skin. She admires the necklace in the mirror, watching the sparkling under the soft glow of the room's candlelight. The information about the royal jewels intrigues her, and she can’t help but feel a sense of excitement about the prospect of exploring the collection further. “I feel honored that Kaillas trusts me enough to let me wear this.”

She follows Catalina's lead as they make their way outside, her heart brimming with anticipation. She envisions the courtyard adorned with vibrant decorations and the sound of laughter and music filling the air. The mention of croquet and the presence of a bard and musicians promise an evening filled with mirth and enchantment.

As they step into the festivities, she feels a surge of energy and excitement. She is determined to immerse herself fully in the celebration, to meet new people, and to experience the joy of the occasion. She feels as though she has already made a positive impression on some of the ladies at court, and now she looks forward to expanding her social circle and forging new connections.

The only problem is that while everyone else is free to relax and let loose to the fullest, she can’t. She has to be mindful that eyes are going to be on her at all times. She can’t slip up.

As they stepped into the courtyard, Catalina noticed someone very important was missing. A few important someones. The king and his closest advisors were nowhere to be seen. They had likely lost track of time in whatever their debate was about in their meetings.

"Dinner won't be served for another hour," she said softly to the princess. "Have a glass of wine and do try to relax." As well as one could relax in the face of the entire court. Because, minus a few missing members, this was the entire court. There were a few children playing with balls with nearby. They looked old enough to be entering their double digit years. Women were with their husbands or gossiping with their friends. They were drinking and laughing and playing the games that were available to them.

Kaillas was late. He knew that as he strode through the halls of the palace and found it empty save the guards and staff. His meeting had run much longer than he anticipated and now him and his small council were late to the festivities. He couldn't help but worry about his bride. She jad never been in this kind of setting were the court members could mingle with her. He worried how she was handling it.

He should be by her side now if not to at least ward off the vultures. Instead, he was almost running through the halls to get to his rooms to change. He decided on nothing extravagant today (not that he ever wanted to wear extravagant). He wanted his wife to be to take the spotlight. Especially with the necklace adorned around her neck.

He chose to wear neutral colors, a light brown. He threw on his overcoat and brushed a hand through his hair and decided it was good enough. He debated wearing the crown but he so hated wearing it.

He was out the door in less than ten minutes after arriving in his room. It felt like forever for him to finally reach the courtyard where the festivities where being held. It was closer to the gardens and away from the actual training grounds. There needed to be enough room to set up tables of food and allow room to dance. But there were things to do in the gardens as well, such as the hedge maze.

As he entered the courtyard, he noticed one of the lesser lords speaking to his bride. Lord Hale. He was lord of one of the smaller farming districts in his kingdom. As he aporached, he could hear the Lord prattling on about farming that no one really understood unless they truly knew the work.

"Thank you for keeping my bride company, Lord Hale," Kaillas slid next to Ophelia, politely dismissing the lord who straightened and bowed before walking away from the two. He turned to Ophelia, "Are you alright?" He asked in a soft voice.

“Thank you.” As long as she survives this madness until dinner, she’ll be fine. Deciding to take Catalina’s advice, she collects a glass of wine for herself. She sips at it slowly, making sure to pace herself properly. She never drinks any more than two glasses of wine and more often than not, it’s just the one. She doesn’t want to risk it.

For a few minutes, she’s able to just wander around and enjoy everything. The music is wonderful and everything is decorated so lovely. It doesn’t take long for someone to approach her for a conversation. That’s quite alright with her. She doesn’t want to be by herself until Kaillas makes an appearance.

Luckily, Ophelia is holding her own just fine. She talks easily with Lord Hale, asking him questions and showing interest in everything he’s saying. Does she understand most of it? No. But she’s happy to just stand here and chat with him. It’s nice to talk to someone with no ulterior motives and who is clearly proud of what he does.

She smiles at Lord Hale as he walks away, making sure to thank him for the pleasant conversation and say that it was nice to have met him. She turns her attention to her soon to be husband, her smile widening. "I'm doing well," she replies,appreciating his concern. "Lord Hale was just sharing some insights about farming, though I must admit, it was a bit difficult to follow. But I managed. He’s a very nice man.” She rather enjoyed their interaction.

“How was the rest of your day?” She hasn’t seen him since sometime this morning. Hopefully everything went as smoothly for him as it did for her.

Kaillas only nodded his head with a slight smile. "Yes, Lord Hale does tend ti ramble kn about his practice. He's very proud about his work." Even if it was small. "You will pick up the lingo in time. Agriculture is out way of life here. I can have some beginner books pulled for you if you woukd like to learn."

For a seemingly quite man, he did seem to talk alot to his bride. Something that did not go unnoticed, especially not the ladies of the court. The ladies seemed to catch everything that happened. Which coukd be quite annoying when all Kaillas wanted was some privacy. But the moment that crown was sat on his head, he lost all rights to privacy. Something he was still coming to terms with to this day.

"I've been stuck in meetings all day," he shared. "It certainly wasn't as enjoyable as your day, I'm assuming. How was tea and my sister?"

He hadn't yet seen Elora. She was either in the gardens or somewhere in the palace. His eldest sister didn't always enjoy these gatherings. Sometimes it was too crowded for her. Katya was the opposite. He spotted her easily playing with some of the other children at court. It made him smile to see her happy. He would say hello to her in a bit and even let her drag him to the small dance floor. But for now, Ophelia had his attention.

Ophelia listens attentively to Kaillas, nodding as he speaks about Lord Hale and the importance of agriculture in their kingdom. "That would be wonderful," she replies, her eyes lighting up at the mention of beginner books on agriculture. "I'd love to learn more about it. It will help me understand the people and their ways better." She’s always open to learning something new.

As Kaillas mentions his day was filled with meetings, her expression turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry you had such a busy day.” She can’t imagine that it was much fun to be stuck inside dealing with political matters all day.

“Riding with Elora was delightful. She is so funny and such a pleasant person to be around. Our conversation was very….informative." She certainly won’t be going into details. “Tea with the ladies of the court went well, I think.”

She leans in closer to Kaillas, her voice lowering to a softer tone. "I wanted to thank you for letting me wear this necklace. I know that it means a lot to your family. It’s an honor that you would trust me to wear it," She says lightly, her gratitude evident in her eyes. It was such a pleasant surprise.

Kaillas was glad she wanted to know more about his kingdom. Not everyone would have. To many would have likely taken the money he provided and spent it however they pleased, disregarding the kingdom and its way of life. He was happy to show to show her how his kingdom ran and how they made their income. Perhaps she could even help him share the load of work he had- no, he wouldn't ask that of her. It was too much for her and he could handle it just fine on his own.

"That sounds like Elora," he quirked a smile. "That's partly my fault. It took me some time to adjust to the palace lifestyle and she got caught in the crossfire." He looked around briefly, still searching for Elora. If she didn't show up soon he would send someone to go find her. Just so he knew where she was.

"I'm sure Elora enjoyed your time together. As for the ladies, I suppose we'll find out soon enough." He couldn't sympathize with her on that matter. He did his best to steer clear of the ladies at court. He could charge into war but ladies of the court was too much for him.

He adjusted his stance as Ophelia stepped closer to him, turning his body slightly as if to shield her from view. His hand moved to touch her lower back. His face softened. "Whats mine is yours," he said. He didn't care they weren't married yet. It was inevitable. He might as well share it now. "I'll show you the royal jewels sometime this week. Anything you want you need only ask."

He looked above her head, noticing the looks and whispers they were getting from their close stance. He took a step back and offered her his hand. He had someplace in mind where they could talk in private a bit more. "Come," he said. "Let me show you something."

Ophelia feels a sense of warmth and comfort as Kaillas spoke. His willingness to share his kingdom and its way of life with her touches her deeply. She greatly admires his dedication and his desire to show her the true essence of his world. Perhaps she can contribute in some way, to help lighten his workload. She isn’t trained for it but she’s more than willing to learn how to help if she can.

She smiles at his mention of Elora, appreciating his honesty about the adjustments he had to make. "I'm sure Elora understands. She loves you so much. Everytime she speaks of you, her eyes light up." She finds it sweet how much the siblings all love each other. She would have loved to have a sister growing up. Unfortunately, she never saw much of her brother before he died.

As Kaillas touches her lower back, Ophelia's heart skips a beat. His words of sharing everything he had with her makes her feel valued and cherished. She is grateful for his generosity but she isn’t a materialistic person. "Thank you. I would love to see the royal jewels and explore more of your kingdom's treasures. Everything is so beautiful.”

She can’t help but notice the attention they were receiving due to their close proximity. When Kaillas offeres his hand and says that he has something to show her, she readily agrees. It will be nice to spend some alone time with him so they can continue to get to know each other.

Ophelia takes his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, and allows him to lead her to their destination. She is curious to see what he has in mind and eager to continue their conversation in a more quiet setting. So far all of his surprises have been wonder so she doesn’t doubt that this one will be just as interesting.