The Prince of Petals and Scales (DigixLJB)

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The Opalescent Palace, center of the Opal Empire, stood tall in the brilliant sunlight. Each tower was domed with crystal, reflecting the light into glorious rainbows. The parapets were decorated with twinned banners, showing the emblems of the Houses the Opal and the Forest joined with a ribbon. Today was the day the two Houses were to be betrothed and the city was alive with celebration.

The streets were full of the common people, enjoying a festival thrown on the crown's coin. The cacophony of music mixed together in the air, only recognizable as the sound of celebration. Inside the castle, the nobles were just as alive, dancing and singing. Both sides were overindulging in wine and song. After all, this was the day they had all been waiting for. The joining of the Forest and the Opal had been expected since the end of the war, a way to dissuade the Tyrant Kingdom from overstepping their borders.

Most of all, the one who anticipated today the most was the prince of the Opal Empire, Prince Everett. He was to meet his fiancé today. At least, in an official capacity. He and Noori had met many times over the years at official events, but this was ceremonial. All members of the crowd wore a carnival mask, along with Everett and his companions on the dias. He was to meet and unmask Noori for the crowd, to show them the face of their future queen. Soon, he would step into the crowd and go from lady to lady, asking for their mask. All but Noori would deny him until he finally found his betrothed. At least, that had been the plan of the ceremony.

In the center of the throng of dancing nobles, there was a sudden cry. The crowd split as the air began to thrum with power. A single spark ignited at first, a signal of what was coming. Then, the spark grew into a pillar of flame. It stretched up from the floor to almost half the height of the ballroom. As quickly as it appeared, the fire faded and in its place was a man at the center of a blackened circle.

The crowd cried out and spread even further. In the center of it all was Daryn, Prince of Tyrant Kingdom. He spoke in a voice that was nearly a whisper, yet carried all the way to the dias with ease.

"Opal and Forest, throwing a party. Why am I not invited? Frankly, it is just rude."

As quick as Daryn had appeared, Everett drew his sword from the scabbard and jumped down from the dias, throwing his carnival mask to the side. He stalked closer, his face contorted in rage.

"We did not invite you, Blood Prince. Now leave through whatever flashy magic you came with. My betrothed is to arrive any minute and I don't want to trouble her with your face!"

Daryn's lips split into a manic grin, his hand outstretched. In a burst of blue flame, a carnival mask, twisted into demonic horns at the edges, appeared. He held it in front of his eyes, winking at Everett. It seemed that the two were quite well acquainted, one way or another. This time, Daryn spoke with a natural volume, his words booming through the room.

"If my face is a problem, I'll follow your little tradition. As for your fiancé, I'm afraid you are already too late."

His free hand reached into the crowd, grabbing seemingly at random to find the wrist of a masked woman. He pulled her to his side with a rough tug. Then, tipping his mask away from his face, his grin shrank to an arrogant smirk.

"She is already here. My face has already spoiled the day, it seems. But, don't worry, Everett. I am here the spoil much more. I don't take well to insult."

 

[Bunny]

Responsibility loomed over her head as she glanced longingly into the throng of dancers. There were expectations of her, things that had been laid out and agreed upon. Even knowing this Noori couldn't help feel a rush of excitement at the freedom the dancers offered. Her father had instructed her to wait, allow the festivities to get well and truly underway before joining, but the song that played through the room, the romance of the violin and the enchanting melody drew her feet into motion. Soon, she would be a queen, soon she would belong to another and her freedom would melt away. For honor and duty she was willing to let go of all her own ambitions and hopes for her life. Everett was a good man, her husband to be. While they didn't know each other well, they would have all their lives ahead of them to figure one another out. But for now, right now.. she would dance.

The black jackal mask was secure over the upper half of her face. Naturally her father had wanted her to go with something sweet, innocent, but in the end she had won. The delicate lines brushed with gold and inlaid with emeralds within the ears. Black veils edged in gold covered her dark hair, hiding that lustrous sheen from view. The dusky gold of her skin had been blushed with pale pinks. Along her cheeks, her shoulders as well. Her lips painted the same color. Her neck had been painted with silver and gold, an elaborate design that mimicked a choker, that pattern continued down to her left side of her chest, across her collarbone and down to her breast. The pattern here was bolder, a fan of gold and silver, the design hidden by her white dress. Where her makeup and body paint were bold, shocking even, the only detail of her simple white dress that stood out was the deep v that extended to her bellybutton. The skirt was full and as she spun herself into the dancers it swirled around her legs, twisting tight before fanning out. The inky black cloak she wore to hide her shoulders matched her veil. Pitch black with golden epaulets.

Minutes, hours, seconds could have passed as her heart raced and her blood sang. Her duty and responsibility forgotten as she became a slave to the music. There was just it's siren song and her. Nothing else, no one else. The last of her freedom was spent exactly how she wanted it to be, wild and free. She would have continued spinning away until her fiancé found her if it were not for one thing...

A cry broke through Noori's haze and she turned to see the pillar of flame and the one who stepped from it. Ruby eyes narrowed and she moved a little further into the crowd. Not so far as she couldn't see, but far enough to not be picked up by Everett. Blackness marred the marble floor and the lingering scent of ash and flame tickled her nose as he spoke. Baring her teeth behind the backs of courtiers she hissed softly. Why would they have invited him? He'd attacked her borders without cause. They had been quick and vicious and had stopped as mysteriously as they had started. Hell, he was largely the cause of this marriage happening so soon. They had always been promised, or for as long as she could remember. It was Dayrn's attacks that accelerated the timeline.

It was not a surprise to see Everett step forward, sword drawn, mask discarded. Silence had fallen through the hall and she could hear as it hit the marble floor and skitter to a stop. Her eyes moved to his face. There was anger, fury even at this intrusion. One that she echoed. One one hand Everett's words rankled, but she understood his protectiveness. Appreciated it even on some level. A frown pulled at her painted lips as he said it was too late...

A hand wrapped around her waist as he leaned into the crowd. A gasp left Noori as she felt herself pulled free from the throng. Shock made her go rigid and her gaze met Everett's first. While her golden eyes were hidden, her lips pressed into a thin line at being caught so easily. Tugging at her wrist she struggled against his hold. While she wasn't strong enough to free herself, she wasn't some docile lamb either. "Let me go, Daryn." Her voice had always been lovely and even anger filled it likely didn't lose any of its beauty. Sweet, soft and lilting. It didn't fit who she was, not really. Pulling at her wrist she debated seriously for a moment, kicking him. "You were not invited and for good reason. Drop the act, because I am sure it was of no surprise. You are not welcome here.."

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Everett tensed when Daryn grabbed the woman from the crowd. Now he had a hostage. He did not look truly troubled, though, until the woman spoke. With all of her features hidden, he had no way of knowing. But, that lovely voice belonged to none other than Noori herself. His grip on the sword tightened and Everett continued his stalking steps forward. How had he known?

Daryn seemed unperturbed by the advancing prince and the guards that followed. No, his eyes, a burning orange with flecks of silver, were only for Noori now.

"Princess, not using my title in front of all these people? I'm embarrassed. But, I will admit you have me pegged. I did know of the party. In fact, I came because of it. Excuse me, a moment."

Daryn turned his head to Everett and his guards. With an almost bored expression, he exhaled. A small puff of fire escaped his lips as his magic worked. The blades of the advancing troops, including Everett, turned a bright crimson, sizzling the air. Even through their gloves and gauntlets, each one cried out and the molten swords fell to the floor with a clatter.

"Stand down, prince. Unless you would like me to turn the Opalescent Palace into the prettiest pile of rubble in the kingdom."

For a moment, the ground shook with a terrible power and the air went dry with heat. The coolest place in the entire ballroom seemed to be the area directly around Daryn. Then, it all faded and the crowd began to buzz with panic. Magic was foreign and the Blood Prince was known to be exceptionally powerful even in his nation. For all they knew, he could truly bring down the whole Palace around them. Everett spoke up now.

"What do you want... Prince Daryn? Why are you here?"

"I was not talking to you, prince. But, I suppose I should make myself clear. I am here for my fair chance. You were to be betrothed to Princess Noori without consulting your nearest neighbor about our feelings. That is a great insult. I am here to rectify it. I request time to meet with the Princess, under my terms, so she can make an educated choice on her marriage arrangement."

The entire audience was suddenly roaring with conversation. There was no way something like this would be allowed. The Blood Prince had lost his mind. Then, with that same unnatural volume, Daryn spoke in a calm voice.

"If not, then we will take it as a political insult and reopen the war on the borders."

 

[Bunny]

The soft groan of the leather of Everett's sword was loud to her ears and was as telling as how his body stiffened further. Her fiancé moved closer and her eyes swept to him, softening. While she was being held by their enemy Noori was far from afraid. Daryn wasn't a fool and harming her here, in front of all of them? Powerful or not, it would cause a war, one that he would be hard pressed to win. While only Opal and Forest had struck an alliance, killing Noori, harming her would ensure others would come to Everett's side. her chin lifted defiantly and she met his stare with one of her own. His rebuke of her lack in etiquette earned him a hiss and the narrowing of her eyes. "What you should be is ashamed." Her voice held a snap. With so many eyes on her, she felt like her options were limited. She wanted to slap him.

She fought the rolling of her eyes as he turned to Everett once more. The threat came as Everett came close enough to reach her if he tried. Noori might have turned to him, might have tried to offer comfort had the floor not shaken with the awful power of Daryn. "Daryn!" His name was sharp, but there was an edge of fear to it. Not for herself, but her people. It seemed to be all he needed to stop his theatrics and from before them, Everett spoke.

A frown pulled on her lips. A.. fair chance? It was Daryn's next words that made her hackles rise. Her temper slipped from the tight leash she had on it. "I am not some prize and there is a valid reason you were not considered!" She shoved at his chest hard. To think she would want to be with him! The down right arrogance. "I don't keep company with murders.." Around them conversation erupted, the eyes of nations on the three of them. It was the final words though that sealed her fate and she stiffened as if he had struck her. Her warm, golden skin drained of color and she inhaled sharply.

She could deny him, of course... But it would reopen the war. Her people.. Noori loved her people. It was for them that she was willing to give herself away to Everett. He was a good man, but she would have preferred to marry for love. To know freedom as she had never before. To be wild and carefree. All of that had been given up for the security of her people. "What terms.." Her voice sounded defeated, her eyes meeting Everett's. There was true pain in her eyes as she gazed at him.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Daryn found his his gaze drifting more and more to Noori even as Everett closed in, now ready to stand face to face with the Blood Prince. It seemed that the Tyrant prince had lost interest in his would-be rival. Noori simply was more interesting for Daryn, having tired of Everett long ago. Not a prize for to be won, but certainly worth admiring. A shame.

"I am here to give you a choice, Princess. Not win you like a prize. I'm not the Opal prince."

What truly struck Daryn as amusing was the claim that she did not associate with murderers. In fact, this statement made Daryn throw back his head and openly laugh. It sent a ripple of panic through the crowd, his sudden movement and volume so out of character from the slow and almost lazy attitude he showed even in the face of the guards. Everett blanched at the sudden laughter, losing his calm and taking a step back. Then, realizing his mistake in showing weakness, he stepped forward with intent. This was when Noori pushed hard at his chest. Everett took the opportunity to swing with a gloved fist at Daryn.

The effect was twofold. First, Daryn released his hold on Noori, taking a step away. Second, he raised a hand and a spiral of flame released directly into Everett's chest. It pushed the prince backward, across the room and into the side of the dias with a sick crack. With their lord suddenly disabled, the guards seemed to lose interest in both the intruder and the princess. The look on Daryn's face could only he described as smug. He seemed to take a genuine pleasure in the pain he inflicted on Everett. The nobles around them, however, took this only as a reason to panic. The eerily quiet room was suddenly filled with the shouts of terror.

In the middle of it all was Daryn and Noori. The Blood Prince extended his hand to her, speaking calmly despite the chaos that surrounded them. His voice carried over the din of the crowd, that same strange volume returning. He wanted everyone to hear this.

"Here are my terms, Princess Noori. You will spend two weeks of every month with my for the next six months, beginning immediately. The other half I will return you right to this palace and you will be free to do what you wish. I only want you to understand what you are doing when you choose the Opal Kingdom. Now, what do you say?"

Daryn extended his hand again, this time a welling of magic filling the air. Flames licked down his arm and off his finger tips, waiting for Noori's hand, ready to seal the deal in spellwork. From the dias, pained words came in Everett's voice.

"Noori! Don't do it!"

 

[Bunny]

Her brows drew together, confusion on her face. Not like the Opal prince? She hadn't been won by Everett. Noori couldn't say she had picked him, but she hadn't objected. It was her duty, expected of her. It had been planned for as long as she could remember. They had spent summers at one another's palaces since they had been children. Their marriage would be good for both kingdoms. Would strengthen them and make them a formidable opponent for the blood prince. It had been a marriage for power, but she had grown to like Everett. Love him was a bit of a stretch though, one she wasn't willing to make quite yet.

The laugher made her recoil slightly, her frown deepening. Noori saw her fiancé take a step back at the laugh and while she had been caught just off guard, his reaction was unappealing. He was a warrior. A fighter. What she hadn't expected though was the way he reacted out of anger at his own cowardice. Had Dayrn not moved her she might have been caught in the crossfire. She was spun neatly out of the way, his hand releasing her as he put his body before her own slightly. The fire that spilled from his hand made her breath catch in her throat. They didn't have that kind of power, neither did anyone in either of their kingdoms. The crack rang in her ears and she moved to go to Everett, his name on her lips as her feet propelled her forward. "Everett!"

Around them the nobles lost all reason as panic set in. Her feet stilled as the blood prince spoke again. Immediately? She froze and looked up into his face. Her own eyes were hidden behind the mask, though they searched his face. If she didn't do this, she would risk a war. Her people paying for her stubbornness. A flaming hand was held to her and her head turned toward Everett. She felt trapped, hopeless. Was he willing to risk war over this? Noori wasn't. Shaking her head some, her fingers slid into Daryn's tentative, afraid. The fire didn't burn her skin as her fingers spread along his palm.

Before her eyes the magic sealed the deal on her flesh. A dragon's head appeared on the back of her hand, it's body slowly appearing, in deep red lines along her wrist, wrapping around her wrist. The eyes of the beast gleamed, a deep maroon and as she shifted her hand in his, she could see an iridescence to the mark. Her jaw clenched and she looked up at him. "Allow me to say goodbye." It wasn't a request and she pulled free from him finally. Away from him the air seemed chilly against her skin and she exhaled as she moved to Everett. Her hands found his face and she leaned up, kissing him softly. "War isn't worth a few weeks with him. I will be back soon." She offered him a tremulous smile, trying to be brave for them both. "It will not change anything. Trust me?" She couldn't linger, Noori knew that Daryn's patience wouldn't be infinite, she she slowly turned and headed back towards him. As she walked, Noori's chin lifted, her shoulder squared... as if bracing herself for the next two weeks.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The look on Daryn's face shifted a little as she accepted his bargain. It became more placid and almost... remorseful? Whatever he was feeling did not stop him from keeping his hand locked with Noori. The magic of the pact marked her physically, drawing the symbol of a dragon, his symbol, upon her skin. However, the magic bound him as well, twisting the essence of his magic to force him to uphold his end of things. In a way, for the caster, it was infinitely more binding than it was on the one who accepted. When she made her polite demand, Daryn released her hand. He would let her say her goodbyes, even if they were to him.

Everett was not in the best condition after being thrown so wholly across the room. His armor was charred and burned in a perfect circle, but no damage had gone to the skin. What had truly hurt him was the impact with the dias. The prince sat on the floor, holding his side and taking small, staggered breaths. When Noori came up to him, his eyes could not look away from the dragon on her arm, the pain even worse in that moment. He did manage a smile as she took his face in her hands, however. The kiss between them was a delicate thing, but there was some true affection behind it, despite the audience.

"I trust you. I'm sure you will turn this all around on him somehow."

As Noori turned to return to Daryn, Everett muttered a few words through gritted teeth. If the princess listened hard, she might have heard him profess "I love you" as she left. Daryn, on the other hand, had begun to toy with the hem of his shroud, utterly bored with the current state of affairs. No sooner had she entered arms reach when he grabbed her shoulder, pulling her the last step to be pressed close to her.

"You bastar..."

The sound of Everett's words were eaten as the two were engulfed in a pillar of fire. While it licked at their clothing and skin, it was a pleasant heat, not damaging them despite covering them completely. It cut off their view of the world and, for a fraction of a second, it lifted them off the ground. When the flames died as suddenly as their appeared and their feet touched the ground, it was a new place entirely.

The stone underneath their feet was a pure black, the air dry and smelling sulphuric. In the distance, all that could be seen was the jagged peaks of mountains, connected by valleys of grey wastes. Behind them, pillars of black stone decorated an ancient building face. In the center was a large set of double doors, just as black as the stone around. Without prompting, the doors swung inward, revealing bright white stone.

"Welcome to the Monastery, Princess. Just under Mount Tyrant and where you will stay while you are here."

 

[Bunny]

Her smile grew some and she nodded. They might have been a love match made in heaven but Noori was comfortable with Everett. That came from years of being together. True it had mostly been a friendship that only recently had started to blossom into something more. The kiss had been sweet and she hadn't cared who had been watching her, he was her betrothed. The one she would marry, a little affection couldn't be untoward. It was the I love you though as she moved away that caused her to pause just before the blood prince, lips parted as she turned to look at him, her eyes wide. Love? He... loved her? That hadn't been something that they had discussed. Naturally Noori figured she'd fall in love with him over time and she cared for him now, but love?

Her mind was blank as she struggled to find the words that wouldn't come. Daryn reached out and pulled her into him, her small form stumbling into his stronger, larger one. Instinctively her arms slipped around her waist, as if to catch herself. She heard the curse cut off and then there were flames once more. They licked around them, and she clung to him tighter for a moment. A flicker of fear coursing down her spine. The flames faded and she straightened, pulling away from him. She put an arm's length between them as she looked around.

Her nose wrinkled at the scent in the air. Too dry and a hint of something like a match that just gone out, but so much stronger. The sound of doors had her turning to face them with a frown. The exterior was bleak, but just past those doors, something bright awaited her. A brow rose and she pulled her mask off with one hand. Noori was a beautiful woman and without the mask to hide her features, he could easily see the ruby of her eyes. Hands lifted to run through her hair and she tossed the mask at him, her lovely mouth still pulled into a frown. He'd wanted to have a fair shot to win her over... Okay.. but he had decided to force her hand. Of course she wouldn't have given him the time of day without that threat. Her dusky skin shimmered as she turned to him. "What do you really want, Daryn." her voice was tired and it could easily be seen in her stance. "You have me here so... now what?"

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

The Dragon Prince, a much preferred title to Blood Prince, watched her strip off the mask with mild interest. While he knew Everett extremely well from the front lines of the war and following negotiations, the Forest Kingdom was mostly unknown to him. A princess had little need to meet with enemy. He was not ready for the woman behind the mask. Noori was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman Daryn had ever seen. Another unfortunate complication. It would be quite troublesome if he actually began to like her or, even worse, desire her. Her ruby eyes leveled on him, reflecting the fiery orange of his own.

"Well, if you want me to completely honest, which I suppose is fair at this point, you are partly here to fuck with Everett. I find causing the Opal Prince discomfort and unhappiness to be the most satisfying of hobbies."

Daryn made a small motion to show her to follow. Walking toward the open door, he pulled his hood down to reveal his long silvery hair. As soon as they crossed the threshold and entered the Monastery proper, the air changed completely. It cooled significantly, moisture returning and a nice comfortable breeze carrying fresh air throughout. It was clearly enchanted. He continued to speak as they walked.

"I also would prefer to keep your two kingdoms from forming an official alliance as long as possible. Yes, I know, devious of me."

The opening of the Monastery was large and ornate, covered with symmetrical carvings of dragons and men performing magic. It quickly narrowed into hallways, a single corridor going all the way down to the rear of the building, a bright natural light hinting at the molten core that awaited at the end. At varying lengths, there were crisscrossing halls that led to various libraries and rooms. He led her down to the third such intersection and stopped, crossing his arms.

"As for what I want with you in particular, well, I don't have a proper answer for you. I don't really care what you do. What would you like to do with two weeks of freedom? Within our bargain, of course."

His face was fairly blank as he laid out his under-planned master plan. To the Dragon Prince, the important part was to wrench the pair apart. Now that he had Noori to himself, he expected her to keep her distance from him.

 

[Bunny]

A sigh left her and she shook her head. "So glad I am here just to torment my fiancé and that you are mostly full of shit..." Peering up at him a smile curled on her lips. "Hmm.. Odd.. here I half expected your eyes to be brown as well." Without the courts watching or any real reason for her normal decorum, Noori felt no need to be the princess they all expected of her. At least not to him. He had all but kidnapped her with that ultimatum. Join him for two weeks or risk war. Bastard. As she followed him towards the white interior Noori braced herself for the next two weeks mentally. No matter his plans.. they wouldn't change anything.

His hood removed, Noori was shocked at the silver of his hair. Despite who he was, she had to admit his hair was beautiful. Biting back a gasp as they entered the hall, the cool air brushing her flushed skin. It felt like an age since her skin hadn't felt feverish. From the dancing to the fight and then the sweltering kingdom outside. "But if after the allotted time I still choose him?" She already knew who she would pick, he had to know it as well. This ploy... it was folly and he had to know it. Still she followed him, through the labyrinth of the Monastery. She marked the path, best as she could, but Noori knew it was likely pointless.

When he turned her options on her, Noori was at a loss. Sleep.. read.. keep herself secluded in her room. He said she had to be here, not interact with him. His assumptions were not far off.. "Show me my room then and leave me be." Her tone was dismissive and it was clear she had no desire to spend time with him further. If he wouldn't force her to interact with him, she simply wouldn't. It would be easy to keep her promise to Everett. Soon she would be back with him. That was her whole plan... her so-called freedom he offered was nothing but a sham and they both knew it. Freedom.... She would never have the freedom she really wanted. Always a pawn in someone's game.

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

Daryn found himself smiling a little as Noori verbally lashed out at him. Not many people had the gall to speak to him that way and the princess was in a more precarious position than most. He had his reasons for hating Everett, of course, but sharing them now would only make him look like a desperate liar. That would simply not do. He was honestly surprised by her restraint, given the circumstances. If she was willing to say one thing, he expected it all to boil over. The two weeks had just begun, however. She had time aplenty to come up with interesting verbal strikes.

Her question was something Daryn had thought about quite a bit. He had no expectation of being chosen over Everett.

"I really don't care if you pick dear Everett. In fact, I expect it. What I hope is that by the time you are done here, you will appreciate my kingdom a little more and be less inclined to send an army into my territory. Despite my terms to get you here, I have very little interest in going to war with Opal again. Which I am sure you don't believe one bit."

He led her from that third intersection, down one of the two hallways. It seemed that, while the Monastery was complicated in design, the prince knew it quite well. He had a confidence as he strode across the stone floor.

"Bold of you to assume I would have a room for you. Aren't I some evil prince who wants nothing more than to torture you? I might throw you into a cell or make you sleep with the barn animals."

His words were dry, with only a touch of humor. However, as he stopped and indicated to the open door, it was obvious he meant none of it. The room waiting for Noori was not the height of luxury, but given the nature of the Monastery itself, it was more than a little comfortable. A large bed dominated one side of the room, covered in luscious red bedding. On the opposite side of the room was a plush chair, perfect for reading, and a small table taking up one corner of the room. Another corner had a more practical chair set at a writing desk, fully stocked with paper and pen. The final feature of the room was the bookshelf, which was small by comparison to the luxury of the room. It contained no books, instead having three empty shelves.

"This is your room. You are not a prisoner here, Princess. You aren't restricted to this room. I do recommend you keep track of where you wander though. It is easy to get lost and this is where you meals will be delivered. You can request any special food or items and we will do our best to accommodate. As for books, that is special. Anything you put on the top shelf goes to the library. Anything they send will be on the middle shelf. Anything you want to keep goes on the bottom."

The prince paused as he waited for her to appreciate the effort that had been put into her comfort. It was more than the monks who lived here could expect, that was for certain.

"Just write down what you want read, even a general idea, and they will do their best. You can make requests for other things that way as well. It will get to me, or a monk will handle it if I'm not around. But, please remember they are not your personal servants."

 

[Bunny]

Boiling over wasn't really her style. Noori was unhappy with the situation, but she knew her hands were all but tied. A brow lifted and she snorted, a far from lady-like sound. "Then what is the point?" It was a fair question and she crossed her arms across her chest, mask dangling from one hand. "You attacked my lands. For what reason? Now you don't want a retaliation?" Had he even bothered to ask her, it had been unlikely that Noori would have condoned an attack on his lands anyway. They could of course keep attacking one another, but the loss of life was inexcusable in her eyes. For what? They had enough land. Their trade flourished. For a sense of honor? Whose? Her own? Of course there were radicals that would have wished she would attack, to soothe some sense of honor. Those people, at least most of them, wouldn't be the ones bleeding and dying on the fields.

Following him through the Monastery, Noori rolled her eyes at his back. "I suppose. But your bullshit plan was to win me over. I have to say tossing me in a cell isn't likely to win me over." Looking at her nails she continued, "Besides, while you don't think you will win.. which you will not.. You don't want me to agree to an attack on your lands.." Looking from her nails she met his eyes. "So terrible joke aside, it wouldn't serve your purpose to cage me or to toss me in with animals. Besides, that would be far from a horrible fate. They would likely have better manners." Stepping past him she looked at the room.

In truth, Noori hadn't known what to expect. This however wasn't it, not in a hundred years. It was lovely and comfortable. Turning to face him again she listened as he spoke. Bearing her teeth at him in a feral smile she inclined her head. "Thank you." The words were correct, but the smile she'd given did something to tarnish the sincerity behind it. Turning her back to him she gave a small shake of her head, her words drifting over her shoulder. "You clearly don't know me well, Prince." The mask and veil were tossed on the desk and she removed the cloak like aspect of the dress leaving her that slinky white dress. He'd watch or leave, Noori cared not. Bending, she removed her heels and sighed softly as her bare feet touched stone.

Tossing her hair over a shoulder her fingers ran over the edge of the comfortable chair as her eyes searched for the bathroom. A bath to forget the day... Then perhaps something would be delivered for her to eat. Then sleep.. In the morning she could decide what she wished to do with her free time. The bathroom located she vanished within it, the door closing firmly. If he was still there, he would hear the water running. A clear dismissal if he had lingered. In truth, Noori was conflicted. She knew what her duty was, had never once questioned or fought it, but two weeks where those duties were... suspended? Noori hated to admit it, but she'd not a clue what she would do with herself. She sure as hell wouldn't tell him...

 

[Lady Jace Beleren]

It was almost endearing to hear how clueless the Forest princess seemed to be about the the war that had transpired between the kingdoms. Daryn would have been more than happy to lay out the truth, but he failed to imagine a world where it would help him. A slow unfolding would be best.

"The point is that you were very far away from the war while I served on the front lines. I do not expect you to know the truth. I expect you to know what they decided to tell you. Unfortunately, you are caught up in a storm you don't even know the cause of."

Her insults did not stop as he led her to her room, either. Her mouth was certainly not what he expected from a princess. In fact, no one spoke to him this way. He was giving her a bit of leeway given that he had all but kidnapped her, but he had no intention of enduring this kind of attitude for the next two weeks, let alone the next six months. What truly irked him was her comment on his manners. He was, after all, royalty and her equal in rank. She treated him like trash.

"I would like to think that I have been exceptionally pleasant about this. In fact, if you were to get down from your tower for a moment, you might realize that I have been very tolerant by doing all of this without violence."

What he got in return was a feral smile and a thank you that felt far from sincere. It seemed that Noori would be polite to the monks at the very least. They were going out of their way to take care of her. Daryn would tolerate her disrespect for him, but anything she did or said to the monks would by him in kind. As he watched her for a moment, removing the veil and shoes, he decided that she was right. He knew nothing about her.

-----

A few hours later, Daryn knocked on the door to her rooms, opening it without waiting for an answer. The silvery falls of his hair were now slick and sticking to the sides of his face, his skin lightly flushed from the warm water he had just recently left. Instead of his normal outfit, he currently wore only a towel, his pale skin in full view. His skin was, at least from a distance, completely flawless. His orange fiery eyes scanned the room lazily until they fell on Noori.

"Princess, I wanted to see how things were going. Have you found a way to entertain yourself?"

 

[Bunny]

Clenching her jaw she didn't answer him. Her place in the world had not been one of her choosing. Noori had wanted to help her people. If nothing more, then as a comforting presence, to help heal them. To inspire. His words made her curiosity rise, but she just lifted a brow, eyes narrowed. "Much like you'd do?" There was something in her tone, a sorrow or anger at being constantly sheltered and spoon fed info. If she had suspected such, she didn't let it show as she idly tapped her fingers on her thigh as they walked.

A barked laugh left her, her face filling with laughter. "You have been civil! After all but kidnapping me, threatening war and interrupting my engagement.." She crossed her arms, her stance relaxed if not bitchy in tone. "You want me to grovel for you treating me like a human being? For giving me a room instead of a cell?" Noori curtsied, her head lowered. "Thank you prince for being a decent person, to me at least. It is appreciated, your kindness is inspiring." She understood his agitation at her reactions, but she felt well within her rights. He had in truth done nothing to earn real gratitude from her.

☆:::::::::::::☆::::::::::::::☆​

One long bath later and a change of clothing Noori was reclined in the chair, a book in her lap. Out of the outfits that had been in the closet, Noori had picked what seemed the most comfortable. A pale teal dress that was airy, loose and flowed around her slender form, showing off the dark marks along her skin. It made her feel like a goddess, the way it glowed on the air around her. Now though, it exposed a long line of pale golden skin as she turned a page. A knock made her look up and she frowned as the door slid open without an invitation. Furthermore, his dress, or lack thereof, was highly improper.

A soft snort left her and she moved her eyes back to the book. It was hard to deny that he was handsome, even if he was a monster. And his question was answered with a small shrug. "Would seem so." She lifted the book and slowly closed it, standing. The dress slithered down along her body and she bent to place the book in her seat, a care and tenderness she had yet to show him given to the book. "I guess it's good to know the door is there for show." She gave him a slight smile. "I shall refrain from wandering naked through the room you provided me." It was something she enjoyed doing, in truth, but this was mostly to poke at him.

Her stomach gave a small growl and she bit her cheek as she watched him for a moment. "I don't suppose I could have a snack?"