Forbidden

[Chiarra]

With a sigh, Amelia stared out at the waters that continued to make her sick. Not from the motion but from the fact of where they were taking her. She had been on the ocean for days now, how many she didn't know for sure, she lost count after one. Each day bringing her closer and closer to her unwanted marriage to a King whom she didn't have an inkling of what he looked liked and only rumors of his behavior which she prayed weren't true. Instead she wondered, would he be kind and generous towards her? Most likely though he would be exactly like the rumors she had heard, which glorified him into being a heartless cruel man whom cared nothing for anyone but himself. When she had first heard that she was to marry him, she was in her room playing with her much younger sister.

"One...two...three...four," Amelia said with her eyes closed and continued. "Five...six...seven..." her father interrupted her.

"It's time to stop with these foolish games, you are going to be a queen now so act like it," he said gruffly.

"Queen?" Amelia asked her game of hide and seek forgotten. "What do you mean father?"

"Amewia," eight year old Elizabeth called out from under the bed complaining. Elizabeth had trouble pronouncing Amelia's name so it always came out sounding like Amewia. "Come find me."

"Elizabeth, get out from under there now you should be studying," he said sternly.

Elizabeth crawled out from under the bed and said stubbornly, "But it's boring, I'd much rather play with Amewia."

"Go," he said. "I have to speak to Amelia alone."

"Fine," she said defeated. She sauntered out of the room down to hall but Amelia knew it wasn't to her lessons.

He turned back to Amelia, "I mean just that. King Fenrir accepted our peace treaty so you are going to be his bride."

"But..." Amelia started horrified.

"No buts, you are the eldest, therefore it is your responsibility," her father said angrily.

Eyes cast downward, Amelia said in a defeated voice, "Yes father."

"Good, you leave the day after tomorrow after all your things have been packed," he said sternly. His face softened now and he said in a much softer tone, "I'll miss you." He gave his daughter a hug and kissed her on her forehead.

Amelia hugged him back and sighed, "I'll miss you too father."

"Now, go say bye to your sisters," he said with sadness in his voice.

Elizabeth had cried and stayed by Amelia's side, her other sisters whom she didn't really get along with were sad but not nearly as distraught as Elizabeth was. The next day, the day before her departure Amelia and Elizabeth were in the garden. Elizabeth was crying again, "Why do you have to go?" she asked with a sniff.

Amelia's heart broke once again, she wished she could take Eliza, Amelia's nickname for her, with her. "Oh Eliza, we've been over this. I'm getting married," she said softly smoothing her sister's hair down. "And my soon to be husband lives very far away," she cooed.

"But I won't get to see you again Amewia," she cried.

"Of course you will darling," Amelia smiled. "I'll come and visit you," she hoped she'd be able to anyways.

"You will?" Eliza asked hopeful.

Amelia nodded, smiling again, "As often as I can and you might even get to come and visit me on occasion."

Eliza was smiling now and she hugged Amelia.

It was the day of her departure now and Elizabeth was crying again, only this time clutching to her leg. "Don't go Amewia," she cried. "I don't want you to go, I won't allow it," she said stubbornly.

Amelia sighed and stopped trying to walk. "Eliza, I have to. The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll get to come back and visit."

Her luggage was now on the ship which was now waiting on her. Her family was there to watch her go. "Elizabeth," their mother called to her. "Come here child," she said lovingly.

"Momma, you can't make her go, please let her stay," Elizabeth was on the verge of tears again.

"Eliza sweaty, I need to go. I'll visit you, okay," Amelia said softly.

"Pwomise?" Elizabeth asked with her slight speech problem but she was eight so you couldn't blame her.

"Promise," Amelia smiled and kissed her forehead.

Elizabeth reluctantly let go of her and said sadly, "Okay then." Then she ran off to where her other family was. Amelia then boarded the ship and looked back at her slowly disappearing family as the ship set sail. She waved bye and continued to stare in that direction even when the dock was long gone. She really wished she could take Elizabeth with her, at least she would have someone she knew with her.

Sickened by the water again, she gracefully walked to her cabin. There she sat on the bed and propped her arm on her leg and her head on her hand. She was extremely nervous, afraid of what he would think of her. She prayed that he would have hardly anything to do with her and leave her to her own devices. That would make things much simpler, but knew that might not happen. She fell back on the mattress now, staring up at the ceiling. She didn't get to stay like that for long though because the docks were now in view. She quickly brushed her hair one more time and straightened her gown, and head held high walked out of her cabin and off the boat as gracefully as possible, wondering whom her betrothed was.

 

[Shake and Bake]

http://i.techrepublic.com.com/gallery/6217644-532-800.jpg
[img]http://leituraescrita.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/jon-snow.jpg
(dont know how to past image in)

The house of the Vanguard, was not one that the people took lightly. it was a powerful nation with many resources and allies accumulated from the long history of its existence. It was said only the noblest of men served at the court, but lately things were getting a bit less so.

Brennton Snow(just did that.) Or Brenn the Bastard, as many people called him, walked through the cold market square. he would pass by the hearth heated shops and the people would be merry, as if the chill hadn't even been there. winter was upon them and it had only stepped one foot in, as only a soft dust of snow covered everything.

Brenn made his way around a large cobblestone fountain that sat in the courtyard of the city and then he took the crowded street that led to the port. Any other boy would have been exited to be doing this duty, but Brenn knew it was just another task they trusted no one else for, and so they sent him.

a little boy with dirt smeared all over his face appeared beside him, running to keep up. "are you getting the princess, Brenn?"

Brenn smiled and "yes, it seems im the messenger boy today. Now go away Yuri."
but the boy still ran beside him all the same, "can i come with, i promise i wont be a bother. please?"

Brenn just looked down and said, "fine. but you had better keep your trap shut, or i swear, ill kick your little arse." the boy smiled but said nothing as they came to the dock where the ship was at port.
he saw no lady, of any matching description of the princess, "hmm, seems our lady hasn't made it from the ship yet." he pulled Yuri over to the side and waited.

 

[Chiarra]

((That just made my day with all the puns, lol. And you just how you have in your signature only when you end it, it ends with [/img] ))

It was freezing and Amelia wished she had worn a warmer dress. Stepping from the boat, she looked around but only two people were currently at the dock. One a young boy with a dirty face that made her homesick, reminding her of her younger sister, and a handsome young man whom looked nothing like the descriptions of what her betrothed that were given to her, standing beside him. She smiled nervously and asked, "Are you here to escort me?" Her things were currently being taken off the ship and stacked on the dock, ready to be taken to her new home.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn, straitened up at once as he saw the stunningly beautiful princess, emerge from the ship. "lady, Amelia.." he said and bowed. he noticed that Yuri was still staring at her like an oaf, so he yanked his arm down, so the boy bowed.

Afterwards, they got up. "my name is Brenn snow. i am the brother to Prince Wilson Vanguard." he lent his hand out to her small, gloved hand. "i am here to take you to the hall, where your future husband awaits you." he recited the words perfectly.

"wow..." wispered Yuri softly, making Brenn elbow him, to remind him to keep quiet.

he took her hand, and asked "i trust your voyage was a good one, my lady?"

 

[Chiarra]

She smiled again at the man and then giggled at the boy. She loved children, they always made her smile. She curtsied though to be polite and she smiled as he introduced himself. She took his hand and said, "A pleasure to meet you Brenn Snow." She heard the boy speak and she smiled, dropping down to his level. "It's alright," she told Brenn as he elbowed him. She looked at the boy again. "And who might you be little one?" She looked back up at Brenn, "Oh yes. Tiresome but a good one." She smiled at him.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn chuckled at her last comment. "oh he is tiresome alright." he led her to the horses. "we cant let the queen walk in unhorsed now can we?" he lifted her up delicately, her guards standing by as he did so.
Yuri waved goodbye as Brenn mounted his steed, and signaled to the guards to follow. "behave yourself Yuri" he yelled as he trotted away.

Brenn noticed the city was coming alive around them as people gathered word that Amelia had come at last. He couldn't help but be jealous at William for getting a woman such as the one that rode in front of him now. "the people love you." he yelled to her over the crowed, lying as he said the words. the crowd screamed obscenities like, bastard, and whore, at him and the princess. the recent war had been the cause at the hatred, he was sure of that. he had the City Guard quiet them, and they rode on and into the castle itself.

Here was the Captain of the army, Hillester Doyle, and a knight Sir Rydel, whose blond hair framed his chiseled face. "welcome to Castle Vansport My lady." they both said in unison. they unmounted once at the hall, and he helped her off her horse. "your husband will be on the left of the king my lady" he said in her ear as they approached the door.

 

[Chiarra]

She sighed as he said that the little boy was the tiresome one but didn't say anything. Instead she let him help her up onto a horse and said softly, "I wouldn't mind walking." She loved to walk, but knew she probably wouldn't be aloud some of the things here like she was at home. No, this was her home now and she had to start thinking like that. Tears pricked at her eyes when the crowd started yelling the obscenities at them. "Why do they say such things? I've done them no wrong?" she said sadly but she felt her words were lost to the screaming of the crowd.

Soon they were at the castle and she wiped at her eyes quickly and put on a smile so she would be presentable to her husband. "Thank you," she said to the guards as they welcomed her, though it didn't really sound welcoming. Brenn helped her off her horse and she smiled at him saying, "Thank you." She nodded as he told her which one her husband was and took a deep breath preparing herself. She didn't want to look like a fool in front of him and give him a bad impression.

 

[Shake and Bake]

as the doors opened, the great hall grew silent. the king got up "welcome, young Amelia!" he said spreading out his hands, as if he was giving her a warm hug. "Bring her closer, so i may get a better look at her." he yelled at the guards.

the brought her forward, and it was then William, who had been silent until now got up and approached her. the king examined her face "she is a lovely girl, and will make a fine bride."

William looked at her for a few moments. "she will do." and turned back to the throne. "one day father, it will be me to rule these halls."

the king turned and looked at his son with wide eyes "not until i am dead in my bed, or have been killed in battle, you will not."

William, only smeared at the comment and sat down. "come" he pointed at her, "sit on my lap and tell me of our travel."
Brann knew this was just an excuse for William to show he already had control over the girl, and he really did not care for the story.

 

[Chiarra]

She smiled and curtsied as the king recognized her and grew nervous as he yelled at the guards to bring her forward and even more nervous as they complied. He examined her and she smiled slightly as he approved. William, however, had hurt her. She didn't say anything though and kept the small smile on her face. She listened to the father and son as they "spoke". Then William sat down and was telling her to sit, on his lap. Of all the absurdities, it wasn't proper behavior in public and she blushed with embarrassment. Pretending she hadn't heard him say the first few words, she began to tell of her travels in a soft meek voice while still standing right where she was.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn's father just smiled and said "William, do not treat her as such. look at her. she looks like she is so frightened. septa, take her to her room, until the wedding she will have her own chambers. Brenn, go with her and tell her about the palace."

Brenn rolled his eyes and followed after them. Why was he forced to do all of this? shouldn't her husband be taking care of her? this wedding was defiantly only for political purposes, and it seemed he was going to be her new best friend for a wile. not that he minded, but still, he would rather be out in the yard practicing his swordsmanship, or riding.

 

[Chiarra]

Did she looked frightened? She tried not to be but sometimes she had trouble masking her emotions. She curtsied and said, "Thank you your Grace for your hospitality." She then turned to follow the Septa out of the room but not before seeing Brenn roll his eyes. Was she so despised here? Oh how she longed to be home where she felt loved and wanted and welcomed. She seemed to be nothing but a nuisance here and oh how she hated it. She silently sent a prayer to the Mother to watch over her and take pity on her.

When they were out of ear shot of the King and William she said softly to Brenn, "I'm sorry you are forced to accompany me. I hope I don't take up too much of your time." She wasn't saying it in a mocking tone or a sarcastic tone. It was sincere and she felt that she should apologize to him.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn was surprised that she knew his feelings, and he felt ashamed. "no, my lady. its no problem. really, im sure you could use a friend around here." he said and thought to himself 'i could use one too' he led her down the hallway and up the tower steps.
once in the room, the septa made sure everything was ordinary, and orderly, then left. once she had left, Brenn pulled her close and whispered into her ear.
"Amelia, my first thought of wisdom to you, is that you talk to no one unless you absolutely sure you are alone. these walls have ears and the prince has spies." he let go of her and winked at her. "but you can trust me, my lady."

 

[Chiarra]

She smiled at him softly and said, "I thank you, truly." She continued to walk, her gait graceful and didn't falter when going up the steps. She really did hope that she wouldn't burden somebody with her presence. She realized that being accepted here would take time, but she was willing to put forth the effort. She wanted this place to feel like home since she was to be living here, and not some cold strange place that she was rarely welcomed but forced to stay. She sighed as the Septa checked about the place and she took a look herself. It was nice and luxurious, but it felt as cold as her greeting here. She gasped a little as Brenn pulled her close, not expecting it, and a shiver stole down her spine as he whispered in her ear. His words chilled her, would she truly be on watch constantly? She dared not ask him that, but instead said softly smiling, "I'm glad. I'd like to be able to trust at least someone." Of course, she was a little to naive and trusting for her own good.

 

[Shake and Bake]

he sat down in a chair, and studied her as she looked about the room. she was quite the image of perfection. her body, was covered in flawless skin and her breasts had just begun to become full.

he pushed those thoughts away as she turned around. he began to tell her about the palace, there were 5 towers, and only the kings was off limits to her unless she had urgent business. he told her of the kings wife Lythra, whom had passed away of sickness, when William had been young. he told nothing of himself, for he felt it unnecessary to bore her with that sad tale. he finished with "all in all, you will be fine if you trust the right people, and stay away from the wrong ones. you will be queen soon, so i suppose it wont matter, but i hope you liked my teachings of the palace. would you like me to leave you now my lady?" he stood not knowing if she wanted him here or not.

 

[Chiarra]

She stood there, hands folded in front of her as she listened to him speak. She made a mental note of not being aloud in the King's tower, since she planned on exploring this palace to spend some of her time. It was huge and she was sure that she could spend a great deal of time exploring it. Her heart saddened when he told her of previous Queen. She couldn't imagine not having a mother and hoped to be one herself someday. "I did," she smiled at him. She frowned slightly as he asked if he should stay or not and she sighed. "You probably have more important things to do than to chat," she said. "But I do, again, thank you. You have been kind to me," she smiled.

 

[Shake and Bake]

in the next few months, they both grew closer. he was put in charge of guarding her as well as doing everything she wished for him to do. Brenn didnt mind though. he had learned that he enjoyed her company, and she seemed happier as well.

this didn't stop the wedding from coming. and it was to be a grand event, and indeed it was. all of the lords and even some of her house was present. he knew after this things would change, and William would keep her close as to see that none could come close to her. h
the only reason he was allowed the pleasure of her, was they're father. William and Brenn were brothers, but that was about it. he and William were neutral with each other, staying out of each others way.

she was upstairs now, and he waited by his brother, for her to appear so they would be united.

 

[Chiarra]

"You look so beautiful Amewia," Eliza said happily. Elizabeth had cried and begged and even behaved for a chance to come and visit her beloved sister. Her father had finally relented the day before at the urging of her mother, pleading she'd never hear the end of it and be at her wits end. So, it was when Amelia met her father at the docks with Brenn that she had the surprise of seeing her sister as well. Happy tears in her eyes, she hugged her father and then reached down and hugged Eliza, kissing her atop her head.

"That child will be the death of me when it comes to you," her father joked. Eliza stuck her tongue out at him and they all laughed. It felt good to have part of her family near. She only wished her mother had come. "I missed you so much Amewia and...." then she rambled on about everything that happened while she was away.

Now she stood in her chamber, dressed in an elegant white gown that was slashed straight across her breasts (but didn't fail in showing them off), and long sleeves that were slashed at her elbow downwards and ended just at her wrists, if they were held there. Beads and embroidery took up her bodice and draped across her shoulders and fastened at her neck was her father's cloak. Green with a golden leaf on the back. It was the same as their flag. Her hair was done up in an elegant fashion, and a light amount of makeup had been done to accent her features. A simple gold necklace laced around her neck to set the whole thing off. She looked stunning, even she had to admit it. She smiled and knelt down next to her sister hugging her. "Thank you," she said.

The truth was, she secretly wished it was Brenn she was marrying, not William. She had come to really like Brenn and enjoyed his company. He was kind and made her feel at home. (stealing it but oh well). Her family words echoed in her head. Family. Duty. Honor. She had to marry William. Sighing, she stood up and said, "It's time." She descended the stairs and made her way down to where Brenn and his brother, her almost husband, was waiting. She took a deep breath as she took that last step and was now in view of everyone. She looked at the brothers.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn could hardly contain himself with the climatic wait. everyone was silent and as soon as those trumpets blared, everyone in the room turned to the door.

and there stood Amelia. Brenn's eyes went wide with wonderlust. She was beautiful, her dress was fitted to her body perfectly, and her eyes shone like diamonds. Brenn almost pushed William out of the way, and ran to her.

as she neared he could smell her sweat perfume, he found himself intoxicated. throughout the rest of the ceremony, Brenn found it hard not to yell "stop! this is madness! cant anyone see she isnt happy ? i love her so much more than William ever could" but he stayed silent and looked upon her from a distance as he would forever.

oce that was over, the feast took place, and wonderfull foods from all over the land were served. anything from a wild boar, to a squid, from the fisheries of the southern lands. Brenn knew that once this had all commenced, she would be taken upstairs for the bedding, and he was NOT wanting that to happen.

 

[Chiarra]

She was tense all through the ceremony, but she smiled and did everything she was supposed to properly. Her gaze did wonder to Brenn's though, longing, before bringing them back to look upon her new husbands face. Finally it was time for the feast and she was now even more nervous and took a few sips of the Danish Wine to try and calm her nerves. It was tart, but not unpleasant. Her sister watched everything with wide eyes and a smile on her face. She was upset to find out she couldn't sit with her sister though, but didn't argue. She sat beside her husband and thankfully he didn't demand she sit in his lap again in front of all these people. Each minute that passed, drew her closer to the bedding and that just made her equally nervous. She continued to glance over at Brenn, wondering what he was thinking.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn sat there, stewing his thoughts while her sisters dances about them, and the drunks laughed. he was pretty drunk himself now, and he decided he'd had enough of this torture. he drank the last of the ale from his cup, and went outside into the crisp cool air. he knew what would probably happen in the future, and he didn't like it. he didn't like being the Bastard. he hated being the nobody that was just here because.............. what? He longed to be of full noble blood, and if he did, he would be sitting in that chair next to her, instead of his Mad brother.

He was deep in the woods now, and as the wind cut into his skin, tears welled up in his eyes. he didnt deserve this. when would he get what he deserved? he put his forehead on an oak tree, and spiraled into darker and darker thoughts.

 

[Chiarra]

Her searching gaze for him came up empty however as he seemed to have left the hall. She sighed and looked back down at her now empty plate. Her husband laughed loudly at something someone had said. It made her jump, slightly started. It was announced for the final performer of the day, meaning after this act, it would be time for the bedding. She watched nervously, as the bard started singing and they started dancing again. Of course her husband seemed to be getting impatient. He was very drunk and that thought frightened her more. She took another sip of wine, praying that the song wouldn't end. Unfortunately, the bard chose a short song and it was over fairly quickly. Frightened tears welled in her eyes.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn made his way through the trees, and into the pool, that he loved to go to. it was a bit chilly, but he loved this spot the most. he had never brought anyone her, and he knew of no one that came here as he did.
he stared into the still water, and the moon illuminated his features. dark hair covered his head, and fell across his face. He sat there for a long time running his options over in his head.

he was just about to leave, but he noticed something across from him on the other side of the pond. a pure white wolf stared at him through cold blue eyes. he was a big one no doubt. he was about to shout at it, but before he could, it disappeared into the brush.

he figured that it was time to go back, so he found the path again and headed to his so called home.

 

[Chiarra]

She held the tears back and stood up with him, them retiring to their bedroom. Her stomach was in knots, but she tried to relax and calm down. It was impossible. He was shredding away her clothing as if he couldn't get to her fast enough. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and it made her skin crawl. She obviously hadn't had enough. He kissed and groped her roughly once she was undressed and he wasted no time in taking what was his. She cried silently through the whole thing, but didn't fight. Soon, though it seemed like an eternity, he was done and laid beside her in a drunken slumber, his arms draped over her naked body.

The next morning, a bath was brought up to her and her husband was gone. She bathed in the warm water and put on the gown with the help of some maids and then walked down to the hall for breakfast.

 

[Shake and Bake]

Brenn awakened, hungover in the stables. the stable boy was standing over him saying somthing "....and your brother wants to see you in the war room my lord."

Brenn got up with a groan, looking around and dazed. "wh-why? did he say why?" he asked
"no sir, just that he was worried about you disappearing. and the guards found you out here."
"thank you." Brenn said as he made his way to the north tower.
he shivered from the cold, as it had sunk deep into his bones over the course of the night. he walked in to an empty room, save William, who was sitting at the head of the table.
"come brother, sit."
Brenn sat to his right and waited for whatever was next.
"brother. being married, has awoken me to something. we are a family. and now i understand that importance." he paused for a moment as Brenn nodded. "father has grown......sick over the course of the night. it seemed somebody forgot to light his fire, and he has a very bad cold. he is getting older Brenn, and one day, he will pass and i will be king. now, i need somebody around here i can trust. You are that man. you are my brother, and i fear you are the only family besides Amelia, that i will have. i want you to be my personal adviser and hand."
Brenn was in shock. Hand? that was a big deal. still, William wasn't the usual type to grant him such things. and he was being a bit hasty about fathers sickness.
"William, father hasn't passed yet, he-" Brenn was cut off.
"no" William interrupted " i fear this fever may take him. if it does Brenn will you accept my offer? you will rule as king when i am away at battle and sick in bed."
Brenn knew of the duties. he really didnt want to anger William so he slowly nodded his head. "yes. i will take the duty."
"good." he said with a wide, almost sadistic smile. "now get someone to fetch my wife. we have a kingdom to run."

 

[Chiarra]

She sat down and breakfast was brought to her. She ate it slowly, thinking about yesterday. Her sister flew down the stairs and sat next to her. Soon, breakfast was brought out to her as well. "Do you love William?" she asked her in an innocent voice. The question definitely wasn't innocent though even if the intentions of asking were. She choked on her food slightly at the question, shocked she would even ask such a thing.

"Well, Eliza...he is my husband," she said carefully, knowing that it wasn't a lie and would satisfy her.

She smiled big and asked, "You're a Queen now."

"Not yet little one," she said. "Eat your food." She needed her to stop talking this way before she slipped up.

She sighed and took a bite of food. "Can I stay here with you?" she asked sadly.

She smiled softly at her but before she could answer her father came into the room. "I think not Elizabeth. You are coming home, your mother will miss you."

"Then let her come here. We can move in here can't we Amewia?"

"I don't..." she started but her father saved her from making her sister upset.

"Elizabeth, enough of that. Eat and speak of other things."

They didn't have time to say more though because now a man entered the room and said, "Your lord husband requests your presence milady."

She nodded and stood up saying, "Excuse me Father, Eliza." She went to follow the man to the war room where her husband was waiting.