An Enticing Arrangement (Maxima Erotica x Lyra)

[Erotica Maxima]

Peace had always been a fragile thing. Between the great nations, there had been many methods to keep war from breaking out, be they marriage, yearly offerings, trade agreements. There were also darker methods used, such as assassinations, and kidnappings, though such practices have not been used in generations, for fear of Valkyrn's wrath. The Kingdom of Valkyrn had grown powerful over the last century, dominating those that surrounded it. It's armies were unmatched by any other nation known, and none would dare oppose them, for fear of invasion. It's King was a man not to be trifled with, both cunning and yet quick to anger. Through plots and ploys, he'd managed to gain an upper hand in the politics of Valkyrn's neighbours, one by one, many rather giving in to his demands than test his wrath.

Esellaria was one such nation. Though itself considered one of the Great Nations of the land, it's army was insignificant when compared to the might of Valkyrn. It's true power came from it's knowledge of the Arcane Arts, it's academies the centre of all magical training in the lands. The King of Esellaria, Dothryn was a wise and prudent man, who'd known the King of Valkyrn since the time of his father's reign. He knew that he would not be satisfied with what he had, and that eventually his gaze would fall upon his lands. He had long thought of what to do when such a time came, and knew that despite the overwhelming power of Magic, it alone could not counter Valkyrn's military might.

Rather than wait for such a time to come, King Dothryn made the first move, instigating an agreement between Valkyrn and Esellaria; a Marriage of Royal Blood. His youngest and only unmarried child, would be given to Valkyrn as a tribute, to seal an agreement of peace between their lands. She would live in their castle, as a symbolic hostage, to keep any resistance at bay.

Roselyn, the Princess of Esellaria, knew that her father's foresight was not so shallow. She knew her abilities, and she had an idea of what her father was planning. Her talents in the Arcane Arts were great, as Royalty had always been blessed with the gift strongly. She was young, headstrong and attractive. She could guess that he assumed these things, along with her personality would help her place her husband-to-be, under her thumb.

Roselyn was sitting in her carriage, arms folded beneath her breasts as she looked out at the looming castle overhead. Her father and the King of Valkyrn had been in talks over her father's proposal for weeks, and finally a decision had been made. Her father had agreed to all of Valkryn's demands, as long as she was kept safe from harm, she knew that much was given up for the arrangement, but she couldn't help but be curious about her groom. She'd not heard much about and Prince's in Valkyrn, but she hoped whoever it was, was at least handsome enough for her to bed. She had lain with men and women before, but she couldn't bring herself to wed a man she could not stand. With a sigh, she resigned herself to her fate, whatever was to come.

 

[Lyra]

Of course, for an event as momentous as the arrival of their future Queen, the Royal Guard had been assembled for a bit of pagentry. Looking as impressive as ever in their red-trimmed black uniforms, they were the epitome of the professional soldier. Their movements were precise as their commanders led them to their positions within the courtyard to properly greet the famed Sorcerer-Princess of Esellaria, their ranks forming on either side of the route the carriage would be taking.

Addison would normally have enjoyed watching the soldier's flawless syncronization but, unfortunately, this particular occasion was a bit overshadowed by the reason behind it. 'He' would be meeting his future bride today and, while the marriage would not be for some time to allow for a 'proper courtship' to ease the couple into their relationship, he certainly didn't relish the thought. Still, he was there to see to his duty, dressed as smartly as any of the soldiers on the parade ground in just as impressive a uniform.

Standing beside his father on the steps leading into the castle, Addison's 5'9" was just a few inches shy of matching the man's stature. In the opinion of many, though, he was the better looking of the two. His face always seemed to be smooth shaven, not even a hint of a shadow visible. His dark hair was kept relatively short, an androgynous bob that came to just below his cheek bones. Unfortunately, many of the female servants bemoaned, his expression was always a bit stern. "Too serious," they said of the boy. Even today, on what should be such a happy occasion his expression showed nothing but a resignation to duty.

Suddenly, a horn is sounded and, as the carriage pulls through, the commander's orders to salute are both easily heard and carried out in perfect unison. Once the carriage has pulled to a stop in front of the steps, attendants quickly rush forward to help the occupants down and guide them towards the Royal reception.

 

[Erotica Maxima]

The pomp of the Royal Guards of Valkyrn was somewhat overbearing as Roselyn watched with resignation. She didn't much care for all of the military bigotry. She would have been much happier with some music, dancing, some colour and laughter to fill her world. She wasn't one to be contained in rigid walls. She knew that her time here would test her patience, unless she could change it. She silently thought to herself to make the attempt, should a chance arise.

When the carriage arrived at it's destination, there was a rush of soldiers that came to the carriage, opening the door, and helping several of Roselyn's handmaidens out. All of their clothes were in stark contrast to the prim and proper uniforms of the guards and all other's present. Esellaria was much more open and had much more flair than this place. Their dresses were ornately adorned, and at the same time, showed much more flesh than the overbearing clothes of this country.

When Roselyn stepped from the carriage, she dismissed the man who attempted to give her a hand out. She stepped to the edge of the carriage, and before stepping down, she stood tall. She was slightly tall for a woman at 5'8", and hoped that her husband would at least match her. Her eyes, sharp and fiery roamed the columns of soldiers, with a look of dismay. She shook her head slightly and stepped down. Her dress was similar to her handmaidens, cut to show cleavage, as well as her stomach and arms. Her breasts were covered, and her legs were hidden by fabric, but the curves she possessed were there for any who wished to look. She was not shy of this fact, instead she smiled as she caught one or two eyes roaming over her.

She brought herself back to the task at hand and looked up to the entrance to the Castle. A pair stood there, Regal and imposing. The elder of the two, was unmistakably the King himself, the young man standing next to him could only be his son. As Roselyn approached, she got a better look at her soon-to-be husband, and couldn't help but frown. He was... pretty? She couldn't place it exactly, but there was something off about his face. She shook herself mentally and stood before the King, a few steps below.

With a curtsy, she lowered her head, "Mi gellenta allara tiella cruz. It is my honour to meet you, your Majesty." She said, first in her native language, and then in theirs. She rose from her curtsying bow, and looked up at the man, straight in the eye. Even to him, probably one of the most dangerous men in the world, she would not show weakness.

 

[Lyra]

The King smiled brightly at the Princess's greeting. He seemed excited. "And it is a pleasure to finally meet you, my dear," he responded charmingly as he steps forward to take the girl's hands and give them a welcoming squeeze. "I appreciate the formality and attention to our customs dear, but outside of court it won't be necessary. I would like you to think of this as your new home and us as your family," he added in a stunning display of sincerity and warmth quite at odds with his reputation.

"Now, allow me to introduce you to my son and your future husband. This is Prince Addison," the man says, flowing easily into a more conversational tone as he moves to the side to reveal the boy. "A pleasure," the boy responds dispassionately as he bows ever so slightly in the Princess's direction, more of a nod really.

After an awkward bit of silence, the King sighed slightly before pulling his cheerful smile back into place. "Well, no sense standing about. You're just in time for lunch, and I've had my chefs prepare a special meal for you," he exclaimed happily. "Come," he bellowed to his retinue before leading the way inside. With that, Addison stepped to the Princess's side and, a bit stiffly, offered his arm without as much as a word.

 

[Erotica Maxima]

Roselyn was somewhat shocked, to say the least, at the King's unexpected attitude. She had expected something more severe, or blunt, not this warm and welcoming atmosphere. Perhaps with a father-in-law like that, things would not be so bad. She gave herself a mental shake and refocused her mind, whatever this man acted like, she knew him not well enough to say this was the true him. She hoped it was, but for the moment, she decided to keep up her guard.

When the Prince stepped next to her, she looked at him a little closer, and she couldn't help but feel that there was something decidedly... off about him. She frowned at him while he offered her his arm, and did her best to try and place the oddity. He was attractive enough, his hair well kept, he seemed fit, and there was a certain grace about him. With a huff of exasperation, from not being able to place the source of the Prince's strange feel, rather than the thought of him accompanying her, she turned and linked her arm in his.

Lunch did sound lovely, as it had been a while since the carriage had stopped last for a meal. She followed the King and let the Prince guide her through the castle, toward their destination. "A pleasure to meet you, my Betrothed. You seem tense... perhaps later, when all formalities are done with, I might give you a massage?" She asked, with a raised eyebrow, and a mischievous curl at the corner of her lip.

 

[Lyra]

Instead of the blush or knowing smile one might expect of a normal boy his age, The Prince's soft, yet stern, features merely adopted a slight frown in response to Roselyn's offer. "I'm afraid we'll have too much to discuss to indulge in anything like that," he explained curtly, his voice just a hair softer than most would expect yet still showing a bit of harshness in the form of what sounded like annoyance. As he spoke, he didn't even bother to meet the Princess's gaze. His eyes remain straight ahead, in his customary no nonsense manner.

After a bit of a trek, the hall opened into a large dining room. In the middle was a table built to support a banquet. There were enough chairs, it seemed, to seat at least half the soldiers that had been present outside. There were, however, only three places set. The seat at the head of the table was, of course, reserved for the King as evidenced by the significantly larger seat. The other two were placed on either side of him.

After the King took his seat, the Prince led Roselyn to her chair before pulling it out for her as befitting a gentleman. Once her comfort had been seen to and he had taken his own seat, the King merely nodded and the servants who had been standing by immediately began serving the meal.

Smiling just as brightly as when he had greeted her outside, The King turned to Roselyn. "So, how was your journey dear? I hope it wasn't too unpleasant," he inquired, making small talk to start off the dinner conversation.