• Closed • The King of Hearts

[Velaine Krome]

As the old man elaborated on his worries, the young woman found herself scanning their surroundings every few bits. Velaine did not know how many guards were typically used for such a ceremony, but the servant seemed quite distraught by the fact. Saying that he didn’t know most of the servants didn’t seem like a good sign either. What could it possibly mean? Did the king and queen expected some sort of ruckus to disrupt their celebrations?

The female Krome gave the old man another glance as he coughed. Was he saying the truth? But then, there was probably nothing he could gain from making a young lady paranoid. “I’ll be careful. Thank you for the warning.” Velaine was more than a little tempted to question the servant, but they were surrounded by nobles and servants alike.

Once they reached the Temple, Jersey and Sophia Krome had found their daughter swiftly. A young servant looked like he was struggling, carrying a piece of impressive fur of pure white in his arms. As a child of Krome, Velaine immediately knew from what beast it had came from.

“It is fortunate that we didn’t arrive too late,” her mother rambled, fluffing up her hair. “The servant is so slow.”

Jersey seemed like he had half the mind to scold the servant, but it would seemed he was still trying to catch his breath. No doubt the climb to the Temple had been a struggle for her father’s plump body. Now that she thought, Velaine doubted her father had had any exercise for the past five arcs.

Unable to help herself, the female Krome ran her fingers across the soft fur. It seemed like such a shame to butcher Krome’s sacred symbol in order to make a present for the royals. She had only ever seen these wolves from afar, majestic as they were terrifying. Bestial and powerful – the way her family should be. Admittedly, it served quite well as a sign of their house’s true allegiance to the crown. Krome did have something to prove after their involvement with the rebellion.

Jersey and Sophia immediately headed to the stone dais where Cassander and Emerson were seated, surrounded by the most lavish party she had ever seen. It was such a contrast to the other wedding she had attended earlier this season, which was her brother’s.

Velaine watched from the crowd as her parents bowed deeply to the newly-wed royals. The chatter around her was too loud to catch what they were saying, but by the way Jersey kept gesturing at the fur, she mostly got the gist of it. Before her parents had the chance to turn back to find her, the young woman made her way through the nobles raucously laughing with one another.

Unable to help herself, Velaine recalled the old servant’s concerns and found herself looking for the guards stationed to watch the celebrations.

[Celeste Andaris]

The heat was close to unbearable and the fire made it worse. For the pregnant Baroness, it was all just addding to the weight of this place, these people. Yet, through it all Xander's arm was around her waist and Celeste was supported by him. She did her very best not to show any weakness, but it was impossible to hide. "I'm sorry, my wolf," she whispered to him, seeing the worry on his face. "I should have foreseen that they would not consider my needs at the moment." She was pale and a sheen of sweat on her brow told of the discomfort she was in. Yet, she kept her back straight and she put a smile on her face.

Then, there was the walk back. It might actually kill her, Celeste thought and then she squared her shoulders and nodded to Xander. She turned to look in surprise when they were offered a carriage, but it had to be said, she was relieved. Even more so when Xander said yes to it and, after climbing in, she sat down with a sigh. It was a welcome reprieve in the cooler, dark space and she leaned against him and allowed her exhaustion to show. He said they didn't have to stay, but Celeste stubbornly shook her head. "Xander, we do. This is the wedding of our King. It is our solemn duty and joyous privilege to be here," did she think for one moment that they were alone and not being listened to? No, not at all. When she spoke like that he would know, too, what she was thinking. "You are speaking as a husband and a father, but first and foremost my love you are Baron of House Andaris. We represent our house.Together."

Looking out of the window, she sighed, "it is such a shame that they did not wish to follow what we suggested. I sincerely had hoped that this might mark a change for Rynmere. For the Ducal council, too. How they wish their wedding is up to them, but I would have expected a reply, at least, to our letter." She sighed slightly and said no more, but her hand in his squeezed gently and, to her surprise, Celeste felt herself start to nod off as they travelled even this short distance, her head on his shoulder.

When it was obvious, however, that they had missed the vows, Celeste whispered another apology to him. He had wanted to see the vows, she knew, and it was just another thoughtless thing. She smiled gratefully to Xander, sitting and resting and then she watched. However, when it was time to give their gift, she stood and she walked forward with him. Xander spoke of the gift, Celeste said nothing, but then when he had finished she curtsied the best that she could, and wished them both seven Blessings. She said no more than that because Xander had said it all, already. He had done so more than eloquently and she could not be more proud of him and his actions.

[Khymarah]

KING OF HEARTS - 34th SAUN 717

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As Xander and Celeste approached the Royal couple, the young King nodded to the man’s appropriately placed bow, watching with mild fascination as the Andaris’ presented their gift. Perhaps, in another place and time, the mere act of reaching into his pocket whilst stepping up to the newly betrothed couple would have caused tension in the guards, but those around Xander felt a sense of calm instead. Emerson seemed to narrow her eyes in suspicion for a moment, before following the movement that opened the box. Both the King and Queen leaned forward slightly as the dark haired man revealed the vials, Cassander’s brow raising a little bit with interest. His gaze followed the samples as they were presented one after the other, his boyish face mildly flushed from the Saun heat but clearly considering the weight of the meaning behind the thought out gift. When the Baron finally handed over the box, he took it with a nod, looking over the vials slowly before handing it to his Queen. She inspected the gift, glancing up at Xander at his choice of closing words with an regal face.

“Thankyou both. This is truly a well thought out gift. We will both look upon this as a reminder of our duty to the people.” King Renault said in a little overly forced tone to match hers, whilst Emerson reached out her hand to Celeste to beckon the heavily pregnant woman closer, seemingly regardless of any restrictions or challenges this presented.

“Indeed, we are truly blessed with such a humbling snippet of Rynmere. I only hope the people can put their faith in us, for the future of the country. For the future of us all. Seven protect you and your blessed unborn.” There was a clear sense of duty in her tone, even if it was carried by a sweet voice and a slight smile. As the two would move to step back, the boy King raised his hand.

“Oh, Baron and Baroness. I must formally apologise to you. I understand you wrote a while ago regarding the details of your own wedding, urging the Crown to follow suit. Forgive me but what with the situation as it were and our own upcoming date, a reply was never drafted to you. I hope our own approach to this day was...acceptable.” It could have come off as snippy or perhaps it was just youthful awkwardness, either way Cassander smiled and nodded as they moved away, his Queen giving him the slightest of glances. As they waited for the next person to approach the dais, the couple leant closer together again to whisper to each other, the King turning his gaze occasionally on the guards and the crowd, before leaning back to greet Tristan.

“Thankyou, my friend! Luck, I rather hope the future brings a bit of that.” Cassander said with a slightly more relaxed smile, relieved to see a friendly and familiar face. Taking the box, he opened it with a nod of approval, glancing at Emerson as she opened hers with a much more regal and professional manner.

“Duke Of Oakleigh, Tristan Venora, we appreciate and accept your most generous gifts. Seven bless you.” Nodding to the man, she smiled gently as she waited for the next person to present. The King seemed to take a cue from the blonde, straightening with a lift of his chin and a rather formal nod to the Duke.

As the Krome’s presented their gift, Velanie would notice the older servant she had left behind lingering just beyond the crowds, looking somewhat restless and unnerved. He glanced a couple of times at the guards, as though he was expecting them to suddenly jump from their posts. However nothing happened. They continued to guard, the Royal couple continued to accept gifts, the world went on. If the Krome were to continue to keep her eye on the man, she would notice him moving to talk quietly to people in the crowd. Some of his targeted audience would shoo him away, others would nod and glance at the King and his guards.

“...a shame to see such a magnificent beast brought to its demise merely for a pelt.” Emerson was saying, her eyes slightly sad as she brushed a hand through the thick fur of the slain creatures hide. Cassander smiled, putting a hand over hers.

“It’s death was not in vain my Queen. We will display it proudly in the main hall, to remind all who enter that Rynmere is protected by the most fierce warriors, ready to ride to battle on great canine steeds of fangs and fight. Krome honours us.” As he finished his sentence, one of the guardsmen came closer, whispering in his ear. The young King’s eyes skimmed the room, before he nodded. Turning to Emerson, it was clear the couple were on alert, guards moving to position themselves between the Royals and the crowd. The woman of the Faith placed a hand on her husbands arm, speaking quietly with a couple of nods, before standing to get the attention of the crowd.

“Thankyou all, for your gifts and your presence today at this most profound occasion. Finally, Crown and Church have become one. I foresee a great many things for the future of Rynmere, but for now I welcome you to enjoy yourselves at leisure. Either here, or down in the city where the taverns and inns have been opened for all to eat and drink their fill. Under the eyes of the Seven, may the trial be kind to all.” Raising her arms and smiling with the blessing, the new Queen encompassed them all, before Cassander stood with her. Together, flanked by their guardsmen, the young couple made to leave the gathering. From the side lines, the curious older servant had become a point of interest for another group, one of the bigger men clasping his upper arm and speaking to him quietly. If anyone were to be watching, whilst the crowd muttered their confusion at the Royal couples sudden departure, they would note the man being escorted out also.

Outside of the temple, the guardsman standing with Hart suddenly frowned deeply, his eyes watching the entrance of the building and ignoring the young man. Across the courtyard, a young man, with the look of an artist about him waved an arm at the guard who nodded and turned on Hart without hesitation.

“Change of plans. We’ve got a rat in the rafters. Take a walk sunshine.” As if to emphasise his point, the man turned away, signalling back to the artist. Whatever the plan had been, it was rapidly falling apart. Their man on the inside had seen a problem. A servant who seemed to paranoid for his own good, fearing the King and his guards, spreading word like wildfire. The atmosphere had changed, people were on the watch now. The mission was too much at risk.

“Bogs!” A voice hissed beside his ear, grabbing Hart by the arm and dragging him away.

“So much planning, so much time and money! Bogs! Get out of here. Go.” Frowning at him, Hook pointed a finger in his face.

“Don’t talk to anyone about this. Not a word. We’ll be in contact.” With that, she was off again.

For all involved, the wedding seemed lost, disjointed. The guests were left to mingle and if desired, leave. The guards remained on alert, and the Royal couple seemed to simply disappear. Whatever the case, the Crown and the Church had united under the eyes of the people.

For better, or for worse.

!

Message from: Khymarah

Hi all. I’m sorry this plot line has stalled, and perhaps not moved in the direction it was originally intended for. I’m taking the opportunity to wrap this up, as I know a few PC’s have been left wondering what’s happened to them since Saun. Please feel free to post once more if you like, and I will review this thread for all involved. There will be future plots, this is not the end, it is merely a move forward. Keep your eyes out for Cylus PM’s to discuss. If you have a specific plot line you are wanting to pursue that hasn’t been placed in your OOC post, please PM myself and Muse.