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Post by Joe on Aug 17, 2022 16:54:01 GMT -5
Cartell held up a finger, asking her to wait. He disappeared back into the banquet hall, emerging a minute later with a lute. He took a seat on a stone bench next to her, propping the lute on his knee.
"Regrettably I'm out of practice, but..." He cleared his throat and after only one false start, began to strum a haunting tune and sing.
Sweet, lovely lady for god's sake do not think that any has sovereignty over my heart, but you alone. For always, without treachery Cherished Have I you, and humbly All the days of my life Served Without others thoughts. Alas, I am left begging For hope and relief; For my joy is at its end Without your compassion. Sweet, lovely lady.... But your sweet mastery Masters My heart so harshly, Tormenting it And binding In unbearable love, My heart desires nothing but to be in your power. And still, your own heart renders it no relief. Sweet, lovely lady.... And since my malady Will not Be annulled Without you, Sweet Enemy, Who takes Delight of my torment With clasped hands I beseech Your heart, that forgets me, That it mercifully kill me For too long have I languished.
He stared at the ground a few moments, letting the anxiety pass from him before meeting her eyes again. Her eyes seemed to see straight to his naked soul. He wondered if she could see the evil things he did in Dire's End. The blood and viscera staining him now. Could she see the souls of those he killed lingering over his shoulder? Should a demon lay with an angel?
Standing again, he stepped to her and pulled her closer by the waist. Her held her neck, gently sliding his hand into her golden hair.
The time for doubts should be over.
Cartell kissed her gently, letting the moment last as long as she willed.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 17, 2022 17:18:03 GMT -5
She slid onto a bench, close, but yet far enough as to not bump or hinder the lute. Her eyes watched his face, a pleased and wistful smile playing on her lips as he sang for her. It was a haunting and heartachingly beautiful tune. She sat silent, enchanted, tears welling up in her eyes, so touched she did not want to let out even a sound, so entranced was she.
If she saw evil in him, she did not let it show. Indeed, he was pure and noble in her heart. Whatever he had done while under the influence of that... creature... was forgivable, she would not blame him for bloodlust having overtaken him while under the shadow's influence.
Her eyes moved to the lute as he set it down, reflexively watching the instrument that had been the tool in which he had performed that enchanting song that had so touched her heart. She wiped away tears that had welled up in her eyes, but was smiling and did not show even a bit of sadness, only touched by joy and love for him.
She gladly slipped into his embrace. As his hand slid into her hair, she let out a soft sigh and her heart leapt to her throat as he kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently at first, then increasing in passion, color rising in her chest and face. This was the first time they had been allowed a kiss, privately, and so intimately. She remembered herself, and that eyes may yet be watching, so she withdrew only a bit to look into his eyes, her lips feeling soft and warm.
"Thank you, the song was beautiful, and the kiss..." she giggled a little, not withdrawing from their embrace. "Was delightful. We need to find time to ourselves more often, I think." She laughed a bit again, looking meek from her boldness but very, very happy. She drew back at last, bent slightly to pick up the lute in her left hand, took Cartell's left hand in her right, raised his hand and kissed it sweetly, and bade him to allow them both to return the lute to it's owner.
They returned to the dance hall, where eyes moved to watch them come in. No one had interrupted their interlude, but Klaus gave Cartell a wink, and turned back to his cups. The lute was returned.
"Please, allow me to say goodnight to our honored guests, I wish to retire. My belly is full of food and drink aplenty, and I am content." She let go of his hands, and went to wish those that had sat in seats of honor a good bye and good night. Klaus was rather rosy-cheeked from indulging in a good amount of mead, but as he was a hearty man, he hardly minded a thought of overindulging. Serena laughed a bit. "I'm glad you are having a good time, Lord Klaus!"
"That I am, my Lady, thanks to the bounty set before us. I have Cartell to thank for that. Cheers to you, my friend!" He raised a toast to Cartell, and many, overhearing him, raised their glasses as well and drank deeply in meaningful appreciation, with a "hear hear!"
"Good night, good night!" She chuckled and smiled at the honored guests, her eyes lastly falling on Blackwell, where her smile faltered, then rose again. She tried to take Eyan's reassurances as into account.
"My Lady," Lord Blackwell smiled gracefully enough, and bowed his head in respect.
She took Cartell's hand and tugged on it lightly, indicating that she wished him leave the hall with her. After he said his goodbyes and good nights as well, perhaps a bit baffled at Serena's insistence on the two of them retiring, Serena squeezed his hand reassuringly and led him out of the feasting hall.
"Come, I wish for us to speak more about what you were trying to say earlier. It seemed of great import. I'm so sorry I misunderstood you. I was wondering, however, if we could find a more intimate spot for our conversation, where we may speak more privately..."
She blushed at the sudden thought that they retire to her bedroom, but after that kiss, she wished to linger with him, even if... no. She flushed even deeper. But oh, how she longed to spend the night with him. Long had been the days since he had left. Perhaps they had never shared a bedroom together, but at least in the beginning of their travels, while on the way to Lord Velris's estate, she did look upon his face sleeping across the firelight, even longingly perhaps. But still, she must be chaste! But oh, how desire had bloomed in her this evening as he embraced her, and she was glad to give in to her longing at last.
She instead drew them into one of the drawing rooms, an area to attend and entertain guests. She closed the doors behind them, breathed in and out deeply, and tried to soothe her own nerves. "Please, sit. Well of course, we will sit..." She fumbled with her hands, nervous at what they might speak about. She glanced up a bit shyly at Cartell, brushing down her dress with her hands. She sat down on a deep-wine colored double chaise, and patted the seat beside her, facing his body with her own. She breathed in again, and held it, then burst out in a laugh.
"I am sorry, I am so full of nerves tonight. Please, tell me what you were trying to say earlier. I will not interrupt you."
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Post by Joe on Aug 17, 2022 21:24:15 GMT -5
"We do indeed." Cartell smiled and lovingly brushed her hair from her face.
He was happy to see her relax a bit. It seemed ever since their first meeting she had been very guarded, though he supposed it made sense. Cartell watched amiably as she said goodnight to the court, feeling embarrassed at his own congratulation. His mind was abuzz as Serena practically dragged him through the palace, his anxiety rising and rising as they made toward her chambers, experiencing a rush of bittersweet relief as they diverted.
As she shut the doors he gazed around the room. The servants had managed to bring in a handful of furniture pieces, but the walls were mostly bare save a few banners and liveries. A dusty bookshelf lay lonely on the wall. Cartell gave it a look over, brushing some cobwebs away.
When she spoke he had to stifle a good-natured laugh. Seeing her more intimately in this way brought him great joy. The topic of the conversation set him to pacing slowly in front of her, willing his brain to find the right words, not to mention courage.
"Your nerves are understandable with all we've had to do, not to mention our... liason," Cartell immediately regretted the word, "As for what I spoke of. Do you recall when I spoke of the duskwell? That its power grows with each living person?" He moved his hands as if he was laying out bricks, "Given the power of the duskwell, the size of the royal family is therefore directly correlated to the wellbeing of the realm." Cartell paused in his pacing and looked expectantly at her, seeing if she was following.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 17, 2022 21:34:33 GMT -5
She watched him as he paced. Perhaps he had his own nerves as well. She smiled at him, trying not to giggle, but tried to look more serious. It wasn't working. She put her hand over her face to stifle. But she needed to be serious, this was a serious subject, and she was listening attentively.
"I think I understand. So there will have to be babies. Lots of babies..." she put her hand over her face, hiding a giggle. "Well I am not adverse to the idea." Why was she laughing? She shouldn't be laughing! Was it the nerves? The wine? Then she dropped her hand to her side and blushed a deep red. "Ah, well, I... that is to say...."
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Post by Joe on Aug 17, 2022 23:28:35 GMT -5
All the color drained from his face as she got straight to the point. Cartell let his head and hands drop in surrender, "Yes," he sighed, "the lords wish for you to have lots of babies." He finally took the seat next to her, resting his hand on her thigh.
"I suppose the proper thing to do is to wait 'til we are officially married." Feeling the warmth of her skin through her dress stirred him, "A scandal would not be the best start to your reign..."
His eyes wandered over her covered form. Imagined her hands draped over the top of the chaise, her legs wrapped around him. His heart began to race and he stood suddenly, moving his cloak to cover him.
"I-I think it best if you retired, my lady. Do not think me unkind, but... I must remove myself."
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Post by Jenny on Aug 18, 2022 0:15:37 GMT -5
"For you and I to have lots of babies..." she gave him a lopsided grin. As he sat and put his hand on her thigh, she brushed his hand over his, looking into Cartell's eyes, her breath quickening.
"Yes, chastity is the best measure, I do believe. We must get married as soon as it can be arranged, I think." She licked her lips, longing to go in for another kiss. "We can't have scandals, no... indeed..." she leaned in a bit further just wanting their lips to touch and move together as they had done together on the balcony, her heart beating quickly in her chest. She let out a small sound as he suddenly leapt away from her, her arms reaching up after him, longing to at least have him hold her intimately once again.
"O-oh. Yes. I suppose that would be best." She looked confused, and a bit disheartened. "Yes, a marriage as soon as can be done."
She looked after him longingly and nodded, not knowing what else to say. "All right, I will say goodnight then, but perhaps, just one kiss would not hurt?"
But indeed, it would. Do she dare move as her own body wills it, seemingly out of her control. She was thinking with more than with her heart this night.
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Post by Joe on Aug 18, 2022 0:52:19 GMT -5
Cartell looked at her with a kind of genuine fear and respect, was her power somehow influencing him, or were his own urges for her so strong? His formal clothes now were stiflingly warm, sweat beginning to bead on his forehead. He glanced at the gallery door and its unbarred state as a shadow passed through the light peeking through the foot, no doubt a servant or guard. Probably looking for them.
He stepped back to her, tracing his arm around her waist and caressing her cheek. His mouth moved to her ear, her scent filling his senses, whispering, "We must be careful."
Cartell's lips skirted her neck, and he kissed her again, pressing his body against hers.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 18, 2022 12:11:29 GMT -5
She watched his movements, her eyes never once leaving him, as if she too were under some spell. She greeted him again with arms upwards, pulling him in with a sigh of satisfaction.
"Careful, yes..." She said, repeating, but it nearly did not register in her mind, so enraptured was she with his presence.
She closed her eyes when his lips brushed against her neck, and she too pressed close as he kissed her. One of her hands slid to the nape of his neck, her fingertips brushing into his hair, toying with the locks.
She kissed him with heavy lidded eyes, lost and entranced by Cartell's presence. She did her best to control herself, but could barely hang on to that intent.
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Post by Joe on Aug 18, 2022 13:21:49 GMT -5
A chill ran through him as she whispered back. His desire was strong now and every second still in her presence risked his will failing.
Cartell recalled her words. I wish everyone to worship who and what they will. Were they discovered, would anyone have the desire to shame them? Who has not felt the draw of passion? To follow it and damn any thing in your way.
Then grant me indulgence, my love, to worship you.
He lifted her by the waist, collapsing onto the chaise side-by-side, their kisses turning deep and passionate. His hand descended, reaching below her dress to feel the soft flesh of her leg, slowly traveling upward.
Though his body raced, his mind continued to protest. He was standing in the great court of Sacrosanct, his sword through another man's face, watching his brother kill another. It was the first time he saw her, he realized. From their first moment he had been a killer and she an innocent.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 18, 2022 13:53:32 GMT -5
Color of excitement and desire rose to her skin, as she was losing herself in his kisses. She gasped in surprise as he took her weight up and laid her down, and then melting into Cartell's eyes and touch.
As his hand reached under her dress and skirts, rising up her thigh, her breath quickened. She dared wish that he would raise his hand upwards and upwards, caressing her. But should she dare wish? Her head was swimming with desire, and she could hardly bear it. She whispered his name in between kisses, putting her arms around his neck and shoulders.
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Post by Joe on Aug 18, 2022 15:30:41 GMT -5
Cartell whispered her name too, more as a question, unsure if he went too far. His hand reached her upper thigh and he squeezed, pulling her waist closer to him, moaning softly as his arousal pressed against her.
Inside this palace, in a room where people once lived and laughed but was now a corpse, they were like a heartbeat flexing life through its decrepit veins.
To finally be here with her intimately, feeling each of her hot breaths with the electric scent of her exertion was intoxicating. He clenched the shoulder of her dress, his lust demanding he shred it. Knowing they had to eventually leave this room, he calmed himself and simply slid the shoulder down.
Her skin was entrancing, every inch demanding his attention. Cartell rolled on top of her, sowing kisses down her neck and chest as he slid his hand under her brassiere.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 18, 2022 15:41:31 GMT -5
She shook her head a slightly, shushing him gently, a hand raising to caress his cheek. Her break was quick and she let out a lustful groan as she felt him press into her even closer. She rolled her head back and gasped as he placed hot kisses on her neck and chest. She wanted to continue, she did... she didn't want to think of the repercussions of their current interlude. They would be wed, would they not? Why couldn't they, right here, right now?
She moaned and started to tug at her brassier, aware that it was getting in the way, and constricting her quick breaths. She ran her hand down between herself and Cartell's bodies, and tugged at his shirt, running her hand along his bared belly and hips.
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Post by Joe on Aug 18, 2022 16:48:34 GMT -5
Cartell's breath hastened as her hands roamed him, straying so close. The vision and feel of her bare breasts was as pouring liquor on a bonfire to his craving. He all but buried his face there, kissing and loving her.
He let his hand wander closer to her inner thigh, feeling her warmth and going farther still. Against his will he was weeping. Never had he felt such love and comfort as with her here, his mind not knowing how to process it. He pulled her face into his chest, not wanting her to see.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 18, 2022 16:54:02 GMT -5
She closed her eyes, her fingers just trailing underneath the top of his trousers. Dare she? She moaned again as he kissed her bare breasts, and her hands slipped from below his belly when he drew her face to his chest. She raised her fingers to tug down his collar, trailing kisses on his neck and his collarbone, unaware of his tears. She was... overwhelmed.. so tempted. He was so close, and his scent to her, was intoxicating. She breathed in, and her lips brushed close to his ear, a smile parting her lips as she spoke softly.
"I love you, my dearest Cartell. My heart is eternally yours."
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Post by Joe on Aug 18, 2022 17:28:14 GMT -5
As her fingers trailed his waist he groaned, desperate to feel her touch there. His hand moved between her legs, pushing her skirts farther up. Feeling her wetness, he gently toyed with her, too afraid of hurting her to be vigorous.
"And I am yours."
She was practically pulling him in with her unconscious attraction, but he knew he mustn't go farther. Cartell cared too much for her success and well being to put any of her birthright in jeopardy.
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