Shielding The Rose (DigitalSiren x Sevatar)

[Bunny]

As a princess there were expectations of her. So while her King and father sat upon his throne looking down upon her as he told her what would be happening she fought to kept her face serenely blank. She was to be married to King Tarkan within the month, their union would cease hostilities that were brewing and gain the kingdom a powerful ally. It seems the tale of The Rose of Brensea's beauty had reached him and he'd offered the simple trade. A single rose for their allegiance, their support from anyone who dared threaten the Kingdom of Brensea. Surely one rose was worth such an allegiance... It seemed not to matter that the 'King' was a known brute, that the horror stories surrounding him were well known. That the title 'King' was a mere formality, the man was a warlord and lead through terror. No, it was expected she'd be the dutiful daughter, the perfect princess as she was sold off like a prized cow. That she smile and accept it without a lick of questioning. So that was what she did.

Standing before him Arabella gazed up at her King with a peaceful look on her face. Her golden locks tumbling down her back like waves or amber honey, ending just before her rear. The delicate lines of her face composed. The tears and fear she felt hidden behind a courtly mask as she accepted her fate without so much as a blink of her turquoise eyes. What else could she do? Defy him before the assembled court? She was many things but foolish wasn't one of them. There was little question of punishment should she act so brashly. No, her only choice was to accept it, hope that he would be a kind husband and King. Once dismissed she turned and left the great hall.

As she moved through the hallway, the white edge of her dress rustled softly against the polished stone, the soft step of her heals echoing back at her from the walls. As she passed by the windows she could see the teal overcoat that rested above the white gown in the polished glass, the intricate golden stitching catching the setting sunlight. She'd dressed to please her father, something she always strove to do... not that it ever seemed to make a difference. He'd wanted a boy, she was well aware of that. Instead he'd gotten her. She was never enough for him, it was something in her eighteen years she'd come to know as well as she knew herself, yet foolishly she strove to gain his favor.

The walk from the throne room to her own chambers took her only a few minutes, but as she closed the door her back pressed against it she began to cry. The tears that had begun to blur her vision as she'd neared her room now sliding down her cheeks silently. She'd been able to hold it in, no one would see her cry.. Sliding down along the door she let her tears fall hotly from her cheeks into her hands as she covered her face. How could she do this? How could she marry a man who was known for his cruelty? As she cried, her slender form trembled with the force of her tears.

Her mother had known the man her father was. That was why long before her death she had asked one man to watch over her daughter. He'd been her protector, her friend, her confidant since she'd been younger. Always there to help her smile, to keep her safe from the world around her that wanted nothing more than to see those tears. It had been him that had told her to never let them see how they hurt her, it would only fuel them.

 

[Sevatar]

He would be silent, shadowing the Princess to the Royal Court as he so often did, there to listen, think, and potentially fight if needed, but never to talk. The Knight was fully aware of where he fell in the intrigue of the court, allowed to exist due to a carefully crafted aura of neutrality, and when that didn't work, outright blackmail or bribery. He wasn't the most politically savant servant in the realm, but he was willing to go to any length to take care of the Princess.

As the two of them were finally admitted into the chamber, he would nod to his fellow Knight's, receiving a bare tilt of an armored head in return, before his eyes turned back to the chamber ahead of the two of them, eyeing the different Lords and Ladies of the chamber, and their servants, scanning for any potential threats to his ward.

His eyes would then settle on the golden locks of Arabella, staring over her head and looking at the King with a stony, cold face as he listened to what was being said. At the mention of King Tarkan, he would stiffen subtly. The man's reputation was well known within the knightly orders as a betrayer, a warlord, and a murderer. As he listened to the King prattle on about how sometimes hard choices had to be made. And he knew that it hadn't been a hard choice. He had never wanted a daughter, he wanted a son, someone who would continue his line and bring him glory, and a daughter would give him none of that. So, to marry her off for a chance at peace with a Warband that would challenge his rule. The man must have jumped at the chance, and he felt his lips curl in a sneer beneath his helmet. He felt an anger welling within him that he quickly crushed, steeling himself as the Princess, and by extension himself, were dismissed.

As Arabella walked past him, he'd wait a few seconds before shadowing behind the Princess, his body tense as he proceeded the information that he had just been given. His ward was to be married off and sent away, and he presumed that he'd be going with her. He scoffed internally. He would go even if he wasn't ordered. He had been protecting Arabella for over a decade, and he wasn't going to abandon her at this crucial moment in her life. He watched her past through the light of the stained glass windowed, and his brain would wander, while his eye's danced back and forth, checking the corners of the hallway, making sure someone or something wasn't lurking in the shadows. His armor would glimmer softly, the polished steel illuminating the hallway for a brief second before it would fade, allowing the shadows to creep back in.

He hung back, allowing his ward to enter her chambers alone, figuring that it would do her some good to have a minute to herself, and he easily settled into a position where he could guard the entrance to the chamber, but he could still get inside within a few seconds if it was needed. The silence was deafening, and the soft noise's of Arabella crying would attract his attention. The Knight pondered staying on guard outside of the room for a second, before he shook his head. He wasn't going to leave his ward alone in this time, and he slipped away, heading over to a tapestry and brushing it aside, entering the servant's passage and he made his way into her chambers, brushing aside another tapestry aside to enter the room.

The sight in front of him would cause his heart to let out a pang of emotion, and the Knight stepped forward, the sound of his armored form breaking the soft silence of Arabella's crying, and his hands came up, grabbing the ornate helmet and pulling it off, setting it down on one of the ornate wooden tables, and Azhek kneeled down, the man staring at his ward, and most importantly, his best friend. "Arabella" He whispered softly, his armored hand reassuringly pressing against the soft flesh of her shoulder, his free hand held out for her to take if she so desired. "I'm here" He reassured the woman. "It's going to be ok" He promised her, even though, truthfully, on the inside, Azhek was unsure of how he was going to make this work. But, Arabella certainly didn't need to know that.

How could the King do this? Azhek had certainly never respected him, and had always doubted the man's resolve.. But the fact that he would sell his daughter, his only daughter, and only remaining tie to his dead wife off to a brute just for a promise of peace, that could so easily be broken. He shook his head. He shouldn't have been surprised, but, he was.. And now he was going to have to deal with the fallout, and keep Arabella safe.

 

[Bunny]

She should have known he'd follow her, he was careful talking the servant's entrance, protecting her even now. She heard the the soft sound of the metal plates rubbing against each other. Her sobs slowly softened until she was left hiccuping on the stone floor of her chambers. Even with her hands covering her face, she could picture her friend's face. Sorrow, concern etched on his handsome face. As he knelt before her, she let her hands fall as his hand brushed her shoulder. Her pretty face was tear streaked, her eyes puffy and red. A pitiful sight to be sure. Another hiccup shook her frame gently as her eyes met his own ad one small hand slid into his own, the coolness of his armor soothing to her touch.

His words cause her eyes to shift away from him. She knew that the words were meant to offer her comfort but she doubted he had any idea how it was going to be okay. Slowly she nodded. She knew the lie for what it was, but accepted the comfort the lie gave. Azhek would always keep her safe, he'd find a way. Even as her mind thought it, her heart ached. To put so much on him... Her lashes lowered to her lap, her eyes hidden from his view for a moment. Sniffling she gave his hand a small squeeze, her fingers. "You're right..." Slowly her lashes rose and her eyes held his again. "Maybe he will be a kind husband." Her tone said she didn't really trust what she was saying, but she was trying.

Her free hand rose to brush at her cheeks dashing the tears from her face. She hadn't understood when she'd been younger and Azhek had first been assigned to watch her, why. She'd still had the idea that someday her father might love her. At the very least never hurt her. Her mother in her wisdom had known better. Had known she'd need a friend, a protector. She had no idea exactly what her mother had said to Azhek when she'd first paired them. She had never asked. The question formed on her lips for the thousandth time, something she always wondered but could never bring herself to ask. Much like what had he done to keep her safe to date. She knew for a fact, not all of what he did for her was 'honorable' in the truest sense of the word. Though it was always done with one goal in mind. Her and her safety, her happiness and in that order.

She'd been staring into his eyes, her lips parted slightly for a few moments now. Blushing she slowly shifted along the floor, rising to her feet. Biting her lower lip she gazed down at him. Sighing, her full lips pulled into a small frown, her brows drawing together. "Do you think it would be too out of place to take my dinner in my room?" She had no desire to be around others, to have them talk about her in barely hushed voices. Of her fate and what might happen to her. She knew, she should make an appearance, it would perhaps allow for less rumors to grow, but she didn't know if at this very moment she could face those vultures as they circled her misfortune.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek gently gripped Arabella's hand, wrapping his armored digit's around hers. He listened to her hiccup as she met his gaze, and he felt his heart twist in his chest, the sight of her tear-streaked face, and puffy red eyes causing his distaste for the King to only grow. He would gently rub his hand against her shoulder, the cold digits rubbing against her the fabric of her dress. "Oh sweet Arabella" He whispered, his hand leaving her shoulder to gently brush against her face, wiping away some of those tears. He wished he could do more for her, to bring her some form of comfort and reassurance more tangible than his words and actions. Removing his hand from her face, he gently settled it back on her shoulder.

As her eyes lowered away from his, he gently sunk to the floor, taking a knee next to her. He would gently squeeze her fingers back, the sniffle tearing at his heart a tiny bit. He adored this woman, and he would go to any length to see her safe and seeing her so heartbroken pained him. He knew from the tone of her voice she wasn't entirely convinced, and neither was he.. But.. He had to figure it out. "Maybe" He whispered, his own voice burdened with emotion as he met her gaze. "Maybe just indeed he will be" He smiled at her, trying to convince both himself, and her that it would be ok.

But what if it wasn't? He wondered to himself. He had done many things that he regretted in the name of safety and protection and would do many more.. And it was for the best that the innocent woman in front of him didn't know. He had always wondered if she'd hate him if she knew truly everything he had done. But.. That was a problem for another time. How was he supposed to keep her safe in this situation? He couldn't exactly threaten one of the strongest warlords of their time. And if it got violent, he was confident in his ability to disable or outright kill the man.. But how could he safely get Arabella to safety in that case? He shook his head. Problems to worry about later. For now, he had to be there for Arabella.

He blinked, realizing he had been wandered off mentally, and he glanced over at her, smiling softly as he saw a familiar blush coating the woman's cheeks, and he would help her to her feet, glancing up at the Princess, before slowly rising to his feet, his armored form creaking and groaning before he loomed over his ward yet again. "It might be." He shrugged softly, reaching down to grasp her hand again, giving it a small squeeze. "But, I think you need some time to yourself" He left out the unspoken comment that he would be there, but by this point, Arabella knew he would be with her no matter what. "I can go summon a servant and get them to bring you something from dinner. I'm sure they would be happy to oblige such a request"

He stood there for a second, looking down at the woman's tear ridden face and puffy eyes, and Azhek gently wrapped both of his arms around her, wrapping Arabella in a tight hug, looking down at his ward and friend. "I promise you" He whispered softly, his eyes locking onto hers. "I will keep you safe. No matter what." He meant that, with every fiber of his being. He then gently let go of her, giving her a soft smile.

 

[Bunny]

Arabella knew there was no way out of this, short of forsaking her duty to her kingdom, her people and fleeing in the night. The only way forward was to marry the man she'd been sold to in the name of peace. It was a small price to pay for her people, wasn't it? She loved them with her whole heart. Not so much the courtiers, the lot vicious social climbing vipers. Her people though the commoners, she loved them. They were kind, hard working. She often spent most of her time among them. Helping them when they'd allow her too, playing with children. She couldn't give them anything but her time and that she gave them selflessly. There was little she wouldn't do for them, if marrying the Warlord would bring her people peace, mean they didn't die in pointless wars over a slight insult or a unnecessary land grab. Lifting her chin, her eyes met Azhek's, this was her duty. The only use her father had for her. She'd fulfill it. She'd leave her people her home for them, not for a father who cared little for her.

Returning the squeeze to his armored hand a soft, sweet smile curled on her lips. "Thank you, I know my presence will be missed, but I don't want them to see me like this." She motioned to her face, her smile still lingering on her lips. A soft gasp escaped her as he hugged her, she was frozen for one second before her arms slid around his waist, her cheek pressed to the coolness of his armor. Her face turned up towards him, her smile brighter. "I know, you always have" What she did next she couldn't have said why she did it. Rising up her lips brushed the corner of his mouth. The kiss was chaste, but as far as she could recall, it was the only kiss she'd ever given him. Blushing brightly she pulled away from him. Looking away, her embarrassment clear on her face. "You should get yourself a meal too.. I'm.. I'm going to change"

Turning, her honey locks swaying with the movement. Heading towards her bathing chamber she bit her lower lip. Why had she kissed him? He was her best friend.. Honestly her only real friend. To kiss him though? Closing the door behind her she let out a sigh. Azhek was handsome, she couldn't deny that. She knew there had been more than a few women at court who had tried to earn their way into his bed. As he was never far from her, she'd been witness to each one. One hand rose and she bit her index finger gently in thought, remembering the last such occasion. The Lady Margret had not been subtle and she had been confused by her own feeling at the time, jealousy.

Why was she jealous someone would wish to be with him? Handsome, kind, honorable. Shaking her head she slowly undressed, one layer at a time before she was completely nude. One of her guilty pleasures was wearing what her father had once deemed 'whoreish'. Soft leather britches that clung to her legs like a second skin and billowing shirts. All of her clothing such as it was had been custom made for her. The shirt was simple made of high quality linen, this particular one was dyed a deep black, pairing well with the soft brown leather of her pants, tucking into the top of them. Normally if leaving her chambers she might have put on a pair of knee high boots, but she had no such plans.

Humming softly she pulled her wealth of golden hair into a ponytail, letting the soft curls swing down her back from the leather thong. Padding back into her rooms barefoot, she looked to Azhek. "Maybe after we eat, we could play cards.. or chess?" Normally after dinner they could be seen walking the gardens or heading down to the village for a while, but tonight, she had no desire to do either. Just curl up with a roaring fire and the company of her best friend. Of whom she seemingly was growing attached to in another way. Arabella was afraid of those feelings. They could never be and she wouldn't harm their friendship for them.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek nodded softly. "They will. But you need to take care of yourself" He whispered softly, eyebrow's raising in concern as she gasped, before relaxing as she wrapped her arms back around him. How he hated this armor sometimes when it prevented him from feeling the affections of his best friend. The bright smile on her face made his heart do a little twirl in his chest. "And I always will" He murmured, falling quiet as he watched her rise up, and plant a soft, chaste kiss against his lips. He felt his eyes go wide, and he looked down at Arabella, opening his mouth for a second, before being cut off by the woman saying she was going to change. He wanted to protest, to have her come back. To tell her she didn't need to be embarrassed, no matter how adorable that blush was. He stayed quiet, nodding softly as he watched her head into her bathing chambers, watching those honey locks sway back and forth as he raised a hand and pressed it to where she had kissed him.

He always forgot just how beautiful Arabella was, he mused to himself as he watched her walk away, his eyes treasuring that last view of her body before she shut the door, and he turned away, making his way to his own chambers, a small room with barely enough space for a tiny cot, a storage rack for his armor and weapons, and an attached bathing chamber. The man would close the door behind him, hand still resting on the spot where his best friend and ward had kissed him, conflicting emotions raging inside of him that he really didn't have the time to sort out. He could do it later while the woman rested, but he didn't have long to change.

The plate armor would be stripped off as quickly, revealing a scared back, and muscular chest, which would be covered with a simple tunic dyed a dark purple, with a breastplate put over that so that the knight wasn't completely unarmored. The plate leggings and boots would be removed as well, replaced with a thick pair of trousers over soft underclothes. It would be complete with a pair of well-worn leather boots, and Azhek grabbed a sword sheath which he put over his back, sliding in a simple longsword.

He then made his way back outside into Arabella's chamber', his head still running at a million miles a minute as he made his way to the servant's entrance and rang a bell, nodding to the maid that appeared a minute later. He informed her that the Princess would be taking dinner in her chambers tonight and that she should bring a meal for both of them, and then to see that the two of them were not to be disturbed unless it was an absolute emergency.

After the maid scurried off, Azhek would make his way back over to wait outside of the entrance to Arabelle's bath chambers, a place he never would enter without her express permission, or if he had a very real concern that she was in immediate danger. Once she came out, his face would break into a soft smile, and he nodded softly. "We can do whatever you want" He murmured, his eyes doing there very best not to linger too long in place's they shouldn't, but that outfit did a.. very good job of accenting Arabella's curves, and he couldn't help but linger his gaze for a second, his cheeks flushing a tiny bit, and he looked away, hoping she wouldn't notice. "Would you like me to get the fire going?" He asked, his eyes finding every reason to not look at Arabella.

 

[Bunny]

She was still confused as to why she had kissed him and when she saw him again, that was only reinforced. His smile made her heart beat just a little faster. She noticed how his eye drifted, but she brushed it off. She was making a bigger deal out if it than it was. Because she was discovering her feeling for her friend was more than friendship. She liked him. It was something that could never be. She was promised to someone else. It didn't matter that her heart would never belong to him. Her body would. It didn't matter that when she looked at Azhek, her heart raced. All because of one little kiss. And there was no point in exploring her feelings. If by some miracle he felt the same, they could never be. If he didn't, she would ruin the one good thing that would be going with her into hell.

When Azhek asked about the fire, she nodded, her ponytail bouncing with the movement. "Please" her words no more than a mummer. Watching him for a moment as he went about stoking a fire in the hearth, her head turned towards the door at a soft knock. Padding across the cold stone, she opened the door for the two servants, each carrying a tray of food. She watched as the curtsied, their eyes lowered before her "Milady". A soft smile on her lips, she motioned to the table. "Just place them there, thank you." Standing by the door, hidden behind it from the outside she watched them as the placed both trays on the ornate table, watched as they curtsied again before leaving. Closing the door behind them she locked it.

Arms crossed under her breasts as she approached the table, the smell of their meals making her stomach rumble. Lifting one cloche, Arabella peeked under it. A thick beef stew studded with carrots and onions. Two pieces of crusty dark bread lay beside the bowl, buttered with a a creamy yellow butter. The next cloche held roasted pheasant and rosemary fingerling potatoes. Lastly there was a beautiful lemon tart decorated with sugared violets. Taking her time she laid out both bowls of stew. Setting the delicate silverware beside the bowls. A cup each of water was poured from a chilled pitcher before being set beside their bowls. "Dinner is ready, come eat Azhek"

Taking a seat in her chair by the window, Arabella curled into it, in her normal fashion. Shapely legs tucked under her, giving her small form more height. Leaning forward she took a deep breath, the steam from the stew tickling her nose. In doing so, her shirt gaped slightly, the soft creamy swells of her breasts peaking out from between the blue edges of her shirt. "Do you think cook knows?" She asked because everything they were about to eat was favored by her. From the stew and thick bread down to the lemon tart. All comfort foods for her. Spoon in her hand she stirred the stew, absently. Everyone likely knew, word spread fast normally... news of this caliber would spread like wildfire.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek grabbed a couple of logs from the pile of firewood next to the stone fireplace, and he filed it, his body going through the motions while his mind wandered. Why had she kissed him? He pondered, his hand being drawn back to the edge of his lips where he had received the chaste kiss from the woman his life revolved around. He glanced over his shoulder, watching the woman welcome the servant's in, and he bit his lower lip softly as he eyed Arabella from head to toe, while his hands would grab the flint and steel, striking it once, twice, and then finally a spark lept into the tinder and caught aflame. He couldn't help but admire the woman, and how.. gorgeous she was. There was no other way to put it. Sure, he had always noticed how beautiful the Princess was, and he knew he wasn't the only one.. But.. that kiss had awakened something inside of him, something that made him look at her a little bit different.

He shook his head, pulling his hands out of the fire before he could burn himself. He couldn't let himself get distracted by silly thoughts or feelings now. Arabella needed him now more then ever, and he couldn't let his personal emotions and thoughts get in the way now. He would be yanked from his thoughts, turning around and smiling as the woman called him for dinner. "Of course" He murmured, making his way across the room and taking a seat across from the woman, sinking back into the dark leather couch.

Azhek wouldn't make a move towards the food just yet, the knot of uncertainty and emotion in his stomach rendering his appetite a forlorn hope at best. He knew he would just eat later, once Arabella had gone to bed, and he could process everything running through him. Speaking of Arabella.. He glanced over at her, and he felt a soft heat attack his cheeks, the way that she was seated exposed the wonderful, creamy curves of her breasts, and he immediately found a reason to have his eyes anywhere but there. He knew better then to ogle his best friend, he scolded himself mentally. She was promised to a man, regardless of how undeserving he was.. And well. There was also the fact that Arabella deserved far better in life then whatever he could offer.. She also would never return his feelings, he mused, before shaking his head and looking over at his friend as she talked to him.

"Honestly?" He asked, shifting on the couch and finding a more comfortable spot. "It wouldn't surprise me if the news had already made its way out of the castle Arabella." He murmured softly, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Everyone loves to gossip, and news of something like that.. Well." He shrugged. "It's got to have everyone's attention" He wished there was something he could do about that. The poor woman didn't deserve to have something so.. traumatic spread across the entire Castle. Why did her father have to address her in front of the entire court? Couldn't he have at least warned her in private? Or, at the very least, told Azhek? Did he not deserve to know what was going on in his ward's life?

"I'm sorry" He whispered softly. "I.. I really wish there was something I could do" He glanced away from her, not wanting her to see the look in his eyes. He felt a heavyweight softly grip at his heart and he shook his head. He needed to be positive. For both of them. "You don't deserve this" He pushed himself out of his chair, making his way over to the food that Arabella had laid out, and he grabbed a glass of water, returning to the couch and settling down, using his free hand to brush some of his hair out of the way.

 

[Bunny]

His lack of appetite was noted and Arabella couldn't help but worry. Was it her fault? Her mind drifted back to the kiss. It had been short... But she could still remember the feel of his. Biting her lower lip she busied herself with the process of eating. The simple repetitious movements soothing her a little. The daily act comforting. It was something she had control over, which was quite a short list and growing shorter by the day. She ate in silence, while he didn't eat at all, that was until Azhek spoke. Her face crumpled slightly. She had known that, even if she hadn't wanted to admit it to herself. Sighing she set her spoon in her bowl and rested it on her thighs. She could feel the warmth of the stew as it bled through the wooden bowl slowly.

Azhek wasn't the only one who had lost his appetite. Her stomach ached with the demand she soothe it, but the thought of eating more made her feel ill. Why was her life always so public? Most if not everyone knew how her father felt about her... And now this was on display. A shallow nod was offered to his apology. "You had no control of it." Her words were soft as she shifted against the couch, fidgeted more like. Arabella didn't know id she deserved this or not. She tried to be a good person, so she was likely to believe him. As far as she knew her only sin was the misfortune to not be male. After moment she shook her head and sighed. "And there is nothing to be done, short of fleeing... Which I can't do" Her voice trailed off into the silence.

She rose, uncurling from the chair, her hair swaying with the motion. Her bowl was placed on the table without a sound and she turned to face him. Her movements were gentle, like most of her. "Enough focusing on what we can't change!" She tried for upbeat but she knew it was forced, but what other choice did she have? Wallow in the fact she was being sold off to a man who was rumored to be a monster? Or the fact she had feelings for someone, that she could never act on. They could never be a thing, despite how safe and warm the idea made her feel. Azhek. He was the only one to make her feel that way, even before the realization had his her today that she likely care more about her best friend than she had thought.

Though she championed for looking at something else, she failed to come up a silver lining. Her mind raked through the details of the man she was to marry, his lands, his people.. She was coming up with nothing of use. Her mind blank. Moving back towards where he sat on the plush couch, she dropped onto the surface with a little bounce, the movement very unladylike, but she didn't care. Resting her head against the back of the couch she let her eyes close. The only positive thing was Azhek would be with her. "What do you know of him.. his lands.. people?"

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek's eyes would watch Arabella's face crumple, and the sigh that escaped her throat tore at his heart. He wanted to walk over there and pick her up, hug her close and promise her everything was going to be ok. But. The temptation tore at his heart, a sigh escaping his own lips as he watched Arabella fidget. "I still wish I could do something" He countered, offering a soft smile, which quickly faded as she mentioned fleeing. The thought had come across his mind once the identity of the man she was supposed to be married off to had been revealed, but she evidently did not want to do that. He would just have to do his best to keep her safe while dealing with her new husband.

"Of course" He murmured, his eyes drawn to the movement of her hair, and he scolded himself. Arabella was promised to another man, and in any case, there was no way she would return the feelings that were causing him so much inner turmoil, and he exhaled softly, focusing on the knot of anxiety and other emotions inside of him, slowly crushing them into a smaller and smaller ball, before hiding them away to be dealt with another time.

Despite doing his best to bury those emotions away, as Arabella made her way over to the couch with him, he'd scoot over so that he was next to her, gently wrapping his fingers into hers, holding her hand and giving her delicate digit's a squeeze, wanting to offer the woman as much comfort as he could.
"His lands.." He paused, thinking about the Warlord, and everything he had ever heard about him. "Are a mix of forests, rainforests, grasslands, with some mountainous terrain. I've heard there are large amounts of usable farmland, with the winter's being harsh."

Azhek glanced over at Arabella, not wanting to brooch the topic of his people, but she had asked. "As.." He took a deep breath. "For his people" He exhaled. "I've heard very poor things for the most part. He's a warlord, after all, so most of his people are either bandits, thugs or mercenaries" He paused. "I've heard some peasents have moved to his lands because it's rumored to be easier for them to live there, rather then underneath a traditional monarchy" He shrugged. "But I've never heard confirmation either way." He admitted.

"I'll start looking into it tomorrow" Azhek offered. "I'll poke around, see what I can find out. I'll also talk to your father and figure out if he signed a contract, or what it was" He glanced over at the food, laid out on the table for the two of them. "You should eat something" He murmured. "You'll feel better with some food in you." He offered a soft smile. "And then we can do whatever you want for the rest of the evening. I already told the servants not to disturb us unless it was an absolute emergency." He didn't want to think about the fact that they weren't going to have many more nights together, where it was just the two of them. He absolutely treasured the time the two of them spent together, finding it to be a reprieve from the chaos and stress of the wider world.

 

[Bunny]

Listening to Azhek's voice as he explained about her husband to be, she looked at the fire. The combination of his familiar, soothing voice, the comforting touch of his hand and the dance of the flames in the grate helping her to to loose herself for a moment. She could hear everything he said, as the licks of flame snapped and crackled along the logs. His lands sounded lovely, but she wouldn't have any semblance of the life she currently had. She doubted it would be safe to interact with such people, assuming Azhek would even let her try. He'd keep her safe first and foremost, she knew.. Even if it went against her direct wishes. The beauty of his lands did nothing to dissuade the bleakness the people of the land offered.

Tearing her eyes from the flames, Arabella's chin dipped into a shallow nod. When he mentioned her father she shook her head no, her hand squeezing his. "I don't think that's wise. The deal is done Azhek." That sweet voice was void of any emotion as she spoke other than gentle surety. "I can't escape it. Contract, word.. He is not going to change his mind." She knew that much about her father. "He already decided to sell me off and we both know there is no love loss." Her eyes followed his own and she looked back to him and smiled ruefully. "I will eat when you do" Her own appetite had fled.

Whatever she wanted for the rest of the night. It was what he had said, but what she wanted she couldn't have, could she? She wanted to ask him to hold her in his strong arms. She'd feel safer there, she knew it. Though, Arabella couldn't bring herself to ask. She didn't want him to hold her as a friend would, but a lover. She wasn't nor would she ever be his lover. A soft sigh left her and she shook her head, as if trying shake the thought from her head. If she couldn't have something that should be so simple, her next desire was out of the question. To sleep in his arms. Sleep wouldn't come easily and she knew when stressed or scared, that it was then that the nightmares surfaced. She could perhaps get away with asking him to stay in her rooms... But she wouldn't ask. No matter how badly she wanted it. Azhek deserved to sleep in his own bed, to not constantly have to look after her.

Looking back to him she smiled again, softer this time. "Lets play cards.." While he easily beat her in chess, his sharp mind able to dance around her in circles, she seemed to have a talent for card games. Lady luck often siding with her. She could use a distraction and kicking his butt would be an amusing one.

----

A few weeks later, her life packed away into chests and stowed on a wagon that would be pulled behind her carriage. Her outfit was simple. A sea foam green smock with a deeper green over skirt and a simple leather corset. She'd have worn pants if she didn't think her father would kill her.. As it was just before they reached the keep of her husband to be, she'd need to change into a finer dress. She couldn't arrive looking like a normal maiden after all. She would be the 'queen' of his lands once they were married. She would need to look the part.

The travel was comfortable enough if not maddeningly slow. Time seemed to stretch by at a crawl, the soft rocking of the carriage lulling her into a dream like state for large periods of time. Her mind elsewhere. She'd be married within the month, from what she understood. It would have been sooner had she not insisted in a proper wedding. There had been a small amount of arguing with her father over the matter. If she was to be married, she would have a ceremony. The whole proper affair. Otherwise, it had been implied she'd be married and bedded within the first few days. Bedded.. That was another fear. Arabella was innocent in all such things. The only kisses she'd had been given had been by a clumsy boy of noble birth and the one chaste kiss she'd pressed to Azhek's mouth. Even now she could feel it whens he closed her eyes. That little kiss haunting her days and nights. Filling her with a desire, a wanting itch that would never be filled.

It was when the carriage drew to a stop that she was lifted from her reveries. After days on the road they were at a fine looking in just outside keep. She looked at the door, willing it to not open. The closer they had gotten the more dread had filled her. She didn't want to do this, but she was trapped. Her options hasn't changed. Marry him or flee. They wouldn't even had a night at the inn. She'd be allowed a bath and to change. Then she'd meet her fate.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek squeezed her hand back. Listening to that normally happy and sweet voice that sounded so devoid of emotion caused that hasty barrier he had thrown around all of his emotions to come crumbling down. He felt the sadness well up inside of him, that such an amazing woman should be confined too such a fate, the anger that clawed at his heart, at Arabella's father for using her as a bargaining chip. And the faint longing that ate away inside of him. At what could have been in another world, where this hadn't happened.. Where maybe it could have ended differently for the two of them.

He'd nod his head, agreeing with Arabella's words as much as he hated to admit it. Her father had made his decision, and there was absolutely nothing that the two of them could do to change that. "I know.." He whispered softly, the lump in his throat making it hard for him to talk. "I just.." He couldn't find the right words to express what he was feeling. He just what? Wanted to scoop the woman in his arms and tell her that everything would be ok. He'd fix this. He didn't know-how. He couldn't do that. He couldn't storm to the king and demand that he stop this madness. All Azhek could do was go with Arabella and do everything he possibly could to keep her safe, even if it meant he might come to harm himself. "I just wish I could do something to get you out of this" That was the best way to put it. He felt moisture building in the corner of his eyes, and he'd turn away for a second, faking a cough so he could wipe away the tears that were forming. He couldn't let Arabella see him cry. After taking a second, he would turn back, forcing a smile onto his lips, a genuine one appearing as he saw the look he was receiving from her.

"Cards would be nice" He whispered. He enjoyed playing them with her. It wasn't a game he was good at, and that was perfectly ok. He got to see Arabella enjoy herself, the smiles and laughter that came from her made the fact that he constantly loss worth it. He wondered just how many more times they would get to play cards together, and he pushed the thought out of his mind. Opting instead to stand up and go to get the well-worn deck of cards that the two of them used.

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Azhek glanced outside of the carriage window, spotting the looming keep made out of dark stone that dominated the nearby landscape, and he took a deep breath. They were nearly there, after a long period of travel that had left Azhek plenty of times to think about the emotions that had been eating away at him from the inside, ever since Arabella had given him a chaste kiss that had caused the knight to see her in a completely different light, at quite possibly the worst time possible

He had to come to the rather obvious conclusion that he had.. feelings for Arabella. It was hard not to. She was a wonderful woman, who he spent nearly every moment of every day around, with the focus of his life being to keep her safe and happy. And.. It was evident that he shouldn't have feelings for her, but that didn't stop the feeling of happiness he got just from being around Arabella, or the flutter of.. he wasn't sure what whenever he saw her smile. Which, admittedly, was rare in these days.

He would be drawn from his thoughts by the carriage slowly drawing to a close. Azhek took a deep breath. He wasn't afraid of what would happen when that door opened, and the two of them departed the carriage.. But he was terrified of what he was about to do. He had thought about this for the last couple of hours of the trip, and he had realized that he needed to do this. Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself to his feet, crossing the rather small interior and sitting down next to Arabella. "Hey." He whispered softly, drawing the woman's attention.

"I.." Azhek took another deep breath. "Arabella." He smiled at her, a soft, sweet expression that displayed nothing but care and appreciation for the woman seated next to him. "I just want you to know. No matter what happens" He lifted an armored hand, the plate mail creaking softly as the digits of his hand cupped Arabella's cheek. "That you are my best friend. And I care so much about you. And I'm going to keep you safe" Azhek's smile seemed only to get brighter as he leaned in closer, his face nearly pressed against hers. And without any warning, he'd lovingly press a kiss to Arabella's lips, holding it for a split second longer then he should have, the knight's eyes locked on her wonderful orb's. "Forever and always" He whispered, echoing the oath that it seemed he had made so long ago to Arabella's mother.

Without another word, Azhek would pull away, not wanting to make eye contact with Arabella, regret for what he had just done already welling up inside of him as he picked up his plate helmet. He'd make eye contact one more time with her, a look of sorrow and care welling within his eyes as he lowered the steel, cutting off his expression from the outside world. He'd then grab his scabbard, sliding it over his back, the greatsword that made it's home there following shortly.

Azhek glanced out the window, and not spotting anyone or anything, he'd gently push the door open, pushing his body off of the cushion. "We shouldn't delay" He whispered. "It wouldn't be good to keep him waiting" Azhek's personal opinion was the complete opposite. He wanted to stay in the carriage and wrap Arabella in his arms, and never let her go. But. He had to be professional and fall into the role of guard and protector, and not a friend. "Do you want me to fetch your clothes from the back?" He offered.

 

[Bunny]

The cabin of the carriage had felt confining the whole journey to her intended's hold, Arabella had always been eager to get out and stretch her legs, to eat with the guards and lady's maids who accompanied her. Now however the cabin felt safe. To disembark from it's warm embrace into unknown danger, was unthinkable. She was just staring at the door fixedly, panic slowly rising. It was expected Azhek would exit first, make sure it was safe before she joined him, but he lingered. Perhaps he was giving her time adjust, to compose her face, which had paled as they had come to a stop. She couldn't do this! Her panic was rising in sift waves when the softness of Azhek's voice broke the silence within.

He had moved to sit beside her. When had he done that. Her brow furrowed in concentration and she bit the inside of her cheek. He'd taught her better than to space out, but there was no danger in here, from him. The coolness of his plated hand cupping her cheek was soothing, the soft, gentle pressure on her skin reassuring. Her eyes met his as he spoke. The almost wild like fear that had been lingering in her eyes fading. Azhek would keep his word, he would keep her safe.. Her best friend her shield would do anything to guarantee it. Her heart knew this even as it gave a funny little beat when he said he cared about her. She knew, that care was like it always had been. He loved her, surely, but as a friend. Nothing more. She had come to terms with this in the past few weeks. She had no other choice after all, she was to be wed. She'd belong to another man.

And then, he kissed her. She hadn't expected that kiss. His forehead resting to hers, as he had done so many times in the past as he comforted her, yes. The soft press of his lips to hers however stole her breath and her heart began to race. The kiss wasn't that of a friend, she knew it.. His mouth lingered on hers for more that it should have. Stunned Arabella sat there starting at him, her pretty mouth agape int he most unladylike fashion. Forever and always. The whispered words echoed in her mind. When he pulled away she could just watch him, dumbfounded. He... Felt the same?

Sitting there for a moment longer she stared at the open door her best friend had exited from. Her emotions were swirling through her violently. Longing, loss, need, pain, sorrow and anger. It took her another moment to compose her face before slipping from the carriage, the effort a struggle of will. Her face was that polite mask she often wore in court. It have nothing away and was serene. "Yes, please.."

Inside the finest room in the inn, which wasn't much to look at honestly, she sat in a tub of steaming water. The warmth of the water helping to work the soft aches from her body from the long journey but it did little to help her relax. Her eyes narrowed at the door, which she knew Azhek guarded. Taking her time she let her mind slowly puzzle out her feelings. Her anger at not knowing sooner fading first. What would they had done? Acted on their feelings? What would that have entailed, what would it have caused to grow between them? She still would have to marry a stranger, share her bed with him. For a moment her mind slipped back to what might have happened, lingering on her own selfish desires. Cheeks flushing as she pictured what it might be like to have Azhek make love to her. The act in of itself was foreign to her in practice, but she knew how it was done. She'd seen others by accident. Nobles mostly, who had thought themselves well hidden as the amused themselves with someone else's spouse, greedy in their stolen moments.

Sighing Arabella shook her head. She'd never know, wishing to know would cause nothing else but pain. The other emotions she felt were harder to shake. It was something she could never have, the loss sharp and keening like the need she felt. All of the feelings ending in pain. They felt the same, but could do nothing about it. By the time she had worked through her feelings and thoughts, the water had grown cold. Rising from the water. She watched as one of her maids moved closer, helping her from the tub of water.

The room was warm, blissfully so and that warmth as well as the dexterous hands of her maid as she buffed her skin dry with a soft towel had her dry in no time. A shift pulled over her head as she let her maids spin around her in a dance, her mind elsewhere. Gently led to a chair before the fire her hair was brushed until the honey gold locks were silky and dry, shining in the flickering light of the fire. Her face was carefully made up, the make-up minimal. Lashes darkened slightly, lips painted with a soft red gloss and cheeks flushed with rouge. The paces of slipping her into the sapphire and golden dress like a dance. The heavy gilded dress was laced into place, the high collar fastened with small little gold buttons at the back of her neck. The bodice was fitted, and threaded with gold thread, the detail breathtaking and easily adding to the weight she'd bear. Shortly under her breasts a gauzy layer was fluffed artfully about her hips as it fell down the deep blue skirt by one maid, the other fastening buttons at each wrist to close the cuffs tightly to her arms.

Finally prepared, her hair left to foam about her her slender form as it pleased in charming waves. Looking into the mirror the maids held, she could see her reflection. It was unlike what she'd normally wear, more revealing in some ways. Particularly her breasts, relieved in the keyhole cut out, the creamy swells displayed and accentuated. It made her feel self conscious, but the dress had been a gift from her husband to be. She couldn't refuse it, nor not wear it to their first meeting. The finishing touch was the crown which rested on her golden locks. Wrought of gold, sapphires and diamonds it was a clear indication of who she was, who she would be.

Taking a deep breath she opened the door to find herself face to face with Azhek. Lips parting she blushed and looked away. "We shouldn't keep my husband to be waiting" Her voice was soft as she spoke. It wouldn't take them but a mere half hour to reach his keep.. And there she would meet the man for the first time. The one who had offered peace for the pleasure of owning the Rose of Brensea. Arabella was no fool. It was her beauty, the desire to claim her, own her and to make her his. Her husband to be wanted to bed her. While her gentle nature was known, what was more widely known was her beauty. Had she been a betting woman, she'd have wagered her entire kingdom on that fact alone. He didn't know her, she could only hope.. he would want to.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek fought the urge to turn around, to climb back in the carriage and shut the door, to hide away from the rest of the world with Arabella, and to talk to her, to confess what was going on inside of him, to admit to his feelings.. Not that she wouldn't know. The Knight could still vividly imagine the feeling of Arabella's lips against his, and he felt his cheeks heat up as he realized he wanted to feel the warmth of her lips against his again, and he was incredibly thankful for the helmet that hid his face from the rest of the world.

He made his way to the rear of the carriage, lifting a medium-sized trunk from where it had been secured on the wooden frame, and he would follow Arabella and her maids inside, staying a respectful distance back, one that still allowed him to intervene if anything was to happen. Up the stairs they went, the Knight noting that the only people inside the inn seemed to be a single customer and the bartender. He pondered if the inn had been cleared on purpose for their arrival, or if there was really just no one using it? He'd follow Arabella inside of the room that they had been directed to, setting the trunk down on the floor, before bowing and retreating outside, leaning against the wall and standing guard.

Azhek's eyes would dart back and forth, keeping an eye out for anyone or anything that might be a danger to his dear Princess. Which is where his mind would drift, thinking of the beautiful woman that he was lucky to call friend. He could still picture the expression on Arabella's face as he had kissed her, and the warmth of his skin against hers, and the Knight shivered softly. He knew he shouldn't have kissed her, shouldn't have revealed the emotions that were eating away at his heart. He should have just buried them away, locked away like so many other things... But for once, he hadn't wanted to. He had tried to hide it sure, but it just gnawed it's way to the forefront, whenever he saw Arabella smile, or when the two of them spent time together.

What was he supposed to do about them anyway? It was clear he wasn't supposed to have them in the first place, but if Arabella shared them.. Which it seemed she did, from the kiss she had first given him, to the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't looking... Azhek shook his head, withdrawing himself from those distracting thoughts. It didn't matter what the two of them felt, as much as it pained him to admit. All that mattered was that he was there to keep her safe and that his self-appointed job of keeping her happy and being her friend would soon no longer be relevant. She would have a husband, who would demand her attention, who would be the one to spend the night in her room... And be the man to make love to her.

At that thought, a strong flare of jealous shot up in Azhek's heart, at the thought of another man being with his Arabella. Sharing her bed and performing the most intimate of acts, something that Azhek had wondered once if the two of them would ever sneak away for desperate, intimate moments together.. But now a cruel twist of fate had taken that away. He shook his head, stifling a sigh. All of these thoughts and dreams only made the aching pain in his heart come creeping back.

Azhek would be brought from his mental debate by the sound of the door opening, and he watched the maids go out past him, nodding to them softly. On their way to the keep no doubt, going ahead of him and Arabella to get settled.. Speaking of which... He heard the door open again, and he turned around, finding himself face to face with Arabella, and yet again he was glad for his helmet as he felt his jaw hang open slightly. Arabella was absolutely radiant, with the way that her dress clung to her creamy skin, revealing her curves and supple flesh, and he took a deep breath. "Of course my Lady" He whispered, noting the blush on her cheeks and the way her eyes avoided his. Was she embarrassed about what he did? Was she upset about it? Azhek didn't have the courage to ask.

The next twenty or so minutes would pass in relative silence between the two of them, as Azhk led the pair up a well-worn cobble path to the Keep, the dark stone looming above them as they got closer and closer. Once the two of them were beneath the stone walls completely, near the looming door that would let them into the next chapter of their lives, Azhek would pause. Reaching up, he pulled off his helmet, pulling the cold steel away, and revealing his features, and he'd suppress the nervousness creeping up inside of him. "Arabella" He murmured. "If you need anything, come to me. If you're afraid, come to me. If you feel unsafe, come get me right away." He leaned forward, carefully wrapping her in a tight hug, doing his best not to dirty or wrinkle her dress, before he pulled back, sliding the helmet back onto his head, sealing his expression away.

Azhek then led the two of them into the keep, nodding to the guard who started taking them through the winding corridors that led to the Warlord's seat of power. He had gotten his hands on a plan of the keep, and studied it extensively, memorizing everything he could through the paper. It all seemed to be accurate, and he hoped that it was. He found the design to be interesting, with the Warlord having a rather moderately sized throne room, even in such a large structure. He would have figured a conquering warlord would want his throne room to be grandiose. He shrugged. It wasn't his problem now, was it?

The three of them would stop outside of what he presumed to be the entrance to the throne room, and Azhek glanced at Arabella, taking a deep breath, remaining silent as the guard that they had followed ducked into the throne room. Azhek could hear a voice announce their presence, and the knight quickly killed the ball of anxiety and nervousness quelling up inside of him. He would glance around, making no one could see him, and he'd wrap his fingers into Arabella's hand, giving what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze, before his armored digit's let go.

The Knight would step away, exhaling softly. "No sense in delaying the inevitable" He whispered, leading Arabella into the throne room of the Warlord.

It was surprisingly empty. That was the first thing he noticed as he glanced around. There were a couple of guards, a few maids, and ladies in waiting... Perhaps a few men of what passed for nobility in this kingdom. And planted on a throne carved of the same black stone that made up the rest of the keep, was King Tarkan himself. Azhek hadn't been sure what to expect of the man, but he had to admit after all of the rumors and tales passed around, the man was rather disappointing. He couldn't have been taller than five-ten and appeared to not be in the greatest of shape. Had he let himself go after taking all of this land, and establishing a mock peace? Azhek suspected he would never know.

He watched those beady eyes pass over him and his armored form, watching them go wider then he could have ever thought they would as Tarkan no doubt saw Arabella, taking in her beauty with those ugly eyes. He would stand to the side, allowing Arabella to pass him, and to greet her husband to be. The reminder of that fact caused an ugly spike of anger to run through the knight, despite his best efforts. He would drone out the murmuring that was being done by the people on the side of the throne room, still listening to the Warlord himself, as he dismissed everyone in the room minus Azhek, his own guards, and Arabella.

Azhek watched Tarkan like a hawk, his eyes hidden thankfully as he watched the man sit straight eye, those beady eyes still locked on Arabella as he droned out the two of them talking, instead opting to glance around the room, taking in every feature and aspect of it, wanting to familiarize himself with the area that he suspected he would be spending a large amount of time around in the future.

 

[Bunny]

Arabella couldn't see Azhek's face when she came out of the room and a part of her regretted that. The other part was glad. She was still unsure what do do about their feelings. Did he know how she felt? If so they both knew how the other felt and were stuck as things were. If he was unaware, it didn't make it better. Lost in her own thoughts she walked past him and stopped at the top of the stairs, waiting for him to lead the way. More habit than anything else, drilled into her after years of him guarding her. She let him go first almost always. Though if not before her, her was just behind her. Her constant reassuring shadow. It wasn't until in the carriage that the thought struck her. Her husband to be, he wouldn't take Azhek away from her would he? That small bubble of panic only slowly growing worse the closer they got.

Pausing in the doorway she watched as Azhek pulled off his helmet, wary. His words softened her face and she melted into his hug. She never would have done otherwise.. He was he shield from the world. She wished he wasn't in his armor, it's hard surface keeping them apart. One more obstacle in an ever growing list of them. "I will.. I promise" Her words were whispered against his his neck, where Arabella had tucked her face. There, int he safety of the door way, that held what was to come at bay, she whispered one last thing as he put his helmet on. "I love you Azhek" There was no question that the love she whispered of, a hushed secret that was no longer secret, was not the love between friends. She wasn't even sure if he'd heard her as he lead her into the throne room. She didn't care. The feeling in her heart had been breathed into reality, the feeling now real in a way it had never been before. Saying it out loud, gave life to it. Made the feelings she felt for him solidify painfully.

Head held high, Arabella entered the throne room like what she was to be. A queen. Her movements graceful and flowing, her dress floating about her feet like she walked on air. Her face was frozen into the mask as she approached her husband to be, passing Azhek as she approached the throne. Dipping into a deep curtsy amid the whispers from the others in the room, Arabella was glad she had a moment to compose her face, making sure it was pleasant, hiding her first feelings. The first feeling she had was revulsion. This was the feared Warlord who had won his kingdom through brutality? He was pudgy and that was her being kind. His hair was lank, and unkempt. His face might have once been handsome was rounded and his eyes beady, his mouth a thin line. While he wasn't stained or dirty.. that was the only bright side she could offer. "Your Grace". He'd dismissed the others while she'd curtsied and she found them alone save for Azhek and his own guards.

She watched him rise, his clothing straining against his bulk. Arabella felt bad, that she seemed so vain.. She was young, beautiful.. She didn't want to be tied to this man. Her mind moved back to the one she'd just told she loved. She had hoped for someone closer to Azhek, though she doubted anyone could come close for her. It wasn't just his looks, though, he was a handsome man. It was his kindness, the quickness of his smile. The was his eyes darkened when they argued. With difficultly she drew her mind back to the here and now. Her husband to be talking about the long trip, how they must be tired.. But perhaps they could have a meal first? She inclined her head not trusting her voice.

--

Weeks passed with varying odd interactions. At first Arabella had passed them off as just random happenstance. Her husband to be brushing against her. Small little touched and gropes. The first time he had groped her, she'd gone running to Azhek. She hadn't told him why she'd been so bothered, how could she? Though as it persisted Arabella couldn't hide it. Azhek was told every incident. Her husband walking in on her while dressing.. the touches.. the comments.. All of it was confided to him, sometimes with tears, others with cold detachment. The final straw came a few days before their wedding, which had taken several months to prepare.

--

The door to his rooms burst open and Arabella stumbled into them the door closing hurriedly. Throughout the months that had passed, she'd never once looked disheveled or unkempt. Nothing less than elegant and perfect. She took care on her appearance, something she'd done before and continued now. She knew how her father and her husband to viewed her. A pretty thing to look at. It was the one thing expected of her and she refused to falter in such a simple desire. Tonight though, she was not. Honey colored hair was mussed, curls out of place as if a hand had been fisted in it. The pretty lavender dress was torn at the shoulder, the fabric roughly ripped. A bruise was blossoming on her right cheek and Arabella's full bottom lip was bloodied. Trembling she tried to hold back the tears, the panic she felt starting to overwhelm her.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek had most certainly heard the whispered confession that had left Arabella's lips, and over the next several months, it would come to haunt him more and more. He knew he wasn't supposed to have these feelings, the ones that clawed at his heart at every moment of the day, reminding him of the feeling of Arabella's body pressed against his, the taste of her lips against his, and that sent spikes of sadness and regret throughout his body.

What if he had said something earlier? What if he had done something? Would that have changed their fate? Prevented them from being hopelessly in love with one another, but unable to act on their heart's desires. Saving them from being shipped away, kept apart by one man's fear, another man's greedy, and thick stone walls.

Every time Arabella had come to him, with tears and fear in her eyes, Azhek had swept the woman into his arms and comforted her, helping her deal with whatever her husband to be had done to her. And every time she came to him with that cold detachment, it made the lump that was eating at his heart grow. The Knight desperately missed the days when his world had been filled with Arabella's brilliant smile, and laughter, instead of misery, fear, and regret seeping away at his heart.

Azhek would abruptly be drawn from his mental misery by the sound of his door slamming shut. He instantly pushed himself to his feet, shooting out of the chair he had been resting in. The only person with the key to his chambers would be Arabella and her soon to be husband, and he doubted it was the latter, the so-called 'warlord' had been avoiding him like the plague ever since the two of them arrived, their only encounters being at meals, or when he came to inquire if he knew where Arabella was.

A quick glance would confirm that it was Arabella, and Azhek's eyes shot wide open as he took in the normally radiant and collected woman in front of him. He practically bolted across the room as he took in Arabella from head to toe, noting the way that the beautiful lavender dress was torn, the fashion in which Arabella's hair had been ruined... And the bloodied lip and bruised cheek that his princess sported.

Azhek reached Arabella, his dark eyes gazing into her orbs, and he saw the tears that were welling there, the panic that threatened to overwhelm Arabella. "Oh, Aria." Was the first thing that left Azhek's lips as he lovingly wrapped an arm around the woman's waist pulling her close against him, the warmth of his body enveloping the poor woman. "I'm here" He whispered, taking his free hand and gently cupping Arabella's unbruised cheek, rough digits slowly and carefully brushing over her cheek.

The Knight took a deep breath, calming the anger that was threatening to boil over and make him do something rash and dumb. There was only one person in the entire castle who would dare to harm his Arabella in such a matter. Her 'husband' to be evidently not want to wait for the wedding night any longer, and had tried to make his move to claim the beauty of the Rose for himself.. And when that had failed, the Warlord had hurt the innocent woman.

Azhek held the woman a little closer, his leather jacket pulled taunt as he cradled Arabella. "He can't hurt you anymore." He promised Arabella, his voice thick with emotion as he lovingly stroked her cheek. The Knight leaned in, gently pressing his lips against hers for a split second before pulling back, absolutely no regret anywhere within in. He would then lead Arabella away from the door, and through his living quarters, the two of them ending up in his bedroom, and he guided her down onto his bed. He sat down next to her and wrapped her in a tight embrace, his hand gently rubbing up and down her back, while the other one held her waist tight.​

 

[Bunny]

Molestation.. near rape.. physical abuse.. She had never experienced anything like it before moving to this god forsaken keep. Not even her father had laid a hand on her. When her husband to be had asked her to attend to him in his game room, the offer to teach her chess.. she had reluctantly agreed. She knew how to play, but she was far too impatient to think through the move at hand while planning what her opponent may also do. Azhek constantly beat her because of rash movements and lack of forethought. When she had arrived things had been normal enough.. Her husband to be was almost gentlemanly. That should have been her first clue something was amiss. When he had causally suggested that she should should undress she had laughed, thinking it nothing more than an inappropriate joke. He had not appreciated her laughter, upturning the chess table and advancing. She had felt his hand in her hair as he'd dragged her from her seat, turned her around and started to hike her skirts up. Screaming had done her no good and Arabella knew if she did nothing he'd rape her. Azhek's training coming back. She recalled at the time, she had teased him. Who would be foolish enough to try and rape her? Kicking out against him her small heeled foot had connected with his knee with a sickening pop. Thrown to the floor she had landed hard and when she'd gotten back up that was when he had hit her.

The whole scene played back in her mind over and over in fast forward as she leaned against Azhek's door. She flinched as his arms slid around her before she curled into him. Azhek. Her nickname on his lips as his hand cupped her cheek. The scrape of his fingers along her skin soothing. He didn't have the hands of a courtier. Azhek had been training to be a knight since he had been young. His body, his hands bore the results. Her lashes fell as she rubbed her cheek into his hand in a gentle nuzzle. Slowly she opened her eyes and nodded. She knew that what Azhek wasn't true. She was to be married in just days to the warlord. Those teal eyes sad as she looked up into his face. When his mouth lowered to hers, her eyes closed for a moment, her lips brushing his, the pain causing her to gasp as their lips touched. When he pulled back he bore a little of her blood on his mouth. Her thumb brushed over his lip, her blood wiped away. She wondered not for the first time if he had heard her, that day under the looming keep's doorway. He hadn't mentioned it, neither had she. Other things took precedent and the words while not forgotten had not been discussed.

Arabella allowed him to lead her away from the door and when he sat her down she curled into him. Cheek on his shoulder she shivered. "Azhek, I don't know if I can do this" She knew if Azhek killed the man, he would lose his life as well. Hell, they might kill her for good measure. If she married him, she knew that her life would never be better than it had been these long months. That left one solitary option. They could run. They would be outlaws, hunted by at least the warlord, because she was his. Perhaps her father as well. A trembling sigh left her and her face turned up towards him. "Azhek... what will we do?" She knew what she thought they should do. She knew better than to say she'd go alone. One thing she knew for a fact was Azhek would never allow her to leave on her own. "We.. could run.." Her voice a soft whisper. Her eyes searched his, her small soft form still snuggled into his side. She knew what it would mean for them both, and her heart ached that she was asking him to become a fugitive with her. "Or I could.. go alone" She knew even offering was folly, but she wanted him to have that option. Her love didn't need to be dragged down with her selfish choice to flee.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek hugged Arabella even tighter as the woman admitted she didn't know if she could go through with this. He didn't need her to specify what 'this' was. He knew it referred to the wedding, to living here in this dreary Blackstone keep, with a brute of a man. The shuddering sigh that escaped Arabella would cause him to gently reach up with his free hand, cupping her chin lovingly as he stared into her eyes, and he could still taste her lip's on his, as well as the blood that had been left there. "I don't know.. But I'll do whatever's necessary" He whispered, before falling silent as Arabella offered the option that they could run away. He wouldn't admit it, but he had considered that option himself several times, about taking Arabella and fleeing with her, away from the prison of a keep the two of them had spent the last few months in. He felt Arabella snuggle closer against him, and he gazed into those beautiful teal eyes that always seemed to be able to reach into his soul.

Azhek would go to respond, before being cut off by Arabella's comment about going alone. He paused for a second, the Knight processing the well of emotions that came up at the thought of Arabella being alone in the world, his best friend being hunted by the vengeful force of the Warlord, and who knew what else. Azhek's hands gently unwoven themself from Arabella's body, reaching down and firmly grasping her thighs, before the man gently lifted Arabella up off the bed, and carefully placed her down in his lap. Azhek then leaned in, till his face was inches from Arabella's, the man's deep blue eye's almost unreadable for once. Remembering the pain-filled gasp that had escaped her lip's when he had kissed her earlier, Azhek would carefully press his lips against Arabella's unbruised upper lip, pouring as much love and passion as he could into the kiss, his arms wrapping around her waist and her neck respectively. He wouldn't break the kiss until he was desperate for air, the man pulling away and taking a deep breath.

"Arabella" He whispered, looking down at the woman in his lap, who, over the last few months he had come to realize he was deeply in love with, willing to lay down his life and give up anything for, and not just out of a sense of duty. "You are.." He searched for the right word. "My everything" It was the best way for him to phrase what he felt. "You are my best friend.. My sun and my moon" He glanced away for a second. "And... I love you. I love you so, so much" He whispered, glancing back, those dark orb's gazing deep into Arabella's eyes. "And if you think I'm letting you run away, to face the world by yourself" Azhek leaned in, planting another kiss, this one against the woman's unbruised cheek. "Then you are very, very mistaken."

He felt a wave of relief wash over him, thankful to no longer be burned by the secret that he kept so poorly hidden. "I would follow you anywhere in the world Arabella" Azhek murmured. "And I would do anything for you. No matter what. And nothing you say or do, could convince me to stay here, to abandon you when you need me most" He removed his hand from her neck, his rough fingers cupping her chin again, brushing against her soft skin. "So yes." He whispered. "We can run away, together." Azhek pondered that thought, with Arabella clutched close. It would just be the two of them, against everything the world would throw at them... Would he be able to keep her safe? To keep her happy? To treat her like the Princess she was? Azhek wasn't sure, but he knew he would try his very best.

 

[Bunny]

Lifted from the bed with obvious gentleness she was cuddled into Azhek's lap. He was warm and she had expected him to be hard beneath her, his toned body honed from years of training. But as she was cuddled into him, she felt safe.. His strong arms around her as his mouth found hers. He was tender as he kissed her, having heard her hiss of pain. That didn't mean the kiss was without passion. She kissed him back, her body's trembles subsiding as her breath became shorter. When he finally pulled back she was breathless, her breasts rising and falling with the feeling. His words made her eyes grow wide, her heart racing. His lips brushed her cheek as his words stroked everything that ailed her, as if they alone could heal her injuries and bruised emotions. "Oh.. Azhek.." His name was breathed out and her hands went around his waist. Her forehead came to rest against his own and for a moment, their breath was one.

She knew he wouldn't let her leave on her own. She had thought he would follow her, if only out a sense of duty, friendship and now love aside. But to know the man coming with her, felt the same as she felt about him? It made the prospect of running from her life, everything she knew.. bearable. It also, selfishly would raise her chances of survival. Not of her own making, Arabella knew she was a spoiled princess in the most base sense of the word. She didn't know how to 'rough it' and would have have fared poorly without Azhek. She nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears yet again, these however were a mix of unbearable love and relief. Her cheek leaned into his hand as he cupped her cheek. Nodding just once, eyes closing for a moment before her teal eyes met his own blue, holding them. "I love you Azhek" She knew now, her love for him had been there for a long time, but she had mistaken it for something else. Just simple friendship.. Taking a slow deep breath she knew, that even with him, they wouldn't be safe. They would need to be smart. Otherwise they would meet a messy end. "So.. what do we do first?"

Her small hand reached up, cupping his cheek much like he had done to her. Her thumb brushing against his skin as her eyes lingered on his. "He might not come looking for me tonight, but I doubt I will have more than a night's reprieve." Shifting in his lap some, she laid her head to his shoulder, her adrenaline wearing off, leaving her system lagging behind. Now, though there was no need for pretense. Cuddled into his lap, her head hidden against his neck. He smelled of bergamot and as she inhaled she picked up the faint trace of jasmine underneath his spicy scent. The smell soothed her further and her eyes fell closed. She didn't even know where they could run that they wouldn't be hunted. But again, she was comforted that he would be with her. She spoke softly, her lips brushing his neck. "I have loved you.. since we were children. Do you remember when we were.. ten or eleven.. and I broke the vase, and you told mama, it was you?" She smiled some, cuddling closer still. "I have loved you since then. Funny I didn't know it for what it was for so long..." She wanted to sleep, but fight the feeling knowing they should plan, gather supplies. A large number of things before they could rest this night. Her husband would know to whom she had gone running, he wasn't a stupid man, unfortunately. He wouldn't show Azhek his face tonight..

Sighing she sat up, aware that cuddled into him like she was she would sleep. That he might not wake her until it was time to go. Arabella was determined to not be a burden, knowing that at some point she might fail in that resolve.. she could only do her best and try. "I should change.." She knew her dress was torn and it would be for the best no matter what to not wander around in such shape. It would raise eyebrows from any that saw her. It was the small things she could help with. Not drawing attention. Sweet talking the cook, who like the one back home... adored her, for some provisions. Things that would last.. It wouldn't be much, but she knew it would help either way.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek nearly melted into the bed as Arabella returned the kiss he had so eagerly pressed to her lips, closing his eyes for a brief second as he felt her trembling form become still in his lap. The sight of her breathless, chest heaving made him a flush a little bit, advertising his gaze before his name left her lips, and he turned back as the small woman rested her forehead against his. The feeling of her hands securing themselves around his waist made him wish this moment end, that the two of them could stay in their embrace for the rest of eternity, without a care in the world. "Yes, my love?" He breathed, voice hitching for a split second as he realized what he had called Arabella. It was the absolute truth, that he loved the woman and everything to do with her... He just didn't know how she would react.

He stared off into those perfect azure eyes of hers, wishing that he could stay lost forever in the eyes of the woman who was his world, a small smile appearing on his lips at the thought. Arabella really was his world, wasn't she? His entire life had been dedicated to keeping her safe, as well as serving her in every way possible and imaginable. And now.. Well, it seemed like the two of them had a future together. He would never tell Arabella, but he had been afraid for the longest time that he had been afraid of losing her. Whether it was to the affections of someone, or to the cruelty of life. But... Maybe now he'd be able to put that behind him.

He held her as gently as possible, noticing the tears appearing in her beautiful eyes, and it made his heart skip a beat, not out of happiness, but worry. Had he missed something? Had she made some comment, and he ignored her? It made a shiver of fear run through the man. He opened his mouth to ask her but was cut off by the woman admitting she did indeed love him, and he could only imagine the expression on his face. Sure he had his suspicions, that had only been confirmed when this whole fiasco with the arranged marriage had happened... But that confession confirmed everything and made his heart swell. He hoped it wouldn't be the last time he heard that phrase today.

"What happens first.." He paused to think. There were many options, but the rumbling of his stomach made him give her a sheepish grin. "Is I get dinner brought to my quarters. And then we can discuss everything that needs to happen over a nice meal." He fell silent as her digits caressed his cheek, the flush from earlier returning in full force as he stared at the radiantly beautiful Princess in his lap. He took a second to collect his thoughts about her next comment. "I'll never let him see you again Arabella." His voice was barely anything more than a whisper. "No matter what he does. He's never going to lay a hand on you again, nor will he get the chance to talk to you" A possessive look came over his face as Azhek leaned in and pressed the softest of kisses to her forehead as she leaned against him.

The feeling of her cuddling even closer to him made his heart swell, and he cuddled her even closer, the warmth she radiant was practically addictive, and he knew he could never have enough of her. The next murmured confession that left her lips had him smiling, while the flush that only she could bring out returned in full force. "Of course I remember." He could still remember the disbelieving look that Arabella's mother had given him. Azhek had never been one to break things as a child, being rather calm and reserved for a boy of his age. He had stayed adamant and received the punishment meant for Arabella in her stead. "All that matters is that you know what it is now" He whispered, delivering a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"I think.." Azhek swallowed softly. "I think I've been in love with you for a very long time as well Aria" He whispered. "Do you remember when you were thirteen and your mother brought up the idea of an arranged marriage to you, and what you thought of it?" He couldn't help but smile at the memory "You asked her why you would ever need another man in your life besides me. You said I took care of you in every way you could possibly think of." He laughed a deep and hearty noise. "I thought I was going to die. She looked absolutely furious with me." He reached up, tenderly running his hands through Arabella's locks. "But I think that was mostly just for show" He confessed in a hushed voice. He and Arabella's mother had a talk that night, one he wasn't too sure he wanted to tell Arabella about, just yet.

He felt Arabella pull away, and he pulled her back without a single regret, pulling the perfect bundle that was his Arabella back against him, and he glanced down, delicately cupping her chin again, digits softly massaging her creamy skin. Her comment would remind him of the state of her dress and he frowned softly. He loved how she looked in it, how the lilac silk hugged her form and highlighted her features, and he made a mental note to get it fixed... Before the realization that he might never get a chance for it to be fixed, with the two of them leaving behind the life of royalty. "I don't know if I have any changes of clothes for you here.." He thought for a second before a brilliant smile covered his face, and he released her chin, hands and arms scooping her up and moving her to the spot next to him on the bed.

Azhek pushed himself to his feet, eyes filled with love staring at Arabella before he forced himself to focus. "I'll be right back ok?" He murmured, leaning down and planting a quick kiss on her lips before retreating out of his bedroom, his heart feeling like it might just burst at any moment. He made his way through his small living space, before sticking his head out into the hallway, eyes falling on one of Arabella's ladies in waiting. "Please get dinner sent up as soon as possible, her Highness's favorites?" He requested, a small smile visiting his lips as the Lady nodded. "Thank you. Her Highness won't be requiring any of your services tonight after the meal is delivered" He received another nod, and he ducked back inside the cramped quarters, retrieving a series of packages from where they had been left on a table.

He carefully picked up the leather-wrapped packages, none of them that heavy as he took them into the bedroom where he had left Arabella. "Sorry for the delay, My Lady" He murmured, laying the packages out in a specific order. "I had meant to give these to you on your birthday... But it wasn't ready then" He offered her an apologetic smile, wondering if he would get scolded for spending too much money on her, again.

He thought she was worth every bit of gold that he ever spent on her, but she insisted that he never spend too much.. Which he promptly ignored for every holiday, event, or possible reason to give her a gift. Spoiling her was one of his guilty pleasures. For Arabella's birthday this year, he had ordered a new set of clothes, made in the style that her father had called whorish and scandalous and that she had delighted in wearing. And after he had found out about the fact she was being married off... He ordered another outfit with different coloring.

He had gotten her a pair of shirts, made of the most magnificent silk he had been able to order, one dyed pitch black, and the other one a brilliant cobalt blue. Then there were the britches, made of leather imported from out of the kingdom, and given a beautiful walnut brown, and dark purple coloring. Also included two sets of knee-high boots, made of the finest leather, and made to withstand anything that Arabella could throw at them. Finally, two sets of silken undergarments that had been given snow white and violent pigments respectively.

He settled in on the bed next to her, offering her a smile. "But better late then never I suppose." He wrapped an arm back around her waist, greedy for her presence yet again. "I hope you like it Aria" He murmured, he had perhaps gone a bit overboard having done a decent amount of conspiring with her ladies in waiting to get the outfits as perfect as he could for the woman. But any time for regret's was in the past now

 

[Bunny]

His love? Her heart sang at the words. Months of confusion and sadness had brought them to this point. To him saying such things to her, and her answering smile had been breathtaking as she had told him how she felt. Wiping at her eyes she dashed away any tears that might fall. Beginning to feel giddy she nodded as he said he would have food brought to his rooms and this his adamant promise that her husband to be would never see, speak or touch her again. How couldn't she believe him? Azhek would protect her from him.. Something inside her, deep down relaxed. He'd never lay another hand on her. The lips that brushed her forehead made her smile shyly. She was safe, for as long as she was with him.

While they spoke of when they both first knew she couldn't stop the smile that grew on her face, nor did she want to. They were both good memories.. Both involving the only parent who had ever cared about her. And him. His defiant refusal to admit to her mother that he hadn't broken the vase. The way he'd taken the punishment for her and her sneaking into his rooms after to commiserate with him on the whooping he'd gotten. The latter memory bringing another smile, when she had refused to even consider a marriage to a stranger. Her mother had look furious. One of the rare times she had seen real anger. She had never understood that. Who could better tend to her than her best friend.. and even now she knew.. Azhek was more. He was her other half.

Settled onto the bed after having just been pulled back into the warmth of his arms caused Arabella to laugh, amused at the sudden change of heart. The sound died as his lips found hers. Leaning up some into the kiss that was far shorter than she wished it to be, she couldn't help the small sigh as Azhek walked away. Her eyes watched him and she couldn't help the hunger she felt for him that tore through her. She had never been overly sexual in any sense of the word, but recently.. there was one person on her mind. Azhek. What would it be like to lay in his arms. To have him touch her the way a lover would. Shaking her head some as if to clear the desires away she heard his voice mumbled in the other room as he spoke to who she could only assume were he Lady's maids. When he came back in carrying packages she frown at him.

"Azhek..." Her voice was disapproving. She was no better.. She loved getting him and even her maids gifts. Like his own, Arabella had always put careful thought into his gifts. "Don't try and placate me with that cute greeting" Her arms crossed under her breasts as he set beside her, her small frame easily curling into his, even as his free arm wrapped around her waist. She had honestly hoped he had forgotten her birthday, knowing he tended to go above and beyond. "You know I don't like you spending money on me..." Even as she said it, her face leaned in closer to his and her lips brushed his cheek. She gave a loud, impatient sigh. Though the effect was ruined by her smile. She was a little annoyed, but never mad. Pulling the first of the packages to her she carefully unwrapped it.

The first thing she opened was the shirts. She gasped and lifted the black one to her cheek, nuzzling her cheek against it's softness. "Oh.. Azhek.." She could see the theme already.. "The colors and fabric are stunning" She smiled and reached for the second package. Fingers opening the leather bindings slowly. The pants too earned him a sound of pleasure. Rich brown and then the stunning purple. Looking at him she smiled and reached for the second to last. The boots made her almost purr with delight. Oh her father would have hated this present. But Azhek, he knew how much she loved this sort of clothing. How free it made her feel. The last package was taken from his arms and she nestled even closer as she pulled open the package. She had no idea what else he could have gotten her. Inside were to sets of silken under garments and she blushed, looking up at him. Azhek had never given her anything like that.. The clothing had been one thing... But the silky soft underthings?

She slipped from his grasp and leaned down to kiss him. A smile on her lips as she stepped back. Turning her back to him, she swept her hair from her neck and back, fingers catching the lacing on her dress. Slowly she began to tug the laces free. Her goal was to change into his gifts.. but there was another motive in her desire. Slowly the lavender dress parted and then fell down her body, slithering along her soft curves. Pooled at her feet she stepped out the dress. Arabella only stood inside his bedroom in her underthings now and she could feel her heart race. No man had ever seen her in such a state. And she wanted no other to see like this either. Only Azhek. Turning to face him, he'd be able to see the corseted bra and the small silken panties that clung to her body, like her dress at her feet they matched. A few shades lighter than her dress, they were trimmed in lace, little bows and small little metal charm rested just below her breasts. Kicking off her simple pale lavender shoes she looked into his eyes.

Her feeling was, if he was going to buy her small clothes, he could see her in her own. Besides, he had bought this long before either of them knew how they felt. As she reached for the purple leather pants, pulling them up her shapely calves, her supple thighs and over her pert rear. Wiggling gently to pulled them up completely before lacing them closed. The fit was perfect, clinging to her lower half. Would he have even given them to her? Those silky under garments? Had they not told one another their feelings? The black shirt was picked up and slipped over her head, slowly lowering to cover her full breasts. She left it loose and the laces that would have closed the top untied. For now, she forewent the boots. Tossing her honey hair behind her she smoothed it into place and smiled at him shyly. "I love them all" She began moving towards him on her tip toes when she heard a knock on the door. Saved by the knock. She smiled and moved to pick up her discarded dress and shoes. Folding the dress with care she set the shoes on top of it after placing it in a chair.

She longed to kiss him again already. To.. ask him to do more to.. with her. Blushing at the very idea she moved towards the main living area. "Did you want me to get the door?" She couldn't help the giggle in her voice. The look he'd had in his eyes... Like she wanted no other man to see her in her underthings, she wanted no other man to look at her like that. She knew she was only meant for him.

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips at Arabella's disapproving tone as she eyed the gifts in front of her. "I would never dream of doing such a thing My Lady" He teased the woman, glancing down at her as she cuddled up against him. "I know" He murmured, flushing as the woman's lips brushed his cheek. There was a hint of concern that she was truly upset with him, but the brilliant smile on her face put any worry to rest. "But I'm not sorry" He confessed, giving her a little squeeze as she went to unwrap the first package.

The gasp that escaped Arabella made his lips curve upwards in a brilliant smile. He had hoped the clothing would make for a good present, and judging by her reaction, he had certainly done a good job, and he made a mental note to get the maid who had helped him a gift of her own. "I take you approve then?" He whispered, settling in and watching Arabella make her way through the rest of the packages. The noises of delight and pleasure that she made as she made her way through the different clothing packages made his smile only grow, and his heart fluttered a little bit. It was the little things like these that made him realize just how much he adored and loved Arabella.

He watched her open the last package, and his cheeks heated up instantly as Arabella took in the silken undergarments he had gotten her. It had been a suggestion of the maid who had helped him. He had never gotten her anything of the sort before, but the maid's insistence had ended with him relenting. His gaze would meet hers, the heat on his cheeks being mirrored on hers, and he resisted the urge to look away. It was certainly too late to regret getting her those undergarments now.

Arabella slipped from his grasp, and he thought about pulling her back yet again, craving the addicting warmth that she offered when the two of them cuddled. Any further thoughts would be interrupted by the sensation of her lips against his. It was almost cruel, being reminded of the feeling of her just after she had left his grasp, but he let her go, not wanting to stop the woman and whatever she had planned.

Azhek was enthralled as he watched her brush her honey locks away, dark eyes absorbed with every little movement she made. As her fingers tugged at the lace holding her dress to her body, and the fabric fell down her body, his eyes greedily took in the sight of her curves, every little inch of her body that she was offering him the chance to see. When she turned around, offering to him a view that he knew no other man had ever received, Azhek thought he just might melt into the bed. She was... radiant. Divine even. His mind couldn't come up with the proper term to define the sight in front of him, with the way the purple lace hugged her body and hid her most intimate parts from him. He would blink softly, meeting her gaze. and he knew that he must have a look in his eye. a mix of possessiveness and adoration. "Arabella" He whispered softly, unable to put any words to what was going through him.

He fell silent, watching her slowly start to pull the purple pants up her body, and his eyes couldn't help but linger on her beauty. The way her hips curved, how soft her thighs looked, and creamy rear, it made him realize just how lucky he was, that for some reason the most beautiful woman in the world had fallen in love with him... He shivered softly, being drawn from his thoughts as he watched the black fabric hide the view of her bosom from him, and he returned the smile to her, pushing himself to his feet, moving to meet her halfway. "I'm... delighted to hear that you love them, love" He whispered, leaning down a little bit, the kiss that was about to happen robbed from them by the knock at the door.

He was tempted to steal another kiss from Arabella, to pour his adoration into it and let her know just what was on his mind at the moment. The image of her, oh so shy and dressed in her undergarments... It would be something he treasured until the day that he died. "I can get it" He whispered, the giggle in her voice made his heart soar. It had been far too long since he had heard such a beautiful noise.

He made his way to the door, his mind still full of thoughts of the beautiful woman behind him as he opened the solid oak door. He'd offer the maid a bright smile as he eyed the platter of food she carried. "My thanks." He murmured, reaching forward and taking the silver platter into his own hands. "Take the rest of the evening off" He dismissed her with another smile, before turning around and letting the door slam shut behind him.

His mind was still a bit pre-occupied with the thoughts of Arabella that had been put in his mind, making his way to the small sofa that he had been given, carefully settling the platter down on the hickory table. His living area hadn't been the most spacious, or the most decorated, but he didn't mind that. "Dinner's here" He called across the small space, pulling the lid off of the platter. Almost immediately, different smells would start to assault his nose, and he checked the platter. There was parsnip soup, with chicken breasts and a side salad of different greens, along with a fair-sized piece of lemon fruit-tart.

"Is there anything else you would like, Love?" He asked, glancing over at her and smiling at just how beautiful she looked. It didn't matter to him that her lip was puffy, or her cheek bruised, she was still perfect to him... He flushed a little bit, glancing away from her. Now that he wasn't hiding from his own thoughts and feelings, he was coming to realize just how much he adored the woman and loved everything about her.

 

[Bunny]

Love. It was a word he kept saying and it made her heart race. It was funny how one small word, one small change could make such a difference. She could see the desire to kiss her even as he straightened and looked to the door. The giggle couldn't be helped and she watched him head to the door she lingered in the bedroom till he told her dinner was there. Slipping from the room she moved to the couch and curled onto it, tucking her feet under her form. "It smells so good..." Her stomach gave an appreciative grumble. This was something she would miss once they ran. A small voice in her mind whispered it. She wouldn't miss the fine rooms or living in a palace. Rather not as much as the fine food that was her guilty pleasure.

She looked to him and blushed. The way he looked at her now that he didn't have to hide made her mouth go dry. His question caused her to shake her head. "No, it's perfect" her smile was slow and shy. She forgot how she looked at the moment, she didn't see it in his eyes. Just his love for her. Looking down at the food she reached for the soup. Leaning back against the soft plushness of the couch she dipped a spoon into the thick, creamy soup. Stirring the heavy cream in that had been drizzled on the top. Blowing on the pale colored soup before taking a sip. Arabella made a sound in her throat of pleasure before taking another small sip. It was clear she was taking her time, savoring the richness.

Shifting a little her legs slid towards the other arm of the couch and her body snuggled closer to him. She couldn't help but worry. Arabella knew nothing of what life would be like on the run, did he? She knew even if he didn't, Azhek would have a better grasp of it than she would. Then beyond that, there was the fact that it was highly unlikely they wouldn't be perused. It wasn't as if giving up the life wouldn't be a challenge. They would be hunted. She wasn't well versed in politics.. but they could flee into an enemy territory.. Though they couldn't make their presence known. It could end up much the same with them at the gallows. She looked to him for a moment, her eyes tracing the strong lines of his face. He was the chess master, not her. Arabella felt he was already working on the problems that lay before them and even those many steps down the line. It was how he won after all. She smiled at him shyly when he caught her staring at him lost in thought and offered him the bowl. "Did you want some?"

It was odd that the nerves were making her lose her appetite. She looked at the chicken and frowned for a moment. No. This would be her last meal like this likely for a while! She needed to eat it. Her mind drifted back to the bed, how safe she had felt in his arms. Shifting again she gently moved herself into his lap, sighing softly. Drawing her knees up some she smiled and nodded to them. "You can place the bowl there if you like" Reaching for the chicken she held the plate closer to her, pulling a shred of chicken free and taking a bite. No only her last meal like this, but if she didn't eat she would grumpy.. lag behind. And cause an number of other problems.

Slowly she worked her way through her meal, sharing it with him. A bite of chicken held to his lips, salad offered on a fork. When it came time for her desert she shared, but only after a mischievous smile, as if contemplating if she should share it with him or not. This, she was a tiny bit selfish in. Where most of the meal had been otherwise shared evenly, this she took the large part of. Arabella knew Azhek wouldn't likely mind anyway, but she did offer him the last bite, before leaning in close.. the empty dishes piled neatly on the table. Her hand moved to her stomach and a content sigh came from her. "So full.." Her chin tipped up towards him and her smile was shy again suddenly. "Azhek? Kiss me?" The request held a tone of demand and desire.

Her sea green eyes held his own, on hand moving to his chest. Her fingers curled in the softness of his shirt. She wanted to ask for more. For him to touch her.. take her.. Make love to her. That's when the though struck her. She was a virgin.. was Azhek? She had seen the way the women had chased after him... But if he had been with anyone longer than a night, Azhek had been very careful to hide it from her. Likely for the best she reflected as the seed of jealousy curled in the pit of her stomach at the idea of her Azhek with some other woman in his strong arms.. Touching her. Arabella fought making a soft growling noise, managing to stop it from leaving her throat. It was silly to feel so unhappy at the idea, to resent them the pleasure... that hell.. she wasn't even sure had occurred..

 

[Sevatar]

Azhek's eyes wouldn't leave Arabella for a second, the man was thoroughly entranced by her, the way she moved, the blush that was covering her cheeks... It all just reminded him how beautiful and precious that she was, and how fortunate he was... And how he would do anything in the world for her. He was shaken from his thoughts by her resting up against him, and a delighted smile crossed his lips as he carefully reached down, making sure not to knock her off balance as she enjoyed her soup, his toned arm securing her petite waist, cuddling up against her. "I'm glad you like it" He chuckled softly as she practically purred as she attacked the bowl of soup.

His eyes would be drawn to the blemish on Arabella's face as she snuggled against him, a feeling of guilt welling up inside of him at the potent reminder that he had let some mongrel hurt her. He felt it wash over him, a heavyweight that was slowly washed away by the shy smile that was being offered by her, and the way that she was staring at him... It practically made him melt with joy as he shook his head. "You should eat all of it" He replied, wanting her to enjoy the meal that she had been nearly drooling over when it had arrived. "I'll get something for myself later"

His mind wandered there for a minute, thinking about... later. What was going to happen? It was up to him to decide now, wasn't it? Now that the two of them had... confessed their feelings for one another, and that the two of them needed to leave this horrible place. He had traveling supplies stashed among his belongings, and he could easily procure rations and anything else they might need. Whether by demanding, bartering or at the very worst, stealing. And from there... The two of them would need to leave in the middle of the night, to prevent them from being stopped or harassed by any substantial force... But where to go from there? It wouldn't be safe to return home, nor would it be safe to stay in this land... Which left the option of going to a bordering kingdom?

Azhek wouldn't get the chance to finish his train of wandering thought, Arabella, moving into his lap removing any desire to worry about the future just then. The sigh that escaped her lips made him lean down, pressing a chaste kiss to her neck as his hands scooped the bowl from hers, moving it away and putting it to the side, before his arm would envelop her waist again. "Of course" He murmured, the presence of Arabella in his lap spreading warmth throughout his body... One he would cherish for as long as he possibly could.

He happily enjoyed her company as she worked her way through her meal, accepting the bites of food pressed to his lips, bites of chicken, and salad consumed whenever his Lady decided to offer them. When she offered up the last bite of the tart, he shook his head, reaching up to pluck it from her fingers and press it back against her lips. He was well aware of her love for the treat, and he had no desire to take that of all things away from her. He'd move the last of the dishes to the nearby table as best he could, before being distracted by the lovely lady leaning in close.

That lovely, shy smile hung to every inch of her face as she made her request, and his cheeks would heat up for the briefest of seconds before his dark orb's gazed into the adorable sea-green of Arabella's eyes. The way that her voice practically demanded that he take those perfect lips and capture them with his own, made him sink further into the sofa. His free hand reached down to gently cup her chin. "Of course, My Lady" He teased her for the shortest of moments as she grabbed his shirt, drawing him even closer, till her hot breath was washing over his face.

Azhek simply couldn't resist her any longer, and the man finally closed the remainder of the distance, capturing her lip's with his own, his hand falling away to wrap around her neck. He'd hold her there for a couple of seconds, before breaking barely breaking away, his lips still practically touching hers. "I love you" He cooed, before descending yet again, rough, passionate lips brushing against the softness of Arabella's lips. He was practically intoxicated by how she felt, a burning heat slowly growing within him as he suckled on her lips, his teeth coming down to gently nibble.

Azhek was a fairly experienced man, having had a... bit of a fling with one of the Lady's that had served Arabella. It had been a thing mainly of physical attraction, years ago and the whole escapade had only lasted six months, with several nights of passion occurring between the two of them, before she had gone elsewhere, to serve some other noble. Azhek had made sure none of it would reach Arabella's ears, and now.. He was very thankful for that fact, with the woman of his dreams cradled in his arms.

 

[Bunny]

Her chin held captive by his hand, Arabella gazed into his eyes. Even the little tease of words lingered between them before he finally consented to her shy request. The softness of his mouth on hers was sweeter than the last bit of lemon tart he'd hand fed her. However the sharpness of pain made her draw a started gasp against his mouth. Her appearance had been forgotten, how could it not have been? He'd not looked at her like she was anything but perfect. The pain was worth it, however and she smiled, the curl of her lips shy as his mouth brushed hers. His words of devotion spoken as they shared one breath, his lips brushing hers. Heavy lashes veiled her eyes, giving Arabella a dreamy look as she returned the words. "I love you, Azhek.."

Their kissing began anew and it wasn't until his teeth scrapped her lower lip that his princess gave a soft cry of pain, the noise involuntary. Shaking her head as he pulled back she gave him a small pout at his retreat. "Azhek" Her voice softer, not wanting them to let what had happened to her be dictated by that man. She wanted to feel his mouth hers again. She didn't meet his eyes, not wanting to see the guilt that might rest there. If not for the small pain he'd inflicted, then his failure to protect her. Her hand loosened in his shirt and she kept her eyes on it. "Don't let him take this from us.." Her voice was soft, a whisper of sound. "This is ours.. What comes next will be too." She slowly lifted her eyes to his, a small smile on her lips. A small hand rose to cup his cheek, thumb brushing over his skin. "Kiss me Azhek"

In all her years, Arabella had never wanted something like this selfish desire for him to kiss her more. Shifting in his lap, she pressed one leg between him and the arm of the couch, the other pressed against his other leg. Arabella had never practiced what one might have called feminine whiles on anyone.. Azhek was now the male she'd been most intimate with.. Her cheeks held blush, even as she tugged the soft fabric that covered her torso up from her waist. Slowly pulling it up and over her head and letting the rush of black fabric slip from her hand to the floor. "Think about me Azhek" the demand was soft "About what we have missed all these years" Watching him, her arms slid around his neck and she pulled him into her tenderly, her mouth settling over his. She wasn't ready to move past this, not at the very moment.. But lure him away from his thoughts.. Her mouth was soft, and she kissed him with that sweet patience until his mouth softened against hers once more. "Don't let him steal another moment from us" her lips brushed his with each word, a tickle of skin on skin. One of her hands moved to his own, placing it along her bare waist. "I am yours, Azhek"